Port-to-port is the lowest-cost shipping option: you drive or deliver the vehicle to the UK load port, we handle the sea freight, and your consignee collects from the destination port.
Best suited for self-drivers, local exporters and customers within easy reach of Southampton, Tilbury, Bristol or Felixstowe.
Quick Answer
Port-to-port shipping is the lowest-cost vehicle export option from the UK. The customer delivers the vehicle to a booked drop-off slot at Southampton, Tilbury, Bristol, Felixstowe, Liverpool or Immingham, and Ship Cars handles the sea freight to the destination port. Bill of lading is released to the named consignee for port collection. Best value on every major trade route.
Port-to-port is the right choice for sellers within easy reach of a UK port, for exporters running multiple vehicles to the same destination, and for buyers who prefer to handle every leg outside the sea freight themselves. There is no UK transporter charge and no destination delivery — you pay for the sailing and the documentation, nothing else.
Every booking includes a confirmed drop-off slot at the terminal (most UK ports do not accept walk-ins), the load receipt, the bill of lading and live vessel tracking. Optional add-ons are export customs entry (£85), pre-shipment vehicle photos (£35) and marine cargo insurance (1.0% of declared value).
Why Choose Our Port-to-Port Shipping
Cheapest Option
No collection or destination delivery fees.
All UK Ports
Southampton, Tilbury, Bristol, Felixstowe, Liverpool, Immingham.
RoRo and Container
Both methods available on every route.
Booking Confirmation
Vessel name, ETA and load receipt within 24 hours.
Drop-Off Slot Booked
We book your drop-off slot at the terminal.
Export Customs Optional
Add C88/CDS entry as an extra if you have not pre-cleared.
How It Works
Book Sailing
Choose the port and sailing date.
Deliver to Port
Drive in within the booked drop-off window.
Load & Sail
Vehicle loaded; bill of lading issued.
Sea Freight
Vessel to the destination port.
Consignee Collects
Original BL released to the consignee for port collection.
Indicative Pricing
Prices are estimates for a standard car. Get an exact quote for your vehicle.
Cyprus (RoRo, Southampton)
10–14 days
UAE (RoRo, Tilbury)
14–21 days
USA East Coast (RoRo)
14–18 days
Australia (RoRo)
35–45 days
Transit Times & Indicative Prices
Sample routes for port-to-port shipping from UK ports. View full schedule.
| Route | Method | Transit (days) | From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southampton → Limassol (Cyprus) | Port-to-port RoRo | 10 to 14 | £850 |
| Tilbury → Jebel Ali (UAE) | Port-to-port RoRo | 14 to 21 | £1,350 |
| Southampton → Baltimore (USA) | Port-to-port RoRo | 14 to 18 | £1,650 |
| Southampton → Fremantle (Australia) | Port-to-port RoRo | 35 to 45 | £2,250 |
Documents Required
Paperwork our team prepares or collects for every port-to-port shipping booking. See the full documents guide.
V5C Logbook
Original DVLA V5C registration document. We submit the V5C/4 export notification on your behalf.
Passport or Photo ID
A valid passport or UK photo driving licence is required for export customs and destination clearance.
Proof of Purchase
Invoice, bill of sale or auction receipt to support the customs declared value.
Proof of Address
Utility bill or bank statement dated within the last three months.
Export Declaration
We file the C88/CHIEF or CDS export entry with HMRC and supply the MUCR reference.
Destination Import Documents
Country-specific paperwork such as NOVA, GCC certificate, RAV/SEVS, RIV or EPA/DOT release, prepared by our agent network.
Vehicle Types We Ship
All vehicle classes accepted under port-to-port shipping.
Popular Destinations
Top corridors for port-to-port shipping from the UK. Browse all destinations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to deliver the car myself?
Can I drop the car off any time?
Is customs clearance included?
Can I drop the car off whenever I like?
Is UK export customs included?
What happens if I miss my drop-off slot?
Is port-to-port available on container shipping?
Related Services
Door-to-Port Shipping
Collection from your UK address, export customs and sea freight to the destination port.
Door-to-Door Shipping
UK collection, sea freight, destination customs and final delivery — all in one price.
RORO Shipping
The most popular and cost-effective way to ship running vehicles internationally. Drive on, sail away.
About this page
Operated by Ship Cars RoRo, a UK-based international vehicle shipping specialist. BIFA-affiliated forwarder with weekly RoRo, container and shared container sailings from Southampton, Tilbury, London Gateway, Felixstowe and Bristol to 150+ countries.
- Author: Zahir Hussain, Head of Vehicle Export, Ship Cars RoRo
- Last updated: 2026-05-12
- +44 (0)1495 320540
- info@shipcarsroro.co.uk
- United Kingdom — serving worldwide
Entities & topics covered
Ready to Ship?
Get a free, no-obligation quote for port-to-port shipping from the UK. Browse our destinations or use the cost calculator for an estimate.