Shipping a Car in a Container From Ireland

Thinking about shipping a car in a container from Ireland?

Container shipping can be a practical option when transporting a car overseas, particularly when you want the vehicle enclosed inside a shipping container for the sea journey.

International vehicle shipping involves much more than simply driving the car into a container. The shipment needs to be planned around the destination, vehicle dimensions, shipping route, carrier requirements, customs documentation and final delivery arrangements.

Get Cracking Relocations & Storage provides international vehicle transport as part of our specialist moving services and worldwide relocation network.

We can coordinate vehicle collection, container shipping, sea freight, customs documentation and destination services depending on the country and requirements of the shipment.

REQUEST A CAR SHIPPING QUOTE

When a car is shipped by container, the vehicle is loaded into a shipping container before being transported by sea.

The exact arrangement depends on:

Vehicle dimensions
Destination country
Shipping route
Available container service
Port requirements
Customs requirements
Whether other approved goods are being shipped
Destination delivery arrangements

Container shipping can be used for many types of vehicles, including:

Family cars
SUVs
Sports cars
Classic cars
Collectable vehicles
Luxury cars
Project vehicles
Vehicles forming part of an international household relocation

Before confirming any shipment, Get Cracking will need details of the vehicle and destination.

For general international vehicle transport information, visit our Special Services page.

Why Ship a Car in a Container?

The main difference with container transport is that the vehicle travels inside an enclosed shipping container.

This can make container shipping attractive for customers transporting:

Classic vehicles
High-value vehicles
Collectable cars
Vehicles travelling long distances
Cars forming part of a household relocation

The appropriate shipping method depends on the individual car, destination and transport route.

Container shipping is not automatically the best option for every vehicle, so the available services should be compared when requesting a quotation.

How Does Container Car Shipping Work?

A typical international container vehicle shipment may involve several stages.

These can include:

Vehicle details and quotation
Collection or delivery arrangements in Ireland
Documentation
Preparation for export
Transport to the loading location
Container loading
Securing the vehicle
Export customs procedures
Sea freight
Destination customs procedures
Container unloading
Destination collection or delivery

The exact process depends on the destination and agreed service.

Get Cracking also provides international sea freight services for overseas relocations and shipments.

Information Needed for a Car Shipping Quote

To prepare a useful quotation, provide accurate information about the vehicle.

This should include:

Make
Model
Year
Vehicle dimensions where required
Collection location
Destination country
Destination city
Proposed shipping date
Whether the vehicle is operational
Any modifications affecting its dimensions
Whether the car forms part of a household relocation

Photographs may also be useful for unusual, classic or modified vehicles.

Request a vehicle shipping quotation.

Container Shipping vs RoRo Car Shipping

Two common sea-freight methods used internationally for vehicles are container shipping and RoRo – Roll-on/Roll-off shipping.

Container Car Shipping

With container shipping, the vehicle travels inside a shipping container.

Depending on the route and shipment arrangements, container shipping may be considered where the customer prefers an enclosed transport method or where a vehicle is travelling as part of a larger international relocation.

RoRo Shipping

With RoRo transport, suitable operational vehicles are generally driven onto and off a specialist vehicle-carrying vessel.

RoRo availability depends on the shipping route, ports and carrier.

Neither option is automatically better for every car.

The appropriate choice depends on:

Vehicle
Destination
Available routes
Timing
Shipping costs
Port arrangements
Required destination service

Get Cracking can discuss the available shipping arrangement when preparing your quotation.

What Size Container Is Used for a Car?

The appropriate container arrangement depends on the size of the vehicle and what else, if anything, forms part of the shipment.

International shipping commonly uses container sizes such as 20-foot and 40-foot containers, but the fact that a container is available does not automatically mean a particular vehicle or combination of goods will fit.

Vehicle dimensions need to be considered carefully.

The shipping plan may need to consider:

Vehicle length
Vehicle width
Vehicle height
Available loading space
Door dimensions
Required securing arrangements
Other approved goods being shipped

Get Cracking can assess the shipment requirements when preparing the quotation.

Can I Ship My Car With Household Goods?

