【Shipping Car to UK】Car shipping Guidelines to UK

Immigration has become a trend, but for car owners, giving up their beloved vehicles is a difficult choice. This article will point out the methods and related information for shipping car to the UK. When considering whether to transport your car, factors such as whether the UK market will accept your car model, car depreciation, and whether your car is suitable for use on UK roads need to be taken into account. FreightAmigo is a company that provides car transport services.

Author Name: Emma Hau – Marketing Analyst at FreightAmigo

Factors to consider when shipping car to the UK:

UK used car market:

Consider whether your car model has demand and is accepted in the UK market. If it is a more common and popular car model, it is easier to sell in the UK second-hand market.

Car depreciation:

Cars will have certain depreciation during transportation and use, so the impact of factors such as the age and mileage of the vehicle on its value needs to be considered. If the car has been heavily used or is older, it may affect the second-hand market value of the car.

Whether the car is suitable for use on foreign roads:

Consider whether the car model and configuration are suitable for use on UK roads. For example, the driving direction in the UK is opposite to that of Hong Kong, so it is necessary to ensure that the steering wheel position and other configurations of the car comply with UK road regulations. In addition, it is also necessary to consider whether the mechanical and electrical systems of the car comply with UK requirements.

 

Transportation methods and prices for shipping car to the UK:

There are two ways to transport your car to the UK: shipping and air transportation. Shipping is the more commonly used method, and generally involves transporting the car to the Hong Kong port and then shipping it to a UK port. Air transportation is a faster but more expensive method, allowing the car to be transported directly to a UK airport.

The specific transportation cost will vary based on factors such as the car model, weight, origin, destination, and transportation method. Generally, FreightAmigo offers door-to-door car transportation for only HKD 57,888, but the specific cost will depend on different situations. Transportation costs also need to take into account customs duties and other related fees such as insurance and handling fees.

It should be noted that when transporting your car to the UK, customs clearance procedures need to be carried out, including paying tariffs and value-added tax (VAT) fees. Therefore, when choosing the transportation method and calculating the cost, all the expenses and procedures of the entire transportation process need to be taken into account.

FreightAmigo’s vehicle transportation service :

The service includes
  • 20HQ container service
  • Cargo insurance
  • UK exclusive warehouse for vehicle inspection and registration
  • UK modification and mileage conversion
  • MOT test for UK roadworthiness
  • UK IVA test
  • 6 months UK road tax
  • UK license plate application and installation
  • All administrative fees for customs clearance, registration, and inspection

FreightAmigo offers flexible freight solutions to meet customer needs. In this case, all packaging and loading procedures are completed within the restricted area of Hong Kong International Airport. We use eight cargo straps to securely fasten the vehicle to a 16-foot unit load device (ULD). By stabilizing the wheels, any damage caused by bumps during transportation can be avoided.

We digitize the entire logistics process, and customers only need to fill out the necessary basic information, and the FreightAmigo team will complete all the air transport documents required to leave Hong Kong. This ensures that delivery is carried out according to plan and eliminates delays caused by missing information or document errors.

FreightAmigo has a 24/7 professional logistics customer service team on standby, ready to solve any potential shipping-related problems or questions.

Requirements for shipping car to the UK:

Transfer of Residence (TOR) eligibility for tax-free entry:

To transport a vehicle to the UK tax-free, you need to be eligible for the Transfer of Residence (TOR) scheme. Specifically, you need to meet the following conditions:

  • Immigrate to the UK: The applicant must hold a valid UK residency permit and plan to live in the UK for a long time.
  • Own the vehicle for more than 12 months: The applicant must have owned the vehicle for at least 12 months before immigration, and transport the vehicle within 6 months after immigration.
  • Vehicle meets UK standards: The applicant needs to ensure that the vehicle meets UK safety and environmental standards and can legally drive in the UK.
  • Do not sell the vehicle: The applicant must commit not to sell the vehicle within 12 months after transporting the vehicle tax-free to the UK.

Documents required for applying to car shipping :

  • Hong Kong vehicle registration documents, including the owner’s name, address, vehicle modelidentification number, and engine number.
  • Hong Kong vehicle insurance for the past 6 months.
  • Proof of address in Hong Kong for the past 12 months, such as utility bills or lease agreements.
  • Proof of address in the UK if the applicant already lives in the UK.
  • Passport as proof of identity.

Car Shipment Procedures

Step 1: Document Preparation

Clients who arrange overseas car shipment with FreightAmigo should prepare documents ahead.  This includs vehicle registration document for verifying registered owner of the vehicle.

Furthermore, clients should prepare document for export declaration.  They are required to lodge accurate and complete the declarations forms within 14 days after the exportation.

Clients is also required to facilitate customs clearance by preparing the following documents:

  • Manifests
  • Import / export license
  • Bill of lading
  • Packing list

Supercar Delivery To Hong Kong Port

 

Car shipment - 8million supercar shipment from HK to Australia in 12 Days

Step 2: Freight Solution Selection

For every car shipment case, it is necessary to evaluate the length of the vehicle before making freight recommendation.  In this case, we propose FCL (Full Container Load) as the cargo loads are large enough to fill a 40’ shipping container.

Value of goods is also another consideration when selecting freight solution.  Since these supercars worth around 8 million, FreightAmigo selected the sealed container for our client.  It is more appropriate for carrying expensive cars, ensuring safety and protect clients’ privacy.

One Of The Supercars Are Loaded Into The Sealed Container

 

Car shipment - 8million supercar shipment from HK to Australia in 12 Days

Step 3: Professional Packaging Service

Before overseas car shipment, client is required to drain the fuel tank or disconnect the battery before loading the vehicle into the container.  FreightAmigo will then perform professional packaging service for car shipment. This include protecting the vehicle with sling straps and stabilizing the car wheels.  These procedures are necessary to avoid any damages caused by a bumpy freight journey.

With FreightAmigo’s solution, two supercars arrived in Australia after 12 days!

Secure Your Car Before Shipment!

 

Car shipment - 8million supercar shipment from HK to Australia in 12 Days

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for Transporting Vehicles to the UK

  • Do I need to pay taxes when immigrating and transporting my vehicle to the UK?

If you qualify for the Transfer of Residence (TOR) scheme, you may transport your vehicle to the UK free of tax. However, you may need to pay other related fees during the transportation process, such as customs duty, value-added tax (VAT), insurance, and handling fees.

  • How much does it cost to transport a vehicle to the UK?

The specific cost will vary based on factors such as the vehicle model, weight, origin, destination, and transportation method. Generally, logistics companies that provide door-to-door transportation services charge around HKD 57,888. However, you also need to consider other related fees, such as customs duty, VAT, insurance, and handling fees.

When transporting a vehicle to the UK, you need to purchase shipping insurance and UK car insurance. The specific cost will vary based on factors such as the vehicle model, value, and transportation method. It is recommended to compare quotes from multiple insurance companies to choose the most suitable insurance plan for you.

There are different options for cargo transportation. If you want to choose the most convenient and suitable solution, it is best to have the full support of logistics experts! If you are planning to ship goods overseas, please go to the FreightAmigo page for inquiries.

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If you have any inquiries on logistics/supply chain, feel free to contact FreightAmigo now:
Chat with us online OR
Phone : +852 28121686
WhatsApp: +852 27467829

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