Motorhomes, campervans and RVs · Updated October 2026

Motorhome Shipping: Campervans, RVs and Expedition Trucks

We ship motorhomes, campervans, RVs and expedition trucks by RORO, which takes vehicles of any height, and by container for campers under about 2.5 m high. Sea freight for a motorhome costs from £2,300 from the UK to the USA, US$2,860 from the USA to the UK and US$4,910 to Australia, based on our quotes in the last 90 days. Book 3–4 months ahead for the best choice of sailing.

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Motorhome, RORO, UK to the USA

from £2,300

4x4 camper from £1,340 · sea freight from our recent quotes

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Usual method

RORO, any height

Container

Campers up to about 2.5 m high

Priced by

Size: cubic metres or metre length

Belongings

Usually allowed if secured and out of sight

Book ahead

3–4 months; short notice is sometimes possible

Insurance

All Risks marine cover from €200 single trip

Motorhome shipping prices by route

Typical RORO sea freight from our own quotes in the last 90 days. The price depends mostly on length and height; click a route for the full range, ports and import rules.

Route	Motorhome / campervan	4x4 camper	Expedition truck
UK to the USA	from £2,300	from £1,340	from £3,590
USA to the UK	from US$2,860	from US$2,200	from US$4,130
UK to Canada	from £2,550	from £1,930	from £3,660
Europe to Canada	from €2,920	from €2,190	from €4,200
USA and Canada to Europe	from US$2,520	from US$1,690	from US$3,560
UK and Europe to Australia and NZ	from US$4,910	from US$3,530	from US$7,890
Europe to South Africa and Namibia	from US$3,480	from US$2,540	from US$5,470
Argentina and Uruguay to the USA	from US$3,650	from US$2,620	from US$5,600
Darien Gap: Panama to Colombia	from US$1,300	from US$930	from US$2,100
UK and Europe to Cyprus	from £2,740	—	from £3,505

Destination charges, customs clearance, duty and taxes, and insurance are extra unless stated. The 2-minute form gives you instant pricing for your vehicle and sailing.

RORO or container for a motorhome?

RORO: The usual choice. The motorhome is driven onto the ship and lashed down in the ship's enclosed hold. It takes any height, including expedition trucks, and is normally the cheapest.
Container: Only for campers and vans under about 2.5 m high, as high-cube container doors are about 2.58 m. More secure and lets you pack more, but usually costs more.
Shared container: A low camper can share a 40ft container with another vehicle to split the cost.

RORO shipping explained →

Container shipping: sizes and prices →

How motorhome shipping is priced

Most carriers charge motorhomes by volume (length × width × height in cubic metres) or by metre length. Height matters: vehicles over about 2.6 m often move into a higher price band and some carriers have fewer slots for them, so book early.

Carrier surcharges such as BAF (fuel) and LSL are included in the sea freight we quote. Destination port charges and customs clearance are quoted with your booking.

How RORO pricing works →

Can I leave belongings in my motorhome?

On most RORO routes, yes: personal belongings can travel if they are secured in a locked area and out of sight from the cab. Rules depend on the carrier, so tell us what you plan to pack. Leave nothing of value on view, and remove spare fuel cans and anything hazardous.

What you can pack and how →

Preparing your motorhome for shipping

Take removable gas bottles out. Any gas bottle or tank that stays in the vehicle must be empty with a gas-free certificate (no more than 5 working days old), unless your booking confirmation gives a different rule for your route and carrier
Declare lithium leisure batteries; they can make the shipment hazardous cargo
Drain fresh, grey and black water tanks
Empty the fridge and leave it open
Run the fuel down to about a quarter of a tank
Clean it inside and out, including the underbody; Australia and New Zealand inspect for soil, seeds and insects
Lock the habitation area and leave a key for the ignition only
Photograph every side, the interior and the odometer before drop-off

Marine insurance for motorhomes

Your road insurance does not cover the sea crossing. We can arrange single-trip or multi-trip marine cargo insurance for motorhomes, covering the vehicle and contents up to €15,000.

Value up to €25,000: €200 single trip · €400 multi-trip
Value up to €50,000: €300 single trip · €600 multi-trip
Value up to €100,000: €425 single trip · €850 multi-trip
Value up to €150,000: €545 single trip · €1,090 multi-trip
Value up to €200,000: €695 single trip · €1,390 multi-trip

Premiums are in euros for any quote currency. Your quote shows the full table up to €1,000,000; higher values are quoted on request. Cover is All Risks under the DTV Cargo Insurance Conditions 2000/2011, with or without a condition survey: a survey costs extra and is only available at certain ports. The excess is €500 per claim (€1,000 from €500,000 insured value).

Touring abroad in your own motorhome

Most travellers import their motorhome temporarily, with no duty to pay, for 6–12 months depending on the country. Australia, South Africa and many countries in Africa and Asia expect a carnet de passages. Our overland guide covers temporary import limits by country, carnets, documents and insurance on the road.

Overland vehicle shipping: the complete guide →

How it works

Get your quote Fill in the 2-minute form with your motorhome's length, width and height; you get instant pricing.
Book We confirm the carrier, sailing and port delivery instructions.
Drop off Deliver the motorhome to the port, usually 4–7 days before sailing.
Sea crossing We track the vessel and keep you updated.
Clear and collect Customs is cleared by our broker, a local agent or your own; collection is normally 2–3 working days after arrival.

For dealers and rental fleets

We ship new and used motorhomes and campervans for dealers, importers and rental companies, single units or regular volumes, by RORO or container. Send the model list and dimensions for a price.

Get a business quote

Questions about motorhome shipping

How much does it cost to ship a motorhome?

From our quotes in the last 90 days, RORO sea freight for a motorhome starts from £2,300 from the UK to the USA, US$2,860 from the USA to the UK and US$4,910 to Australia. The exact price depends on length and height. Destination charges and insurance are extra unless stated.

Can a motorhome go in a container?

Only if it is under about 2.5 m high. Most motorhomes are taller and go RORO, which takes any height.

Can I leave my belongings in the motorhome?

Usually yes on RORO, if they are secured in a locked area and out of sight. Rules depend on the carrier, so tell us what you plan to pack.

How far ahead should I book?

3–4 months ahead gives the best choice of sailing, especially for tall vehicles in spring and summer. Shorter notice is sometimes possible, depending on space.

Do I need to empty the gas bottles?

Take removable bottles out. Any bottle or fixed tank that stays in the motorhome must be empty with a gas-free certificate no more than 5 working days old. Some sailings accept an empty tank with no pressure instead; your booking confirmation gives the rule for your route and carrier. Tell us about any gas system when you book.

Is my motorhome insured at sea?

Not by your road policy. We can arrange All Risks marine insurance from €200 single trip or €400 multi-trip for a value up to €25,000, including contents up to €15,000. The excess is €500 per claim.

Can you ship my motorhome home after my trip?

Yes. We ship motorhomes home or onward from North America, South America, Africa, Australia and New Zealand.

Who are IVSS and why ship with us?

International Vehicle Shipping Services (IVSS) is a UK-based vehicle shipping company and a member of BIFA and FIATA. Since 2016 we have shipped more than 20,000 vehicles, from cars and classics to motorhomes, motorcycles and machinery, by RORO, container and flat rack to and from countries worldwide. Instant pricing gives you a price on the website in about 2 minutes, and customs is handled through our broker, a local agent we introduce or your own broker.