In some international relocations, a vehicle and household belongings may form part of the same overall relocation plan.

Whether this is possible in a particular container depends on the destination, customs rules, carrier requirements, container configuration and the volume of belongings.

Your household shipment may include:

Furniture
Moving boxes
Clothing
Books
Kitchenware
Personal effects
Home-office belongings
Other approved household goods

Do not assume that belongings can simply be placed inside the vehicle.

Tell Get Cracking exactly what you intend to ship so the transport and documentation requirements can be assessed.

For complete overseas moving services, visit Get Cracking Worldwide Relocations.

Preparing a Car for Container Shipping

Vehicle preparation requirements can vary according to the shipping line, route, destination and authorities involved.

For this reason, follow the instructions provided for your particular booking rather than relying on a generic internet checklist.

Before shipping, you may be asked to confirm information regarding:

Vehicle condition
Fuel
Battery
Alarm systems
Keys
Personal belongings
Modifications
Fluid leaks
Registration documents
Ownership documentation

Specific requirements will be confirmed according to the planned shipment.

Check the Vehicle for Personal Belongings

Do not assume that you can fill the inside of a vehicle with personal possessions simply because there appears to be available space.

Carriers and customs authorities may have rules regarding belongings transported inside vehicles.

If you are relocating household goods as well as your car, tell Get Cracking during the quotation stage.

Your personal effects can then be considered as part of the overall international relocation rather than being added to the vehicle without prior agreement.

Vehicle Condition Before Shipping

The condition of the vehicle should be documented before international transport.

Photographs can provide a useful record of:

Bodywork
Wheels
Windows
Interior
Existing scratches
Existing dents
Other visible marks

The applicable Marine insurance documentation also contains specific provisions relating to vehicles and condition reports, making accurate pre-shipment condition records particularly important when cover is requested.

Loading a Car Into a Shipping Container

Container loading needs to be planned carefully.

Once the vehicle is positioned inside the container, it must be appropriately secured according to the transport arrangement.

The objective is to prevent unnecessary vehicle movement during transport and handling.

The exact securing method depends on factors including:

Vehicle
Container
Loading facility
Carrier requirements
Shipping route

Container-loading requirements should be handled as part of the agreed shipping service rather than improvised by the customer.

Why Securing the Vehicle Matters

A shipping container can experience movement during:

Road transport
Port handling
Container lifting
Vessel loading
Sea transit
Vessel unloading
Destination handling

For this reason, the vehicle needs to be correctly positioned and restrained according to the applicable shipping arrangement.

This is one reason why specialist international vehicle shipping should be planned before the car reaches the port.

Shipping Classic and Collectable Cars

Container shipping may be considered for customers transporting classic or collectable vehicles.

These vehicles can require additional planning because of:

Vehicle value
Age
Ground clearance
Non-standard dimensions
Specialist bodywork
Mechanical condition
Replacement-part availability

Tell Get Cracking if the vehicle is classic, vintage, modified or unusual when requesting the quotation.

Do not simply provide the registration number and assume that a standard vehicle-shipping arrangement will automatically be suitable.

Shipping Non-Standard or Modified Cars

Modified vehicles may differ substantially from factory specifications.

Changes can include:

Lowered suspension
Larger wheels
Body kits
Spoilers
Roof equipment
Performance modifications
Specialist interiors
Non-standard dimensions

Provide accurate dimensions and photographs where relevant.

The more information available before booking, the easier it is to determine the appropriate transport arrangement.

Car Shipping as Part of an International Move

Many customers shipping a vehicle overseas are also moving their household belongings.

Get Cracking can coordinate international relocation services that may include:

Household collection
Professional packing
Furniture protection
Vehicle shipping
Container shipping
Storage
Customs documentation
Sea freight
Destination coordination
Final delivery

Get Cracking’s international relocation material confirms services including professional packing, sea freight, storage and destination coordination.

For a complete international move, visit Worldwide Relocations.

Professional Packing for Household Goods

If household belongings are travelling as part of the relocation, professional export packing may also be required.

Get Cracking provides professional packing services.

