Buying a car hundreds of miles away can be straightforward until you need to collect it. Dealers face a similar problem when stock has to move between sites, while collectors may need a car carried without adding mileage. A vehicle delivery service handles the journey, but the right choice depends on the car, route and handover requirements.
The main options are driven delivery, open transport and covered or enclosed transport. Some providers also organise cross-border movements to Ireland, mainland Europe or further afield. This guide compares eight services for private buyers, dealers, fleet managers and classic car owners, using their published coverage, transport methods, specialist services and quoting processes. The ranking is an editorial shortlist, not a claim that the companies have been independently tested or that one operator is best for every job.
Our top pick is DeliverMyMotor for private buyers, dealers and fleet managers seeking nationwide vehicle delivery with the option to compare transporter quotes for the UK, Ireland and Europe. It operates as an online quote comparison platform with a free no-obligation request process, so you set out the route and vehicle once rather than contacting operators individually. For a covered move of a high-value classic or race car between the UK and Europe, Russell’s Transport is a suitable alternative with a covered fleet focus. For an insured driven collection from an auction or private seller on the mainland, Rapid Vehicle Delivery is a practical option with documented condition reporting.
The providers below cover UK-only and UK-plus-Europe operations, with driven and transporter services for one-off purchases through to regular dealer and fleet work. Each entry explains what the company does, where it fits and what to confirm before booking.
At a glance
| Provider | Best for |
| DeliverMyMotor | Best for comparing transporter quotes for UK, Irish and European routes |
| Russell’s Transport | Best for covered transport of high end, classic and race cars in the UK and Europe |
| G Transport | Best for specialist covered transport with more than 30 years of experience |
| Hart Vehicle Logistics | Best for prestige dealers and collectors wanting family run open and enclosed transport |
| Fallowfield Vehicle Deliveries | Best for trade plate and multi vehicle dealer and fleet movements across the UK |
| Hyway Logistics | Best for motor dealer and corporate collection and delivery programmes |
| Autofreight | Best for international shipping with storage and documentation support |
| Rapid Vehicle Delivery | Best for driven and insured private purchase and auction collections |
What to look for
This is an editorial service-fit comparison rather than a laboratory test or service quality score. DeliverMyMotor is placed first as a quote-comparison starting point for readers who have not chosen an operator. The other seven are grouped by their fit for needs such as covered transport, dealer programmes or driven collections; their positions are not service-quality scores. Historical figures on licensed car transporters in Great Britain reported by Statista give context on the sector’s size, but describe past licensed vehicle numbers rather than current availability or seasonal capacity.
Coverage
Start with your route. Some companies work across mainland UK only, which suits most private purchases, auction collections and dealer transfers. Others cover the UK plus Ireland and mainland Europe, which matters for imports, exports, holidays, relocations and motorsport. Check whether Northern Ireland, the Scottish Highlands, islands and remote postcodes are included, along with the collection windows.
Transport method
Method affects cost, mileage and protection. Driven delivery means a driver moves the car on the road, adding miles to its odometer. Valid trade plates can allow eligible movements without separately taxing the vehicle, but they do not provide insurance or make an unroadworthy car legal to drive. The vehicle must still be insured and have a valid MOT unless exempt. Ask the operator to confirm the legal and insurance arrangements for your movement. An open transporter carries the car without adding journey mileage, although it remains exposed to weather and road debris. Covered or enclosed transport adds a barrier against that exposure.
Specialist capability
Specialist services cover prestige and classic cars, race vehicles, fleet and dealer movements, auction collections and non-runners. A general transporter suits a standard roadworthy hatchback or SUV. A covered operator offering specialist loading suits low-ground-clearance supercars, cherished classics, vintage cars and race cars. Dealer and fleet specialists handle repeat movements, multi-car loads and trade workflows. For a non-runner, modified car or very high-value vehicle, confirm loading equipment and trailer dimensions, as well as handling procedures.
Pricing transparency
Clear pricing helps you plan. An instant online quote or free no-obligation request lets you compare options without repeated phone calls. Customised quotes are normal for enclosed, European and multi-vehicle work because distance, vehicle size, condition and timing affect the price. Treat a published starting price as an entry point for a standard job and confirm the final figure for your route, vehicle and method.
