International Vehicle shipping from Scotland
Worldwide Vehicle Shipping Service
Shipping Your Vehicle
Overseas from Scotland
Moving internationally often means taking your vehicle with you, whether it’s a cherished classic car, the family car, a high-value prestige vehicle, or simply your everyday transport. International vehicle shipping is a specialist process involving export documentation, customs formalities at the destination, and careful selection of the correct shipping method to ensure a cost-effective move. At Euromovers Scotland, part of the Purdie Worldwide Group, we manage international vehicle shipments from Scotland to anywhere in the world, ensuring the process is straightforward and stress-free for our clients.
We coordinate vehicle shipping for private individuals relocating abroad, for corporate assignees taking company or personal vehicles as part of their relocation, and for classic car enthusiasts moving prized vehicles between countries for storage, exhibitions, or permanent relocations. Whatever your vehicle is, and wherever it’s going, we handle the logistics from start to finish.
Professional Vehicle Shipping
We've been moving vehicles around the world for over 30 years. Get in touch today for a FREE shipping quotation.
Time Sensitive
We keep you up to date with live vehicle tracking, no matter if it's on land or on the water!
Ship Anywhere!
With over 60 member countries around the world, expect the same level of care and attention worldwide.
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Worldwide Vehicle Shipping from Scotland
Shipping Methods: RoRo vs Container
Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) Shipping
RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) is not our most commonly used method for shipping vehicles, but it does have it’s advantages. It may be the most cost-effective, however the vehicle needs to be roadworthy, with working battery, steering, brakes and drive-train. However, the RoRo vessels are dedicated vehicle carriers, not specific cargo ships. This mean that vehicles are stored in open decks exposed to the sea atmosphere during transit. This is something you have to consider if you’re shipping a high-value or classic car where condition is a priority. If that is the case, then we’d recommend container shipping as detailed below.
Container Shipping
Container shipping offers a higher level of protection for your vehicle during it’s trip across the ocean. Your vehicle won’t be exposed to the elements as it will be placed into either a 20ft or 40ft metal shipping container alongside other personal effects, or as a sole use shipping container. Container shipping is the preferred method for shipping class, vintage, prestige, and high-value vehicles where protection and a controlled environment are priorities. You can also place a non working vehicle into a shipping container as long as the battery is disconnected and the fuel has been removed.
Step-by-Step: Our Vehicle Shipping Process
Step 1: Initial Consultation & Quote
Contact us with details of your vehicle (make, model, year & dimensions if non-standard) and your desired destination. We will provide a clear, itemised quote covering shipping, documentation, port handling, and any applicable origin-side costs.
Step 2: Vehicle Collection or Drop-Off
We can collect your vehicle from your home address in Scotland, a preferred location, or you can deliver it to our depots in either Blackburn or Dumfries. We conduct a pre-shipment inspection and assessment where we confirm the vehicle condition at point of acceptance with a written inspection report.
Step 3: Export Documentation
We prepare and submit all export documentation required by UK customs, including the vehicle’s export declaration. You will need to provide us with the original V5C (logbook), a copy of your passport, and any finance settlement letter if the vehicle is still under a finance agreement. We will advise you if any additional documentation is required for your specific destination.
Step 4: Port Handling & Loading
We arrange transport of the vehicle to the nominated UK port and manage all port formalities. With our dedicated port truck we cut out any middlemen and keep the costs low for our customers. We will then confirm the vessel departure date and bill of lading details.
Step 5: Ocean Transit
Your vehicle is on it’s way! We track the shipment and keep you informed every step of the way, informing you of any changes or delays. Estimated times will vary depending on the destination, but expect 10-14 days for Western Europe, 4-6 weeks to North America, and 6-8 weeks for Australasia.
Step 6: Destination Clearance & Delivery
Our destination partner manages customs clearance, import duty payment (where applicable), and local delivery to your address. We remain in contact throughout and advise you on what to expect at the destination end.
Import Duties, Taxes & Registration at Destination
The cost of shipping your vehicle is only one part of the financial picture. Depending on your chosen destination country and your personal circumstances, you may also be liable for import duty, VAT or equivalent import tax, and local vehicle registration fees. These vary considerably by country and represent a significant additional cost if not considered at the planning stage. Our dedicated team will provide you with a realistic overview of the likely destination-side costs for your specific vehicle and situation, so you can make an informed decision before taking the next step!
Post-Brexit: Shipping to the EU
Before the UK left the European Union, UK residents could ship vehicles to EU countries as part of a personal relocation using Transfer of Residence (ToR) relief, which suspended import duty and VAT. Although this relief remain available post-Brexit, there is strict eligibility criteria: you must have owned the vehicle for at least 6 months prior to importation, you must be permanently relocating to destination in the EU, and the vehicle must not be sold, hired our, or pledged as security for a specified period after importation.
If you do not qualify for ToR relief, your vehicle will be subject to EU customs duty (currently at 6.5% of the vehicles values) plus the destination country’s VAT rate on the import value. Some EU destinations also require vehicles to pass local roadworthiness inspections and may require headlamp conversion, speedo adjustment, and other modifications to meet the national standards. However, you don’t have to worry, we’ll advise you all destination specific requirements as part of our pre-shipment consultation.
