Automotive Shipping
With our commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction, Höegh Autoliners has established a leading position in the automotive transport industry.
Roll on Roll off (RoRo) Car Shipping
Höegh Autoliners is a renowned leader in the automotive transport industry, with a track record of excellence and a commitment to innovation. Annually, we efficiently load approximately 1,5 million car units across over 3,000 port calls, showcasing our extensive experience and expertise in the field.
As pioneers in large-scale car transportation during the 1960s, we have continually evolved our products and services in close collaboration with the car manufacturing industry. This partnership has enabled us to understand the unique needs and challenges faced by our customers, resulting in tailored solutions that meet their specific requirements.
Our global network of deep-sea trades positions us as a reliable partner for both global car manufacturers and shippers of used vehicles. With an unwavering focus on quality and a solution-oriented approach, we ensure the safe and timely delivery of vehicles to destinations around the world. Our vast network allows us to serve our customers, regardless of their geographical location, efficiently.
Car transportation
Is RoRO car shipping safe?
Yes, RoRo shipping is very safe. Car manufacturers worldwide transport their brand new vehicles on RoRo shipping vessels. These vessels function like mobile parking structures, ensuring the secure anchoring of cars to their decks.
How does car shipping work?
Car shipping by sea, also known as ocean freight or auto transport via containerized or Roll-On/Roll-Off (RoRo) vessels, is a common method of transporting vehicles across long distances or between continents. Your vehicle is driven onto a specialized RoRo vessel, secured in place, and then driven off at the destination. RoRo is generally more cost-effective but offers less protection.
How to get a car shipped overseas?
To get started, complete this form and we will get back to you with a quote as soon as we can.
Where can I ship my vehicle to?
We can deliver cars all over the world. Explore our trade routes to find out more.
Can I ship a non-running vehicle?
Non-running or towable vehicles may only be accepted for shipping if brand new and when requested by the OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer). The reason for non-running must be clearly stated on the unit.
Additionally, the vehicle must meet specific cargo acceptance requirements, including:
- Accessible cargo compartments;
- Adequate lashing points;
- Operative steering, brakes and transmission;
- Inflated tires;
- A maximum of ¼ full fuel tank or the agreed State of Charge for electric vehicles;
- Fully intact car body;
- Presented in a clean condition, according to HA policy.
For more information, please refer to our cargo acceptance guidelines.
What is Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) car shipping?
Roll-on/Roll-off car shipping is an ocean freight method where the vehicle is driven directly onto a specialized vessel via ramps at the port of departure and then driven off at its destination port. This process eliminates the need for crane lifting, significantly speeding up port operations.
The RoRo vessels are designed like mobile parking platforms, where vehicles are stowed underdeck using dedicated lashing points, keeping them safely in place during transportation and away from environmental elements like seawater or rain.
Roll-on/Roll-off car shipping is most commonly used by car manufacturers, however, individuals may also use it to move their personal vehicles abroad.
What documents are required to ship a car internationally?
The specific documents required for international car shipment can vary depending on the destination or vehicle type.
Generally, all car shipments are required to have:
- Vehicle title and registration documents;
- Bill of Lading (B/L);
- A shipping note (a.k.a. dock receipt);
- Proof of insurance;
- Bill of Sale or commercial invoice (if applicable);
- A copy of your passport or other valid photo ID (for identification purposes);
- Any other country-specific requirements (e.g. Certificate of Origin).
In addition to the above documents, gas (LNG,LPG,CNG and HYD) vehicles must have:
- A certificate or declaration that the vehicle’s fuel system has been checked for leak-tightness and is in proper condition for carriage prior to loading.
Battery Electric Vehicles are required to have:
- Simple operating instructions available inside the vehicle (for loading and discharging purposes);
- Emergency procedure instructions, including jump-starting;
- Declaration or certificate from the shipper, required if one of the below is true:
- The vehicle is not shipped by an OEM, a dedicated nominated forwarder or a shipping partner.
- The time from production to shipping exceeds 6 months but is less than 9 months.
How long does it take to ship a car internationally?
The transit time for international car shipping will depend on the destination. For example, shipping your vehicle from East London (UK) to Abu Dhabi (UAE) will take approximately two weeks, whereas Jacksonville (US) to Melbourne (Australia) takes around 30 days.
To get a time estimate for a specific route, please check our sailing schedule or reach out to our friendly team.
Is my vehicle insured during shipping?
No, your vehicle is not automatically insured.
It is the shipper’s responsibility to purchase insurance coverage to protect their cargo against any potential damage or loss during shipping.
Can I pack personal items in my car?
No, all personal items must be removed from the vehicle prior to shipping.
This includes:
- Any loose parts inside the car;
- Personal effects, household goods or waste;
- Loose or additional batteries of any kind;
- Any pyrotechnics;
- Portable fuel tanks;
- Any medical supplies;
- Non-original or nonmounted fire extinguishers.
This is to prevent any losses or damages to your vehicle during transportation as well as ensure the safety of our staff.
Can I track my vehicle during shipment?
Yes - you can check your vehicle’s progress by visiting My Cargo page and typing in your shipment details (booking number, B/L or VIN number).
If you have any other questions or concerns, feel free to contact our professional logistics team.
Do I need to empty the gas tank?
You do not need to completely empty the gas tank, but there are specific limits on the amount of fuel or charge acceptable for RoRo shipment:
- Petrol or diesel cars - Maximum ¼ full fuel-tank;
- Gas (LNG, LPG, CNG and HYD) - Maximum ¼ full fuel-tank;
- Hybrid (HEV) High-voltage battery - Maximum ¼ full fuel-tank and a recommended 50% SOC (State of Charge);
- BEV high-voltage battery - Maximum 50% SOC (State of Charge). Additionally, the minimum SOC level must be sufficient for basic driving and operation covering dwell time at port, as well as vessel loading and discharging to the first point of rest at destination.
Why choose Höegh Autoliners for international car shipping?
At Höegh Autoliners, we are dedicated to customer satisfaction and consistently strive to exceed expectations. We prioritize innovation and continuously invest in cutting-edge technologies and processes to enhance our services. By staying at the forefront of industry trends, we offer our customers the most advanced and efficient transportation solutions available.
Our commitment to quality is evident in every aspect of our operations. From the state-of-the-art vessels in our fleet to the highly trained professionals who oversee the loading and unloading processes, we ensure the highest standards are always maintained. By adhering to rigorous quality control measures, we guarantee that our customers' vehicles are handled with the utmost care and delivered in pristine condition.
Höegh Autoliners takes pride in its leading position in the automotive transport industry. Our reputation is built on decades of experience, a strong global presence, and a customer-centric approach. We understand the importance of reliable and efficient transportation in the automotive sector, and we are committed to helping our customers succeed by providing them with tailored solutions that meet their unique needs.
With Höegh Autoliners, you can trust that your vehicles are in capable hands, backed by a company dedicated to delivering excellence in every aspect of the automotive transport process.
Ready to ship your cargo?
We have a highly capable and professional logistics team who are dedicated to providing the best possible shipping experience for our customers. Whether you are shipping small or large cargo, domestically or internationally, our team is ready to assist you every step of the way. Trust us to handle your cargo with the utmost care and efficiency, ensuring a seamless shipping experience.