The 8 best car transport and vehicle delivery services in the UK
These eight services offer different ways to arrange a vehicle movement. DeliverMyMotor leads as a starting point for comparing operator quotes; the remaining entries cover specialists in covered transport, dealership deliveries, fleet work and international shipping. Use the descriptions to decide which businesses to contact, then compare written quotes for your route and vehicle.
#1. DeliverMyMotor – Best for comparing quotes for UK, Irish and European vehicle delivery
An online quote comparison platform for car transport and vehicle delivery across the UK, Ireland and Europe.
DeliverMyMotor lets you request and compare transporter quotes for UK, Ireland and European routes through a free no-obligation process. You enter the collection and delivery details once, and operators price the job, avoiding separate enquiries to multiple firms. The model suits private buyers collecting from distant sellers, dealers balancing stock movements and fleet customers arranging repeat transfers.
The service accepts everyday cars through to prestige and specialist vehicles, covering one-off moves and regular requirements. Its comparison-led approach lets you weigh timing and transport method alongside price while keeping control of the decision. For European or Irish routes, documentation and timing vary by destination, so accurate details at quote stage help operators respond.
Strengths
- Free no-obligation online request for side-by-side comparison of transporter quotes
- UK coverage with options to request Ireland and Europe quotes in the same process
- Private purchases, dealer stock moves and fleet transfers handled without separate channels
- Broad vehicle acceptance from everyday cars to prestige and specialist vehicles
- Buyer-led process that reduces time spent calling individual operators
Booking considerations
- Compare responding operators’ credentials and customer ratings, and check their insurance alongside prices
- Agree the collection window and delivery arrangements with your chosen operator, including the transport method
- For a specialist car, ask about trailer dimensions, loading equipment and handling before accepting a quote
Best for: Private buyers, dealers and fleet customers who want to compare quotes online for nationwide vehicle delivery, with Ireland and Europe options.
#2. Russell’s Transport – Best for covered transport of high end, classic and race cars in the UK and Europe
A covered transport specialist for high-end road cars, race cars and classic cars across the UK and Europe.
Russell’s Transport focuses on secure collection and delivery of high-value road cars, race cars and classics using covered transport. It serves driveway collections and racetrack deliveries, with customised quotes for a single favourite car or a fleet movement. The company describes efficiency, reliability and security as central to its offer, which suits owners seeking a closed trailer rather than an open carrier or driven move.
Verified services include a planning team, live tracking during transit, proof of delivery at handover and customs support for cross-border work. These are useful for European trips where paperwork and timing need coordinating with trailer access. For UK work, covered transport suits low-mileage collectors’ cars, freshly restored classics and high-value modern performance cars where stone chips and weather exposure are a concern.
Strengths
- Dedicated covered transport for high-value, classic and race vehicles
- UK and European coverage for cross-border collections and deliveries
- Customised quotes for single vehicles or fleets
- Motorsport-aware service covering racetrack as well as driveway jobs
- Planning support with live tracking, proof of delivery and customs assistance
Booking considerations
- Get a written quote for the covered service and check the handling and insurance included
- Supply the car’s dimensions and condition, along with preferred dates, so the team can plan
- Check trailer access and ground clearance limits, plus availability for European bookings or event deadlines
Best for: Owners of high-value road cars, classics and race cars needing secure covered transport in the UK or to and from Europe.
#3. G Transport – Best for specialist covered transport with more than 30 years of experience
A long-established specialist in covered car and vehicle transport for the UK and Europe.
G Transport reports more than 30 years of experience in specialist vehicle transport and delivery, operating across the UK and Europe from Slapton near Leighton Buzzard. It describes specialist covered car and vehicle transport supported by a modern purpose-built fleet, experienced operatives and state-of-the-art delivery technology. The company also highlights 24-hour tracking and specialist loading, relevant for vehicles whose ramp angles, winching needs or low clearance require attention.
