Recreational Vans

Camper Van Shipping Europe

How camper van shipping to Europe really works

Shipping a camper van to Europe follows a predictable flow once you know the moving parts. Most travelers choose RORO, which loads the van as rolling cargo, or a sealed container that protects the vehicle and any permitted spares. A freight forwarder quotes the route, books space with an ocean carrier, and issues a booking confirmation with cutoff dates for title submission and port delivery. You will drop the van at the origin terminal after a pre check, then the carrier loads it for the ocean crossing. On arrival, the destination agent handles release, customs entry or temporary admission, and handoff at the terminal or a nearby yard.

RORO is usually the most budget friendly choice for standard height rigs, while containers can make sense for high value builds, extra parts, or routes where RORO schedules are thin. Air freight exists but is rare due to cost. Typical European entry ports include Bremerhaven, Antwerp, Zeebrugge, Rotterdam, Southampton, Barcelona, and Valencia, each with different handling fees and schedules.

Cost, timing, and documents you will need

Costs vary by route, size, weight, and season. Ocean freight is the core charge, then add origin handling, terminal fees, security, documentation, and destination charges like port handling and storage if you do not collect quickly. Oversize surcharges can apply for tall roof vans or roof gear. Marine insurance is a smart add, often one to two percent of the vehicle declared value, and protects against total loss plus limited damage within policy terms.

Timelines depend on the lane and port congestion. East Coast US to North Europe can sail in about two to three weeks, with total door to port time often four to six weeks when you include booking lead time and customs on both ends. West Coast routes are longer. Sailing schedules are published but can shift, so build in buffer days for weather or port labor delays.

Expect a document pack that includes passport or company registration, original vehicle title, a power of attorney for the forwarder if needed, commercial invoice or value statement, and booking details. The carrier issues a bill of lading after loading. Some countries require a clean title free of liens or a formal letter from the lienholder. If you are not importing permanently, ask your forwarder about temporary admission so you can tour and later depart without duty.

RORO versus container decisions

RORO loads the van under its own wheels, which limits what you can leave inside. Many carriers prohibit personal effects in the cabin and cargo area, or they require items to sit low and be secured. With a container, you and the forwarder can strap the van and approved gear to the container floor for extra protection. RORO is simpler and often cheaper, container offers more control and privacy. Your decision usually comes down to budget, route availability, and how much equipment you must bring.

Prep, compliance, and port day checklists

Cleanliness matters. Ports ask for a vehicle free of soil and plant matter to prevent contamination. Detail the undercarriage, wheel wells, and engine bay. Fuel tanks must sit near empty, usually below one quarter, and alarms must be disabled. Many carriers require the battery to be disconnected, with clear access to the terminals. Propane bottles are generally prohibited unless fully purged and tagged by a certified shop. Lithium house batteries and inverters may need to be switched off and labeled.

Customs rules differ across Europe. Tourists can often use temporary admission to tour without paying import duty for a limited period, commonly up to six months in many states. The UK has its own process after Brexit. If you plan to sell or stay long term, speak with a broker to understand import taxes, registration, and type approval. Insurance for European roads is separate from marine coverage. Secure motor insurance that includes a green card if required by the countries on your route.

Port selection, routing, and storage

Your choice of origin and destination ports drives cost and stress. Pick origins with reliable sailings and lanes that minimize transshipment. Choose a European port with easy rail or highway access to your first destination. Avoid unnecessary storage fees by timing your arrival for the vessel’s discharge window and clearing customs quickly. If you cannot collect the same day, budget for secure storage at the terminal or an off dock depot.

What to pack and what to leave

Ship only what you can document and secure. Tools, spares, and approved gear should be inventoried with photos and a packing list. Skip fuel canisters and aerosols. Remove roof cargo that exceeds height limits, or consider shipping long items in a separate crate if going by container. A quiet van ships better, too. Tighten loose panels, secure drawers, and pad cabinetry to avoid vibration wear during the crossing.

Insurance, tracking, and handoff

Ask your forwarder for an all risk marine policy with the right insured value and clear exclusions. Track the vessel by booking reference, not just the ship name, since lines sometimes roll cargo to a later sailing. At destination, inspect before you drive away. Compare condition against your origin photos, note exceptions on the release, and file claims promptly if needed.

Where a pro makes life easier, and how to hit the road sooner

A seasoned forwarder or broker can streamline paperwork, secure a space even in peak season, and coordinate with the terminal to prevent storage fees. A professional shop can also prep your camper van to pass port rules and arrive ready for European roads. Solid electrical labeling, proper gas system shutoff, and clean underbody work reduce inspection friction and keep your trip on schedule.

OZK Customs builds adventure vans designed for real travel, and that includes the details ports care about. We route cables, mount tie points, and secure cabinetry so the rig stays quiet across the Atlantic and solid on alpine roads. If you are planning a crossing, we can configure storage for spares, install shore friendly charging, add lighting for dark port yards, and finalize your handoff kit so pick up day is simple. When you are ready to talk through routes and timelines, we are ready to help.

Strong builds, clear paperwork, and clean prep turn the crossing from a puzzle into a plan. Tell us where you want to roll and when, and we will help you get there.