February 28, 2025 What You Need to Know About Used Truck Exports

A guide to achieving the full potential value of your used truck.

When you invest in a truck, you will want to get your best use out of it while still trying to maintain its value so that it can be sold on at a later date for the highest possible value. Whilst you might look at the domestic market as a place to sell your truck when you are finished with it, there is also now a significant trade in exporting trucks abroad. This is because export trucks can often command much higher prices, meaning that there are some significant profits to be enjoyed.

In this article, Walker Movements take a look at the world of used truck exports and have put together a guide to tell you everything that you need to know.

Which countries to export to?

When looking to export a truck, it is important that you think about where it is going in order to get the best value for it. Certain countries might prefer particular brands due to the availability of parts whilst others lean towards specific types of truck that fit in with their own terrain. For example, in East Africa, trucks which have smaller cabs and engines with around 400 hp to 430 hp tend to be preferred over tractor units with high roof sleeper caps. This is because the road conditions can cause them to bounce around too much and so they are not a practical option.

Other areas such as Malaysia and Jordan are also importing a significant number of trucks from the UK, particularly if they have a Mercedes badge attached to them. Whilst Eastern Europe has always been a reliable market, the war in Ukraine has meant that there is much less activity in this part of the world at the moment.

The age of trucks

It is important to think about the age of your truck when you try to export it, as some countries, such as Jordan and Kenya, may have age limits in place. Generally speaking, newer trucks are preferred in most countries, as these tend to be in better condition and will therefore run for much longer. It is therefore important to take the age of your truck into consideration when looking at the types of markets that you try to sell to.

Shipping costs

When exporting a vehicle, the shipping cost is likely to be the most significant thing that you need to think about. Depending on the type of unit that you are transporting, you could be looking at as much as £6000 in shipping costs. Whilst semi-trailers can be stacked on top of one another, they will need their superstructures removed in order to turn them into flatbeds.

Roll on roll off ships tend to be the best option for shipping as the vehicle will not need to be dismantled. However, the truck will need to roll up and down the ramp of the ship without any mechanical assistance. If it is unable to do this, then it should be transported in a container. Whilst air freight is the most expensive choice, it is also the fastest way to export a truck from the UK. This can be particularly useful for buyers who need their vehicles quickly or if you are dealing with a rare or high value model.

Legal frameworks

It is important that you have a good understanding of the legal framework surrounding exporting vehicles to make sure the transaction goes through seamlessly. There are a number of national and international regulations that you need to be aware of in order to export your truck without a problem.

You will need to provide proof of ownership in the form of your vehicle registration certificate. This will confirm that you are the legal owner of the vehicle and that you have the right to sell it. You must also ensure that the vehicle is roadworthy and that it complies with the UK’s safety standards. There are some countries which have their own specific safety standards that need to be met, so you should make sure that you are aware of these.

Along with your vehicle registration, you will also need to have completed a V5C/4 form which is the export notification. This will inform the DVLA of where the car is being exported to and that it no longer requires registration in the UK.

There will also be possible export fees and taxes depending on the destination country. There may be customs duties VAT and taxes to take into consideration so you should liaise with the local customs office in the destination country to find out what is applicable.

The export process

To export your truck, it should undergo a complete inspection to ensure that it is roadworthy. This should include checking the electrical and mechanical systems as well as the body work and fluids. You will then need to choose a reliable shipping company who can help you to make all the necessary arrangements whilst ensuring that you have the right insurance in place for the export. Customs clearance will be necessary once the car is at its destination. This will involve presenting the key documents to the customs authority of the importing country and any applicable taxes and duties will need to be paid at this point.

You may be liable to fines or delays if the documentation is not correct, and it is important to remember that customs clearance can be a lengthy process, especially if taxes have not been calculated correctly. There is always the risk of damage to your truck during transit, so adequate insurance coverage is essential.

Buyers from across the world are often attracted to the UK markets due to the varied form of truck options that are available as well as their good maintenance records and competitive pricing. Exporting a truck from the UK requires significant amounts of planning and legal compliance, but even with hefty shipping and insurance costs, it can still be a worthwhile operation to help you achieve the full potential value of your used truck.

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