Choose the Right Shipping Method for Exporting Cars to Malaysia | GVE London – Blog

Shipping a car from the UK to Malaysia is quite a task. Unfortunately, there is indeed a wrong shipping method for sending a car over. There are many things one must consider. In this article, we’ll talk about that so you can choose the best transport option that ensures your vehicle arrives safely, efficiently, and without unexpected costs.

Understanding Your Shipping Options

When it comes to luxury car export, there are only two viable shipping options: container shipping and air freight. There is also Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo), though it isn’t always preferred by supercar showrooms that deal with exports because, well, let’s find out:

Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) Shipping

RoRo shipping is one of the most common methods for exporting cars from the UK to any other country in the world. Here, a vehicle is driven onto a vessel, securely parked, and then it’s smooth sailing. It is cheap, has a straightforward process, and accommodates schedules. So, what’s the catch? Well, it leaves your car exposed to the elements, which can result in damage. That is primarily why it isn’t used for high-end models.

Container Shipping

If you’re looking to export luxury cars to Malaysia, container shipping is your best bet. Here, vehicles are loaded into a secure container, which shields them from weather and potential damage. This container can also be climate-controlled for an extra fee and has plenty of space for other things such as spare parts or personal belongings. The only drawback here—and no, it’s not just that it’s more expensive than RoRo shipping—is that loading, securing, and unloading add to shipping time, and schedules aren’t as frequent.

Air Freight Shipping

This is the fastest, most secure method for getting a car from the UK to Malaysia, but it is also the most expensive. Vehicles are flown in a cargo plane, which naturally reduces the shipping time massively—and increases the cost, again, massively. Air freight schedules aren’t as accommodating either, so they are usually reserved for collectors, racing teams, or businesses that need an immediate vehicle transfer.

Read Also: Avoiding Common Pitfalls in Malaysia Luxury Car Exporting

Key Factors to Consider Before Choosing a Shipping Method

1. Budget: The biggest factor with shipping is usually the budget. However, we urge you to consider your vehicle type before determining the shipping method. For example, while RoRo is the cheapest, it isn’t always ideal for an expensive vehicle. A £200,000 supercar should not be exposed to harsh conditions during transit, after all.

2. Vehicle Type & Value: Similar to the point above, the value and type of vehicle really make a difference. For ultra-rare models, air freight is recommended, but for standard luxury vehicles, container shipping is the way to go—or RoRo if you’re okay with the risks.

3. Timeframe: Time is money, and if time is a major concern, air freight is realistically the only fast option left. Shipping via sea is significantly cheaper but will always take much longer.

4. Insurance & Safety: Make sure your shipment is fully insured. Some methods offer more security than others. Container and air freight provide added protection, while RoRo requires additional precautions like a comprehensive insurance policy.

Conclusion

For exporting luxury cars to Malaysia, never compromise on protection because that can end up costing far more in the long run. The extra cost of enclosed container shipping is justified for vehicles worth £50,000+. If you’re looking to purchase cars from the UK but don’t want to personally go through the struggles of arranging shipments, contact us here at GVE London. We’re a supercar showroom dealing only in high-end vehicles. We’ll ensure that you get your dream car, legally and safely. Furthermore, being enthusiasts, we not only perform the usual repairs and service but can work on customisation, modifications and detailing as well. To know more, hop on a call with us today!