Tribunal to review £54m car delivery charges settlement following shipping cartel trial

£93 million now on the table for UK motorists as Tribunal considers latest car delivery charges settlement

Millions of UK motorists are a step closer to compensation after a further £54 million settlement was agreed in the car delivery charges claim, taking the total value of settlements in the case to £93 million.

The Competition Appeal Tribunal will now decide whether to approve the latest agreement, reached with shipping giants MOL and NYKK, following the conclusion of a trial into allegations that car delivery charges were unlawfully inflated and passed on to UK buyers. 

If approved, the settlement would resolve more than 60% of the £150 million collective action brought by Mark McLaren on behalf of motorists who bought or leased new cars and vans between 2006 and 2015 – a period during which millions are said to have paid higher delivery costs due to coordinated pricing in the global car shipping industry.

The Competition Appeal Tribunal will consider whether to approve the proposed settlement at a hearing scheduled for 15 January 2026.

Could you be owed compensation? Sign up for updates. We’ll keep you informed about the car delivery charges claim, including the Tribunal’s decision and next steps for affected motorists.

Background to the Car Delivery Charges claim

The car delivery charges claim concerns allegations that a number of international shipping companies coordinated pricing for transporting vehicles to the UK, with those delivery costs passed on to consumers buying cars and vans during the relevant period.

The claim was brought on behalf of UK motorists by class representative Mark McLaren. At an earlier stage of the proceedings, several defendant groups agreed to a £39 million settlement, which was approved by the Competition Appeal Tribunal. The case proceeded to trial against the remaining defendants in early 2025.

Following the conclusion of the trial, but before the Tribunal issued its ruling, the parties reached an in-principle settlement, which is now subject to Tribunal approval. Under the Tribunal Rules, any settlement in a collective action must be approved by the Competition Appeal Tribunal, which must be satisfied that the terms are fair and reasonable for affected consumers.

January 2026 Tribunal hearing on settlement

The Competition Appeal Tribunal hearing will take place on 15 January 2026, with a reserve half-day listed for 16 January 2026.

At the hearing, the Tribunal will assess whether the proposed settlement should be approved. Any class member may apply to make submissions to the Tribunal about the proposed settlement.

Anyone who wants to share their views with the Tribunal must do so in writing by 22 December 2025. If you would like to speak at the hearing, you’ll need to ask for permission in your written submission by the same date.

Further updates explaining the next steps in the process are expected following the hearing. If approved, the settlement would mark another significant milestone in the case and demonstrate how collective legal action can hold major corporations to account and secure compensation for consumers when pricing practices are found to be unfair.

What the car delivery charges settlement means for UK car buyers

The claim relates to UK consumers who purchased cars during the period covered by the allegations. All eligible consumers will be automatically included in the settlement at no cost. 

Information about how affected drivers can claim their compensation will be communicated after the proposed settlement is approved by the Tribunal.

Car delivery charges claim: frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Q: How much compensation will individuals receive?
A: The exact amount per person has not yet been determined. The £93 million figure represents the total settlement value and will be distributed among eligible class members following Tribunal approval.

Q: When would any payments be made?
A: No payments can be made unless and until the Tribunal approves the settlement at the January 2026 hearing. Distribution timelines will be confirmed afterwards.

Q: Do I need to take any action now?
A: No action is required at this stage. Sign up to Consumer Voice if you think you have been affected, we will keep you informed as the process continues.

Q: Where can I find more information?
A: We will keep our car delivery charges page with more information about the claim updated and email you with any updates.