Vehicle Shipping from the USA to UK

Vehicle shipping from USA to UK

We specialise in shipping cars, 4×4’s, Motorhomes, Campervans & Camping trucks from the United States (USA) to the UK offering shipping services on fast, frequent Roll on Roll off (RORO) and container vessels from all major North American ports including New York, Baltimore,Galveston, Houston, Baltimore, Brunswick, Jacksonville, Los Angeles, Seattle & Tacoma (USA).

Arrivals to major UK ports including Southampton, Tilbury, Liverpool, Felixstowe, London Gateway and Bristol and many others.

Sailing times are between 6 and 21 days depending on the departure and destination ports.

Booking

We recommend booking North American services to Europe 2-3 months before departure due to the high volume of cargo on this route. To obtain a quote please complete our online quotation form.

At minimum we would require the following documents for shipping from USA to the UK

• USa Vehicle Title / Tourist Vehicle vehicle  – registration
• Bill of sale (if permanent import) / Value declaration
• passport

Shipping Rates

RORO rates are either by unit or per cubic metre to most North European ports depending on the size and type of vehicle you are shipping. Customs clearance in the UK is straightforward and import costs are reasonably priced expect to pay between £200 and £450 for temporary or permanent import of your vehicle plus any taxes and duties if applicable.

Shipping from the West Coast of the United States can be almost double the cost from the East.

Container shipping prices vary but start from $1200 for a 20ft container and $1400 for a 40ft Container sole use container, excluding stuffing and local charges. We can offer consolidated containers from Minami, Oakland & Newark which offer considerable costs savings

To obtain a quote please complete our online quotation form.

How to permanently import and ship a vehicle in to the UK (united KINGDOM)

Ready to bring your vehicle to the UK? With IVSS, the process is simple, transparent, and stress-free. Here’s how it works:

1. Get an Instant Quote
   Visit our website to get a fast, no-obligation shipping price for your vehicle
2. Book Online in Minutes
   Complete our quick online booking form and upload a few basic documents:
   1. Vehicle Registration or Title
   2. Bill of Sale or Value Declaration
   3. Your ID (e.g., passport
3. Receive Your booking Confirmation
   Once we’ve reviewed your booking, we’ll email your shipment confirmation along with all delivery instructions and paperwork.
4. Drop Off Your Vehicle
   Deliver your vehicle to the terminal  or warehouse—our team will guide you every step of the way.
5. We’ll Handle the UK Side
   When your vehicle arrives in the UK, we’ll take care of customs clearance and help you obtain your NOVA (Notification of Vehicle Arrivals) letter quickly, so you can register your car without delay.

How to Claim Historic Vehicle Relief When Importing to the UK

Check if Your Vehicle Qualifies
To be eligible for Historic Vehicle Relief (also called “Tariff Heading 9705” relief under HMRC rules), your vehicle must generally meet all of the following criteria:

• At least 30 years old.

• No longer in production.

• In its original state (not heavily modified or rebuilt).

• Considered to have historical or cultural interest (e.g., represents a notable design, brand, or era).

If your vehicle meets these conditions, you can import it duty-free and with reduced or zero VAT (usually 5% VAT instead of 20%).

How to temporarily import your vehicle into the UK

Bringing your vehicle to the UK for a short stay / tourism ? With IVSS, it’s quick and hassle-free. Here’s what you need to know:

You can temporarily import your vehicle if:

• You live outside the UK, and

• The vehicle is registered abroad, and

• It’s for personal use only (not for sale or hire).

How Long You Can Keep It

You can keep your foreign-registered vehicle in the UK for up to 6 months within a 12-month period — duty- and VAT-free.

If you decide to stay longer or move to the UK, you’ll need to formally import and register the vehicle.

 What You’ll Need

Have these ready when shipping or driving into the UK:

• Vehicle registration or title

• Proof of ownership (bill of sale)

• Valid insurance for UK use

• Passport or photo ID

Customs & Temporary Admission

Your vehicle will be cleared under Temporary Admission (TA) relief, meaning no import duty or VAT — as long as it leaves the UK within 6 months.

Roll on Roll Off schedules from Halifax Canada to Europe ( United Kingdom, Germany and Belgium)

Schedules to East Coast USA (New York, Baltimore, Brunswick, Galveston) to Europe ( United Kingdom, Germany and Belgium)

Schedules to West Coast USA (Tacoma & Long Beach) to Europe ( United Kingdom, Germany and Belgium)

Cruise / Travel with your vehicle

***Passenger Services currently suspended***

It is possible to sail with your vehicle to and from North America and Europe on the same RORO ship.

The prices include full board.

Rates are charged as follows: (Updated prices for 2019)

Passenger Fares Per Person (Full Board)

Departures from Halifax to Hamburg / Antwerp / Liverpool & Return

Departures from Newark to Hamburg / Antwerp / Liverpool to Baltimore & Return