Shipping &
Delivery
Car Shipping & Delivery from the UK
MHH International provides a complete UK car shipping and delivery service for private buyers, dealers, and importers worldwide.
We offer reliable Roll-on Roll-off (RoRo), container, and air-freight shipping options to suit every type of vehicle and destination.
Our team manages every stage of the process, from export documentation and pre-shipment inspections to marine insurance and port logistics ensuring your car reaches you safely, efficiently, and in perfect condition. Wherever you are in the world, we make car shipping from the UK straightforward and secure. Talk to us about shipping today.
Our Car Shipping & Delivery Service
Our UK car shipping service is designed to make importing your vehicle as seamless as possible. From the moment your car is purchased, our logistics team oversees its preparation, inspection and secure transport to port. We coordinate every stage with trusted partners to guarantee a smooth and transparent process from the UK to your destination port.
UK Car Shipping Options
We offer a range of professional car shipping options from the UK to suit your vehicle type, delivery timescale, and budget.
Whether you choose Roll-on Roll-off (RoRo), container or air freight shipping, we ensure your car is shipped securely, efficiently and with full export documentation in place.
Every vehicle we handle is fully insured throughout its road transport and international shipping journey, from collection in the UK to arrival at your destination port. You can trust that your car remains protected and professionally managed to your port.
RoRo (Roll-on Roll-off) Shipping
Roll-on Roll-off shipping is the most popular and cost-effective way to ship a car from the UK. Vehicles are driven directly onto purpose-built vessels, securely stowed, and driven off on arrival — making this a simple and reliable method with minimal handling
RoRo sailings are the most frequent of all shipping options, offering excellent availability and value for money for most petrol and diesel vehicles. However, many electric and hybrid vehicles now require container shipping due to new port and safety regulations.
Our team will advise you on the best option for your vehicle and destination, ensuring the process remains smooth and compliant.
Container Shipping
Container shipping offers the highest level of protection for your vehicle during transit. Cars are securely loaded inside sealed containers, protecting them from the elements, handling, and exposure while at sea. It’s the preferred method for prestige, electric, hybrid and classic cars or any vehicle where extra care and privacy are a priority.
You can choose between a shared container (where multiple vehicles share space and cost) or a single container reserved exclusively for your car and, if required, personal effects or spare parts. Both 20ft and 40ft container options are available.
Air Freight Shipping
Air freight is the fastest and most exclusive way to ship a car from the UK. Designed for high-value, rare or time-sensitive vehicles, this premium service ensures your car reaches its destination in the shortest possible time.
Cars are handled by specialist freight teams and loaded into secure aircraft containers or onto dedicated cargo freighters, ensuring absolute safety and minimal handling throughout the journey. This method is particularly popular for supercars, collector vehicles, and press or show cars where timing and presentation are critical.
Our logistics team manage every detail from customs and loading arrangements to insurance and arrival coordination providing a seamless, door-to-airport experience from London Heathrow.
UK Transport & Port Delivery
Once your car is ready to ship, we arrange secure transport from the dealership to our office and onwards to the port of export.
Our nationwide collection network covers every corner of the UK, offering both covered and open trailer options. We also provide safe storage at bonded compounds until your car is loaded for departure.
On arrival, your car is received at one of the secure storage facilities near the port, where it remains safely stored until the vessel is ready to load. Every movement of your car is fully insured and professionally managed, ensuring it remains protected throughout its entire road and shipping journey to your port.
Our experienced team coordinates your port logistics, including delivery booking, pre-export inspections and handover to the shipping agent, giving you complete peace of mind that your car is handled with care and precision at every stage.
Step-by-Step: How Car Shipping Works
Shipping a car from the UK is straightforward when managed by our experienced logistics team. We handle each step – booking, inspections, paperwork and transport; from documentation and inspections to loading and vessel departure, giving you regular updates along the way, making the entire process seamless and transparent.
Step 1
Booking Your Car’s Shipping
Once your purchase is confirmed, we secure your space on the next available vessel. You’ll receive a clear timeline, estimated sailing date, and confirmation of the shipping method (RoRo, container, or air freight).
Step 2
Complete Pre-Shipment Requirements
Before export, your car may require a pre-shipment inspection (such as QISJ, EAA, or Bureau Veritas) depending on your destination country. We handle all arrangements and documentation to ensure your vehicle meets the import standards required by your country.
Step 3
Prepare Export Documentation
Our shipping agent completes the Bill of Lading, export declaration and supporting paperwork required for UK customs. Our team work with you to ensure all details are correct prior to final submission. You’ll receive digital copies for your records before departure. If required, paper copies will be couriered to you or your nominated clearing agent.
Step 4
Transport & Port Delivery
We arrange insured transport to the designated port and oversee all pre-loading checks. Your car is then delivered to the secure compound, where it’s carefully stored until the vessel is ready to load.
Step 5
Shipping & Delivery
Your car is professionally loaded onto the vessel and begins its journey to your chosen port. Once the ship departs, we confirm the sailing details and estimated arrival window, so you know when to expect your vehicle to reach you.
