The two most common methods used when exporting a car are roll-on / roll-off and enclosed containers.  As of recent, the demand for auto shipping to export cars has been on the rise compared to recent years in the past.  To give you an idea of what a roll-on/roll-off ship is like, imagine a huge floating parking garage but much tighter parking spots and streets.  The cars are driven into the ship and strapped down to the ground and when the ship arrive to the port they are driven right off.  After clearing customs, the cars are ready to be delivered.  Often this is a more economical choice compared to containerized auto transport. In that method the cars are driven into a 20 or 40 foot container and strapped down inside the container at a loading facility.  The containers are then driven to the port and loaded via crane onto the cargo ship.  This same process is then done in order to get the vehicle off the ship.  You can see why it typically is more expensive considering the additional steps needed in order to accept and deliver the automobile.