Importing Cars To Australia
- Australia Car Shipping

Car shipping cost varies depending primarily on countries of import/export, shipping method, and global fuel prices.

When importing cars to Australia, you may be surprised to find that car shipping cost doesn’t depend solely on distance. Car shipping NZ to Australia can cost between $2500 and $3500. On the other hand, to import cars from Japan typically costs between $1500 and $2000. Although the distance between Japan and Australia is bigger, the JP to Australia car shipping cost is smaller. This is because this trade lane is more frequent and bigger in numbers, thus bringing costs down for all involved.

When importing classic cars to Australia, you may want to consider container shipping rather than RORO. While the RORO method may cost $2500, container car shipping cost is upwards of $5000. Because there is less handling in a container, it is seen as more secure when importing classic cars to Australia. In addition, you’re able to store additional personal effects or spare parts in the container with your vehicle, unlike RORO. 

Global fuel prices also impact the cost of importing vehicles to Australia. As you can imagine, the large vehicle shipping Australia vessels require substantial amounts of fuel during international shipping. Thus, global fuel prices driven by external factors can directly dictate the cost of importing vehicles to Australia. 

Size also has a significant impact on the cost of vehicle shipping Australia. Cars under 18cbm in size are usually charged at a fixed current rate. Larger vehicles like caravans, motorhomes, trucks, and heavy machinery are then charged on a cbm rate. Thus, expect to pay more when importing vehicles to Australia like trucks versus standard car shipping Australia wide.

When it comes to importing cars to Australia or exporting, your vehicle goes through multiple hands. International car shipping Australia wide begins at pick-up right through delivery at your door. Firstly, a car hauler picks up the vehicle and takes it to an export yard or port. Then your vehicle is booked on a vessel for the process of international car shipping Australia. Your vehicle is also inspected at the import port and taken to a compliance yard thereafter. Lastly, another car hauler transports your car to your final destination. 

Generally, international car shipping Australia is extremely reliable and secure. However, accidents do happen due to human error or mechanical failure at any stage of the car shipping journey. 

At the start of 2022, a RORO vessel carrying over $400 million of luxury vehicles caught fire. Although rare, we’ve seen accidents happen. That is why we highly recommend marine insurance to all of our Australia car shipping customers.

Regular car insurance generally does not cover international car shipping Australia to and from other destinations. Marine insurance offered by Peach Transitions covers your vehicle for any damages or loss during the Australia car shipping journey. That is including road transport, international car shipping on the vessel, loading, and unloading. Essentially, you are covered at all parts of the journey in which you’ve hired our services. If you decided to hire a road transporter on your own, that would not be covered under our marine insurance.

Most Australia car shipping companies do not include marine insurance as part of the inclusive basic quote. Thus, it’s important that you’re aware of this option and that you ask the question before importing cars to Australia. The old saying “better safe than sorry” is just as relevant when it comes to Australia car shipping.

The answer is yes, importing cars to Australia that are LHD is allowed, but under limited circumstances. Some states have stricter restrictions than others when it comes to registering LHD vehicles. Thus it is important to contact your local state authority before importing vehicles into Australia that are LHD. 

If the vehicle is over 30 years old, then you may be eligible to comply and register the car in Australia. Any vehicles that are less than 30 years old will need to be converted into right-hand drive (RHD). Thus, classic car enthusiasts can consider importing classic cars to Australia without needing to convert them into RHD. However, for younger vehicles typically imported under the Specialist & Enthusiast Vehicle Scheme (SEVS) they typically need to be converted. These cars include common specialist models like the Chevrolet Corvette, Ford Mustang, Dodge Challenger and Ram, and Toyota Tundra.

International tourists can also look at importing cars to Australia that are LHD, temporarily. If they’re looking at importing vehicles into Australia with a Carnet, they can drive here for up to 12 months. Thereafter, they must look at exporting vehicles from Australia as they can’t continue to legally drive in Australia.

If you’ve owned and used the vehicle overseas for more than 12 months, you can apply for a personal import. This means you may be eligible to bypass the RHD conversion and avoid adding that to the car shipping cost. 

When you’re looking at importing vehicles into Australia that are extremely rare or expensive, you can apply for special consideration. Thus, you may be able to bypass the normal restrictions on importing vehicles to Australia under rare circumstances. To have any chance, it is highly recommended that you speak with a specialised Australia car shipping agent beforehand.

A great option when importing cars to Australia temporarily is to apply for a Carnet de Passage. The carnet is valid for 12 months and allows travelers the option of importing cars to Australia for touring purposes. The great thing is that you can bypass paying Duty and GST that normally come with importing cars to Australia. Instead, you pay a cash guarantee that ensures you’ll be exporting vehicles from Australia before the expiry of the Carnet. It is an international document that is accepted by most customs authorities worldwide.

Specifically, a CPD Carnet acts as a temporary passport for importing vehicles into Australia. To apply for one, you simply need to contact the country of export automobile association. They will provide full details of what is required in order to get one when temporarily importing vehicles into Australia. Typically, getting a CDP Carnet should not take more than 2 weeks, therefore making it a good option when traveling.

When weighing up the option and car shipping cost versus hiring a rental here in Australia, it can be favourable. Things like rental fees, scheduling, and delivery restrictions, can make the idea of importing vehicles into Australia for travel, easier. In addition, you know exactly what you’re getting out of your own vehicle in terms of reliability and gas mileage. Moreover, if you’re on a regional or global travel tour, you can easily look at exporting vehicles from Australia. Places like New Zealand and Southeast Asian countries, also accept a CDP Carnet without paying import duties and taxes. 

For a complete breakdown of the CDP Carnet, you can find information on the official site. Most importantly, it has the details of the Carnet issuing authority of your country of export.