International Vehicle Relocation

International vehicle shipment differs from shipping a vehicle locally. There are a number of legal and logistical challenges to overcome, in addition to the longer distances. From the method of loading and shipment to the documentation and licence required to operate internationally.

The difference between overseas and domestic vehicle transport services, in terms of the process, is that the car carrier must be able to safely handle delivery over a much longer distance, usually by sea freight. 

Sea freight of vehicles is often undertaken on a “roll-on / roll-off” service, also known as “RoRo”. This is just a term used to mean that a vehicle is driven onto the ship, that has space reserved for delivery of the vehicle abroad, and  driven off arrival. Other variations of the service include containerised international car shipping for boats, crated transporters for motorcycles, and lift on/lift offloading.

Types of vehicles we move overseas

  • Vintage and luxury cars
  • Motorcycles, Harley’s and sport bikes
  • Sports utility and all terrain vehicles (SUVs & ATVs)
  • Collections and dealership inventory
  • Recreational vehicles (RVs), motorhomes, caravan, and camper
  • Privately owned vehicles (POVs) for military
  • Yachts, boats and other watercraft

Method of shipment

Peach Transitions has two shipping methods depending on your needs: roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) and containerised. We ship to and import from any part of the world. With our wealth of experience in the industry, we know how to handle even the most challenging movements. It is our pleasure to provide our customers with customised service and a worry-free shipping solution to suit what they need.

Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo)

Roll-on/roll-off, or “RoRo,” is the most affordable and straightforward method of exporting your car internationally. The cargo is “rolled-on” (drive on) to the vessel at the loading port and “rolled-off” (driven off) at the destination port.

It is important to know that the RoRo method of shipment does not accept personal belongings or cargo inside the vehicle. Consult our team for further information on how to get your car ready for RoRo shipping.

We recommend roll on roll off for shipping cars in most circumstances because this is how all new vehicles are shipped around the world. It’s affordable, and it’s delivered on specially designed car carriers. However, this shipping method is only designed to transport cars, not any other cargo such as household goods. That is when containers are ideal.

Container Shipping

In this method, container ships are used to transport your cargo overseas in large intermodal containers. This is a more expensive alternative, but it may be appropriate if you have additional items to ship with your vehicle.

When transporting via container, keep in mind that all additional products must be accounted for, and any boxes must be clearly labelled. By providing us with a list of contents, we can ensure that no goods are missed if the container is emptied for quarantine or inspection at customs.

A container is recommended if you have personal possessions to ship with your car, or if your car is non-operational or a classic. This enables you to load anything from spare parts to a motorcycle to boxes of your personal belongings.

Disadvantage

The main disadvantage of international shipments is the time you spend completing the whole procedure. With Peach Transitions, we provide reliable and cost-effective services, plus we offer multiple sailings a month from all main global ports. With a vast global network, we offer a door-to-door solution.

If you’re a dealer and you’re tired of being let down by your current freight forwarder, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us. Peach Transitions is one of the most established freight specialists in the auto industry.  We provide tailored solutions for importing vehicles at competitive rates. With our own client portal, we can help you plan your vehicle imports and track them. 

Importing and exporting is a major undertaking. We make it easy. With Peach Transitions you get a team of international freight specialists that focus on service excellence at market reasonable pricing, always ensuring your vehicle is moved safely door to door. Let us get it there for you.

We offer a complete solution for shipping vehicles from Australia to any destination across the globe, or from any point of the globe to another. 

Chat with us today via instant chat, or call us when it suits you, we are always here to help!

Importing Vehicles into Australia

Vehicle Import Approvals

All vehicles arriving into Australia to be driven on Australian roads require a vehicle import approval.

When asking yourself what cars can I import into Australia, see below if your vehicle qualifies.

There are a number of options available when applying for a vehicle import approval:

  • Vehicles Manufactured before 1989
  • Personal Import Option
  • Australian Plated Vehicles
  • Small Road Trailers
  • Race, Rally and Support Vehicles
  • Letter of Compliance
  • Special Purpose-Built Vehicles
  • Exhibition Vehicles
  • Non-Road Vehicles
  • Vehicles in Transit
  • New Vehicles (including large trailers)
  • Test and Evaluation Vehicles
  • Discretionary Approval
  • RAWS / SEVS Scheme
  • Carnet de Passage

Vehicles Manufactured before 1989 Option

This option allows for the importation of road vehicles manufactured before 1 January 1989. This option is designed to cater for the importation of older enthusiast, classic or historic vehicles.

Personal Import Option

This option allows migrants settling in Australia or expatriate Australian citizens returning permanently to Australia after a long period overseas, to bring their personal vehicle with them as long as it has been owned for the qualifying 12-month period.

Australian Plated Vehicles Option

This option allows road vehicles originally sourced within Australia but subsequently exported to be re-imported.

Small Road Trailers Option

This option allows for the importation of road trailers that have an Aggregate Trailer Mass (ATM) not more than 4.5 tonnes.

Race and Rally and Support Vehicles Option

This option allows for the importation of vehicles intended to be used for road vehicle rallies, closed circuit road vehicle racing and vehicles designed to support road vehicle racing or rallying.

Letter of Compliance Option

This option allows for the importation of vehicles which complied with the applicable Australian Design Rules (ADRs) at the time the vehicle was originally supplied to the market overseas.

Special Purpose Vehicles Option

This option allows for the importation of special purpose vehicles including city utility vehicles (fire tenders, garbage trucks, street sweepers), mobile cranes, mobile drilling rigs, and mobile plant and equipment.

Exhibition Vehicles Option

This option allows for the importation of motor vehicles intended to be used primarily for exhibition purposes.

Non-Road Vehicles Option

A ‘non-road vehicle’ (often referred to as ‘non-transport equipment’ and/or ‘off-road vehicles’) refers to a vehicle not principally designed for use in transport and/or is not permitted to be driven on public roads.

Vehicles in Transit Option

This option allows the importation of vehicles for the purpose of having modifications, repair or other work performed on the vehicle. The vehicle is to be re-exported without being used as transport in Australia.

New Vehicles (including Large Trailers) for use on road Option

This option allows for the importation of road vehicles in either low or full volume including road trailers that weigh more than 4.5 tonnes Aggregate Trailer Mass (ATM).

Test and Evaluation Vehicles

This scheme allows for the importation of vehicles for testing to meet certification standards and/or evaluation of performance in Australian conditions and transport systems. This includes trials of automated vehicles.

Discretionary Approvals

Vehicles not covered under other options may be approved with discretion in exceptional circumstances. The approval usually has conditions attached.

Registered Automotive Workshop Scheme

This scheme allows for the importation and supply to the market of used vehicles. Approved Registered Automotive Workshops (RAWs) import, modify and plate used vehicles in accordance with concessional standards.

Specialist and Enthusiast Vehicle Register

Listing on the Register of Specialist and Enthusiast Vehicles means that vehicles can be imported into Australia under the Low Volume Vehicles Scheme and the Registered Automotive Workshop Scheme.

Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA)

This agreement allows for the importation of road vehicles by military personnel temporarily posted to Australia under the terms of an intergovernmental agreement.

Carnet

This ‘Carnet de Passage en Douane’ is an international agreement which allows the temporary import of a vehicle for up to 12 months by visitors to Australia. The carnet is obtained in the country of residence. Carnet is managed by Immigration and Border Protection.

Moving International?

Peach Transitions specialises in providing the very best in international relocation services. From your very first contact, we’ll be there to guide you through every stage of your move, our relocation service is designed to ensure every move runs in the most seamless way possible.

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