When it comes to car shipping, classic car enthusiasts know the importance of choosing a trusted service to transport their prized vehicles safely and this was exactly the case for Glyn, who had a beautifully preserved 1990 Ford Escort XR3i, which needed to be shipped from the UK to Dallas, Texas.
This stunning hot hatch isn’t just another export—it’s a true survivor of its era. With its unmistakable styling, well-documented history, and careful restoration, this Escort XR3i deserved nothing less than expert handling during its journey overseas, and at Autoshippers we were more than happy to be part of the story.
Booking and Preparing for Shipment with Autoshippers
Once the decision was made to ship this Ford Escort XR3i from the UK to the USA, the next crucial step was selecting the right car shipping service. International vehicle transport requires careful planning, documentation, and expert handling to ensure a smooth journey.
For this classic hot hatch, Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) car shipping was the preferred method, offering a cost-effective and secure way to transport the car across the Atlantic. Let’s explore why the owner chose Autoshippers, how the quoting process works, and what documentation is needed for shipping a car to the USA.
Requesting a Quote – The First Step in the Process
The first step in arranging car shipping to the USA is obtaining a detailed quote. Autoshippers offers an , allowing customers to enter key details such as:
- The make, model, and year of the vehicle.
- The collection location in the UK (if required).
- The destination in the USA.
Once submitted, Autoshippers provided a comprehensive breakdown of costs, covering:
- Shipping fees – Based on vehicle size, weight, and method of transport.
- Customs & import duties – Estimated costs based on US regulations.
- Marine insurance options – Protecting the car against damage during transit.
- Estimated transit times – Typically 2-3 weeks from the UK to the USA.
One of the key advantages of using Autoshippers was full transparency—all fees and potential additional costs (such as storage or customs duties) were outlined in advance, helping the owner budget accordingly.
Choosing RoRo – The Best Shipping Method for Your Vehicle
When it comes to international car shipping, choosing the right transport method is essential to ensure safety, cost-effectiveness, and efficiency. For many customers—especially those shipping classic cars, collector vehicles, or everyday cars overseas—Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) shipping is the best option.
For this Ford Escort XR3i, RoRo provided the perfect balance of security and affordability, ensuring a smooth journey from the UK to Texas without the need for unnecessary handling or extra costs. Instead of being loaded into a container, vehicles are driven directly onto the vessel via secure ramps, parked in designated spaces below deck, and then securely strapped in place.
Once the vessel arrives at the destination port, the vehicle is simply driven off and prepared for customs clearance.
RoRo offers several key benefits that make it ideal for shipping classic and collector cars:
- Lower Cost Compared to Container Shipping – RoRo is often more affordable than container shipping since there’s no need for specialized equipment or extra handling.
- Minimal Handling = Reduced Risk – With RoRo, vehicles are simply driven on and off the vessel, avoiding the need for cranes or forklifts. This means less chance of damage during transit.
- Faster Shipping & Quicker Port Processing – RoRo vessels operate on regular schedules often with shorter transit times, ensuring vehicles arrive at their destination faster.
- Ideal for Roadworthy Vehicles – As long as a car can be driven under its own power, it qualifies for RoRo shipping, making it a hassle-free transport solution.
For a classic like the Ford Escort XR3i, which is fully roadworthy and in excellent condition, RoRo provided a safe, efficient, and cost-effective way to transport it across the Atlantic.
Documents for Shipping a Car Overseas
Shipping a vehicle overseas requires careful preparation, and one of the most critical steps is ensuring you have the correct documentation in place. Whether you’re shipping a classic car, collector’s vehicle, or everyday car, missing or incorrect paperwork can lead to costly delays, storage fees, or even refusal of entry at the destination port.
At Autoshippers, we make the car shipping process as simple as possible by guiding you through each required document. Below is a breakdown of the essential paperwork needed to ship a vehicle from the UK to the USA and beyond.
- V5C Registration Document (Logbook): The V5C logbook is the official proof of ownership issued by the UK’s Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). This document confirms the registered keeper of the vehicle, provides the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), make, and model, as well as the year of manufacture which is important when shipping to the USA.
