--- title: "Shipping Vehicle (Cars, Trucks, RVs)" description: "Expert logistics for shipping vehicles globally (cars, trucks, motorhomes). Ocean Cargo manages Ro-Ro vs. container shipping & Temporary Import (ATA Carnet)" url: "https://oceancargo.co.uk/project-cargo/shipping-vehicle-cars-trucks-rvs" date: "2026-04-30T23:16:13+00:00" language: "en-GB" --- ![Cars](https://oceancargo.co.uk/images/CargoPics/Cars.webp) # A Master Guide to Shipping Vehicles Globally The global transportation of vehicles, from classic **cars** and **motorhomes** to commercial **trucks & trailers** or industrial **forklifts**, is a specialist logistics operation. Each vehicle type presents unique challenges, from handling and securing to complex customs compliance. A high-value classic car cannot be treated the same as a fleet of construction vehicles. An error in securing a vehicle inside a container can lead to catastrophic damage, while a customs error for a temporary import can result in massive, unexpected tax penalties. This type of transport demands a logistics partner with proven, hands-on expertise across all vehicle types. Ocean Cargo, with over 25 years of experience in [automotive logistics](https://oceancargo.co.uk/industries/automotive-logistics/) and [project cargo](https://oceancargo.co.uk/services/project-logistics/), provides this specialist, end-to-end service. We manage the entire process, from selecting the optimal transport mode (Ro-Ro vs. Container) to navigating complex **Temporary Import** rules, ensuring your vehicle arrives safely, on schedule, and fully compliant. ## The Core Challenge: Transport Mode & Customs Compliance The two most critical decisions in vehicle shipping are how to ship it and \*how\* to declare it at customs. Ocean Cargo provides expert guidance on both. ### Transport Mode 1: Roll-On/Roll-Off (Ro-Ro) - The Preferred Method This is the **preferred, safest, and most cost-effective solution** for almost all operable vehicles, including **cars, trucks, motorhomes, and forklifts**. - **How it Works:** The vehicle is driven (or "rolled") onto a specialised, multi-deck vessel, like a giant, enclosed car ferry, and parked. A team of specialist **stevedores** then expertly lash the vehicle to the deck. - **Advantages:** 1. **No Lifting:** It **eliminates all high-risk lifting** at the ports. 2. **Weatherproof Protection:** All cargo is stowed on the vessel’s enclosed, secure decks, fully protected from saltwater, spray, and the elements. 3. **Cost-Effective:** Pricing is simple, based on the vehicle’s CBM (cubic metres) or "lane metres." ### Transport Mode 2: Container Shipping (FCL) This is the specialist solution for high-value cars, non-running vehicles, or shipments to destinations without a Ro-Ro service. - **Application:** Ideal for high-value classic cars, race cars, or for shipping personal effects \*with\* the vehicle. - **How it Works:** The vehicle is driven into or rolled into a 20ft or 40ft [sea container](https://oceancargo.co.uk/services/sea-freight/). It is then meticulously secured for an ocean voyage. - **The Securing Process:** This is a highly skilled process. A car’s handbrake and "Park" gear are useless on a ship. Our specialist teams: 1. Position the car and place **timber chocks** in front of and behind each **wheel**. 2. Nail these chocks to the container’s wooden floor. 3. Use 4-8 heavy-duty ratchet straps to **lash the wheels** (usually via the suspension wishbones or tow-eyes) to the container’s strong lashing points. This "pulls" the car down into its suspension, making it one with the container and preventing any movement. ### Customs Compliance: Temporary Imports (ATA Carnet) This is a critical, high-value compliance step. If your vehicle is *not* being permanently sold, you must *not* pay permanent import duties and VAT (which can be 20-100%+ of the vehicle’s value). - **The Scenario:** Your vehicle is being shipped for **tourism** (e.g., a **motorhome** or **caravan** tour), a classic car rally, a **racing event**, or a film shoot. - **The Solution:** Ocean Cargo manages the **"Temporary Import" (TI)** customs procedure. The easiest and most common way is by using an **ATA Carnet** (a "passport for goods"). We secure this document, which allows the vehicle to enter a country (or multiple countries) for up to one year with all import duties and taxes suspended, simply by stamping the carnet at each border. ## How Ocean Cargo Manages Vehicle Logistics End-to-End Ocean Cargo provides a complete, door-to-door project management service. We act as your single point of accountability. Our process is built on 25+ years of experience and is designed to de-risk your entire supply chain. 1. **Initial Enquiry & Quotation:** You [contact us](https://oceancargo.co.uk/contact-us/) with the vehicle’s details (make, model, dimensions, weight) and its purpose (e.g., permanent sale or **temporary tour**). Our team provides a detailed quote for the best mode (e.g., **Ro-Ro**). 2. **Booking and Planning:** Upon your acceptance, we book the vessel space. If it's a temporary import, our [customs](https://oceancargo.co.uk/services/customs-compliance/) team begins the **ATA Carnet** application. 