Shiply Car Transport Guide

Moving a car you can’t — or don’t want to — drive yourself is one of the most common reasons people discover Shiply. Whether it’s a second-hand purchase from the far end of the country, a classic that shouldn’t be adding motorway miles, or a non-runner that needs a trailer, Shiply car transport connects you with specialist vehicle movers competing for the job. Here’s the complete guide.

Quick primer if you’re new: Shiply is a London-based transport marketplace operating since 2008. You list your vehicle, independent transport companies bid in a reverse auction, and you choose the winner. The mechanics are covered in how Shiply works — this guide is all about cars.

How Shiply car transport works

List the vehicle with its make, model, year, condition (runner or non-runner matters enormously for pricing), and exact pickup and delivery postcodes. Vehicle transporters — many running multi-car transporters or single-vehicle trailers on regular routes — submit competing quotes. Because they’re often already moving cars along your corridor, the auction can produce genuinely sharp prices, particularly if your dates flex around their schedules.

Open vs enclosed transport

You’ll see both offered, and the difference matters:

Open transport — your car travels on an open trailer or multi-car transporter, exposed to weather and road grime. It’s the standard, cheapest option and perfectly fine for everyday cars.
Enclosed transport — a covered trailer protecting the vehicle from weather, dust and prying eyes. Costs notably more; worth it for classics, exotics, and high-value vehicles.

State which you want in the listing. If you’re unsure, ask bidders to quote both — many will.

What does Shiply car transport cost?

Prices are set by auction, not a price list, so treat any figure as a ballpark. Broadly: short regional moves of a running car often come in around £100–£200; longer UK runs (say, London to Scotland) more commonly land in the £250–£450 range for open transport; enclosed transport can run 40–60% higher. Non-runners cost more because they need winching and extra handling time.

These are rough market observations, not quotes — your actual price depends on route, vehicle size, condition, timing and how competitive your listing’s auction gets. The cheapest reliable way to find out is to list it: posting is free, and you’ll see real numbers within hours.

Runner vs non-runner: why it changes everything

A car that starts, steers and brakes can be driven onto a trailer in minutes. A non-runner needs a winch, extra crew, and more time at both ends — and some transporters simply won’t take them. Declare non-runner status clearly in the listing (with details: does it roll? does it steer?). Burying it and hoping is the fastest route to a cancelled booking and a wasted day.

Protecting your car and your money

Photograph everything. Date-stamped photos of every panel, the interior and the mileage before handover. This is your evidence baseline.
Check the transporter’s feedback for vehicle jobs specifically. A courier with 400 great furniture reviews and three car jobs is not a car specialist.
Confirm insurance in writing. Ask what the goods-in-transit or motor trade policy covers per vehicle. Standard car insurance typically doesn’t cover your car while it’s being transported by a third party.
Remove valuables and check fuel. Transporters usually want around a quarter tank — enough to load and unload, not a full tank adding weight.
Never pay the balance off-platform. Keep deposits and payments traceable. If a driver pushes for cash on collection to “save the fee”, that’s a red flag, not a favour.

Paperwork worth having ready

Have the V5C logbook details to hand, plus any keys (all sets — spares matter if the car needs moving at a depot). If the car is SORN or uninsured, say so; it affects how it can legally be moved and loaded. For cherished plates or private registrations, mention it so the transporter records the right details.

Collection day: what to expect

On the day, the process is straightforward but worth getting right. The transporter will want to walk around the car with you and agree its condition before loading — insist on this joint inspection even if they’re in a hurry, and make sure both of you sign or acknowledge the condition report. Note the mileage, photograph the car on the trailer once loaded, and confirm the expected delivery window in writing.

At delivery, do the same inspection before signing anything or handing over the balance. Check panels, glass, wheels and the under-bumper areas that are easy to miss. If you spot fresh damage, photograph it immediately with the transporter present and note it on the delivery paperwork. Signing “received in good condition” and then discovering a dent an hour later weakens your position considerably.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does Shiply car transport take?

Most UK moves complete within 2–5 days of booking, depending on route and how the transporter’s schedule lines up. Urgent single-day moves are possible but you’ll pay a premium — flexibility is cheaper.

Is my car insured during transport?

It should be covered by the transporter’s own insurance, but you must confirm this yourself before booking — ask for the policy details in writing. Shiply describes itself as a “neutral venue” with no control over job quality, so the platform doesn’t insure your vehicle.

Can Shiply transport a non-running car?

Yes, many vehicle transporters take non-runners, but it costs more and narrows the field of bidders. Be explicit about what works and what doesn’t (rolls? steers? brakes?) so quotes are accurate.

Should I choose the cheapest car transport quote?

Almost never on price alone. For vehicles, the feedback profile matters more than for furniture: look for transporters with substantial vehicle-specific history, read the written reviews, and be wary of quotes dramatically below the pack.

Do I need to be present at pickup and delivery?

Someone needs to hand over and receive the car and sign the condition report at each end. It doesn’t have to be you, but it does have to be someone you trust, briefed on what to check.

Need your car moved? Request your move here with the vehicle details and let specialist transporters bid — or weigh your options in our Shiply alternatives guide.