Trusted Enclosed Car Shipping Services From The UK
Ascope Shipping enclosed car shipping services are built for one purpose: delivering your vehicle exactly as it left you. No scratches. No weather damage. No stress. With 15 years of experience shipping vehicles from UK ports to destinations worldwide, we know what it takes to move a prized car safely. Whether you own a Rolls-Royce, a vintage Ferrari, a modern electric vehicle, or a non-runner headed for restoration, our enclosed car transport is the gold standard of vehicle protection. If you are shipping a specific luxury brand, see our luxury car shipping page. If your vehicle is a classic or vintage model needing UK-domestic collection, see our classic car transport page.
What Are Enclosed Car Shipping Services?
Enclosed car shipping means your vehicle travels inside a fully covered, hard-sided transporter completely sealed from road debris, harsh weather, salt air, and prying eyes.
Unlike open transport, where cars sit exposed on a multi-deck carrier, enclosed vehicle shipping surrounds your car on all sides. It is the preferred choice for:
- Luxury and prestige vehicles
- Classic and vintage cars
- Supercars and hypercars
- Electric vehicles (EVs)
- Non-running or restoration vehicles
- High-value, collector, and rare cars
Why Choose Ascope Shipping for Enclosed Car Shipping?
We are a UK-registered shipping agent (Company No. 08560381) based at One Business Village, Hull, one of the UK’s most active international ports. For over 15 years, we have built a reputation for doing things properly.
Here is what sets us apart:
- Real experience. Over 15 years of hands-on enclosed vehicle shipping across dozens of international routes. We have handled everything from classic Jaguar E-Types to modern McLarens.
- UK-wide collection. We collect directly from your home or business anywhere in the UK and transport your vehicle safely to the departure port.
- Full documentation support. From Bill of Lading and HMRC vehicle export forms to customs clearance and DVLA deregistration (where required), our team manages every piece of paperwork.
- No hidden fees. The price we quote is the price you pay. Transparent pricing with no last-minute surprises.
- GPS-tracked shipments. Every enclosed car shipment we handle is trackable in real time, giving you full visibility from collection to delivery.
- Verified Trustpilot and Google reviews. Hundreds of real customer reviews are available for you to read before you book.
Our Enclosed Car Shipping Services
Luxury Car Enclosed Shipping
Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Mercedes-Maybach, Porsche, and Aston Martin. These vehicles deserve more than an open trailer. Our luxury car enclosed shipping service uses padded interiors, soft-tie systems, and air-suspension transporters to ensure your car arrives in showroom condition. See our luxury car shipping page for our full brand-by-brand breakdown.
Classic Car Enclosed Shipping
Classic and vintage cars are irreplaceable. Original paintwork, chrome trim, and period-correct interiors need complete protection from road salt, UV rays, and moisture. Our enclosed car shipping for classic cars is specifically designed to handle these vehicles with the delicacy they deserve. See our classic car transport page for UK-domestic collection and auction delivery options.
Supercar & Hypercar Enclosed Transport
Low ground clearance is a real challenge for many supercars. Our enclosed transporters are equipped with hydraulic liftgates and low-angle ramps, with no scraping and no stress. If you own a Lamborghini, Ferrari, McLaren, or Bugatti, this is the only safe way to move it.
Electric Vehicle Enclosed Shipping
EV transport requires specialised handling. Battery state, charging requirements, and the vehicle’s weight all need to be managed correctly. Our enclosed EV transport service accounts for all of this, with trained handlers who understand electric vehicle logistics in and out of the UK. See our electric and hybrid car shipping page for battery compliance requirements.
Non-Running Car Enclosed Shipping
Got a restoration project or a vehicle that will not start? No problem. Our team uses winches and hydraulic lift equipment to load non-runners safely into enclosed transporters. Enclosed car shipping for non-running cars is a service we handle regularly from Hull, Southampton, and London.
Multi-Car Enclosed Shipping
Moving more than one vehicle? Our multi-car enclosed shipping option lets you send multiple cars in a single shipment, a practical, cost-effective solution for dealers, collectors, and private sellers.
