How Much Does it Cost to Ship a Campervan to the US from the UK?

Camping is your passion; there's no cost too big to move your campervan between continents. And if you're planning a long road trip to America's most attractive destinations, having your own trusty camper van to travel guarantees a particular time.

But shipping a campervan to the US from the UK is a big deal for many. The distance may be reachable, but calculating the cost needs careful planning. And there's also the campervan's size.

Unlike an automobile or motorcycle, a vehicle of this size can be awkward in a container. Because it occupies more space, the shipping process may be more intricate than usual.

Before you search for campervan shipping quotes, learn the ins and outs of relocating. This guide will help you prepare to ship a campervan to the US from the UK.

• Shipping a campervan from the UK to the US typically costs $2,200–$4,500 all-in, with RoRo service from Southampton or Liverpool being the most affordable method.
• Ocean transit runs 18–30 days to East Coast ports; West Coast destinations extend that timeline, with peak summer sailings adding further delays.
• Campervans imported for over 12 months require EPA Form 3520-1 and DOT compliance; temporary imports under 12 months qualify for a streamlined exemption process.

Campervan: Not Your Regular Vehicle

A camper van is your home on wheels, a type of motorhome that is compact. As the name suggests, the size resembles a regular van, although some models may be bigger. Camper vans may also have other modifications. And like most motorhomes, it's not just your transportation; it's also your accommodation.

Most campervans are among the smaller types of recreational vehicles, but they are by no means small. If your car has accessories mounted on the roof, the vehicle size and weight become larger. Some of these accessories may include awnings, solar panels, or skylights. They will add to the car overall dimensions. The dimensions of your campervan will determine the shipping method you can use.

But there are campervans sized like regular vans. Without any additional exterior accessories, most campervans may be compact enough to be shipped like a standard van. What makes them different from any other van is perhaps their weight. Carrying more amenities in the interior will affect the campervan's weight.

Yet, despite the additional considerations, campervans remain popular. The convenience they bring to travelers is highly alluring. A camper van makes traveling less pricey, with built-in sleeping and dining areas.

Moreover, camper vans are friendlier to the environment than planes, buses, or trains, making them more appealing as a mode of transportation during travel.

Why Ship a Campervan to the US from the UK?

You may think renting a campervan in the US is easier for travelers. After all, isn't the hassle of transport a camper van may not be worth the price? But when you calculate the total cost, shipping may be cheaper.

A good reason owners may want to ship their vehicles to the US is the quality of the cars. Camper vans are known to be durable and built with quality materials. They can withstand any terrain or weather. These owners may feel if they already own a dependable vehicle, why should they use another one?

Another good reason is the comfort and familiarity offered by their campervans. When British owners rent a campervan in America, the layout may differ. American-made campers may not have the same features as British campers, such as a different electrical system.

Shipping is less expensive if you're planning an extended road trip in the US. See the comparison below.

How Much Does It Cost?

Shipping a camper van from a UK port (Liverpool or Southampton) to North America (US or Canada) starts at around GBP 2,200, which is around $2,800 in US dollars.

Then, you must add other carrying charges, such as bill of lading fees, customs, terminal handling charges, and marine cargo insurance. The total can be GBP 3,500 or USD 4,395.

If you want to ship to your destination port on the West Coast, the price becomes slightly higher by several hundred dollars. Naturally, the price may double if you send it back to the UK from North America. Ask for a free quote from several shipping companies to compare prices.

Influencing factors

A few factors influence the shipping price. Chief among them are distance, method, and import taxes.

Distance

Distance also influences the price. You can ship your camper van to Canada if your schedule is flexible. Entry to North America via Canada may be faster. It only takes around 8 days to ship a campervan from the UK to the East Coast of Canada.

Meanwhile, it takes around a fortnight to ship to the East Coast of the US. Shipping on the US West Coast is the longest, which may take up to 36 days.

Shipping method

The size of a camper van can be awkward to transport. Container relocating is generally more expensive. It may not also accommodate your camper van's size if it's a bigger model. For example, a VW Transporter may travel nicely inside a 20 ft container. However, a Mercedes Sprinter may not fit inside a 40 ft container because its width is more significant than the container's opening.

RoRo shipping, or roll-off carrying, is also cheaper than container transporting. Rates for roll-on roll-off start from GBP 3,000 (USD 3,768). Container shipping is usually more expensive, at GBP 1,500 (USD 1,884), than Ro-Ro services. The 40-ft container will be even more costly than the 20-ft container.

Import taxes

Another factor that influences your campervan price is import taxes. If you bring your van in for over a year, you are subject to import taxes. No taxes apply if you're only temporarily bringing it in (less than a year).

A similar rule applies regarding your camper van's safety and emissions standards. If you're importing your vehicle for less than 12 months, you don't need a Temporary Import Approval Letter from the Environmental Protection Agency. Otherwise, you must apply for the Approval Letter before shipping. Without it, your camper van may be denied entry to the US.

Rental fees

Rental fees in the US are calculated per night. Depending on what camper vans you want to rent, you may get different fees.

For example, a Dodge Sprinter rental starts at USD 125. To rent it for one month (30 days), you must pay USD 3,750 (GBP 2,987). This is already more expensive than shipping it one-way from the UK's standard departure ports in Liverpool or Southampton.

Even if your rental place offers a discount for road trips longer than 30 days, the total cost is still more expensive than hauling.

Tips to Get Your Campervan Ready to Ship

Now that you know the fees, you can compare transporting options with various vehicle relocating services. But UK camper van owners may need to see more about shipping to the US. Here are several tips to prepare their camper vans to ship in good condition.

Clean your campervan

Cleaning your campervan before shipping is a must. This includes the exterior and wheels. Ensure that no dirt or harmful materials are attached to the van. Secure all doors and windows. If your campervan has a slide-out, lock it securely.

The interior of the campervan must also be tidy and organized. Any loose items or hanging accessories on the walls must be removed. It is also advisable to remove any personal effects from the campervan for safety. Also, check if the doors and cabinets inside the campervan are shut securely.

Sort out your paperwork.

Even though you may be traveling on land with a campervan, you're still entering foreign soil. This means you must have your visa and international driver's permit to legally visit the United States and drive your vehicle there.

You must also bring your campervan's official papers (like a vehicle logbook) to verify that they belong to you. Prepare any other documents you may need to travel to another country.

Moreover, because there's a big chance you're not traveling to the same American port as your camper van, make copies of any documents your vehicle needs. This will help you avoid tossing any crucial documents during your travels.

Get insurance

Although you may think insurance is another fee that raises your motorhome shipping cost, insurance is your protection against the unexpected. It would be best to get travel and vehicle insurance for your campervan. Some insurance companies offer mechanical assistance or towing services for campers.

If you bring valuable tools and gear, you may also want to insure them individually. These may include laptops, cameras, sports equipment, and camping gear.

Conclusion

The shipping cost from the UK to the US is not cheap. However, affordable options are available. Choosing roll-on-roll service as a method of transport and the nearest port of destination will save you some money. Thus, your motorhome relocating can be even more worthwhile.

A1 Auto Transport is a vehicle transport service that can help you transport your campervan from the UK to the US. Its team of shipping specialists will ensure your vehicle arrives safely and is ready for use. Get a free instant quote today.