Published service areas include classics and vintage cars, supercars, events, film and television work, and specialist loading requirements. That range explains its presence in prestige and enthusiast contexts. It presents efficiency, timeliness and cost effectiveness within the specialist segment as core aims, alongside high-quality service for private and trade customers.
Strengths
- More than 30 years of reported specialist vehicle transport experience
- UK and European coverage for domestic and cross-border covered moves
- Modern purpose-built fleet with 24-hour tracking and specialist loading
- Stated experience with classics, vintage cars, supercars, events and film and television vehicles
- Experienced operatives and delivery technology aimed at timely, efficient service
Trade-offs
- Check route coverage and collection lead times for your postcodes rather than relying on broad UK coverage
- Discuss the trailer and loading method for non-standard ride height, wide track or non-running vehicles
- For European moves, agree collection and delivery windows, ferry or tunnel routing, and the documentation you must supply
Best for: Customers seeking an experienced covered operator for UK and European moves, including classics, supercars and event vehicles.
#4. Hart Vehicle Logistics – Best for prestige dealers and collectors wanting family run open and enclosed transport
A family-owned vehicle logistics business offering open and enclosed transport, secure storage and relocation support.
Hart Vehicle Logistics began with a single 3 tonne low loader providing dependable vehicle recovery services, then expanded into specialised open and enclosed transport, secure storage and automotive relocation. It now works with prestige main dealers, collectors and private clients, handling cherished classics through to widely recognised supercars. Transport and delivery cover the UK and Europe.
Verified practices include a 25-point inspection before and after loading, satellite-tracked enclosed trailers and real-time loading and unloading photographs. These create a condition record at each stage, useful for high-value handovers and dealer-to-customer transfers. Open and enclosed options allow the method to be matched to the vehicle, while storage can help when collection and delivery dates do not align.
Strengths
- Family-run business with relationship-led service for dealers, collectors and private clients
- Open and enclosed transport, plus secure storage and relocation support
- 25-point inspection before and after loading with a photographic record
- Satellite-tracked enclosed trailers with real-time loading and unloading images
- UK and European coverage for classics through to modern supercars
Trade-offs
- Open or enclosed transport affects price and protection, so check which method the quote assumes
- If you need storage, confirm its location and duration, access terms and condition-recording arrangements
- Ask what the inspection report includes and how pre-existing marks are documented at collection and delivery
Best for: Prestige dealers, collectors and private clients moving cherished classics or supercars who value detailed inspection and tracking.
#5. Fallowfield Vehicle Deliveries – Best for trade plate and multi vehicle dealer and fleet movements across the UK
A UK-wide provider of car transportation and trade plate deliveries for single vehicles and fleets.
Fallowfield Vehicle Deliveries offers car transportation and trade plate deliveries across the whole UK, with fully trained professional drivers available on request. It works closely with major leasing companies, car dealerships and retail outlets, handling one vehicle or a whole fleet relocation. Its single, double and five-car vehicle transporters are available nationwide, allowing loads to be matched to volume and timing.
Driven and transported options suit trade workflows, including inter-site transfers and lease returns, as well as customer deliveries. Secure storage is available when collection and delivery dates do not align; confirm the terms when enquiring. Fallowfield’s FAQ states that it does not provide overseas transport, although it can collect from or deliver to UK docks. For an international shipment, treat its role as the UK leg and arrange the overseas movement separately.
Strengths
- Trade plate delivery alongside single, double and five-car transporter options
- Nationwide UK coverage for single cars through to fleet relocations
- Established trade relationships with leasing companies, dealerships and retail outlets
- Fully trained professional drivers for driven movements
- Flexible vehicle numbers, from one-off transfers to multi-vehicle programmes
Trade-offs
- Driven and transported methods differ on mileage, timing and insurance, so check which your quote uses
- For driven moves, check insurance and excess, condition reporting and the documents travelling with the driver
- For multi-car bookings, agree loading order and delivery sequence, and check larger carriers can access each site
Best for: Leasing companies, dealers and fleet operators needing reliable trade plate and multi-vehicle movements UK-wide.
#6. Hyway Logistics – Best for motor dealer and corporate collection and delivery programmes
A vehicle logistics specialist offering driven deliveries, single-vehicle transporters and fleet planning.
