Car Shipping To Australia | International Car Shipping Australia

Last updated Dec, 22 2025

Car Shipping To Australia | International Car Shipping Australia

Car Shipping Australia: Shipping Cars With A1 Auto Transport

Navigating international car shipping to and from Australia can be a seamless journey with the right information and services. Over 10,000 cars are shipped to AUS annually from different parts of the world, and approximately 95% of cars imported to Australia are used vehicles.

Whether you're relocating, purchasing a vehicle from overseas, or sending a car as a gift internationally, it's important to understand the intricacies of moving a car from the USA to Australia. However, you don't have to do all these alone; shipping a car to the Island continent can be done by using specialized haulage companies or freight forwarding services.

From selecting reputable international auto transport companies to comparing quotes to considering Australian vehicle transport options such as enclosed carriers or open transport, this guide will help you make informed decisions and confidently drive your vehicle transferring process.

It's important to explore the nuances of customs regulations, necessary documentation, and transit times to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience. So, whether you're an individual or a business, use this guide to understand the process and make your international vehicle moving experience as seamless as possible.

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Australia Car Shipping: How Much Does It Cost?

International moving costs vary depending on factors such as the size of the vehicle, the origin and destination ports, and the mode of transportation.

It costs $3,500 to $6,000 to import a standard-sized car or small truckfrom the United States into AUS.
In some cases, using a car-carrying container may be a more affordable option for moving vehicles to the Island continent or any other location. Still, additional non-shipping fees, like duties and import fees, should be considered.

Vehicle Shipping Cost & Time Examples

The average cost to ship a car to Australia ranges between $2,500 and USD 5,000. Here is a breakdown of the shipping costs from different parts of the US to various destinations on the island continent.

To/From	Ground	Ocean	Estimated Time
New York, NY to (New York port) to Brisbane	$275	$2,800	5+35 days
Los Angeles to (California port) to Adelaide	$400	$2,000	5+26 days
Las Vegas to (California port) to Sydney	$450	$1,500	5+22 days
Seattle, WA to (California port) to Melbourne	$550	$1,500	6+22 days
Charlotte, NC to (New York port) to Brisbane	$575	$2,800	6+35 days
Boston, MA to (New York port) to Fremantle	$575	$2,800	5+41 days
Detroit, MI to (New York port) to Fremantle	$575	$2,800	6+41 days
Denver, CO to (California port) to Melbourne	$775	$1,500	7+22 days
Memphis, TN to (New York port) to Sydney	$800	$2,800	10+35 days
Houston, TX to (California port) to Sydney	$1,125	$1,500	8+22 days

*Prices and times are estimated. They can vary depending on the season and the type or model of automobile.

*Save the ground transport cost by shipping cars to Australia from the USA.

*Allow an additional 10 days to process the documents.

*Prices are for 1 car in a dedicated 20ft container. This is the safest and most reliable way to relocate a car to AUS and internationally. Other items may be included in the container to help save you money when moving.

*The RoRo (roll on, roll off) method is less expensive, and shipments can be completed in fewer days. Contact us now for a free RoRo quote (around 80% of cars shipped to Australia are transported via roll-on/roll-off vessels).

Researching and Choosing a Reliable Shipping

Working with a shipping company that is well-versed in the entire process from beginning to end is crucial if you plan to move your car to Australia. Only a shipper knowledgeable of Australia's import/export regulations for autos will be able to avoid any problems that may arise during the relocation. You need your vehicle to arrive at the destination damage-free.

The Island continent is justifiably proud of its road transport fleet's high quality and reliability, and imports into the country are held to the same rigorous criteria. It may be essential to have some modifications and maintenance work done on your vehicle to ensure compliance with these requirements, and you will be responsible for the expense of any such maintenance.

Australia is a large island continent with several port towns, and as each one has its inbound freight taxes, you'll need to work with a reputable shipper to find the most cost-effective routes and final destination.

Australia Car Shipping: Popular Destinations in Australia

We Move Vehicles to AUS: Other Types Of Vehicles We Transport To Australia

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Necessary Steps For Car Importing/ Shipping Vehicles To Australia

To ship your vehicle to Australia from the USA, you will need to secure several important documents ahead of time. The first is a vehicle import permit, which can be obtained by applying to the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development. It is critical to consider that the import process for vehicles and other products to AUS is strictly regulated and must be handled by either a Registered Automotive Workshop (RAW) member who is familiar with all requirements or by individuals who have secured approval from the Department of Infrastructure. Other requirements should also be checked with Australian Car Customs .

There are several other steps required for shipping a vehicle to Australia, some of which are listed here:

Upon arrival in Australia, imported cars may need customs clearance and be subject to import duties and taxes.
File for quarantine inspection and set up an appointment for same.
If necessary, modifications should be applied and tested.
Apply for identification plate approvals and registration to Australia(AU).

