Van Shipping and Export from the UK
Ascope Shipping is your trusted partner for reliable and efficient van shipping services to overseas destinations. With our extensive experience in freight forwarding and strong relationships with UK shipping lines, we’ve handled everything from compact panel vans to high-roof Mercedes Sprinters, campervans, and electric vans to destinations across Africa, Australia, the USA, Europe, and beyond. We offer competitive rates and ensure your van is delivered safely and on time.
Hassle-Free Van Shipping
Our van shipping services are built around your real needs, whether you’re relocating to a new home, selling your vehicle to a buyer, or moving it for business reasons. We take full control of the entire process, from doorstep collection at your preferred UK location to safe, timely delivery at your chosen port of departure.
Van Shipping Methods
We offer two proven van shipping methods:
ROLL-ON ROLL-OFF VAN SHIPPING
The most popular and cost-effective method for shipping vans overseas is Roll-on Roll-off (RoRo) shipping. Your van is driven directly onto a specialist vessel, secured safely under deck alongside other vehicles and then driven straight off at the destination port. Weekly sailings from major UK ports make this the smartest choice for budget-conscious and time-sensitive shipments.
CONTAINER VAN SHIPPING
For added protection and flexibility, container shipping places your van inside a sealed steel unit. Our team carefully loads your vehicle using specialist ramps and secure strapping, making it the preferred choice for high-value vans, campervans packed with equipment, or any van where maximum protection genuinely matters.
RORO VS CONTAINER VAN SHIPPING
- Cost: RoRo is lower cost. The container is higher cost.
- Protection: RoRo offers good protection (stored under deck). The container offers maximum protection (fully sealed).
- Personal effects allowed: Not permitted with RoRo. Limited personal effects permitted with containers.
- Non-running vans: Not accepted with RoRo. Accepted with a container.
- High-roof vans: Subject to height limits with RoRo. Ideal for container shipping.
- Global destination reach: RoRo covers major ports. The container reaches all ports worldwide.
- Typical booking lead time: RoRo requires 1–2 weeks. The container requires 1–3 weeks.
We offer both 20ft and 40ft containers, with sole-use or shared options available. Whether you’re moving a high-roof van, refrigerated unit, electric van, or non-standard size, we have the right solution.
Van Shipping Costs
Van shipping cost depends on several factors: the destination, your van’s dimensions (length × width × height), the shipping method, and current sailing schedules.
| Destination | RoRo (Est.) | Container (Est.) | Method |
| Europe (e.g. Spain, France) | £350 – £700 | £900 – £1,800 | RoRo / Container |
| Cyprus | £650 – £1,000 | £1,200 – £2,200 | RoRo / Container |
| Malta | £700 – £1,100 | £1,300 – £2,400 | RoRo / Container |
| Nigeria (Lagos) | £900 – £1,500 | £1,500 – £3,000 | RoRo / Container |
| Ghana (Tema) | £950 – £1,600 | £1,600 – £3,200 | RoRo / Container |
| Jamaica | £1,100 – £1,800 | £1,800 – £3,500 | Container |
| USA (East Coast) | £1,200 – £2,000 | £2,000 – £4,000 | RoRo / Container |
| Australia | £1,500 – £2,500 | £2,500 – £4,500 | Container |
WHAT AFFECTS YOUR VAN SHIPPING COST?
- Van dimensions (length, width, height)
- Van weight
- Chosen shipping method (RoRo or container)
- Destination and UK port of departure
- Whether the van is running or non-running
- Insurance requirements
Van Shipping from the UK: Routes and Transit Times
Transit times are estimates and may vary due to port congestion, customs clearance, and shipping line schedules.
| Route | Typical Transit Time | Sailing Frequency |
| UK to Europe | 3 to 10 days | Weekly |
| UK to Cyprus | 10 to 15 days | Weekly |
| UK to Malta | 10 to 14 days | Weekly |
| UK to Nigeria | 14 to 21 days | Weekly |
| UK to Ghana | 18 to 25 days | Weekly |
| UK to Jamaica | 20 to 30 days | Fortnightly |
| UK to USA (East Coast) | 20 to 30 days | Weekly |
| UK to USA (West Coast) | 30 to 40 days | Weekly |
| UK to Australia | 30 to 50 days | Weekly |
| UK to New Zealand | 35 to 55 days | Fortnightly |
| UK to South Africa | 18 to 28 days | Weekly |
| UK to Canada | 20 to 35 days | Weekly |
VAN TYPES WE SHIP FROM THE UK
We regularly handle international van shipping for all major makes and models. Here are some of the vans we ship most often:
Popular van models we ship:
- Mercedes Sprinter van shipping (all variants)
- Volkswagen Transporter T6 shipping
- Volkswagen Crafter van shipping
- Vauxhall Vivaro van shipping
- Vauxhall Movano van shipping
- Renault Trafic van shipping
- Ford Transit and Ford Transit Custom shipping
- Ford E-Transit electric van shipping
- Mercedes eSprinter shipping
- Volkswagen ID Buzz shipping
- LDV, Citroen Dispatch, Peugeot Expert, Toyota Proace
- Campervans and converted vans — any size, any conversion
Van categories we handle:
- Small vans (e.g. VW Caddy, Citroen Berlingo)
- Medium vans (e.g. Ford Transit Custom, Vauxhall Vivaro)
- Large vans (e.g. Mercedes Sprinter, Ford Transit L4)
- High-roof vans
- Luton vans
- Minivans and people carriers
- Refrigerated vans
- Electric vans (including battery safety protocols)
- Non-running vans (container shipping only)
Popular Van Shipping Destinations from the UK
VAN SHIPPING TO AFRICA
Nigeria is one of our most requested destinations. Van shipping to Nigeria (Lagos/Apapa port) typically takes 14 to 21 days by RoRo and is extremely popular for used van exports. We handle all Nigerian customs documentation from our end.
