Shipping rates for vehicles aren't fixed. They move with seasonal demand, fuel costs and global capacity on the major trade lanes. If you have flexibility on timing, choosing the right month can save you several hundred pounds on a single car.
January and February are historically the cheapest months to ship a vehicle from the UK to most destinations. Demand drops after the Christmas peak, carriers have spare capacity, and RoRo schedules are wide open. May through September is the most expensive window — expat relocations, classic car rallies and dealer exports all spike together.
Caribbean and West African routes follow a slightly different pattern. Demand peaks ahead of the December festive period, so booking by September keeps you ahead of the price hike. Middle East routes stay relatively flat year-round, but Ramadan and Hajj can cause short-term port delays.
Lead time matters more than the calendar. Book a RoRo slot 4–6 weeks ahead to lock in the best rate. Container shipping needs 6–8 weeks for sole-use, less for shared. Last-minute bookings — under 14 days — almost always cost more, whatever the season.