What Is the Right Shipping Method for Exporting Cars to Sri Lanka? | GVE London – Blog

With various shipping options available, we often find those exporting cars from the UK to Sri Lanka in a peril, undecided on which shipping method to pick. Alas, it isn’t as simple as saying, “They’re all just ships; they’re all the same.” Depending on which car you’re exporting, you really don’t want to risk it getting damaged in transit. So, choosing the right shipping method is important for safety, cost, and efficiency. In this blog post, we’ll break down the options available to us.

Best Shipping Methods for Exporting Cars to Sri Lanka

We’re not going to focus on the regulations and paperwork in this blog post. So, working under the assumption that all of that is sorted out, the next step is choosing a shipping method. Here are the options we’ve got, along with their pros and cons:

1. Container Shipping (Best for Luxury Cars & High-Value Vehicles)

For those looking to export luxury cars to Sri Lanka, container shipping is arguably the safest method. It is often used for transporting high-end vehicles, where they are securely packed inside a 20ft or 40ft shipping container, protecting them from external damage.

Pros:

• The large metal container protects your car from theft and weather and can even be climate-controlled for an extra charge.
• The container is spacious enough to add personal items or spare parts.
• It is often recommended by supercar showrooms and trade showrooms.

Cons:

• It is expensive compared to our second option on this list.
• Not a major issue worldwide, but at Sri Lankan ports, container clearance requires additional paperwork.

2. Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) Shipping (Best for Standard Cars)

RoRo ships are massive vessels onto which vehicles are driven, secured on deck, and then unloaded at their destination. This method is very common and often used for transporting vehicles in bulk at an affordable rate.

Pros:

• It is cost-effective and fairly easy to secure a spot.
• Both loading and unloading times are relatively quick.

Cons:

• Your car is exposed to weather conditions, increasing the risk of minor damage.
• No space for additional cargo and no climate control.
• Not recommended for luxury car exports by any reputable trade showroom.

Read Also: Shipping Cars Overseas from the UK: Costs and Options Explained

3. Air Freight (Fastest & Most Expensive Option)

If you need a car to reach Sri Lanka as quickly and safely as possible, your best bet is air freight. This method is mostly used for extremely rare and special cars or for urgent deliveries. Here, the car is transported on a cargo plane instead of by sea.

Pros:

• It is by far the fastest method, as it bypasses port delays.
• The cars are not exposed to the environment and are highly secured.

Cons:

• The cost is by far the biggest downside. It is only reserved for extremely valuable cars, as air freight costs for standard vehicles would exceed the car’s value itself.
• Limited availability, as not all airports accommodate car imports.

Additional Costs to Consider

Aside from shipping costs, importing cars to Sri Lanka comes with high taxes and duties. Fees depend on the engine size, fuel type, and total vehicle value. Expect to pay:

• Customs Duty – Charged based on engine capacity.
• Excise Duty – Applied to all vehicle imports.
• Luxury Tax – If the car is classified as a luxury model.
• Sales Tax & Registration Fees – Additional charges before the car is road-legal.

These costs can significantly increase the final price of the car, so always calculate the total cost before shipping.

Conclusion

Exporting cars from the UK to Sri Lanka is indeed quite challenging, but no good thing ever comes easy. However, with experience, the process and selecting the right shipping method become second nature. If you’d like professional assistance, our supercar showroom, GVE London, located in West London, can use its expertise to lend you a hand. We deal with everything automotive—from sales and purchases to repairs and modifications—all under one massive facility. Give us a call today or visit us to learn more!