Depending on your move, packing may include:

Furniture protection
Moving cartons
Fragile-item packing
Artwork protection
Electronics
Household belongings
Specialist packing

For particularly delicate or unusual items, see our custom crating services.

Car Shipping and Sea Freight

Container vehicle shipments travelling overseas form part of the wider sea-freight process.

The container may need to pass through:

Export facility
Departure port
Shipping terminal
Vessel
Destination port
Customs procedures
Destination transport

Transit time therefore involves more than the number of days the vessel spends at sea.

Port schedules, customs, container availability and onward delivery can all affect the overall timeline.

Learn more about Get Cracking Sea Freight.

Customs Documentation for Car Shipping

International vehicle shipments normally require documentation for export and import procedures.

The exact paperwork depends on the destination.

Documents may relate to:

Vehicle ownership
Registration
Export
Import
Customs declaration
Identification
Destination requirements

Do not assume the same documents apply to every country.

Vehicle import rules can vary substantially between destinations.

Get Cracking’s international moving services include coordination of customs documentation as part of applicable overseas relocation services.

Check Import Rules Before Shipping Your Car

Before shipping a car internationally, determine whether the vehicle can legally be imported and registered in the destination country.

Potential considerations can include:

Vehicle age
Emissions
Safety standards
Registration requirements
Import taxes
Duties
Local vehicle standards
Residency status
Ownership period

These requirements are set by the destination authorities and can change.

Do not ship the vehicle based solely on assumptions about import eligibility.

Shipping a Car to the USA

Get Cracking provides international relocation services to destinations throughout the United States.

If the car forms part of a wider move, household goods and vehicle transport can be considered during the overall planning process.

For customers relocating to America, visit Moving to USA From Ireland.

Vehicle-import rules should be checked separately for the particular vehicle before shipment.

Shipping a Car to Europe

Vehicle transport within Europe may use different transport methods from long-distance overseas container shipping.

Depending on the destination, road transport may be more appropriate than sea container transport.

Get Cracking provides UK and European relocation services as well as worldwide shipping.

Tell us the exact destination so the appropriate transport route can be considered.

Can Get Cracking Store a Car Before Shipping?

There can be circumstances where shipment timing and collection timing do not match exactly.

Storage or holding arrangements may therefore need to be discussed depending on the vehicle, location and shipment plan.

If you also require storage for household effects, Get Cracking provides storage services in Dublin.

Discuss any timing gap when requesting your quotation rather than waiting until immediately before departure.

Insurance for Container Car Shipping

Insurance is not automatically included with your vehicle shipment.

If you require insurance cover, request it from Get Cracking before the shipment begins.

Marine Transit cover may be available for qualifying overseas vehicle shipments by sea, at an additional cost and subject to the applicable policy terms, declared value and other requirements.

The current Marine cover requires customers to accept the appropriate cover option, provide the necessary valuation information and pay applicable charges before benefiting from the cover.

The policy also contains specific provisions for motor vehicles, including vehicle condition and circumstances under which cover ends.

Get Cracking cannot advise whether a particular insurance option is suitable for you. Customers requesting cover should review the applicable insurance documentation before selecting an option.

How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car in a Container?

There is no single fixed price for every vehicle shipment.

The cost can depend on:

Vehicle size
Collection location
Destination country
Destination city
Shipping route
Container arrangement
Port charges
Sea freight
Customs requirements
Destination services
Insurance if requested
Storage if required

Shipping rates also change over time.

For this reason, an old online price is not a reliable guide to what your shipment will cost today.

The best approach is to request a current quotation based on the actual vehicle and destination.

GET A CURRENT CAR SHIPPING QUOTE

How Long Does Container Car Shipping Take?

Transit time depends heavily on the destination and sailing schedule.

The full shipping period can involve:

Collection
Export preparation
Container loading
Port handling
Sailing schedule
Sea transit
Destination port
Customs clearance
Final collection or delivery

The vessel sailing time is therefore only one part of the overall shipping process.

Get Cracking can provide the available estimated schedule when quoting for a particular route.

Door-to-Door vs Port Services

Depending on the destination and available service, vehicle shipping can involve different collection and delivery arrangements.

