More and more travelers are choosing to take their vans beyond border: crossing continents, exploring remote regions, and turning road trips into global expeditions. But before the adventure continues overseas, there’s one big question to answer: how do you actually ship your van across the ocean?
That was the question Denis and Sofia from Tiny Planet faced as they prepared for a round-the-world vanlife journey with their toddler, Amelia. Their self-built Mercedes Sprinter van isn’t just transportation - it’s home. And sending that home across the ocean was the only way to keep their journey rolling.
Here’s how they made it happen and how you can ship your own van overseas, step by step.
That was the question Denis and Sofia from Tiny Planet faced as they prepared for a round-the-world vanlife journey with their toddler, Amelia. Their self-built Mercedes Sprinter van isn’t just transportation - it’s home. And sending that home across the ocean was the only way to keep their journey rolling.
Here’s how they made it happen and how you can ship your own van overseas, step by step.
1. Container or RoRo? Choose Your Shipping Method
When sending your camper van overseas, the two most common methods are:
Tiny Planet chose RoRo for one straightforward reason: the van is too tall for a container. They selected the Baltimore-Liverpool, kickstarting their European journey smoothly.
Ensure your paperwork is ready for smooth international shipping. Here’s what you'll need to provide:
- RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off): Your vehicle is driven onto the ship and secured on the cargo deck. This option is budget-friendly but requires your van to be entirely empty, exposing it to potential damage or theft during transit.
- Container Shipping: Your van is safely stored inside a shipping container, allowing personal belongings to remain packed inside. It's a secure but typically pricier option, and suitable only if your van fits container dimensions. Maximum container height is 2.7 meters, and lengths are either 6 or 12 meters. Tiny Planet’s Sprinter - roof rack, A/C, solar array and all - sits above that permitted height, so there was simply no way it would slide through those steel doors.
Tiny Planet chose RoRo for one straightforward reason: the van is too tall for a container. They selected the Baltimore-Liverpool, kickstarting their European journey smoothly.
Ensure your paperwork is ready for smooth international shipping. Here’s what you'll need to provide:
- Identification document (Passport copy or ID)
- Vehicle Title
- Insurance for shipping. While marine insurance isn't mandatory, we strongly recommend it. For example, Tiny Planet insured their Expedition van for $200,000, costing around $800. Insurance coverage like this protects your investment in case of rare but catastrophic events, such as ship accidents or loss at sea.
2. Partner with a Reliable Freight Forwarder
Navigating international shipping is complicated and paperwork-heavy. Shipping companies don’t work directly with private individuals, so hiring a trusted freight forwarder or shipping broker is essential. A trusted freight forwarder will manage everything from booking the shipment to handling customs procedures.
Tiny Planet collaborated with a reputable agent, ensuring a seamless shipping experience. Renowned companies like SeaBridge or IVSS are popular choices among overlanders, offering tailored solutions for camper van transport.
Attempting to handle shipping independently can quickly become overwhelming, especially abroad, making professional assistance indispensable.
Tiny Planet collaborated with a reputable agent, ensuring a seamless shipping experience. Renowned companies like SeaBridge or IVSS are popular choices among overlanders, offering tailored solutions for camper van transport.
Attempting to handle shipping independently can quickly become overwhelming, especially abroad, making professional assistance indispensable.
3. Costs and Logistics
Shipping a camper van from the U.S. to Europe usually costs around €3,500–€4,500, depending on van size, port fees, and insurance coverage. The payment is due only after the ship has departed - no advance payment is required.
Typical travel durations are:
However, always account for additional days for vehicle preparation, drop-off, customs clearance, and pick-up—realistically extending the total separation time from your van. For example, it took Tiny Planet 18 days to ship their van from Baltimore to Liverpool, including logistics and customs clearance.
Typical travel durations are:
- 11 days to Liverpool, UK;
- 15 days to Hamburg, Germany;
- 18 days to Antwerp, Belgium.
However, always account for additional days for vehicle preparation, drop-off, customs clearance, and pick-up—realistically extending the total separation time from your van. For example, it took Tiny Planet 18 days to ship their van from Baltimore to Liverpool, including logistics and customs clearance.
4. Preparing Your Van for Ro-Ro Shipping
Thorough preparation ensures your vehicle clears inspections and arrives safely:
- Ensure the van exterior, especially wheels and wheel arches, is clean for customs inspection;
- Secure all interior items; nothing should appear loose or accessible from the outside;
- Ensure all cabinets, drawers, and compartments are latched securely;
- Remove prohibited items: no food, medicines, cosmetics, electronics, or loose lithium batteries like those from drills or other handheld devices;
- Personal belongings, clothing, and camping gear can remain inside cabinets and storage compartments, including kitchen appliances such as kettles and coffee machines;
- Fuel tank must not exceed 25% full;
- Gas bottles must be completely empty and disconnected from the van’s system;
- Provide instructions for additional alarms or immobilizers, and leave all keys for every door and compartment with port authorities;
- Inform your freight forwarder in advance about bicycles stored inside the van. E-bikes must have their batteries removed.
What to Expect Upon Arrival
Upon arrival, you'll only need your ID and mandatory local insurance according to the laws of your destination.
Follow the Adventure
Tiny Planet’s current global expedition highlights the practicalities and excitement of full-time international van travel. Their cutting-edge van, equipped with advanced solar energy and smart home systems, demonstrates comfort and autonomy from Europe's bustling cities to Asia’s remote wilderness.
Follow their ongoing journey and get exclusive vanlife insights.
Follow their ongoing journey and get exclusive vanlife insights.