Historic price fixing by shipping firms: compensation for vehicle users

BVRLA members and their customers may shortly be able to apply for compensation as part of a class action case relating to price fixing for deep-sea vehicle deliveries.

In January 2026, the Competition Appeal Tribunal (CAT) unanimously approved a settlement that makes at least £55.87m available to drivers or firms that registered certain vehicles between October 2006 and September 2015. 

Read more about the case on Fleet News

The case relates to a cartel involving deep-sea vehicle carriers over the period in question; it has been ruled that the cartel fixed delivery prices, leading to an overcharge in the delivery charges customers paid. A large range of vehicle makes and models were impacted by the activity, with cars and vans weighing up to 6 tonnes being covered by the settlement.

Excluded brands are detailed at the foot of the article.

Compensation is to be paid to the final user of vehicles that fall under the scope of the activity. This is likely to include rental operators, and the customers of leasing companies. Support from the firm responsible for the compensation will be available to rental members with potentially large volumes of impacted vehicles.

Claims can be submitted later this year; members are encouraged to sign up for further updates via the Car Delivery Charges website. You can also email questions to [email protected]. 

The website and service are run by Mark McLaren Class Representative Limited. Any claims from members will be managed between the member in question and Mark McLaren Class Representative Limited directly; the BVRLA plays no role in facilitating the claims or handling any data involved. 

Register for more information via the Car Delivery Charges website.

List of the excluded brands: Abarth; Aixam; Alfa Romeo; Aston Martin; Audi; Bentley; Daimler; DS; Ferrari; Fiat; Fuso; Iveco; Jaguar; KTM; Lamborghini; Land Rover; LDV; Lotus; Maserati; Maybach; Mia; Microcar; Mini; Morgan; Opel; Piaggio; Porsche; Renault Trucks; Rolls-Royce; Rover MG; Saab; Santana; Seat; Skoda; Smart; and Volvo.