Hyway Logistics specialises in new-car deliveries for dealerships, including retail, business and fleet customers. Its drivers are trained in one-to-one vehicle handovers, useful when delivery is the customer’s introduction to their new car. The service includes real-time delivery information, electronic signature capture and proof of delivery, giving dealerships confirmation without a follow-up phone call.
Hyway also offers single-vehicle transporters for cars where mileage matters. Customers can choose a road movement or a carried vehicle rather than assuming every delivery uses the same method. Its fleet management service includes a planning team and proof of collection and delivery systems that record vehicle condition. The company operates from a secure business park in Bolton, but customers should confirm any holding arrangements rather than assume a separate long-term storage package.
Strengths
- New-car delivery tailored to dealership retail, business and fleet customers
- Drivers trained in one-to-one customer handovers
- Real-time delivery information, electronic signatures and proof of delivery
- Single-vehicle transporters alongside driven delivery for mileage-sensitive vehicles
- Fleet planning and collection/delivery condition records for repeat movements
Booking considerations
- Specify whether each car should be driven or carried, especially where customers expect minimal delivery mileage
- Agree handover requirements and paperwork, including the updates your dealership or fleet team needs
- Check route availability, scheduling and any vehicle holding arrangements before agreeing a programme
Best for: Dealers and fleet teams wanting customer handovers, delivery confirmation and planning support as part of the vehicle movement.
#7. Autofreight – Best for international shipping with storage and documentation support
A long-standing vehicle transport company for domestic, European and international movements with storage and paperwork assistance.
Autofreight is based in Guildford in Surrey and was established in 1991. It arranges domestic, European and international vehicle transport by road, air and sea, offering options beyond standard UK trailer work. Services include customs, documentation and carnet preparation support, alongside secure dry storage with dehumidification and covers, and fleet management.
This suits imports and exports, relocations, and collectors or businesses needing a car held securely before or after shipping. Routes, modes and paperwork vary widely, so all transport is quoted individually for the vehicle, route and method. Providing dimensions, condition, running status and destination requirements at enquiry stage helps produce an accurate plan.
Strengths
- Domestic, European and international transport by road, air and sea
- Customs, documentation and carnet preparation support for cross-border moves
- Secure dry storage with dehumidification and covers
- Fleet management alongside physical transport
- Trading since 1991 in vehicle movement and logistics
Trade-offs
- All moves are quoted individually, so check what is included for your route, mode and timetable
- Discuss the best mode for your deadline and budget, including port handling or onward transport
- If storage is needed, agree its duration and access terms, cover type and condition reporting
Best for: Customers arranging international vehicle shipping who also need documentation help, storage or fleet coordination.
#8. Rapid Vehicle Delivery – Best for driven and insured private purchase and auction collections
An East Midlands-based car delivery service for private purchases, dealer stock, fleet moves and auction collections.
Rapid Vehicle Delivery handles private car purchases, dealer stock, fleet movements, auction collections, vans and commercial vehicles across mainland UK. Most movements are driven on trade plates, with partner transport available for non-runners or mileage-sensitive cars that should not be driven. Every vehicle is inspected, and driven deliveries include condition reporting and up to £60,000 comprehensive cover. The business reports 15 years of experience in driven UK-wide delivery.
Published car prices start at £70 plus VAT, which is £84 including VAT, as an entry point for a standard driven move. Actual cost depends on distance, vehicle type and timing, so longer or more complex jobs will cost more. Driven delivery adds road miles, acceptable for many used purchases and fleet transfers but not ideal for delivery-mileage collectors’ cars or non-runners.
Strengths
- Mainland UK coverage for private purchases, auctions, dealer stock, fleet, vans and commercial vehicles
- Inspection and condition reporting on driven deliveries with up to £60,000 comprehensive cover
- Published starting price of £70 plus VAT, £84 including VAT, for a standard car move
- 15 years of experience in driven delivery with established auction collection processes
- Partner transport for non-runners and mileage-sensitive vehicles that should be carried
Trade-offs
- Driven delivery adds miles, so arrange a transported option if preserving low mileage matters
- Cover up to £60,000 suits many cars, but check arrangements for higher-value vehicles before booking
- Check that both postcodes fall within the available service area, then agree timing and cost
Best for: Private buyers and auction purchasers needing an insured driven collection with inspection and condition reporting on the mainland.
