Car Shipping From Ireland

Moving abroad involves a long list of decisions, and for many people one of the biggest is what to do with their car.

Do you sell it before leaving Ireland, drive it to your destination, or arrange professional car shipping from Ireland?

If you know your vehicle, enjoy driving it and would prefer to keep it after relocating, international vehicle transport can be worth considering. The important part is understanding the transport options, destination requirements, documentation and costs before making the decision.

Get Cracking Relocations & Storage assists customers moving internationally and can discuss vehicle transport alongside a wider household relocation.

Planning to ship a vehicle abroad? Request a quotation from Get Cracking.

Car Shipping From Ireland: How Does It Work?

The most suitable method of shipping a vehicle depends on where it is going, the type and value of the vehicle, available shipping routes and whether you are moving household belongings at the same time.

Depending on the destination, vehicle transport may involve:

• Collection in Ireland
• Transport to the departure port or terminal
• Vehicle documentation
• Export or customs formalities where applicable
• Container shipping or Roll-on/Roll-off transport
• Arrival handling at destination
• Import customs procedures where applicable
• Vehicle registration requirements in the destination country
• Final collection or onward delivery where arranged

The process can therefore be considerably more involved than simply putting a car onto a ship.

Should You Ship Your Car When Moving Abroad?

Before arranging car shipping from Ireland, compare the cost and practicality of shipping your existing vehicle with selling it and purchasing another vehicle after you move.

Keeping your existing vehicle may make sense when:

• You already own a vehicle you want to keep
• The car has particular personal or financial value
• It is a classic, unusual or specialist vehicle
• A similar replacement would be difficult or expensive to obtain
• You are relocating permanently and want familiar transport on arrival

However, transport cost is only one part of the decision. Import taxes, registration fees, roadworthiness requirements, vehicle specifications and local rules can affect whether taking your car is worthwhile.

Container Shipping vs RoRo Car Shipping

Two methods commonly associated with international vehicle shipping are container shipping and Roll-on/Roll-off, or RoRo.

The availability of either option depends on the destination and shipping route.

Shipping a Car in a Container

With container transport, the vehicle is loaded and secured inside a shipping container.

A container provides an enclosed transport environment and may be particularly attractive for customers shipping a higher-value, classic or specialist vehicle.

Container shipping may also be useful where vehicle transport forms part of a wider international household relocation.

Depending on the shipment and destination requirements, household belongings and a vehicle may sometimes be planned as part of the same international move. This must be agreed in advance because customs and shipping rules vary considerably between destinations.

Learn more about international car shipping with Get Cracking.

What Is RoRo Car Shipping?

RoRo means Roll-on/Roll-off.

Rather than being loaded inside a shipping container, the vehicle is driven onto a specialist vessel, secured for the sea journey and driven off at the destination port.

RoRo can be a cost-effective vehicle transport option on suitable routes, but it is not available between every origin and destination.

The vehicle will generally need to be operational so it can be moved during the loading and unloading process.

Before choosing between container and RoRo transport, compare the available route, transit arrangements, vehicle value and destination requirements rather than assuming one option will always be cheaper or better.

What Documents Are Needed to Ship a Car From Ireland?

The documents required depend on the destination, shipping method and circumstances of the vehicle owner.

You may be asked to provide documents such as:

• Vehicle registration documentation
• Proof of ownership
• Identification
• Proof of residence or destination address
• Purchase documentation where relevant
• Shipping documents
• Customs forms where required
• Additional documents required by the destination country

Do not wait until the vehicle is ready to leave Ireland before checking the documentation.

For international moves, documentation should form part of the planning process from the beginning.

Customs When Shipping a Car From Ireland

Customs requirements depend heavily on where the vehicle is going.

Moving a vehicle within the European Union can be different from exporting a vehicle to the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Australia or another country outside the EU.

Whether duties or taxes apply can depend on factors including:

• The destination country
• Your residency status
• Why the vehicle is being imported
• How long you have owned or used the vehicle
• The vehicle’s age and value
• Whether you qualify for a relocation or Transfer of Residence relief
• Whether the vehicle was previously registered in the destination country

There is no single international rule that applies to every customer.

Read more about customs and international removals.

