Discover how Freight My Car offers expert classic car shipping from Dubai to the UK, US, and beyond. From enclosed transport and climate-controlled storage to full customs documentation and tailored insurance, we deliver preservation, precision, and passion for every vintage vehicle.
Classic Car Shipping from Dubai: Preservation, Precision & Passion
Shipping a classic car is never just about moving a vehicle from point A to point B. For collectors, restorers, and automotive enthusiasts, it’s about transporting a piece of history. When that journey starts in Dubai—a city synonymous with luxury, performance vehicles, and a booming export market—you need a service provider that offers more than logistics. You need preservation, precision, and passion.
Whether you're a collector sending a vintage Rolls-Royce to the UK, an auction buyer shipping a rare Porsche to the US, or a classic enthusiast relocating overseas, understanding the complete logistics, customs processes, and preservation techniques is crucial. At Freight My Car, we specialize in providing elite, white-glove classic car shipping solutions, ensuring your investment is protected from departure to delivery.
Challenges of Classic Car Transport
Classic vehicles come with unique challenges that standard auto transport services often can’t accommodate. These include:
- Age and Fragility: Many vintage cars have delicate mechanical systems, original paintwork, and sensitive upholstery that can be easily damaged by vibration, weather, or poor handling.
- Irreplaceable Value: A classic car's worth is often more than monetary. Restored models or rare editions can have historic or sentimental value, making damage during transit unacceptable.
- Custom Clearance Delays: Customs paperwork must often match specific standards depending on age, emissions, and modifications. Non-compliance can lead to shipment delays or penalties.
- Transport Restrictions: Some countries, like the US and UK, have strict import criteria for older vehicles. For example, cars must meet certain age exemptions (like the 25-year rule in the US) or be supported by documentation such as the Certificate of Conformity (CoC).
Enclosed Shipping: Why It Matters
For classic cars, enclosed car transport isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. Unlike open carriers that expose vehicles to dust, debris, weather, and prying eyes, enclosed carriers provide:
- Full Protection: Your vehicle is shielded from elements, reducing the risk of paint damage, rust, and glass wear.
- Privacy: Especially important for rare or high-value vehicles, enclosed carriers keep your car out of sight.
- Specialized Equipment: Hydraulic lift gates, soft straps, and custom wheel cradles prevent strain or damage to the undercarriage and body.
At Freight My Car, our enclosed carriers are designed to accommodate low-clearance vehicles, long-wheelbase classics, and wide body kits—making them ideal for transporting everything from a Jaguar E-Type to a vintage Mustang.
Indoor Storage Solutions
Classic cars can’t be parked just anywhere while awaiting shipment. Exposure to Dubai’s heat and dust can affect everything from paint to tire pressure. That’s why climate-controlled, indoor car storage is essential.
Freight My Car offers integrated indoor storage solutions across Dubai:
- Dust-Free, Climate-Controlled Spaces
- Battery Trickle Charging to maintain electric health
- Weekly Ignition Starts to circulate engine fluids
- Humidity Control to prevent corrosion, especially in chrome and underbody components
These services are ideal for clients who purchase vehicles remotely or are waiting for shipping windows to open. Whether it’s a 1967 Corvette Stingray or a 1959 Mercedes-Benz 300SL, our storage safeguards your car until it’s ready for departure.
Specialized Insurance and Security
Insurance is often an afterthought—until it’s too late. With classic cars, basic shipping insurance is not enough. We offer:
- Tailored Classic Car Insurance policies that cover agreed value, not just market value.
- All-Risk Coverage that includes damage from mishandling, loading, unloading, theft, and natural disasters.
- GPS Tracking on enclosed shipments for real-time visibility.
Our team will guide you through selecting a suitable policy, ensuring maximum peace of mind.
Compliance and Documentation
Freight My Car assists with all customs and legal documentation required to ship your classic vehicle to its new home, including:
- RTA Export Certificate (Dubai-specific requirement)
- Original Title and Bill of Sale
- Carnet de Passage (for temporary export or rallies)
- Certificate of Conformity (CoC) for EU compliance
- Form 3520-1 and DOT HS-7 for US imports
- Carte Grise 846A after clearance in France and other EU states
We also coordinate with customs brokers in the UK and US to prevent delays at destination ports.
Shipping Classic Cars to the UK
The UK is one of the most popular destinations for classic car collectors. Here’s what you need to know:
- Duty & VAT: 10% import duty and 20% VAT is applied on CIF (cost, insurance, freight) value unless specific exemptions apply for historic vehicles over 30 years old.
- MOT & Registration: Your car may require an MOT (Ministry of Transport) inspection. After that, you’ll receive a V5C registration document.
- Compliance: While emissions and safety standards are flexible for older vehicles, a CoC or dating certificate from the manufacturer may be required.
Freight My Car handles the entire journey—from securing the vehicle in Dubai to delivery at your UK garage.
Shipping Classic Cars to the US
Importing a classic car into the US involves:
- The 25-Year Rule: If your car is over 25 years old, it is exempt from federal emissions and safety standards.
- Port Entry: Common destinations include New York, Los Angeles, and Miami.
- Documentation: Bill of Lading, EPA and DOT forms, and foreign registration must be submitted to CBP (Customs and Border Protection).
- Costs: Approx. $2,749 USD from Dubai with delivery timelines ranging from 20–35 days.
Freight My Car provides bonded warehouse storage, drayage services, and inland delivery across all 50 states.
Restoration Logistics & Auction Support
Are you a remote buyer from RM Sotheby’s, Bonhams, or Barrett-Jackson auctions? We can:
- Inspect, store, and collect cars post-purchase
- Handle valuation reports and pre-loading inspections
- Coordinate enclosed transport from the auction venue to our facility
- Provide restoration partner introductions if required before shipping
Our team has shipped dozens of high-value cars under strict timelines for collectors around the world.
Why Freight My Car?
- Passion-Driven: We love cars, and we treat every vehicle as if it were our own.
- Proven Track Record: Hundreds of successful classic car shipments to Europe, North America, and the GCC.
- One-Stop Solution: From pickup and paperwork to indoor storage and insurance.
- Luxury-Focused: White-glove service tailored for high-net-worth individuals and car enthusiasts.
Request a Custom Shipping Plan for Your Classic
Your classic car deserves more than a shipping company—it deserves a team that shares your appreciation for its legacy. At Freight My Car, we don't just transport vehicles, we preserve passion.
Ready to ship your classic with confidence?
Reach out today and request your custom shipping plan with our expert consultants.
Freight My Car – Driven by Passion. Delivered with Precision.
