What vehicle shipping actually costs
No rate table on this site, because any figure published here would be wrong within a month. What does not change is how the price is built — and that is what lets you compare quotations properly.
Cost componentsWhat moves the priceHow to compare quotes
Breakdown
Quotation Components
| Component | What it covers | What it depends on |
|---|---|---|
| Inland haulage | Supplier to loading port | Distance, vehicle size, whether it drives or needs a low-loader |
| Export clearance | Declaration, inspection, release | Commodity code, whether inspection is triggered |
| Terminal handling | Receiving, storage, loading onto the vessel | Port, method, unit size |
| Ocean freight | Carriage on the vessel | Method, route, season, space availability |
| Lashing and securing | Timber, wire, chocks, stevedore labour | Method, unit weight and dimensions |
| Equipment | Container, flat rack or cradle hire | Type and duration |
| Documentation | Bill of lading, certificates, telex release | Number of documents, attestations required |
| Insurance | Marine cover | Declared value and cover level |
The freight rate is the number everyone compares and the one that matters least. Terminal handling and lashing are where quotations diverge.
Drivers
Primary Cost Drivers
- Dimensions and weight — measured in shipping condition
- Method: container, RoRo or breakbulk
- Whether the unit drives under its own power
- Route and whether it tranships
- Season and space availability on the service
- Number of units sharing the shipment
Misconceptions That Do Not Reduce Cost
- Under-declaring dimensions — the terminal re-measures and re-invoices
- Skipping lashing — the carrier refuses the unit
- Booking late — last space is the most expensive space
- Choosing the cheapest quotation without checking what is excluded
Advice
How to Compare Two Quotations
- Ask whether the figure is freight only or all-in to the vessel
- Ask what is excluded — destination charges are almost always excluded
- Ask which method and equipment it assumes
- Ask whether lashing and terminal handling are included or estimated
- Ask whether the transit quoted is direct or includes transhipment
- Ask what happens if the vessel rolls the booking
Request a Costed Quotation for Your Shipment
Send dimensions, weight and route. We quote every component separately so you can see what you are paying for.
Request a QuoteQuestions we get asked often
Why will you not publish a rate?
Because freight rates move weekly and a published number is either wrong or a bait. We quote per shipment and the quote is valid for a stated period.
Is RoRo always cheaper?
For a single car to a port the service calls, usually yes. For several units to one consignee, a shared container can beat per-unit RoRo. We quote both.
Are destination charges included?
No. Destination terminal handling, customs clearance, duties and inland delivery are payable at destination by the consignee unless agreed otherwise in writing.
How long is a quotation valid?
Stated on the quotation itself. Ocean freight and space are booked at the time of acceptance, not at the time of enquiry.