- Bill of Sale or Purchase Invoice: If you’ve recently purchased a classic car and the V5C is still not being held in your name, a Bill of Sale or Purchase Invoice will be required. The Bill of Sale serves as proof of ownership and is required for customs clearance. This should include the buyer’s and seller’s details, the vehicle make, model, and year of manufacture and the final purchase price (important for customs duties calculation).
- Photo ID: Customs authorities often require identification from the vehicle’s owner, especially for private shipments. You will need a copy of your passport or driver’s license.
- Customs Forms & Declarations: Each country has specific import regulations, meaning additional customs documentation is required.
- For UK Export
- Notice of Permanent Export (Section 11 of the V5C): Required if the car is being permanently exported.
- Export Declaration: Autoshippers arrange this on your behalf directly with HM Customs.
- For US Import Clearance
- HS-7 Form: Declares whether the vehicle meets US Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations or qualifies under the 25-year rule exemption.
- EPA Form 3520-1: Ensures the vehicle complies with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards or is exempt.
- Customs Entry Form 7501: Issued upon arrival, proving the vehicle has legally entered the USA.
- For UK Export
Need more details on the 25-year rule? Read our full guide here: Everything You Need to Know About The 25-Year Rule. Also, check out our USA car import guide for more details on how to ship a car to the USA, including documentation, duties/tax and more.
Autoshippers will advise you on any additional requirements based on your shipping destination.
Why Having the Right Documents is Crucial for Smooth Car Shipping
Ensuring all car shipping documents are prepared before departure:
- Prevents delays and extra storage fees at the destination port.
- Ensures compliance with import regulations, avoiding fines or penalties.
- Guarantees a seamless customs clearance process, so you can collect your car hassle-free.
At Autoshippers, we provide full support in preparing and submitting the required paperwork, ensuring your classic or modern car arrives at its destination without unnecessary complications.
The Journey – Shipping from the UK to Dallas
With all preparations complete, the Ford Escort XR3i was ready to set sail on its transatlantic journey from the UK to Texas. Shipping a car overseas involves careful coordination, and Autoshippers ensures that every stage of the process—from departure to arrival—is smooth, secure, and hassle-free.
This journey would take the classic Ford Escort XR3i from Southampton Port, across the Atlantic Ocean, through the Gulf of Mexico, and finally to Galveston, Texas. Here’s a breakdown of how the car shipping process unfolded.
From Southampton Port to the Open Seas
The journey began at Southampton Port, one of the UK’s busiest vehicle export terminals. The Escort XR3i was transported to the port, checked in, and prepared for its scheduled Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) vessel departure.
Vehicle Inspection & Condition Report
Before shipment, a comprehensive inspection was conducted to document the car’s condition:
- Exterior & Interior Assessment – Inspectors checked for any scratches, dents, or existing imperfections.
- Photographic Documentation – High-resolution images were taken from multiple angles for insurance and transport records.
Once completed, a Vehicle Condition Report (VCR) was issued, providing both the owner and the shipping company with a detailed record of the car’s condition before transit. This step offered peace of mind, ensuring the Escort XR3i was fully documented and protected throughout its journey.
Customs Clearance Process
With the inspection complete, the export paperwork was verified, including the V5C logbook, Bill of Sale, and customs declarations. Autoshippers then processed the UK Customs declaration via the HM Customs CDS system, ensuring the vehicle was cleared for loading and export.
Secure Loading
The Escort XR3i was carefully driven onto the RoRo vessel Tannhauser, parked in a designated space, and secured using soft-tie straps and wheel chocks to prevent movement during transit.
Departure from the UK
Once all vehicles were safely loaded, Tannhauser set sail from Southampton, heading westward across the Atlantic Ocean. The ocean voyage typically takes between 12 to 18 days, depending on weather conditions and port schedules.
Tracking and Receiving Updates During Transit
One of the biggest concerns for car owners shipping a vehicle internationally is knowing where their car is at all times. Fortunately, Autoshippers provides real-time tracking and regular updates, allowing customers to monitor their shipment’s progress.
How Car Shipping Tracking Works
Vessel Tracking – Each RoRo ship is equipped with GPS tracking, allowing customers to follow the ship’s journey online.
Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA) Updates – Regular updates provide a clear timeline for vehicle arrival.
Customs & Clearance Notifications – As the vehicle nears the USA, Autoshippers’ US agent provides updates on customs processing and next steps.
Thanks to these updates, Glyn was able to plan ahead, ensuring he was ready to arrange collection as soon as his Escort XR3i car arrived in the USA
Collecting and Registering the Escort in the USA
Once the Ford Escort XR3i safely arrived at its port in Galveston, Texas, the final steps before hitting the road included customs clearance, vehicle registration, and compliance checks. Shipping a car internationally is only part of the journey—once it arrives, owners must ensure it meets US import laws and state-specific registration requirements.
Since the Escort XR3i is a UK-spec classic car, its registration process was simplified by the 25-year rule, which exempts vehicles over 25 years old from modern US DOT and EPA regulations. However, there were still some key steps involved in making it road-legal in Texas.
Customs Clearance and Import Duty Considerations
Before the owner could take possession of the Escort XR3i, it had to pass US Customs clearance. Autoshippers, in conjunction with our agent in the USA, assisted in preparing the necessary documentation, ensuring a smooth process with no delays.
Once the Customs paperwork was presented to US Customs, and the Duty payment was made, the Escort XR3i was cleared and released from the port and was ready for registration for use on US roads.
How to Register a Classic Car in Texas
Registering an imported classic car in Texas involves a few extra steps compared to a standard US-market vehicle. However, since the Escort XR3i qualified as a classic, the process was relatively straightforward.
Required Documents for Texas Registration
To complete the registration, the following documents were necessary:
- Customs Entry Form 7501 – Proof that the car was legally imported.
- Texas DMV Application for Title (Form 130-U) – Used to apply for a Texas vehicle title.
- V5C UK Registration Certificate – Provided to verify the car’s history and ownership.
- Bill of Sale – Proof of purchase, detailing the transaction.
- Proof of Insurance – Texas law requires all registered vehicles to have liability insurance.
Vehicle Inspection Process
Before a Texas title and licence plates could be issued, the car needed to pass a basic inspection to confirm:
✔ The VIN matches the import documents.
✔ The vehicle is roadworthy, with functional lights, brakes, and tyres.
✔ The speedometer and odometer are operational, whether in mph or km/h.
Once the Escort XR3i passed inspection, it was officially registered in Texas, and the owner could apply for either Classic Car Plates or Standard Texas Plates.
A Hot Hatch Bound for America – Shipping a Ford Escort XR3i
Why the Ford Escort XR3i is a Classic Worth Preserving
The Ford Escort XR3i is one of the most beloved hot hatches of its time, embodying the spirit of the late 1980s and early 1990s. Finished in Diamond White with the correct shadow trim, this particular example captures the essence of fast Ford culture—sporty, stylish, and fun to drive.
Equipped with original alloy wheels, front spotlights, a rear spoiler, and a factory sunroof, this XR3i boasts a level of authenticity that is increasingly rare today. Even the factory radio cassette remains intact—free from the usual modifications that many fast Fords of this era endured.
With values of classic hot hatches rising, keeping an Escort XR3i in its original condition makes it even more desirable. This particular example was well-cared for, making it the perfect candidate for international car shipping to an enthusiast in the USA.
The Owner’s Story – Bringing a UK Icon to the USA
While the V5 registration states that this Escort XR3i was an import, its journey began much closer to home. Originally built in 1990, the car was first registered in Jersey, one of the Channel Islands. It later made its way to the UK mainland on July 4th, 1990, where it spent the rest of its years.
The Escort comes with a fully stamped original service book, detailing its early years at a Ford dealership in Jersey. Alongside this, a collection of MOT certificates and maintenance invoices paint a picture of a well-preserved classic that was driven sparingly.
Adding to its fascinating history, the Escort remained with its original owner until 2004, when it was inherited by his son. However, with little interest in Fords, the son parked the car in a barn, where it sat untouched for nearly 15 years. Only in 2019/2020 did the Escort emerge from storage, with a new owner intent on bringing it back to life.
