Car Shipping : RORO & Container Vehicle Export & Import


YFT Logistics is your trusted local partner for car shipping from Southampton. Whether you need to export a car permanently from the UK, import a vehicle into the UK via Southampton, ship a classic car, 4x4, van, or combine it with personal effects, we deliver secure, cost-effective solutions with full end-to-end support.


Located minutes from the Port of Southampton – one of the UK’s busiest vehicle-handling ports – we offer weekly sailings via RORO and container shipping to destinations worldwide. Heres our checklist to insure your car is ready to ship.

Why Choose YFT Logistics for Car Shipping in Southampton?

  • Direct access to Southampton, Portbury, Tilbury, Sheerness & Bristol ports
  • Competitive rates on both RORO and container methods
  • Full documentation & customs clearance handled (export DVLA, UK import HMRC)
  • Secure warehousing and professional vehicle lashing in our Southampton, London Gateway, Felixstowe and Liverpool facilitys
  • BIFA & FIATA accredited – fully insured and regulated
  • Door-to-port or port-to-port options with UK-wide collection
  • Experience shipping new, used, classic, and non-running vehicles
  • Option to ship car + household goods in one container

How to Export a Car from Southampton (Permanent Export Process)

  1. Get an instant quote – tell us make, model, year, value, destination & preferred method.
  2. Notify DVLA – complete Section C (V5) or purple V5C/4. We provide the Certificate of Permanent Export (V561).
  3. Prepare your vehicle – clean it, reduce fuel to ¼ tank, remove personal items (unless shipping in container), disconnect battery if required.
  4. Book collection or deliver to our Southampton warehouse or directly to port.
  5. Secure loading – professional lashing with ratchet straps and wheel chocks (photos provided).
  6. Export documentation – Bill of Lading, Commercial Invoice, Export Declaration – all arranged by us.
  7. Track your shipment – real-time updates from departure to arrival.

We handle everything so you can focus on your move.


How to Import a Car to the UK via Southampton

Southampton is one of the top UK ports for vehicle imports. We manage the full process:

  • Pre-arrival import declaration
  • Payment of 10% import duty + 20% VAT (on value + shipping + duty) – reduced or zero for qualifying classic vehicles (30+ or 40+ years in some cases)
  • HMRC notification NOVA within 14 days of arrival
  • Port handling, customs clearance & release
  • UK-wide delivery after clearance
  • DVSA compliance checks & registration support

Tip: Start planning 2-3 weeks before arrival for smooth clearance.


Popular Car Shipping Routes (with Example Costs & Times)


Costs are approximate (2026 rates for a standard saloon – subject to fuel, season & exact specs). Get your personalised quote for accuracy.

USA (New York, Baltimore, Jacksonville, etc.)
→ RORO from £1,036 | Container from £1,400 | 11–28 days


Australia (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Fremantle)
→ From £2,150 | 35–45 days


New Zealand (Auckland, Wellington)
→ From £2,400


UAE / Middle East (Jebel Ali, Abu Dhabi)
→ From £1,400 | 25–35 days


Canada (Halifax, Montreal, Vancouver)
→ From £1,600


Caribbean, East & West Africa, Japan, Sri Lanka, Mediterranean, Canary Islands – all served weekly.


Full destination list available on request.

Car Shipping FAQs

Can I ship a non-running car from Southampton?
Yes – via container only.


Do you ship classic or modified cars?
Absolutely. We specialise in secure handling of valuable and modified vehicles.


Can I ship my car with household goods?
Yes – in a shared or sole-use container.


How long does it take to ship a car from Southampton?
11 days to USA East Coast, 25–45 days to Australia/NZ, 20–35 days to most other destinations.


Is insurance included?
Marine insurance is available at competitive rates we will put you on contact with a broker.


What documents do I need?
V5C, proof of ownership, ID, export/import forms – we guide you fully.


Do you offer UK-wide collection?
Yes – from anywhere in mainland UK

RORO vs Container Car Shipping from Southampton – Which Is Best?


Aspect                     RORO Car Shipping Southampton                        Container Car Shipping Southampton

Best For                   Drivable cars, vans, 4x4s, light plant                    Any vehicle (including non-running), classics, high-value

Cost                         Usually cheapest                                                      Higher (but shared containers reduce price)

Protection               Good (open deck)                                                     Excellent (sealed & locked)

Loading                   Drive on / drive off                                                    Loaded & secured by professionals

Personal Effects    Not permitted                                                            Yes – combine car + belongings in one container

Transit Time           Often faster                                                                Slightly longer but more reliable

Weekly Sailings       Yes from Southampton or Bristol                         Yes from Southampton, Felixstowe or London Gateway


RORO is the most economical choice for standard running vehicles on popular routes.
Container is the safest and most flexible – ideal when shipping with household effects or for peace of mind.