Shipping vehicles from the United States to Australia has become increasingly popular, particularly for American-made cars, SUVs, pickup trucks, classic vehicles, and commercial equipment. Among the most efficient and cost-effective ways to transport vehicles to Australia is RORO (Roll-On/Roll-Off) shipping, with Port of Melbourne serving as one of the country’s main vehicle import hubs. Whether you’re importing a personal car, dealership stock, or heavy machinery, RORO shipping offers a simple, secure, and reliable solution.
At All Transport Depot, we specialize in international vehicle and machinery logistics, providing seamless RORO shipping from major U.S. ports to Melbourne, Australia. With years of experience, competitive pricing, and dependable sailing schedules, we help individuals, dealers, and businesses ship vehicles to Australia safely and without hassle.
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Why Choose RORO Shipping to Australia?
RORO shipping is one of the most practical and efficient methods for transporting vehicles to Australia. Vehicles are driven directly onto specialized RORO vessels, professionally secured, and driven off at the destination port, minimizing handling and risk.
Key Advantages of RORO Shipping
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Cost-effective: Often cheaper than container shipping
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Fast loading & unloading: Reduced port handling time
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Lower risk of damage: No cranes or container stuffing
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Ideal for most vehicle types: Cars, SUVs, trucks, vans, motorcycles
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Excellent for machinery: Construction and agricultural equipment
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Best for running vehicles: Non-running units accepted with extra charges
Popular RORO Ports in the United States
RORO shipping to Melbourne is available from several major U.S. export ports. The best port depends on your vehicle’s location, transit time requirements, and budget.
Major U.S. RORO Export Ports
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Los Angeles / Long Beach, California – Most common for Australia
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Oakland, California
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Tacoma, Washington
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Houston, Texas
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Galveston, Texas
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Jacksonville, