vehicle shipping Europe

How Vehicle Shipping Works

Vehicle transport starts with the collection and delivery locations, followed by the vehicle's make, model, dimensions, weight, running condition and declared value. These attributes determine the transporter type, loading equipment, route and quotation.

Standard operational vehicles can normally be loaded onto a suitable vehicle transporter. Non-running, accident-damaged or unusually low vehicles may require a winch, flatbed, low-loader or other specialist equipment.

A large multi-vehicle transporter may not be able to enter narrow residential streets, low-clearance areas or restricted city centres, so an alternative loading or meeting point may be required. Go Trans confirms these conditions with the selected transport partner before the shipment is arranged.

Preparing a Vehicle for Transport

Requirements can vary by carrier, vehicle type and route, so the confirmed transport instructions should take priority over a general checklist.

Before collection:

• Remove personal belongings, loose tools and unsecured accessories from the cabin and luggage areas unless their carriage has been agreed.
• Photograph the vehicle from all sides, including existing scratches, dents, wheel damage and other visible defects.
• Check tyres and ensure the vehicle can be safely moved, or clearly declare that it is non-running.
• Disable alarms or other systems that could activate unnecessarily during transport when instructed by the carrier.
• Provide the keys and any information needed to start, steer or release the parking brake.
• Follow the carrier's instructions for fuel or charge level rather than assuming one Europe-wide limit.
• Declare modifications such as lowered suspension, roof accessories, oversized tyres or body kits, because they can affect loading clearance.

Fuelled vehicles carried as loads are subject to applicable transport-safety provisions and carrier operating procedures. ADR contains specific provisions for vehicles transported as loads; it does not create a universal rule requiring every vehicle in Europe to have the same percentage of fuel remaining.

The battery should not automatically be disconnected unless the carrier or vehicle procedure requires it, because combustion, hybrid and electric vehicles have different electrical systems.

Open vs Enclosed Vehicle Transport

Open transport is generally suitable for standard vehicles, while enclosed transport provides additional protection for high-value, classic or specialist vehicles.

An open transporter, such as an open flatbed truck, carries vehicles on an exposed platform, where they remain subject to normal weather, dust and road spray.

An enclosed transporter places the vehicle inside a covered unit, reducing exposure to weather, road debris and external contact. It can suit classic cars, restored vehicles, prototypes and luxury cars.

Enclosed transport normally involves different equipment, availability and pricing, so request it when the quote is prepared rather than after a transporter has been assigned.

Transport Options by Vehicle Type

Motorcycles

Motorcycles can travel in enclosed vehicles or on specialist equipment. Declare the motorcycle's dimensions, weight, value and condition before booking.

In motorcycle transport, straps and restraints must use suitable securing points without damaging fairings, handlebars or other vulnerable components. High-value and classic motorcycles may benefit from enclosed transport.

Classic and High-Value Cars

Classic, restored and high-value cars often require enclosed transport, because protection from road debris, weather and unnecessary handling can matter more than the lowest price.

Quad Bikes and ATVs

Quad bikes and ATVs may travel on suitable open, enclosed or flatbed equipment depending on their dimensions and configuration. Declare non-standard accessories, winches or oversized wheels, because they can change the loading dimensions and securing method.

Jet Skis and Personal Watercraft

Jet skis and personal watercraft normally require a suitable trailer or flatbed arrangement, and dimensions should include the trailer where it forms part of the shipment. Drain water according to the manufacturer's storage and transport guidance, particularly where freezing temperatures are possible.

Non-Running Vehicles

A non-running vehicle must be declared before the quote is confirmed. Vehicles with engine failure, collision damage, seized brakes, steering problems or other mobility restrictions may need winch loading, a flatbed or specialist recovery equipment. An undeclared condition can result in collection failure if the assigned transporter cannot safely load the vehicle.

Electric and Hybrid Vehicle Shipping

Electric and hybrid vehicles can be shipped, but their battery condition and vehicle status must be declared accurately before collection.

