Vehicles
Car shipping from Dubai
Dubai is one of the world's biggest used-vehicle export markets. We handle the whole chain: collection from the dealer or auction, de-registration and export certificate, loading, sea or air freight, and clearance at the other end.
- RoRo & container
- Export certificate handled
- Cars, bikes, trucks, machinery
Two ways to ship a vehicle
RoRo — roll-on roll-off
The vehicle is driven onto a dedicated car carrier and secured on deck. Cheapest for a single running vehicle, but it must start, drive and steer, and nothing can be packed inside it.
Container
The vehicle is strapped and chocked inside a sealed container — alone, or two to four together to split the cost. Protected from weather and handling, and you can load spare parts and personal effects around it.
Air freight
For high-value, classic or time-critical vehicles. Expensive, but a car can be in Europe or the CIS within days rather than weeks.
Machinery & heavy equipment
Excavators, loaders, forklifts, cranes and agricultural machinery by RoRo, flat rack or breakbulk, with lashing plans and surveys.
RoRo vs container
| RoRo | Container | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost for one car | Lower | Higher alone, competitive when shared |
| Vehicle must run | Yes — it is driven on and off | No — non-runners can be winched in |
| Personal effects inside | Not permitted | Permitted at many destinations |
| Weather and handling exposure | Higher | Sealed and protected |
| Port coverage | Limited to RoRo terminals | Any container port |
| Typical use | Single running car to Africa or the Middle East | Premium cars, multiple cars, non-runners, parts alongside |
The export process
Quote and route
Send the make, model, year, VIN and destination. We price RoRo and container and tell you the sailing schedule.
Purchase and collection
We collect from the dealer, auction or your address. If you have not bought yet, we can source and inspect the car first.
De-registration and export certificate
If the vehicle is UAE-registered, it must be de-registered and an export certificate issued, with any outstanding finance cleared. We handle this.
Loading and export clearance
Delivery to port, loading under supervision with a photo record, customs export declaration filed.
Sailing and documents
You receive the bill of lading, export certificate and invoice set — exactly what the destination customs will ask for.
Clearance and delivery
Our agent clears at destination and delivers, or hands over at port if you clear yourself.
Typical sea transit for vehicles from Jebel Ali
| Destination | Transit | Common method |
|---|---|---|
| Mombasa / Dar es Salaam | 12–20 days | RoRo and container both widely available |
| Lagos / Cotonou / Tema | 20–28 days | RoRo dominant on the West Africa lane |
| Durban | 18–25 days | RoRo and container |
| Djibouti / Port Sudan | 7–14 days | Gateway for Ethiopia and Sudan |
| Northern Europe | 22–28 days | Container preferred for premium vehicles |
| Mediterranean / Turkey | 14–22 days | RoRo and container |
| Poti / Novorossiysk (for CIS) | 18–28 days | Container, then road onward |
| Karachi / Chittagong | 5–12 days | Container |
Car shipping FAQ
What documents do I need to export a car from Dubai?
The purchase invoice, the vehicle's registration card or export certificate, passport copy of the buyer, and — for a UAE-registered car — proof that any finance has been settled and the plates surrendered. We prepare and check the full set.
Can I put personal items in the car?
In a container, usually yes, subject to the destination's rules — and they must be declared. In RoRo, no: the terminal will refuse the vehicle or remove the contents.
How many cars fit in a container?
Two saloons in a 20-foot container with careful loading, three to four in a 40-foot depending on size, using racking frames.
Can you ship a non-running car?
Yes, in a container — it is winched in. RoRo is not an option for a vehicle that cannot be driven.
Do you ship motorcycles and quad bikes?
Yes, usually crated inside a container, often consolidated with other units to reduce cost.
Is the vehicle insured during transit?
Not by default. Carrier liability on vehicles is limited and rarely close to the car's value. We arrange all-risk marine cover, which for vehicles is strongly recommended.
Can you help me buy the car as well?
Yes — market search, physical inspection, history and lien check, negotiation and purchase. See car sourcing.
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Shipping a vehicle out of the UAE?
Send the make, model, year and destination. We will price RoRo and container side by side and list the documents you need.