UK port freight units: import and export vehicles
UK port freight units: import and export vehicles stood at 5,554.67 thousands in 2025, according to GOV.UK official statistics. It is one of the indicators in the Port and waterborne freight table (Value · Annual), with a complete series running from 1970 to 2025. The complete series with an interactive chart, free to download.
This indicator in the Port and waterborne freight table
| Indicator | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freight units | |||||||||||
| Import and export motor vehicles | 5,554.67 | 5,348.05 | 5,473.45 | 4,957.03 | 4,277.01 | 4,608.28 | 6,165.26 | 6,672.3 | 6,098.4 | 6,713.23 | |
| All freight units | 164,717.8 | 160,844.5 | 157,671.45 | 161,431.2 | 159,131.36 | 161,616.88 | 171,563.6 | 176,557.14 | 172,162.7 | 172,360.5 |
Understanding UK port freight units: import and export vehicles
Enumeration of import and export motor vehicles moving through port facilities across the United Kingdom on specialised car carriers and roll-on roll-off vessels. The tally captures newly manufactured cars, commercial vans, and heavy trucks driven or towed onto ships for international trade, excluding passenger vehicles accompanying travellers. Port authorities compile the figures from shipping manifests and automotive logistics returns.
Analysts examining this dataset should account for the automotive industry's annual factory shutdown periods, which create predictable seasonal troughs in export volumes. Model-year changeovers and global supply chain disruptions affecting vehicle component manufacturing can also generate sharp volatility. Do not compare vehicle unit counts directly with general freight tonnage, as finished automobiles have distinct weight and space characteristics.
Frequently asked questions
- Does this series include second-hand or used vehicles?
- The count encompasses all motor vehicles transported as cargo, though newly manufactured vehicles dominate international trade volumes.
- Are passenger cars accompanying holiday travellers counted here?
- No, passenger cars driven by travellers on ferries are excluded; the series is restricted to trade vehicles.
- How are these vehicles transported through ports?
- They are moved primarily via dedicated car carrier vessels and roll-on roll-off ferry services.