How to Export Vehicles Safely From the UK

If you’re looking to sell either vehicles or vehicle-related services overseas, then there may be a number of complications and difficulties you’ll need to navigate. The same goes if you’re shipping a vehicle to a foreign country for your own purposes.

A car is a valuable and potentially delicate asset, so it’s essential that you ship it in the right way – and that you remain on the right side of any relevant law while doing so.

Preparing the Vehicle

Step one should be to ensure that the vehicle is in a fit state to ship. This might be particularly important if you’re selling a used vehicle – but it’s still worth doing even if the vehicle is fresh from the factory floor.

Make sure that the vehicle is in perfect working order, and that it’s been cleaned inside and out. Make sure that all areas are inspected to ensure that no belongings have been left inside. If there is any damage to the vehicle, make sure that you make a note of it before you ship – that way, if damage is noted on the other end, you’ll know whether or not it occurred during shipping.

Finally, it’s good practice to keep some fuel in the tank. Fill it to around the one-quarter mark.

Understanding export regulations

Before you export, you’ll need to notify the DVLA and make the necessary changes to the logbook. This means filling in the V5C/4 section. If you’re moving abroad, you’ll want to notify the DVLA of your new address. Then, you’ll get a V561 – which is a certificate of permanent export.

This is unless you’re exporting the vehicle for less than twelve months, in which case you’ll just need to take the V5C logbook with you.

Sorting out the shipping

The safest and most secure way to ship a car is inside a shipping container. This will protect it while it’s in transit. For high-value cars, air freight might be a worthwhile alternative – but bear in mind you’ll need to pay a premium for this service.

Finally, there are import duties to consider. These will vary depending on where in the world you’re shipping to.

Monitor the shipment

Nowadays, it’s possible to track a particular shipment throughout the journey. As such, you’ll be able to enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing things are moving forward, and you’ll be able to reassure interested parties, like clients and customers. Once you know exactly when the vehicle is going to arrive, you can arrange the handover.