3. **Preparation & Collection:** We manage the critical preparation and collection phases. This includes: - **Biosecurity Cleaning:** For used **forklifts** or agricultural/[construction](https://oceancargo.co.uk/industries/construction-infrastructure-logistics "construction") vehicles, we manage the mandatory **industrial steam clean** to pass quarantine inspections. - **Preparation:** Ensuring the vehicle has minimal fuel (for Ro-Ro) and that batteries are disconnected (for [container shipping](https://oceancargo.co.uk/services/sea-freight "container shipping")). - **Collection:** Arranging for a car carrier or low-loader trailer to collect the vehicle. 4. **Export Formalities:** Our in-house [customs compliance](https://oceancargo.co.uk/services/customs-compliance/) team prepares and files the export declaration and ensures the **ATA Carnet** is correctly stamped on exit. 5. **Port Operations and Sea Transit:** The vehicle is delivered to the port and professionally driven (**Ro-Ro**) or **lashed into its container**. We monitor the voyage 24/7 and provide you with tracking updates. 6. **Import Clearance:** Before arrival, our partners at the destination use the pre-lodged documents (e.g., **ATA Carnet**) to file the import declaration, ensuring immediate customs release. 7. **Final Delivery:** Once cleared, the vehicle is loaded onto local transport (or driven, for Ro-Ro) and delivered directly to the final dealership, project site, or event. 8. **Proof of Delivery (POD):** We provide a final POD confirming your vehicle has arrived safely. ## Specialist Vehicle Considerations Ocean Cargo's expertise covers all vehicle types, each with unique requirements. ### Cars (Classic, Luxury, Racing) - **Method:** **Container shipping** is often preferred for high-value or non-running cars to provide maximum security and protection. - **Compliance:** **ATA Carnets** are essential for international **racing** circuits or classic car rallies. ### Trucks, Trailers, Motorhomes & Caravans - **Method:** **Ro-Ro** is the dominant and most cost-effective method. The price is calculated on the total cubic metres (CBM) or "lane metres" the unit occupies. - **Compliance:** **Temporary Imports (ATA Carnet)** are critical for **motorhome** and **caravan** tours, helping owners avoid devastating import taxes. ### Forklifts & Industrial Vehicles - **Method:** Can be shipped either **Ro-Ro** or, if [OOG](https://oceancargo.co.uk/services/project-logistics "OOG"), lifted onto a **flat rack container**. - **Compliance (Biosecurity):** This is the key risk. Like [construction](https://oceancargo.co.uk/industries/construction-infrastructure-logistics "construction") equipment, used **forklifts** from farms or building sites are a high biosecurity risk. They *must* undergo **industrial steam cleaning** to remove all soil and organic matter before shipping to countries with strict quarantine rules (e.g., Australia/New Zealand). Failure to do so will result in costly quarantine and cleaning at the destination. ## Risk Mitigation and Insurance Given the high value of vehicles, risk management is essential. - **Expert Securing:** As described, our expertise in **lashing wheels** inside containers and securing vehicles to Ro-Ro decks is a key risk-mitigation skill. - **Comprehensive Cargo Insurance:** Standard carrier liability is minimal and will not cover the value of your vehicle. Ocean Cargo offers comprehensive, all-risk cargo insurance policies underwritten specifically for vehicles to protect your investment from door to door. ## Digital Visibility, Milestones, and Communication When your high-value asset is in transit, transparent and proactive communication is essential. Ocean Cargo provides a dedicated 24/7 project manager as your single point of contact, ensuring you always speak to someone who knows your shipment’s exact status. ![A truck is loaded on a container with secured straps, showcasing its wheels and storage box.](https://oceancargo.co.uk/media/spgallery/138/OceanCargo2015.jpg) ![A truck's rear axle rests on a cargo container at the Port of Felixstowe, showcasing industrial transport operations.](https://oceancargo.co.uk/media/spgallery/138/OceanCargo2018.jpg) ![A blue truck is loaded onto a shipping container at a port, with cranes and other equipment in the background.](https://oceancargo.co.uk/media/spgallery/138/OceanCargo2016.jpg) ![A shipping container on a freight platform, showcasing wheels and markings on a port background.](https://oceancargo.co.uk/media/spgallery/138/OceanCargo2017.jpg) ![A truck is loaded on a container with secured straps, showcasing its wheels and storage box.](https://oceancargo.co.uk/media/spgallery/138/thumb/OceanCargo2015.jpg) ![A truck's rear axle rests on a cargo container at the Port of Felixstowe, showcasing industrial transport operations.](https://oceancargo.co.uk/media/spgallery/138/thumb/OceanCargo2018.jpg) ![A blue truck is loaded onto a shipping container at a port, with cranes and other equipment in the background.](https://oceancargo.co.uk/media/spgallery/138/thumb/OceanCargo2016.jpg) ![A shipping