Container shipping transports vehicles inside a sealed steel container rather than driven onto an open deck, offering full enclosure and protection during transit. It costs more than RORO — typically £1,200–£5,000+ — but is the required method for non-running, classic, modified, or high-value vehicles.

What Is Container Shipping?

Container shipping is a method of transporting vehicles by loading them into a standard steel shipping container, which is then craned onto a cargo vessel alongside thousands of other containers. Unlike RORO, the vehicle never touches the open deck and is completely enclosed for the entire voyage.

Containers come in standard sizes — most commonly 20ft and 40ft — and can carry one vehicle exclusively or be shared between multiple vehicles or mixed cargo.

How Does Container Shipping Work?

Container shipping for vehicles follows this process:

1. Vehicle preparation — the car is cleaned, inspected, and photographed for condition records.
2. Loading — the vehicle is driven or winched into the container and secured using wheel straps or chocks to prevent movement.
3. Sealing — the container is closed and sealed with a tamper-evident numbered seal.
4. Port transfer — the sealed container is transported to the port and craned onto the vessel.
5. Ocean transit — the container travels as standard cargo, stacked with others on the vessel.
6. Discharge and customs — at the destination, the container is craned off, cleared through customs, and unsealed for vehicle collection.

Because the vehicle is untouched by handlers after loading and remains sealed throughout transit, container shipping offers the highest level of security and protection available for international vehicle transport.

How Much Does Container Shipping Cost?

Container shipping typically costs between £1,200 and £5,000+, depending on whether the container is shared or exclusive, the route, and the vehicle's size and value.

Sharing a container reduces cost but extends transit time slightly, since the vessel may wait for the container to be fully loaded before departure.

When Should You Choose Container Over RORO Shipping?

Container shipping is the required option when a vehicle cannot be driven, is highly modified, or carries significant value that justifies full enclosure. RORO remains cheaper for standard, roadworthy vehicles with no special handling needs.

Choose container shipping when:

• The vehicle is a non-runner or has mechanical issues
• It's a classic, vintage, or restored vehicle
• It's a high-value luxury or exotic car
• The vehicle has non-standard modifications (wide body kits, low ground clearance)
• You want to ship personal belongings alongside the vehicle (carrier-dependent)
• Maximum protection from weather and handling matters more than cost

Is Container Shipping Safer Than RORO?

Yes — container shipping provides significantly more protection than RORO, since the vehicle is sealed inside a locked unit and never exposed to weather, salt air, or open-deck handling during the voyage. This makes it the preferred method for high-value or delicate vehicles.

The trade-off is cost and, in the case of shared containers, marginally longer scheduling windows while the container is consolidated with other shipments.

What Documents Are Needed for Container Shipping?

Container shipping requires the same core documents as other shipping methods — ownership proof, registration, and export/import declarations — plus a packing list if shipping personal items alongside the vehicle.

Typical requirements:

• Proof of ownership or bill of sale
• Registration document (V5C or equivalent)
• Passport/ID of the vehicle owner
• Export declaration and customs paperwork
• Container packing list (if personal items are included)
• Marine insurance certificate

Always confirm with your carrier whether personal belongings are permitted inside the container, as customs rules differ significantly by destination country.

How Long Does Container Shipping Take?

Transit time is similar to RORO but can vary based on whether the container is shared or exclusive.

Shared containers may add 3–7 days at origin while the container is consolidated with other shipments before departure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I ship a non-running car in a container?
Yes — container shipping is the standard method for non-running vehicles, since they can be winched or towed in without needing to be driven.

Is a shared container safe for my vehicle?
Yes, when properly secured, each vehicle in a shared container is independently strapped and separated to prevent contact during transit.

Can I put personal belongings in the container with my car?
Sometimes — this depends on the carrier and destination country's customs rules, as some countries restrict or tax personal goods shipped this way.

Is container shipping worth the extra cost?
For classic, luxury, high-value, or non-running vehicles, yes — the added protection and security typically outweighs the price difference over RORO.

How do I know my container hasn't been opened during transit?
Reputable carriers use a numbered tamper-evident seal recorded at loading, which you can verify against the seal number at destination before accepting delivery.