Enclosed Car Shipping from the UK Locations
We operate from multiple UK ports, giving you flexible departure options:
- Enclosed car shipping from Hull: our home port, regular departures to the USA, Europe, the Middle East, and beyond
- Enclosed car shipping from Southampton: ideal for USA, Australia, and global routes
- Enclosed car shipping from London (Tilbury / London Gateway): fast turnaround for European and international routes
- Enclosed car shipping from Manchester & Birmingham: we collect directly and transport to the nearest suitable port
International Enclosed Car Shipping from the UK
Enclosed Car Shipping UK to USA
The USA is one of our busiest routes. We handle enclosed car shipping from UK ports, primarily Hull and Southampton, directly to major US ports, including Houston, Baltimore, and New Jersey. Transit time is typically 18 to 25 days, depending on departure port and US destination.
Enclosed Car Shipping UK to Australia
Australia requires strict biosecurity compliance. All vehicles must be thoroughly cleaned before shipping. We handle enclosed car shipping from the UK to Australia via container, managing customs paperwork and import requirements at the Australian end.
Enclosed Car Shipping UK to Europe
Post-Brexit, shipping a car to Europe now involves export declarations and import duties at the destination country. Our team handles all post-Brexit customs documentation for enclosed car shipping from the UK to Europe, including France, Germany, Spain, and beyond.
Enclosed Car Shipping UK to the Middle East
Dubai, Riyadh, Abu Dhabi, we regularly ship enclosed vehicles to the Middle East. Our enclosed car shipping from the UK to the Middle East includes full customs support and, where needed, port delivery to Jebel Ali, Dubai’s main vehicle import port.
Enclosed Car Shipping UK to Nigeria & West Africa
We offer enclosed vehicle shipping from the UK to Nigeria, Ghana, and across West Africa. Container shipping ensures your vehicle is fully protected during the longer ocean transit times on these routes.
Enclosed Car Shipping Cost
The cost of enclosed car shipping from the UK depends on several factors:
- Vehicle size and weight
- Departure and destination ports
- Type of service
- Transit insurance level
- Collection requirements
Enclosed Car Shipping Cost from the UK:
| Route | Estimated Cost (GBP) | Transit Time |
|---|---|---|
| UK to USA (East Coast) | £1,800 – £3,200 | 18–25 days |
| UK to USA (West Coast) | £2,200 – £3,800 | 25–35 days |
| UK to Australia | £2,500 – £4,500 | 30–45 days |
| UK to Dubai / UAE | £1,500 – £2,800 | 20–28 days |
| UK to Europe | £600 – £1,500 | 5–14 days |
| UK to Nigeria / West Africa | £1,200 – £2,200 | 18–30 days |
Enclosed vs Open Car Shipping: Which Is Right for You?
Open transport exposes vehicles to weather conditions and road debris, offering a more affordable option for standard cars, while enclosed transport delivers premium, fully protected shipping with zero exposure risk. High-value vehicles benefit from enclosed carriers, which provide enhanced privacy, unmarked trailers, hydraulic liftgate loading, and advanced GPS tracking. Although enclosed transport costs 30 to 60% more, it is the preferred choice for luxury, classic, electric, or supercars. See our RoRo vs container shipping comparison for the general open versus enclosed trade-offs.
For vehicles valued over £25,000 or with irreplaceable features, enclosed car transport is the safest and most reliable solution.
Documentation, Insurance & Customs for Enclosed Car Shipping
Getting the paperwork right is just as important as the physical move. Here is everything you need to know.
Documents You Will Need
For enclosed car shipping from the UK, you will typically need:
- V5C logbook
- Valid MOT certificate
- Proof of ownership/purchase invoice
- Passport copy
- Bill of Lading
- HMRC export declaration
For international shipments, additional documents may include an import permit (destination-specific), Certificate of Title (USA-bound vehicles), a phytosanitary or biosecurity inspection certificate (Australia), and DVLA deregistration confirmation where required. See our full guide on documents required to ship a car for more details.
Insurance for Enclosed Car Shipping
Standard shipping insurance may not fully cover the value of a luxury or classic vehicle. We recommend agreed value marine insurance, with a minimum cover of 2.5% of the vehicle’s declared value for international shipments. A photographic condition report is completed before loading. We can arrange comprehensive enclosed car shipping insurance as part of your booking. See our marine cargo insurance page for full coverage details.
