Vehicle Shipping
Cars, Motorcycles & Boats
Import Rules Handled
Free Quotes & Surveys
We arrange transport for cars, motorcycles and other vehicles alongside household removals or on their own. Within Europe that is usually road freight. Long-haul it is sea freight, either sharing a container with your household goods or shipped on its own.
Shipping a vehicle with your household goods
A 40ft container gives enough space to include a vehicle alongside the contents of a home, which is often the most economical way to move one. A 20ft container comfortably fits a three-bedroom household but leaves little room for a car. If you are moving a whole home and a vehicle, say so at the quote stage, because it changes which container size makes sense. See container sizes and costs.
What the destination will ask for
Vehicle import is the most regulated part of any move, and the rules are set by the destination, not by us. Common requirements:
- Import approval before shipping. Several countries, Australia among them, require approval to be granted before the vehicle leaves the UK. Shipping first and applying later is the most expensive mistake in this category.
- Proof of ownership and use. Duty relief usually depends on having owned and used the vehicle for a minimum period, commonly six months or more.
- Emissions and safety compliance. Some destinations require modification or refuse older vehicles outright.
- Quarantine cleaning. Australia and New Zealand inspect vehicles for soil and organic matter. Underbody, wheel arches and footwells all need cleaning.
- An empty vehicle. Most carriers require the fuel tank near empty and nothing stored inside.
Bringing a vehicle into the UK
Vehicles imported to the UK must be declared on a NOVA notification within 14 days of arrival, then registered with the DVLA and given an MOT before use. Duty and VAT are waived under Transfer of Residence relief if you have owned and used the vehicle for at least six months and meet the residency conditions. See removals to the UK for the full ToR position.
Why people trust us with a move
These are not our words. They are our customers, on a review site we do not control.
- 4.9 out of 5 from 108 reviews on Trustpilot, rated Excellent
- Over 10,000 moves completed
- We reply to every single review, good or bad. Check the profile and see
- Our own yard and storage at Riverside Industrial Estate, Fazeley, Tamworth
- Reviewing since October 2020, and still collecting them every month
I wanted to ship a big English dresser base to the US and Removals was one of the very few to have a reasonable price. Lorie and Debbie were so helpful. Every aspect, from pickup to paperwork, went very well.
Dovetail, August 2026 — verified Trustpilot review
I wanted to move a small item of furniture from the UK to Switzerland. Michelle Harris contacted me and the help and service were exemplary. My item was delivered well packed, by a cheerful and helpful driver.
Verified customer, Switzerland, June 2026 — verified Trustpilot review
Motorcycles, boats and other vehicles
Motorcycles are commonly crated, which protects them and makes them easier to load alongside other cargo. Boats and trailers depend entirely on dimensions and the destination rules, so those are quoted individually.
What we need to quote
Make, model and year; whether it is moving with a household shipment or alone; the destination country and nearest port or city; and whether you have already applied for any import approval. Tell us early if the vehicle is classic, modified or non-runner, because each changes the handling.