These may include:

Collection in Ireland
Delivery to an export facility
Port handling
Sea freight
Destination handling
Collection from destination facility
Onward delivery

The quotation should explain which services are included.

Do not compare two car-shipping quotations based only on the headline price without checking the start and end points of each service.

Questions to Ask Before Shipping a Car Overseas

Before confirming the booking, make sure you understand:

Which shipping method is being used?
Is the vehicle travelling in a container?
Where will the vehicle be collected?
What documents are required?
Who handles export procedures?
What destination charges may apply?
Who handles destination customs?
Where will the vehicle be released?
Is final delivery included?
What preparation is required?
What happens if the sailing schedule changes?
What insurance options are available if required?

A clear understanding before shipment is much easier than resolving confusion after the container has departed.

Why Use an International Removals Company for Vehicle Shipping?

Vehicle shipping frequently forms part of a larger international relocation.

Using a relocation company can make it easier to coordinate:

Household effects
Professional packing
Vehicle transport
Container planning
Sea freight
Customs documentation
Storage
Overseas destination services

Get Cracking provides international moving services from Ireland to destinations worldwide and coordinates shipments through its international moving network.

Learn more about Get Cracking Worldwide Relocations.

Professional International Moving Standards

When choosing a company for international shipping, price should not be the only consideration.

Get Cracking Relocations is a FIDI Affiliate and holds FAIM accreditation.

Get Cracking is also a member of recognised moving-industry organisations including IAM and BAR and is a FEDEMAC Commercial Member. Existing company international-relocation material confirms these professional affiliations.

These professional networks are particularly useful for moves requiring coordination between Ireland and an overseas destination.

Frequently Asked Questions About Shipping a Car in a Container

Can I ship a car from Ireland in a container?

Yes.

Container shipping can be used for international vehicle transport depending on the destination, route and vehicle requirements.

Is a car enclosed during container shipping?

Yes.

The vehicle travels inside the shipping container for the containerised part of the journey.

Can I ship a classic car in a container?

Container shipping may be considered for classic, collectable or specialist vehicles.

Provide the vehicle details, value, dimensions and photographs when requesting a quotation.

Can my household goods travel with my car?

This may be possible depending on the destination, customs rules, carrier requirements and container arrangement.

Do not load belongings into the vehicle without prior agreement.

Can I put personal belongings inside my car?

Do not assume this is permitted.

Tell Get Cracking what you intend to send so the applicable carrier and customs requirements can be checked.

Does the car need to be running?

Requirements can vary depending on the shipping method and handling arrangements.

Tell Get Cracking if the vehicle is non-operational when requesting the quotation.

Do I need photographs of the vehicle?

A condition record and photographs are advisable before shipment, particularly where insurance cover is requested.

Is insurance automatically included?

No.

Insurance is not automatically included.

If required, ask Get Cracking in advance about applicable Marine Transit cover. Additional charges, declared values and policy terms apply.

Can Get Cracking ship household goods as well?

Yes.

Get Cracking provides worldwide relocation services including professional packing, sea freight, storage and destination coordination depending on the move.

Can Get Cracking ship cars to the USA?

International vehicle transport can be coordinated depending on the particular vehicle, destination and available shipping service.

For wider relocation information, see Moving to USA From Ireland.

Can Get Cracking ship motorcycles?

Get Cracking can also coordinate specialist vehicle and motorcycle transport depending on the route and requirements.

Visit our Special Services page for more information.

Get a Quote for Shipping a Car in a Container

If you are planning on shipping a car in a container from Ireland, provide as much information as possible when requesting your quotation.

Send us:

Vehicle make
Vehicle model
Year
Vehicle dimensions where relevant
Vehicle condition
Whether it is operational
Collection location in Ireland
Destination country
Destination city
Approximate shipping date
Photographs where useful
Whether household goods are also being shipped
Whether storage is required
Whether you require information about available insurance cover

Get Cracking Removals Dublin. International Removals.

The more accurate the information, the easier it is to assess the appropriate shipping arrangement.

REQUEST A CAR SHIPPING QUOTE

Get Cracking Relocations & Storage
Dublin, Ireland
01 866 5999
info@getcracking.ie