UK V5C & Registration After Return
For vehicles returning to the UK after a period abroad, for example, where an overseas assignment has concluded, re-registration formalities will apply if the vehicle has been registered overseas in the interim. Our team advises on the re-registration process and any DVLA requirements on return. If the vehicle was kept on SORN or UK registration throughout the overseas period, the formalities are simplified.
Vehicle Transit Insurance
All vehicles are shipped with standard carrier liability, which is typically limited and not fall in line with the market value of your vehicle. We strongly recommend arrange specialist vehicle transit insurance that covers the full delcared value of the vehicle for the duration of the shipment – this is from the point of acceptance when you hand over the car to us, to point of delivery at the destination. This insurance will cover loss, theft, and physical damage during transit, including loading and unloading operations. The insurance premiums are calculated as a percentage of the declared values and are very modest relative to the risk being transferred. Again, you don’t need to worry, we can arrange appropriate cover as part of your overall shipment booking.
What Affects the Cost of Shipping a Vehicle from Scotland?
Several factors will influence the total cost of shipping your vehicle internationally. Understanding these factors will help you budget accordingly and make informed choices about the method and timing of your vehicle shipment.
- Destination: The primary factor of cost. Port-to-port distance, route availability, and destination costs all vary depending on the location
- Shipping Method: RoRo is generally less expensive than container shipping. A sole-use container with your goods and vehicle inside will be more expensive.
- Vehicle Dimensions & Weight: Not all vehicles are created equally. Oversized or heavy vehicles attract higher RoRo rates, while non standard vehicle may require specialist containers.
- Origin-side Costs: Collection from your home address, storage at our depot pending shipment, and the ever popular port handling charges at the UK port of loading.
- Destination-side Costs: Port handling, customs clearance agent fees, import duty and taxes, and local delivery to your new home.
- Insurance: Specialist vehicle transit insurance is available and strongly recommended. The premium reflects the declared value of the vehicle.
- Timing: Peak season and specific vessel schedules can affect freight rates. At time of booking we advise on the most cost-effective departure windows where available.
The Euromovers Scotland Advantage
Frequently Asked Vehicle Shipping Questions
Can I put personal items inside the vehicle during shipping?
For RoRo (roll-on, roll-off) shipments, the vehicle must be empty of all personal items. These are neither insured nor permitted on RoRo vessels. For container shipments (sole use and groupage), a limited quantity of personal items may be permitted inside the vehicle within the container, of course these are subject to customs restrictions at the destination country. We will advise on what is permitted for specific destination country.
How long does it take to ship a vehicle internationally?
The time taken to ship your vehicle abroad will vary by destination. To Western Europe expect 7-14 days. To the east of North America is takes 3-4 weeks. Then to the west coast of America or Australasia it can take between 6 to 8 weeks. This is based solely on ocean transit times only. Shipments by air will be quicker, but will cost significantly more. Again, we will provide a realistic end-to-end timeline at the quoting stage.
Does my vehicle need to be in a running condition?
For RoRo shipping, yes, the vehicle must be road worthy, self-propelled, and have a working battery. For non-running vehicles these must be shipping by an industry standard 20 or 40ft shipping container. We will advise on the best method that suits your circumstances at the time of booking.
What documents do I need to ship my vehicle?
You will need the original (or most recent) V5c (vehicle registration certificate), a copy of your passport, and if the vehicle is subject to finance you need to bring a settlement letter confirming it's clear of any finance. Additional documentation may be required by the destination country. We provide a full document checklist for you at the time of booking.
Can you ship classic or vintage vehicles?
Yes, indeed we can ship classic or vintage vehicles. These are typically shipped in sole-use or enclosed containers for maximum protections. We take particular care with condition reporting for high-value classics and can arrange specialist fine art and classic vehicle insurance cover. We have a great deal of experience of shipping vehicles internationally, from Ford Model T's to the latest Aston Martin, we approach every shipment with the care and attention it deserves.
Do I qualify for ToR relief when shipping my car to an EU country?
ToR (Transfer of Residence) relief is available if you are permanently relocation to an EU member state, have owned the vehicle for at least six months, and commit to not selling or transferring the vehicle for a specified period after importation. We will assess your eligibility during the pre-shipment consultation and guide you through the documentation requirements for your specific destination country.
International Vehicle Shipping Quotation
Transferring Money Abroad?
Why you may need to transfer money internationally:
- Relocating or emigrating abroad
- Buying or selling property overseas
- Sending money to family overseas
- Paying international school or university fees
- Making overseas investments
- Receiving or transferring an inheritance
- Moving pension income abroad
- Managing regular overseas payments
Why choose Worldwide Currencies?
- Competitive Exchange Rates
- Expert Guidance and Personal Service
- FCA Authorised & Regulated
- Fast & Secure Transfers
- Trusted Since 2006
Visit here, Or Contact:
Email: Geraldine.Collett@worldwidecurrencies.com
Phone: 020 3326 4444 (London)
Economical Moving
Committed to keeping costs & CO2 levels low.
We always try and combine groupage items to ensure every shipment has the best value in terms of cost and time on the water.
We Adhere to an Approved Quality Management System
Every Euromover member must adhere to an approved Quality Management system to ensure the same level of service no matter where you are in the world.
- We Reduce, Reuse and Recyle
- 97% of Shipments are on-time
- CCTV on all overseas runs
- Sustainable Packaging
Current Customers & Partners
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