ADR 2025 includes specific provisions and classifications for vehicles powered by lithium and sodium-ion batteries when transported as loads. The applicable requirements depend on the vehicle and transport circumstances.

A normally functioning EV is different from one with a damaged, defective or potentially unsafe traction battery. Battery damage following an accident, fire, flooding or another incident must be disclosed before booking, because it can materially change carrier acceptance and handling requirements.

Do not disconnect a high-voltage traction battery unless this forms part of an approved manufacturer or specialist procedure.

Vehicle Shipping Costs and Transit Time

Vehicle shipping prices depend on the route, vehicle specifications, transporter type and loading requirements rather than one fixed Europe-wide rate.

A standard operational car on a regular route may be easier to consolidate with other vehicles than a non-running classic car requiring enclosed dedicated transport, so two vehicles travelling between the same countries can have different prices. A consignment of several vehicles that fills a whole transporter can instead move as full truckload transport.

Pricing and delivery-time factors include:

• Collection and delivery countries, distance and route availability
• Vehicle length, width, height and weight
• Open, enclosed, flatbed or dedicated transport
• Operational or non-running vehicle condition
• Winch, low-loader or specialist loading requirements
• Standard or time-sensitive collection
• Single-vehicle or consolidated transport
• Declared value and additional insurance requirements

Transit time also depends on transporter availability, route planning, collection access, consolidation and border or customs requirements where applicable. Go Trans therefore confirms the expected transport window for each route.

Documents for Vehicle Shipping in Europe

Shipment information may include the registration certificate or equivalent vehicle details, shipper and consignee information, proof of ownership or sale where relevant, and identification requested for collection or delivery. Requirements vary with the countries, ownership status and purpose of the movement.

The CMR Convention standardizes contractual and carrier-liability conditions for international commercial road carriage where the places of taking over and delivery are in different countries and its jurisdictional conditions are met.

At delivery, inspect the vehicle before completing the handover; collection photographs provide evidence of its pre-transport condition. Under Article 30 of the CMR, taking delivery without appropriate reservations can serve as prima facie evidence that the goods were received in the condition described in the consignment note, so apparent loss or damage should be raised at delivery. For non-apparent loss or damage, the Convention provides for written reservations within seven days of delivery, excluding Sundays and public holidays.

CMR Liability and Additional Insurance

CMR carrier liability is not the same as full vehicle-value insurance.

Under the Protocol to the CMR, compensation for qualifying loss is generally limited to 8.33 Special Drawing Rights (SDR) per kilogram of gross weight short, subject to the Convention's provisions and the circumstances of the claim. SDR is an international unit of account defined by the International Monetary Fund; it should not be treated as €8.33 per kilogram.

For a high-value car or motorcycle, weight-based carrier liability can differ significantly from the vehicle's market or declared value. Check the insurance position before booking, particularly for classic, luxury, restored, competition or other high-value vehicles. Go Trans can confirm available insurance options when preparing the quote.

EU and Non-EU Vehicle Movements

Vehicle movements entirely within the EU are different from shipments entering or leaving the EU customs territory. Routes involving the United Kingdom, Türkiye or another non-EU country can require additional customs information depending on the vehicle's status, ownership and purpose of movement.

Permanent import, export, temporary admission and transit are different customs procedures. A vehicle sold and permanently imported should not be documented in the same way as a competition or exhibition vehicle that will later return to its country of origin.

For eligible temporary movements, an ATA Carnet can simplify temporary import and re-export without payment of duties and taxes under the ATA system. Belgian Chambers lists exhibitions, professional equipment and sporting activities among examples of temporary-import situations. Whether a Carnet is appropriate depends on the vehicle, purpose and countries involved; not every temporary vehicle movement requires one.

ATA carnets and road freight customs documents each carry their own requirements, and the Go Trans shipping guides and resources treat them as separate document topics.