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    Truck Shipping to and from the UK

    International shipping for trucks, lorries, HGVs, and heavy commercial vehicles via RORO and flat-rack services.

    Ship Cars RoRo provides international truck shipping services for all types of heavy goods vehicles. Whether you are exporting a single truck or a fleet of lorries, we manage the logistics from collection through to delivery at the destination.

    We ship trucks via RORO for self-propelled vehicles and flat-rack containers for non-runners or oversized units. Our services cover all major UK ports with regular sailings to Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and beyond.

    Quick Answer

    Truck shipping is the international transport of HGVs, lorries, tractor units, rigid trucks and heavy commercial vehicles from the UK by RoRo, flat-rack container or breakbulk. Ship Cars RoRo ships single trucks through to full fleet movements for dealerships, hauliers and end-users to West Africa, the Middle East, Indian sub-continent and beyond from Southampton, Tilbury and Felixstowe.

    Running self-propelled trucks ship by RoRo on high-and-heavy decks at the major UK ports. Indicative 2026 customer rates: light truck under 7.5t from £1,500, rigid 7.5 to 18t from £2,500, articulated tractor unit from £3,500, trailer separately from £1,800, fleet of three or more discounted. Non-running trucks ship by flat-rack container with crane lift, or by breakbulk for exceptional dimensions. Every booking includes UK collection, port handling, export customs, marine insurance and the bill of lading.

    Trade clients shipping monthly to West Africa (Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, Ivory Coast), the Middle East (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Iraq) and the Indian sub-continent (Pakistan, Bangladesh) use our consolidated truck-shipping service with dedicated weekly slots, pre-shipment inspection and full destination clearance through our trade broker network. Standalone trailers (curtainsider, refrigerated, low-loader, skeletal) ship at competitive per-unit rates alongside tractor units.

    Pre-shipment we drain fuel to a quarter tank or less, disconnect the battery, secure loose items in the cab, fold mirrors and aerials, and supply weighbridge weights and dimensions to the carrier. Specialist trucks - tipper, mixer, recovery, fire, refuse, refrigerated - require pre-shipment compliance checks and destination type-approval planning, which we coordinate as part of the booking. Right-hand drive acceptance varies by destination; we advise on restrictions before quoting.

    Why Choose Our Truck Shipping

    All Truck Types

    We ship rigid trucks, articulated lorries, tractor units, tipper trucks, flatbeds, box vans, and specialist commercial vehicles.

    RORO for Running Trucks

    Self-propelled trucks are driven onto RORO vessels, making this the most efficient and cost-effective method for operational vehicles.

    Flat-Rack for Non-Runners

    Non-running trucks or those exceeding standard dimensions are shipped on flat-rack containers with crane loading.

    Fleet Shipping

    Volume discounts available for businesses shipping multiple trucks or establishing regular shipping contracts.

    Full Customs Support

    We handle all export documentation, commercial invoices, and coordinate import clearance at the destination.

    Worldwide Coverage

    Regular sailings from Southampton, Tilbury, and other UK ports to destinations across Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and the Americas.

    How It Works

    01

    Details and Quote

    Provide your truck details including make, model, dimensions, and weight. We will recommend the best shipping method and provide pricing.

    02

    Collection

    We arrange collection from your premises or you deliver the truck to the departure port.

    03

    Port Processing

    Your truck is processed at the port, inspected, and prepared for loading onto the vessel.

    04

    Shipping

    Your truck sails to the destination port with full tracking and marine insurance coverage.

    05

    Destination Clearance

    We coordinate customs clearance and can arrange onward transport to the final delivery address.

    Indicative Pricing

    Prices are estimates for a standard car. Get an exact quote for your vehicle.

    Light Truck / Large Van (RORO)

    Up to 7.5 tonnes

    £1,500

    Rigid Truck (RORO)

    7.5 to 18 tonnes

    £2,500

    Articulated / Tractor Unit

    RORO or flat-rack

    £3,500

    Fleet (3+ vehicles)

    Contact us for fleet rates

    Discounted

    Transit Times & Indicative Prices

    Sample routes for truck shipping from UK ports. View full schedule.

