How Long Does the Car Shipping Process Take? | GVE London – Blog

When it comes to exporting cars from the UK, or from anywhere in the world for that matter, timing counts. No deals nor transactions can be made with confidence without a proper time schedule of the product arriving at the buyer’s doorstep. Such is our modern world. The time shipping a car takes depends on several factors, including the destination, shipping method, and more. Let’s take a deeper look at them.

Preparing the Paperwork (1–2 Weeks)

The very first thing that takes up a ton of time is paperwork. Before a car even gets near a ship, there are a whole bunch of documents it needs. These vary greatly, as destination, type of vehicle, shipping method, etc., all make a difference. So, do check for that. Generally speaking, these include:

• V5C (Vehicle Registration Document)
• Bill of Sale
• Customs export declarations
• Proof of identity and ownership
• Import permits (depending on the destination country)

It’s best not to miss out on any paperwork, as that will only lead to delays, fines, or seizure of the car in worst-case scenarios. Some countries have stricter regulations than others. For instance, Australia requires vehicle import approval before shipping, while the UAE has a more straightforward process.

Read Also: The Role of Freight and Logistics in Luxury Car Export

Factors Affecting the Car Shipping Process

The shipping process is a long one, but let’s appreciate the fact that it is possible to literally ship a car across the oceans. The process is indeed far from perfect and hardly ever goes smoothly unless you’re a trade showroom that knows the entire process to a tee. Here are the factors included in the car shipping process that result in time adding up:

• Destination: Shipping a car within the UK is quicker than exporting it internationally. For example, sending a car to Europe might take 1–2 weeks, while shipping to the US or Asia could take 4–6 weeks.
• Shipping Method: Roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) is often faster and cheaper, taking 2–4 weeks for international routes. Container shipping, preferred for luxury cars, takes longer—around 4–8 weeks—but offers better protection. Air freight is the fastest, safest, and thus the most expensive option and is hardly ever used outside of special or rare cars.
• Customs Clearance: Customs, sometimes, is forgiving. Other times, especially with luxury car export, not so much. There are often strict requirements that must be adhered to, which causes delays; other times, it might be messed-up paperwork causing these delays.
• Distance and Route: Naturally, a longer distance means more travel time. Shipping from a supercar showroom in London to Dubai will take less time than to Australia. 

Here’s a quick little overview of how long exporting cars from the UK takes to other parts of the world:

• Europe – 1–2 weeks
• USA & Canada – 3–5 weeks
• Middle East – 3–4 weeks
• Australia & New Zealand – 5–6 weeks
• Asia (China, Japan, Singapore, etc.) – 4–5 weeks

Total Estimated Timeframe

So, to put it in a nutshell, how long would it take? Well, considering the base case scenario, wherein you opt for container ship shipping, we are working under the assumption that we’re dealing with luxury car exports, and RoRo isn’t a viable option for those. The average amount of time it would take would be around 10 weeks, and 12+ if there are delays with customs and paperwork. Expect this process to take longer if the destination country is far, requires special documentation, and has additional security measures.

Conclusion

Alas, we’re yet to reach the point wherein the car shipping process can be done overnight. As of right now, it can take anywhere from a few weeks to months, depending largely upon the destination and method of shipping. Luxury car exports cannot be rushed either—you’re, after all, dealing with an extremely valuable asset. If you’re buying from a trade showroom or supercar showroom, like GVE London, they’ll usually have systems in place to make the process smoother. But even in the best circumstances, expect at least 4–8 weeks from start to finish. Proper planning and working with experienced professionals can ensure your vehicle arrives safely and on time. 

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!