UK Ports Used for Enclosed Car Shipping
| Port | Location | Key Routes Served |
|---|---|---|
| Hull (Immingham) | East Yorkshire | USA, Europe, Middle East, Africa |
| Southampton | Hampshire | USA, Australia, worldwide |
| Tilbury / London Gateway | Essex | Europe, Middle East, worldwide |
| Liverpool | Merseyside | USA, Canada, Caribbean |
| Sheerness | Kent | Europe, short-sea routes |
Customs Clearance & Import Tax
For UK exports, we submit an export declaration to HMRC on your behalf via the Customs Declaration Service. This is mandatory for all international vehicle shipments and is included as part of our service.
At the destination, import duties vary by country:
- USA: vehicles over 25 years old are often exempt from import duty under the 25-year rule. Newer vehicles attract 2.5%
- Australia: 5% import duty plus 10% GST on the vehicle’s customs value
- UAE / Dubai: 5% customs duty on the CIF (cost, insurance, freight) value
- Europe (post-Brexit): import VAT and duty apply depending on vehicle origin and destination country
If you are importing a vehicle into the UK rather than exporting, our UK car import duty calculator covers UK import duty and VAT in full. Our team provides clear guidance on destination-country customs requirements before you book, so there are no surprises at the other end.
How Our Enclosed Car Shipping Process Works
Step 1: Get a Free Quote
Contact us with your vehicle details, collection address, and destination. We will provide a clear, itemised quote within 24 hours.
Step 2: Confirm & Book
Accept the quote and we will schedule your shipment. You will receive a full booking confirmation and documents checklist.
Step 3: Vehicle Collection
Our team collects your vehicle from your door anywhere in the UK using a suitable enclosed transporter.
Step 4: Pre-Shipment Condition Report
A full photographic inspection is completed before your car is loaded. This protects you if any insurance claim is ever needed.
Step 5: Port Handling & Secure Loading
Your vehicle is loaded into the enclosed container or hard-sided transporter at the UK departure port. Soft-tie systems and wheel chocks secure it for the journey.
Step 6: Export Documentation
We handle the HMRC export declaration, Bill of Lading, and all customs paperwork for your destination.
Step 7: Transit with GPS Tracking
Your shipment departs. Real-time tracking is available throughout, giving you complete peace of mind.
Step 8: Arrival & Customs Clearance
Your vehicle arrives at the destination port. We coordinate customs clearance at the receiving end and can arrange onward delivery where available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is GPS tracking available during enclosed car shipping?
Yes. All enclosed car shipments we handle include real-time GPS tracking from the UK departure port to the destination. You will have full visibility of your vehicle’s location throughout the entire journey.
What ports in the UK are used for enclosed car shipping?
We use Hull (Immingham), Southampton, Tilbury, London Gateway, Liverpool, and Sheerness. The port chosen depends on your destination, vehicle type, and the most efficient route at the time of booking.
Are secure tie-downs used during enclosed car transport?
Yes, always. Every vehicle is secured using soft-tie wheel straps and wheel chocks to prevent any movement during transit. For low-clearance supercars, hydraulic liftgates are used to load the car without contact with the undercarriage or bodywork.
What happens if my car is damaged during enclosed shipping?
All shipments are covered by marine insurance. We complete a photographic condition report before loading. If damage occurs, you claim against the agreed-value policy, meaning you are covered for the full declared value, not a depreciated market figure.
What size vehicles fit in an enclosed car transporter?
Most cars, coupes, saloons, and low-profile vehicles fit comfortably. For larger vehicles, oversized SUVs, vans, or non-standard dimensions, we use dedicated 20ft or 40ft containers. Share your vehicle’s dimensions when you enquire and we will confirm the best option.
Are there hidden fees in enclosed car shipping?
No. Ascope Shipping provides a fully itemised quote before you commit to anything. Collection, port handling, export documentation, and ocean freight are all included. Any destination-country import duties or taxes are clearly outlined upfront, never added as a surprise after booking.
Get Your Free Enclosed Car Shipping Quote Today
Your vehicle deserves more than basic transport. It deserves expert protection from a trusted international shipping specialist. At Ascope Shipping, our enclosed car shipping services are trusted by private owners, prestige dealers, collectors, and auction houses across the UK. With over 15 years of experience, we safely transport luxury, classic, and high-value vehicles from Hull, Southampton, London, and nationwide to destinations across the USA, Europe, Australia, the Middle East, and West Africa. Speak to our experienced team today on 01482 228366 or email sales@ascopeshipping.co.uk for a fast, competitive enclosed shipping quote.