Are you preparing for a PCS (Permanent Change of Station) move from the UK to the USA? With so much to organize—housing, paperwork, family logistics—it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But don’t worry shipping your car doesn’t have to be one of the stressful parts.
If bringing your vehicle with you is part of the plan, here’s everything you need to know about vehicle transport from the UK to the USA—especially if you’re looking to ship a car safely and efficiently.
Why Ship Your Car?
Choosing to ship a car to the U.S. can be more convenient (and often more cost-effective) than buying one once you arrive. If your vehicle is paid off, well-maintained, or has sentimental value, bringing it along makes sense. For military personnel and government employees, many PCS orders even include an entitlement to ship one privately owned vehicle (POV).
Step-by-Step Guide to Vehicle Transport from the UK to the USA
- Choose the Right Shipping Method
You typically have two main options when arranging vehicle transport:
- Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo): Your car is driven onto the ship and secured in a designated area. It’s one of the most affordable ways to ship a car, but personal belongings can’t be left inside.
- Container Shipping: Your car is loaded into a secure container—either individually or with other vehicles. This option offers added protection.
- Prepare Your Vehicle for Shipping
Before you ship a car internationally, ensure it’s ready for the journey:
- Clean the car thoroughly, inside and out.
- Remove all personal items
- Fuel should be no more than ¼ of the tank.
- Disable any alarms or electronic security systems.
- Ensure its drivable/working order
- Provide Required Documents
Whether you’re looking to ship a car or import a car to the U.S., you’ll need:
- A copy of your passport or government/military ID
- Vehicle registration documents
- Proof of ownership (V5C, title, purchase invoice, or bill of sale)
- PCS orders (if applicable)
- Understand U.S. Import Rules
To legally import a car into the U.S., the vehicle must be at least 25 years old if it does not conform to U.S. safety and emission standards—this applies to classic or non-conforming vehicles without modifications.
- Choose Your Destination Port Wisely
When you ship a car from the UK to the USA, you can select from several major ports:
- New York
- Baltimore
- Houston
- Jacksonville
- Los Angeles
Your destination port often depends on your final U.S. location and whether you want onward transport arranged.
- Don’t Forget Marine Insurance
While optional, we strongly recommend marine insurance when you ship a car overseas. It covers your vehicle in case of damage or loss during the journey—providing much-needed peace of mind during your PCS move.
How Long Does Vehicle Transport Take?
Typical timelines for shipping a car from the UK to the USA are:
- RoRo: 3–5 weeks
- Container shipping: 4–6 weeks
Ready to Ship Your Car?
At Trans Global Logistics UK Limited, we specialize in helping military families, expats, and professionals ship a car from the UK to the USA and other countries with ease. Our experienced team will walk you through every step—from paperwork to customs clearance to final delivery.
Contact us today for a personalized quote and expert advice on how to import a car with confidence.
Trans Global Logistics UK Limited, International Shipping & Logistics Company with 30 years of experience, will be able to offers several services for your Vehicle Transport / Customs Clearance / Import and UK Vehicle Registration to confidently support your shipment in either Import or Export for any type of equipment.
Contact us at Trans Global Logistics UK Limited – bizdev@tglog.co.uk – phone 07833 410 281 www.tglog.co.uk