Logistical solutions for importers, exporters, hauliers and the public.
Our services include Customs clearance at all UK ports 7 days a week, shared and sole use container shipping for running and non running autos, import and export container packing, specialised caravan export loading and shipping, RORO / car carrier shipping, vehicle collection and delivery, Customs bonded warehousing and general freight forwarding.
Why choose us
What sets us apart and why it matters to you.
01
Decades of experience
40+ year’s experience in customs clearance and vehicle shipping.
02
7-days a week customs
Direct customs clearance links to all UK ports with daily office coverage.
03
International coverage
Extensive long-established network of container warehouses across the world.
04
Consistent shipments
Regular shared container shipments from USA to UK.
05
Here to support you
Friendly advice at all stages of your shipment from experienced and trained staff.
06
Established experts
UK established, registered and insured.
07
Always committed
BIFA members – commitment to competence, training and development within the industry.
08
Offering shipping advice
Classic car enthusiasts, we attend car shows each year, supporting the classic car scene.
Our History
Our story starts back in 1986 with the purchase of a Hull based Customs clearance office alongside the berth of the daily NL-UK ferry service.
1986
1986
Kingstown Shipping was established!
Alongside a busy 7 day a week Customs clearance operation additional services were soon offered including freight booking and port agency for a number of UK and NL based trailer operators. Early enquiries to ship classic cars from the USA prompted a trip across the Atlantic to locate specialist container packers.
1986
Kingstown Shipping was established!
Alongside a busy 7 day a week Customs clearance operation additional services were soon offered including freight booking and port agency for a number of UK and NL based trailer operators. Early enquiries to ship classic cars from the USA prompted a trip across the Atlantic to locate specialist container packers.
1988
1988
The start of cars in containers!
Our first route from Los Angeles to Felixstowe saw an array of rust free British built sports cars located in California returning home to the UK. The desire of buyers to import these classic cars quickly turned this into a successful weekly service.
1988
The start of cars in containers!
Our first route from Los Angeles to Felixstowe saw an array of rust free British built sports cars located in California returning home to the UK. The desire of buyers to import these classic cars quickly turned this into a successful weekly service.
1990
1990
A decade of further expansion
Following the success of our Los Angeles service, shared container services were established from New York, Miami, Houston, Oakland and Chicago. We also managed the logistics for a number of prestigious events including the Rolls Royce Silver Ghost Tour and the London to Brighton Veteran car run.
Further shipping network expansion with routes established to and from Australia, New Zealand, Canada and South Africa.
1990
A decade of further expansion
Following the success of our Los Angeles service, shared container services were established from New York, Miami, Houston, Oakland and Chicago. We also managed the logistics for a number of prestigious events including the Rolls Royce Silver Ghost Tour and the London to Brighton Veteran car run.
Further shipping network expansion with routes established to and from Australia, New Zealand, Canada and South Africa.
2002
2002
Electronic HMRC Trader links approved
Direct HMRC links established to all UK seaports allowing for all Customs declarations to be completed inhouse.
2002
Electronic HMRC Trader links approved
Direct HMRC links established to all UK seaports allowing for all Customs declarations to be completed inhouse.
2007
2007
Caravan export services commence
The start of our weekly specialist caravan shipping service transporting caravans from the UK to Australia, New Zealand, South Korea and South Africa. Our loading allows for two touring caravans to be safely loaded into a 40’ container.
2007
Caravan export services commence
The start of our weekly specialist caravan shipping service transporting caravans from the UK to Australia, New Zealand, South Korea and South Africa. Our loading allows for two touring caravans to be safely loaded into a 40’ container.
2008
2008
We moved!
After 22 years we had outgrown our first office. Keen to stay on the port we moved into a purpose-built freight office within close reach of the ferry terminal and Customs House.
2008
We moved!
After 22 years we had outgrown our first office. Keen to stay on the port we moved into a purpose-built freight office within close reach of the ferry terminal and Customs House.
2013
2013
Our first overseas car show
The Hershey, Pennsylvania car show which attracts buyers from all over the world was the location of our first overseas event. It was a great experience to assist first time UK shippers and meet a number of our regular clients who fly out for the show.
2013
Our first overseas car show
The Hershey, Pennsylvania car show which attracts buyers from all over the world was the location of our first overseas event. It was a great experience to assist first time UK shippers and meet a number of our regular clients who fly out for the show.
2021
2021
On the move again!
Due to continued expansion and recruitment, we moved to larger modern offices close to the Port of Hull. A significant increase in EU Customs clearance work let to the formation of a new short sea Customs team specialising in European import and export declarations.
2021
On the move again!
Due to continued expansion and recruitment, we moved to larger modern offices close to the Port of Hull. A significant increase in EU Customs clearance work let to the formation of a new short sea Customs team specialising in European import and export declarations.
2022
2022
Major IT Investment
To coincide with the launch of the new HMRC CDS system we invested heavily in new Enterprise Software and training to add efficiency to the large number of import, export and Transit Declarations.
2022
Major IT Investment
To coincide with the launch of the new HMRC CDS system we invested heavily in new Enterprise Software and training to add efficiency to the large number of import, export and Transit Declarations.
2026
2026
We are 40!!!
We are delighted to celebrate our 40th Anniversary and what we have achieved so far. The journey has just begun!
2026
We are 40!!!
We are delighted to celebrate our 40th Anniversary and what we have achieved so far. The journey has just begun!