container on a freight platform, showcasing wheels and markings on a port background.](https://oceancargo.co.uk/media/spgallery/138/thumb/OceanCargo2017.jpg) ### Key Tracking Milestones Our system tracks every critical event, including: - **Booking Confirmation:** Your transport mode (**Ro-Ro** or **Container**) is confirmed. - **Compliance Complete:** Your **ATA Carnet** is secured (if applicable). - **Biosecurity Cleaning Complete:** For **forklifts**, we provide photographic evidence that the unit is clean. - **Cargo Collected:** Your vehicle is on its way to the port. - **Secured at Port:** We provide confirmation that the unit is safely **lashed in its container** or stowed on the **Ro-Ro** vessel. - **Vessel Departed:** Your cargo is on the water. - **Vessel Arrived:** Your cargo has reached the destination port. - **Import Customs Cleared:** Your shipment has been released by local customs. - **On-Carriage for Delivery:** The final-mile transport is loaded and en route. - **Proof of Delivery (POD):** The shipment is complete, and a signed POD is available. ## Sustainability Levers in Vehicle Transport Ocean Cargo is committed to providing responsible logistics solutions. We support your sustainability goals by: - **Ro-Ro Preference:** We prefer **Ro-Ro carriers**, which are among the most efficient and modern vessels in the global fleet, offering significant emissions savings compared to Lo-Lo and air options. - **Container Optimisation:** For **container shipping**, our expert teams can often safely load two cars into a single 40ft container (using a secure racking system), doubling the efficiency and halving the carbon footprint per car. - **Carrier Selection:** We partner with shipping lines and carriers that are investing heavily in sustainability, from using Very Low Sulphur Fuel Oil (VLSFO) to pioneering new technologies like LNG-powered vessels. ## Frequently Asked Questions #### What is the best way to ship a car? The **preferred method is Roll-On/Roll-Off (Ro-Ro)**. It is the safest (no lifting) and most cost-effective. For high-value classic or race cars, or when shipping to a destination without a Ro-Ro port, **shipping in a container** offers greater security and protection. #### What is an ATA Carnet, and why do I need one for my motorhome? An **ATA Carnet** is a "passport for goods." If you are shipping a **motorhome** or **caravan** for **tourism**, or a car for a **race** (a **temporary import**), this document allows you to enter a country without paying the permanent import duty and VAT, saving you thousands. #### How do you secure a car inside a shipping container? We use a specialist, four-point lashing system. We **choke the wheels** with timber blocks nailed to the container floor, then use heavy-duty ratchet straps to **lash the wheels** (usually via the chassis or suspension) to the container’s secure lashing points. This makes the car rigid, preventing any movement. #### Do I need to clean my forklift before shipping? If it is **used** and going to a country with strict biosecurity rules (like Australia/New Zealand), then **yes, absolutely**. It must be **industrially steam cleaned** to remove all soil and organic matter. Failure to do so will result in it being quarantined and cleaned at your expense, or re-exported. #### Can I ship personal belongings inside my car? On **Ro-Ro** vessels, this is **strictly forbidden**. The vessel is only licensed to carry the vehicle itself. Inside a **container**, yes, you can, but all items must be declared on a separate customs packing list. We recommend this only for [FCL](https://oceancargo.co.uk/services/sea-freight "FCL") (Full Container Load) shipments. #### Is cargo insurance necessary for my vehicle? While not mandatory, we strongly recommend all-risk cargo insurance. A carrier’s standard liability is minimal and will not cover the high value of your car, truck, or motorhome. We can assist you in securing appropriate, comprehensive [vehicle shipping](https://oceancargo.co.uk/industries/automotive-logistics/) insurance. #### How do I get a quote for shipping my vehicle? To get a fast, accurate quote, please get in touch with our team with the vehicle’s details: 1) The make and model, 2) The dimensions (L x W x H) and weight, 3) The condition (running or non-running), 4) The purpose (e.g., permanent sale or **temporary tour**), 5) The collection/delivery postcodes. ### Move Your Vehicles with Confidence Successfully shipping vehicles requires a team with proven experience in handling **Ro-Ro**, **container lashing**, and complex **Temporary Import (ATA Carnet)** procedures. As a BIFA-accredited freight forwarder (Member No. 4489, operating as Ocean Cargo T/A Cargo Dynamic Ltd), our [automotive logistics](https://oceancargo.co.uk/industries/automotive-logistics/) team provides expert-led service to minimise risk and ensure compliance. Contact our [project logistics](https://oceancargo.co.uk/services/project-logistics/) team today to discuss your specific requirements and let us demonstrate how our expertise can streamline your global vehicle shipping. 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