Necessary Documentation and Customs Requirements

Shipping a car to Australia requires proper documentation and compliance with import regulations.

Purchase document.
International driver’s license.
Copy of valid registration.
Identity page of the passport.
Current Australian(AU) visa.

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Details Required Before You Ship Your Australian Vehicle

When discussing your Australia car shipping needs with a carrier, you’ll want to be prepared to choose either container transferring or RORO shipping (roll-on, roll-off) shipping. For container carriage, the auto is sealed in a container and is locked for safety; for RORO shipping, the vehicle will be driven on and off the ship via a ramp. Container haulage is the more expensive option, but is not the only factor in determining the cost. The price to have your vehicle shipped will also depend on the time of year, the size of your vehicle, insurance (if desired), and whether you need the car picked up at your home, office, or place of choice or driven to the exit port.

Process of registering a vehicle in Australia.

Before Car Shipping

As might be expected, there are many things to remember with a venture, like hauling a car to Australia. In many cases, your Australian car hauling carrier will have a handle on all these things and even do some of them for you. Still, you would be well-advised to be aware of these issues yourself to ward off any unpleasant complications during the process.

Cars must be thoroughly cleaned and inspected before shipment to meet biosecurity requirements.
Remove all air-conditioning gases.
Make sure your car is eligible to be shipped to another country. The laws governing eligibility are listed in Title 19 of the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations, but generally, refer to the documentation requirements and rules regarding lienholder permission.
File with U.S. Customs and Border Protection. This is one of those areas that may be handled by your shipper, but be sure to confirm this. Documentation must be submitted to this agency at least 72 hours before early.

Australia Car Shipping: Popular Routes

Australia to New Zealand	Australia to Europe
Australia to Ireland	Australia to Canada
Australia to Malaysia	Australia to Nigeria
Australia to the UK	Japan to Australia

Relevant Statistics

Approximately 15,000 cars are shipped to Australia from various countries worldwide each year.
The average cost of shipping a car to Australia ranges from $1,500 to $3,000.
Around 85% of imported cars in Australia are used vehicles.
The Port of Melbourne handles over 70% of all car shipments entering Australia annually.
It is estimated that 95% of cars shipped to Australia comply with the Australian government's strict emissions and safety standards.

General Facts

Transmitting a car to Australia involves transporting a vehicle from another country to Australia.
The process usually requires hiring a specialized international car shipping company.
Before shipping, the car must meet certain requirements, including compliance with Australian emission and safety standards.
Cars can be shipped to the Island continent via container shipping or roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) shipping methods.
Once the car arrives in Australia, it may need customs clearance and inspection before it can be legally driven on Australian roads.

Ship Your Vehicle to Australia: Other Services

Overseas Moving Services to the Island continent

Car Shipping Australia: Related Information

If you're interested in gaining further insight on how to ship your car to AUS, here are some related aspects to explore

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it cost to ship a car to Australia from the USA?

Shipping a car to Australia typically costs between $3,000 and $9,500. Pricing is influenced by vehicle size, shipping method, U.S. departure port, and seasonal demand. West Coast ports are usually cheaper than East Coast origins. Costs may also include Australian GST, port handling, and quarantine inspection fees. For ballpark pricing, many customers reference an international car shipping cost calculator.

How long does it take to ship a car to Australia?

Transit time from the United States to Australia generally ranges from 35 to 55 days. West Coast sailings are faster, while East Coast shipments add 10–14 days. Additional time may be required for customs clearance, quarantine inspection, and compliance checks once the vehicle arrives. Delays most often occur due to incomplete paperwork or peak-season congestion.

Can I ship my car from the USA to Australia legally?

Yes, you can legally ship a car from the USA to Australia if it meets Australian import rules. You must secure Vehicle Import Approval, confirm the vehicle is asbestos-free, and pass quarantine inspection. Vehicles that fail compliance may be delayed or rejected. Using an experienced international car shipping provider helps reduce regulatory risks and paperwork errors.

What is the cheapest way to ship a car to Australia?

Roll-on roll-off shipping is typically the cheapest option, often costing 20–40 percent less than container shipping. The vehicle is driven onto the vessel and secured for transport. This method works best for operable, standard vehicles with no personal items inside. More details are outlined on our roll-on roll-off shipping guide.

What documents are required to ship a car to Australia?

Required documents usually include Vehicle Import Approval, the original vehicle title, bill of sale, passport copy, and shipping paperwork. Australian authorities also require proof the vehicle is clean and asbestos-free. Missing or incorrect paperwork can lead to storage fees or delays, especially during quarantine or customs review.

Can I ship a classic or collector car to Australia?

Yes, classic and collector cars can be shipped to Australia, commonly under pre-1989 or historic vehicle import schemes. These vehicles must still meet quarantine and asbestos requirements. Owners often choose container shipping for added protection during transit. High-value vehicles are typically moved using enclosed auto transport to minimize exposure and handling risk.