Restoring a Classic – The Work Done to Preserve This XR3i
After nearly two decades off the road, this Ford Escort XR3i underwent an extensive restoration to return it to its former glory. More than £4,000 was spent on carefully replacing and refurbishing components to ensure the car remained mechanically sound and true to its original factory specification.
Key restoration work included:
- New rear wheel cylinders, brake shoes, and wheel bearings
- Overhauled front callipers and replaced brake pads & discs
- New alternator, battery tray, and heat exchanger
- Suspension upgrades, including new control arms, springs, shocks, and bushings
- Timing belt, tensioner, and water pump replacement
- Waxoyl treatment to protect the underside from rust
The result? A fully roadworthy, original-specification Escort XR3i.
Why Autoshippers is the Trusted Choice for Classic Car Shipping
Shipping a classic car overseas requires more than just standard transport – it demands expertise, care, and attention to detail. Whether you’re moving a vintage sports car, a rare collector’s vehicle, or a restored classic like the Ford Escort XR3i, choosing the right car shipping company is essential to ensure your vehicle arrives safely, securely, and on time.
With over 25 years of experience in international car shipping, Autoshippers is the go-to choice for classic car enthusiasts. Our specialised services provide secure transport, expert handling, and comprehensive customs assistance, making us the trusted partner for collectors worldwide.
Experience in Shipping Classic and Collector Cars
Classic cars aren’t just vehicles, they are investments, passion projects, and irreplaceable pieces of automotive history. Shipping them internationally requires specialist knowledge and tailored solutions, and that’s exactly what Autoshippers provide.
Why Classic Car Owners Trust Autoshippers:
- Decades of Expertise – With over 25 years in the industry, we’ve shipped thousands of classic and vintage cars worldwide.
- Specialist Handling – We work with trusted vehicle handlers and shipping lines, ensuring cars are loaded, secured, and transported with the utmost care.
- Customs & Import Assistance – Navigating international regulations can be complex, but we handle all customs paperwork to ensure a smooth clearance process.
- Flexible Shipping Methods – Choose between Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) shipping for affordability or container shipping for added security.
- Insurance & Tracking – We offer marine insurance coverage and real-time tracking, so you always know where your car is during transit overseas.
Customer Reviews and Success Stories
Over the years, we’ve helped classic car enthusiasts, collectors, and dealers transport their vehicles across the world. Here’s what some of our satisfied customers had to say:
“This was our second time using Autoshippers, and once again, you exceeded our expectations. I will continue to recommend Autoshippers to my car friends in the market for international shipping.”
Gary & Dorothy – 1937 Packard 120C Sport Coupe to the USA
“I had my Classic car transported from Southampton, UK to Dubai, UAE. Overall, a very professional and super-efficient service. I also got assigned a customs agent that started sorting all the paperwork a week before arrival so that when they dropped the car off at my house the driver already gave me the customs release form – Highly recommended A+”
Krzysztof M – 1974 Mercury Cougar XR7 to Dubai.
“An efficient service, and responsive to questions too. Autoshippers helped me export two classic cars to Australia in a 40′ container. I would use AS again and recommend, thank you to the team.”
Mark N – Tom S. – 1955 Jensen 541 & 1982 Alfa Romeo the Australia
Our commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction has made us the trusted choice for thousands of classic car shipments worldwide.
How to Get a Quote and Start Your Car’s Journey Overseas
At Autoshippers, we make the car shipping process simple and stress-free. Whether you’re shipping a classic British sports car, a muscle car, or a vintage restoration project, we’re here to help.
Get Started in 3 Easy Steps:
Step 1: Get an Instant Online Quote – Visit our website and fill out our for a detailed price estimate.
Step 2: Speak to Our Experts – Call us at +44 117 982 8123 / 0800 389 0784, and our team will guide you through the best shipping options, customs requirements, and transit times.
Step 3: Book Your Shipment – Once you’re happy with your quote, we’ll handle everything from port arrangements to insurance, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free journey.
Don’t leave your classic car shipping to chance. With Autoshippers, you get a team of experts
Trust Autoshippers – The Classic Car Shipping Specialists!