Documents Required for Export
Accurate documentation is essential to ensure a smooth export from the UK. You should expect to receive the Bill of Lading and pre-export inspection certificates when your car leaves the port.
Marine Shipping Insurance
Unless you are buying your car ‘Ex-Works’, every car shipped with MHH International is fully insured throughout its journey — from road transport within the UK to delivery at your destination port. Marine insurance provides vital protection against loss, theft, or damage that could occur while your car is in transit by road or sea.
All-Risk Marine Insurance
For complete peace of mind, we insure your vehicle for its full invoice value against any accidental loss or damage during loading, shipment, and unloading.
Documents for Clearance at Destination Port
When your car arrives at its destination, several key documents are required to complete customs clearance and release your vehicle. These confirm your car’s identity, value, and ownership, ensuring it meets local import regulations. Our team, and our trusted local agents, make sure all paperwork is in order before your car arrives, so the process runs smoothly. The list below is a general list for all countries. Please check our country specific pages for country specific document requirements.
Bill of Lading
Issued once the car has been loaded onto the vessel, the Bill of Lading is the most important shipping document. It confirms the vehicle details, voyage, and ownership, and is required for customs release.
Commercial Invoice
This shows the declared value of your car and forms the basis for calculating import duties, taxes, and any applicable levies.
V5C Logbook
Proof that the car is legally registered in the UK, verifying the year, make, model, mileage and other details.
Export Certificate
For cars being exported from Japan you will receive an export certificate. This is not required for UK exports.
Import Permit (Mauritius)
Some countries require additional import permits or proof of identity before clearance can be finalised. Our local agents will confirm the exact requirements for your port and manage the process on your behalf.
PIN Certificate & ID (Kenya)
You must present your PIN certificate and ID to clear and register your car in Kenya.
All key documents for your car will be couriered securely to you or your clearing agent while your car is shipping. Having these documents ready in advance, your car can be cleared quickly and efficiently upon arrival, avoiding unnecessary delays or storage charges at the port.
Customs Clearing
Clearing your car through customs is the final step before you can take delivery at your destination. Every country has its own import duties, taxes and valuation methods. Our experienced local clearing agents ensure the process is handled smoothly.
We coordinate with experienced clearing partners in each destination to handle:
- Customs declarations and duty calculations
- Verifying import documents such as the Bill of Lading and invoice
- Calculating and paying import duties and taxes, where applicable
- Coordinating with port authorities for inspection and release
- Arranging delivery or collection once clearance is complete
We works with a trusted network of licensed clearing agents across our main destinations, including Kenya, Ireland, Mauritius, Zimbabwe, and the Caribbean. Each is familiar with the latest import regulations and procedures, ensuring your car is cleared swiftly, compliantly, and with full transparency on all fees and timelines.
By managing the process end to end, from UK export to destination clearance, we remove the uncertainty and make your car import experience completely seamless.
Popular Shipping Destinations
MHH International ships vehicles from the UK to over 30 destinations worldwide, using our trusted network of logistics and clearing partners. Whether you’re importing a prestige SUV to Kenya, a VAT-free car to Ireland, or an electric vehicle to Mauritius, we’ll make sure your shipment is handled with precision and care.
Each destination has its own import regulations, duty structures, and documentation requirements — and our team will guide you through every step. You’ll benefit from our local partnerships, regular shipping schedules, and complete transparency from purchase to port delivery.
Explore our most popular destinations: Ireland, Kenya, Cyprus, Mauritius, Zimbabwe, New Zealand, Malta, Jersey.
Car Shipping FAQs
Car Shipping
All your questions on car shipping.
What is RoRo shipping and is it safe?
The rules for VAT reclaim have changed since Brexit. Only VAT registered businesses can reclaim VAT on purchases if they meet the correct requirements. Private individuals are no longer allowed to reclaim VAT themselves.
How much does it cost to ship a car from the UK?
The rules for VAT reclaim have changed since Brexit. Only VAT registered businesses can reclaim VAT on purchases if they meet the correct requirements. Private individuals are no longer allowed to reclaim VAT themselves.
How long does it take to ship a car from the UK?
The rules for VAT reclaim have changed since Brexit. Only VAT registered businesses can reclaim VAT on purchases if they meet the correct requirements. Private individuals are no longer allowed to reclaim VAT themselves.
What documents do I need to import a car from the UK?
The rules for VAT reclaim have changed since Brexit. Only VAT registered businesses can reclaim VAT on purchases if they meet the correct requirements. Private individuals are no longer allowed to reclaim VAT themselves.
Do I need marine insurance for car shipping?
The rules for VAT reclaim have changed since Brexit. Only VAT registered businesses can reclaim VAT on purchases if they meet the correct requirements. Private individuals are no longer allowed to reclaim VAT themselves.
Do you handle customs clearance at the destination?
The rules for VAT reclaim have changed since Brexit. Only VAT registered businesses can reclaim VAT on purchases if they meet the correct requirements. Private individuals are no longer allowed to reclaim VAT themselves.