    RouteMethodTransit (days)From
    Tilbury → LagosRoRo Hi-Heavy21 to 28£2,500
    Southampton → Jebel AliRoRo Hi-Heavy18 to 25£3,000
    Felixstowe → KarachiFlat-Rack 40ft28 to 35£3,500
    Tilbury → MombasaRoRo Hi-Heavy21 to 30£2,800
    Southampton → DurbanRoRo Hi-Heavy21 to 28£3,200

    Documents Required

    Paperwork our team prepares or collects for every truck 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 truck shipping.

    Rigid TrucksTractor UnitsTrailersTipper TrucksMixer TrucksRecovery TrucksRefrigerated TrucksCurtainsidersBox VansSkeletal TrailersLow-Loaders

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can I ship a truck with a trailer attached?
    Tractor units and trailers are typically shipped separately for safety and cost reasons. However, combined shipping can be arranged on certain RORO routes.
    What is the maximum size truck you can ship?
    We can ship trucks of virtually any size. Standard RORO vessels accommodate most commercial vehicles, whilst flat-rack and breakbulk methods cater for exceptional loads.
    How long does truck shipping take from the UK?
    Transit times depend on destination: Africa 14 to 28 days, Middle East 14 to 21 days, Asia 21 to 35 days. Port processing adds approximately 3 to 5 days.
    Do you offer regular shipping contracts for businesses?
    Yes. We work with dealerships, fleet operators, and exporters on regular shipping contracts with preferential rates and dedicated account management.
    How much does truck shipping cost from the UK?
    Light truck under 7.5t from £1,500, rigid 7.5 to 18t from £2,500, tractor unit from £3,500. Fleet rates for three or more vehicles.
    Can I ship a tractor and trailer together?
    Yes on certain RoRo routes; otherwise tractor and trailer ship separately for cost and safety. We advise per route.
    Can you ship a non-running truck?
    Yes. Non-runners load by crane onto flat-rack containers or breakbulk vessels with rigging and chain securing.
    How long does truck shipping take?
    Europe 5 to 14 days, West Africa 21 to 28 days, Middle East 18 to 25 days, Pakistan 28 to 35 days, Australia 35 to 45 days.
    Which UK ports do you ship trucks from?
    Southampton, Tilbury and London Gateway for RoRo; Felixstowe for flat-rack and breakbulk.
    Do you ship to West Africa regularly?
    Yes. Weekly RoRo and shared container consolidations to Lagos, Tema, Dakar, Abidjan and Cotonou.
    Can you handle fleet shipping contracts?
    Yes. Dealerships, hauliers and rental fleets receive consolidated rates, dedicated weekly slots and account management.
    What documents are required?
    V5C, photo ID, proof of address, commercial invoice. We file the export declaration, NOVA exit, V5C/4 and the bill of lading.
    Can you ship right-hand drive trucks to LHD markets?
    Yes. RHD acceptance varies by destination; some markets ban RHD trucks. We confirm rules before quoting.
    Is marine insurance included?
    Yes, all-risks marine cover to declared value. Enhanced cover for specialist trucks available on request.
    Can you ship a tipper truck or mixer?
    Yes. Tipper, mixer, recovery, refuse, fire and refrigerated trucks all ship via our commercial vehicle service.
    Do you offer pre-shipment inspection?
    Yes. Trade clients receive pre-shipment photographic inspection and condition report at our Bristol warehouse before loading.
    Can you ship trailers without the tractor?
    Yes. Standalone trailers (curtainsider, refrigerated, low-loader, skeletal) ship at per-unit rates from £1,800.
    What is the maximum truck size?
    Up to 26t rigid by RoRo, up to 44t tractor + trailer combined by flat-rack/breakbulk. Larger by special arrangement.
    Do you handle destination customs?
    Yes. Our trade broker network covers every major commercial port worldwide for full destination clearance.
    Can you ship refrigerated trucks?
    Yes. Reefer bodies ship powered-off with battery isolation. Active-cooled cargo can travel in plugged reefer containers.

    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.

    Entities & topics covered

    United KingdomHMRCDVLABIFAIMOPort of SouthamptonPort of TilburyLondon GatewayPort of FelixstowePort of BristolRoRo ShippingContainer ShippingCustoms ClearanceVehicle ExportMarine Cargo InsuranceHGVLGVFlat-Rack ContainerRoRo Hi-Heavy

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