Ghana is another high-demand route. Van shipping to Ghana (Tema port) takes 18 to 25 days and we offer both RoRo and container options depending on your van type.
VAN SHIPPING TO AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND
Container shipping is the standard method for van shipping to Australia and New Zealand, given the long transit distances. Campervans and high-roof vans are well-suited for our 40ft high-cube container service. Expect transit times of 30 to 55 days depending on destination port.
VAN SHIPPING TO THE USA
We offer both RoRo and container van shipping to the USA from UK ports. East Coast ports (Baltimore, New York) and West Coast ports (Los Angeles, Port Hueneme) are all served. Transit is typically 20 to 40 days, depending on your departure port and destination.
VAN SHIPPING TO CYPRUS AND MALTA
Weekly RoRo sailings make Cyprus and Malta two of the fastest and most affordable van shipping routes from the UK. Expect transit times of 10 to 15 days. These are popular routes for UK expats relocating with their vans or selling used vans overseas.
VAN SHIPPING TO JAMAICA
Jamaica is served by container shipping from UK ports. A door-to-port service is available, with transit times of 20–30 days.
VAN SHIPPING TO EUROPE
For shorter distances such as France, Spain, Germany, or other European destinations, we offer competitive van shipping options with fast turnaround times.
UK Ports for Van Shipping
Ascope Shipping works with all major UK ports to offer you flexibility:
- Hull Port
- Southampton Port
- Tilbury Port (London)
- Liverpool Port
Van Shipping Documents
Getting your paperwork right is essential for smooth customs clearance. Here is what you’ll typically need when shipping a van from the UK:
Standard documents required:
- Vehicle logbook (V5C) — original
- Proof of ownership (invoice or purchase receipt)
- Valid passport copy
- EORI number (if you’re a business exporting commercially)
- Completed DVLA export notification (where applicable)
- Insurance certificate for the van
- Completed shipping booking form
For specific destinations, you may also need:
- Import permit (some African and Caribbean nations)
- Destination country customs declaration form
- Bill of Lading (issued by us upon booking confirmation)
Van Shipping Insurance
We strongly recommend marine insurance for all international van shipping. While we take every precaution to ensure safe handling at UK ports and on board vessels, marine insurance protects your van against:
- Accidental damage during loading or unloading
- Transit damage at sea
- Total loss in an unforeseen incident
- Port handling incidents
CUSTOMS CLEARANCE, IMPORT DUTY, AND DVLA
Every overseas destination has its own import rules. Here’s what you need to know:
DVLA export notification: For most permanent exports from the UK, you should inform the DVLA that you’re taking the vehicle out of the country permanently.
Import duty and taxes: Most destination countries charge import duty on vehicles. The rate varies based on the van’s age, value, engine size, and the destination country’s tariff schedule. For example, Nigeria applies import duty and levies on vehicles.
Customs clearance: We work with trusted customs agents at destination ports worldwide to ensure your van clears customs smoothly. Having all documents ready before shipping significantly reduces delays.
EORI number: If you’re a UK business exporting vans commercially, you need an EORI (Economic Operators Registration and Identification) number. Personal exporters typically do not require one.
HOW TO PREPARE YOUR VAN FOR OVERSEAS SHIPPING
Preparing your van correctly protects it during transit and avoids delays at the port.
Before handing your van over:
- Clean the van inside and out (especially the undercarriage)
- Fuel level (keep it below a quarter tank for RoRo)
- Remove or disable any alarms
- Ensure tyres are properly inflated
- Note and photograph any existing damage
- Remove all loose items, tools, and personal belongings (for RoRo)
- Secure any remaining items inside containers with an inventory list
- Ensure the van is in running order (for RoRo)
- Ensure keys are provided on collection
Van Shipping: Step-by-Step Process
- Get a quote
- Book your shipment
- Prepare your documents
- Van collection or port drop-off
- Port handling and loading
- Sailing and transit updates
- Arrival and customs clearance
- Collection
Why Choose Ascope Shipping for Van Shipping?
With so many UK van shipping companies to choose from, here’s why our customers keep coming back:
- 15 years of international shipping experience
- Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
- Weekly sailings
- Nationwide collection
- Dedicated customer support
- Trusted by hundreds of customers
- All van types accepted
- Fully insured shipping
- Real-time shipment tracking
Ready to Ship Your Van Overseas?
Getting started takes just minutes. Share your van details and destination with our experienced shipping team today, and we’ll handle everything from collection to port delivery with no stress, no guesswork. Hundreds of customers across the UK have already trusted us with their vehicles, and we’re ready to do the same for you. Call us at 01482 228366, WhatsApp +44 7717 769925, email sales@ascopeshipping.co.uk, or use our quick 60-second online quote form.