Shipping a Car From Ireland to the UK

Vehicle movements from Ireland to the UK require particular attention because the rules depend on whether the vehicle is entering Great Britain or Northern Ireland and on the circumstances of the move.

For a permanent import into Great Britain, UK authorities may require an import declaration, notification to HM Revenue & Customs, payment of any VAT or customs duty that applies, vehicle approval and registration with the DVLA.

Customers moving permanently may be eligible for relief in certain circumstances, but eligibility should be confirmed rather than assumed.

Current information is available from the UK Government guidance on importing vehicles.

Because customs and registration requirements can change, confirm the rules applicable to your own vehicle before shipping.

Shipping a Car From Ireland to Europe

Vehicle transport between Ireland and continental Europe may be arranged by road, ferry or a combination of transport methods depending on the destination.

Popular relocation destinations include:

• France
• Germany
• Spain
• Portugal
• Italy
• Netherlands
• Belgium
• Switzerland
• Austria
• Denmark
• Sweden

EU destinations and non-EU European countries should not be treated as identical from a customs perspective.

For example, Switzerland is outside the European Union and will have different import procedures from France or Germany.

If your vehicle is travelling as part of a household relocation, tell Get Cracking when requesting your international moving quotation.

See our international and worldwide relocation services.

Shipping a Car From Ireland to the USA

Shipping a vehicle from Ireland to the United States involves additional import and regulatory requirements.

The suitability of importing the vehicle should be investigated before booking transport because US vehicle standards, customs requirements and registration rules may affect whether a particular vehicle can be imported and used.

Container shipping is one transport option that may be considered for transatlantic vehicle movements.

If you are also moving household belongings, tell your international mover about the vehicle from the beginning so the overall shipment can be planned appropriately.

Learn more about moving from Ireland to the USA.

Shipping Cars to Canada, Australia and Other Destinations

International car shipping is not limited to Europe, the UK or the USA.

Vehicles can potentially be transported to destinations further overseas, but the import requirements can become more complex.

Countries may have rules relating to:

• Vehicle age
• Vehicle specification
• Emissions
• Safety standards
• Vehicle cleanliness
• Import approval
• Taxes and duties
• Registration

Always investigate whether the vehicle is eligible for import before committing to international shipping.

How to Prepare Your Car for International Shipping

The exact preparation requirements depend on the carrier and transport method, but customers should generally ensure that the vehicle is ready for inspection and movement.

Before collection or delivery to the shipping point:

• Remove unnecessary personal belongings
• Check the vehicle for existing damage
• Take clear photographs of the vehicle
• Keep copies of the vehicle documents
• Remove loose items
• Ensure the vehicle is accessible
• Tell the mover about alarms, immobilisers or unusual operating procedures
• Confirm any fuel-level requirements
• Confirm whether the vehicle needs to be clean

Do not make assumptions about what can remain inside the vehicle. Ask before loading personal belongings into a car that will be shipped internationally.

Can You Put Personal Belongings Inside a Car Being Shipped?

This depends on the shipping method, carrier and destination customs requirements.

Do not assume that a vehicle can simply be filled with boxes and personal possessions.

Some transport arrangements may restrict or prohibit personal belongings inside vehicles, while other containerised shipments may allow different arrangements where these have been declared and agreed.

If you are shipping household belongings as well as your car, provide the mover with a complete picture of what needs to travel.

Shipping Classic, Vintage and High-Value Cars

A classic or particularly valuable vehicle deserves additional planning.

Consider:

• The transport method
• Vehicle handling
• Enclosed versus open transport stages
• Collection and delivery access
• Vehicle documentation
• Photographic condition records
• Any specialist requirements

Container transport may be preferred for some high-value vehicles because the car travels within an enclosed shipping container, although the appropriate solution depends on the route and individual vehicle.

Tell Get Cracking about any unusual or particularly valuable vehicle at quotation stage.

Can Motorcycles and Other Vehicles Be Shipped?

International vehicle transport is not limited to standard passenger cars.

Depending on the route and transport arrangements, customers may also need to move:

• Motorcycles
• Scooters
• Vans
• Classic vehicles
• Specialist vehicles

The dimensions, weight, condition and documentation of the vehicle can all affect the transport plan.

Can a Car Be Shipped With Your Household Move?

Yes, vehicle shipping may form part of a wider international relocation.