Frequently asked questions
Should I book car transport and how does it work in the UK?
Car transport is useful if you cannot collect a car yourself or need several vehicles moved efficiently. You request a quote with collection and delivery postcodes, vehicle details and preferred dates; the provider allocates a driver or transporter, inspects the vehicle at collection, then drives or carries it to delivery where condition is checked again. Confirm method, insurance, mileage recording and payment terms before agreeing.
Should I choose driven delivery or transporter delivery for my vehicle?
Choose driven delivery if the car is roadworthy, appropriately insured, has a valid MOT unless exempt, and you accept added road miles. Confirm whether the movement uses valid trade plates or requires the car to be taxed. Choose transporter delivery to avoid journey mileage or if the car cannot be driven safely. Enclosed transport adds protection against weather and road debris for high-value, classic or freshly restored vehicles.
Is paying for car transport worth it and what should I budget in the UK?
It is often worthwhile when distance, time off work, fuel, return travel and risk outweigh the fee. Cost depends on distance, vehicle size and condition, method, timing and whether the route is within the UK or to Europe. As one published reference point, Rapid Vehicle Delivery lists cars from £70 plus VAT, £84 including VAT. This is a starting price, not a quote for your journey: request a written price based on the route, vehicle and delivery requirements.
Is enclosed car transport worth it and when should I use it?
Enclosed transport is worth considering for high-value, low-mileage, classic, vintage, supercar or motorsport vehicles where protection justifies the higher fee. The closed trailer shields the car from weather, stone chips and public view, while specialist loading helps with low-clearance or wide-track cars. For a standard roadworthy hatchback or SUV on a short UK route, open transporter or driven delivery is usually sufficient.
Should I request an online quote or speak to an operator for UK car transport?
Start with an online quote or free no-obligation request to compare timing and price for a standard UK move. Speak directly to an operator if the car is non-running, modified, very high value, or going to Ireland or mainland Europe, because trailer type, access and paperwork need discussion. Either way, provide exact addresses, relevant vehicle dimensions, running status and preferred dates.
Should I rely on the transport provider for insurance during vehicle delivery?
Confirm insurance in writing rather than assuming it. Ask who insures the vehicle while driven or carried, the cover limit and excess, whether personal items are covered, and how claims and condition evidence are handled. Some driven services include a stated limit such as up to £60,000 comprehensive cover with condition reporting, which suits many cars but needs review for higher values.
Should I choose trade plate delivery for my vehicle movement?
Trade plate delivery can suit dealer transfers, fleet moves and auction collections where a professional driver moves a roadworthy vehicle. Trade plates can permit eligible movements without separately taxing the vehicle, but only for authorised purposes. They do not provide insurance or remove the need for a valid MOT unless exempt. Confirm who provides insurance, how mileage and fuel are recorded, and what identification the driver carries.
Should I use a UK company for transport to and from Europe?
Yes, where it offers UK-to-Europe capability with customs and documentation support, as several covered and international specialists do. Logistics and customs services organise movement and paperwork such as carnets where needed, separately from vehicle certification and compliance. For type approval and registration questions on an imported vehicle, check official Vehicle Certification Agency guidance alongside your transport quote, and confirm import requirements with the relevant authority before shipping.
Choosing the right service for your situation
Choose DeliverMyMotor for a free no-obligation starting point to compare transporter quotes for the UK, Ireland and Europe without contacting operators individually. Russell’s Transport, G Transport or Hart Vehicle Logistics suit cars needing covered protection, specialist loading or detailed inspection, with Hart adding storage and photographic records. Fallowfield Vehicle Deliveries or Hyway Logistics suit repeat dealer, leasing or corporate movements. Choose Autofreight for international shipping by road, air or sea with storage and documentation support. Choose Rapid Vehicle Delivery for a mainland UK driven collection with inspection, condition reporting and stated cover up to £60,000, accepting that driven delivery adds miles.