This can be particularly useful when you need one company to coordinate several elements of the move rather than arranging the household shipment and vehicle completely separately.

Your relocation may involve:

• Professional packing
• Household goods collection
• Temporary storage
• Vehicle transport
• Container shipping
• Customs documentation
• Destination coordination

Learn more about professional packing and storage services.

How Much Does Car Shipping From Ireland Cost?

There is no single price for car shipping from Ireland.

The cost depends on several factors, including:

• Destination
• Departure and arrival ports
• Vehicle dimensions
• Vehicle type
• Container or RoRo transport
• Collection location in Ireland
• Onward destination delivery
• Current freight rates
• Port and terminal charges
• Customs requirements
• Additional services required

Import taxes, registration charges and other destination costs may be separate from the actual transport price.

For this reason, compare quotations carefully and ask exactly which elements are included.

Why Car Shipping Prices Can Change

International freight prices are not fixed permanently.

Shipping schedules, fuel costs, route availability, port charges, container availability and other operational factors can affect the price of moving a vehicle.

A quotation obtained months before the intended shipment may therefore need to be reconfirmed closer to the booking date.

Choosing a Car Shipping Company in Ireland

Your vehicle may be one of the highest-value individual items involved in your relocation, so choosing a transport provider should involve more than comparing the lowest price.

Ask potential providers:

• Which transport method will be used?
• Which port will the vehicle depart from?
• What destination services are included?
• Who handles customs documentation?
• Which charges are included in the quotation?
• Are there potential destination or port charges?
• Can the vehicle travel with a household relocation?
• What documents are required?
• How should the vehicle be prepared?
• What happens if the shipping schedule changes?

A professional international mover should explain the proposed route and responsibilities clearly before the shipment begins.

Professional International Moving Standards

When an international vehicle shipment is part of a household relocation, it is also worth considering the moving company’s wider international experience and professional credentials.

FIDI Accredited International Mover

Get Cracking is a FIDI-FAIM Accredited International Mover.

International Association of Movers

Get Cracking is also a member of the International Association of Movers (IAM).

FEDEMAC

Get Cracking is a FEDEMAC Commercial Member.

British Association of Removers

Get Cracking is also a member of the British Association of Removers (BAR).

Frequently Asked Questions About Car Shipping From Ireland

Can I Ship My Car From Ireland When I Move Abroad?

Yes. Vehicle shipping can be arranged as a standalone requirement or as part of a wider international relocation, depending on the destination and available transport services.

Is Container Shipping Better Than RoRo?

Neither method is automatically better for every shipment. Container transport provides an enclosed environment, while RoRo can be a practical and cost-effective option on suitable routes. The appropriate option depends on the vehicle, destination, route and your priorities.

Can I Put Boxes Inside My Car When Shipping It?

Do not assume this is permitted. Rules vary according to the shipping method, carrier and destination customs requirements. Ask before placing personal belongings inside a vehicle.

Do I Have to Pay Customs Duty on My Car?

Possibly. Customs duty, VAT or other taxes depend on the destination, your circumstances, the vehicle and any relief for which you qualify. Confirm the applicable rules before shipping.

Can I Ship a Classic Car From Ireland?

Potentially, yes. Classic and high-value vehicles may require additional planning, and container transport may be worth considering depending on the route and vehicle.

Can Get Cracking Ship My Household Belongings as Well?

Yes. Get Cracking provides international household relocation services including packing, storage and international transport. Tell the team about the vehicle when requesting your quotation so the overall move can be considered together.

How Long Does International Car Shipping Take?

Transit time depends on the destination, transport method, vessel or road schedule, port arrangements and customs clearance. Ask for an estimated transit time for your particular route rather than relying on a general shipping time.

Get a Car Shipping From Ireland Quote

International vehicle transport is easier to plan when the destination, vehicle details and wider relocation requirements are known from the beginning.

When requesting a quotation, provide:

• Collection location
• Destination country and city
• Vehicle make and model
• Vehicle dimensions where requested
• Whether the vehicle is operational
• Your preferred moving date
• Whether household belongings are also being moved

Planning international car shipping from Ireland? Contact Get Cracking Relocations & Storage to discuss your vehicle and international moving requirements.

Get a Car Shipping Quote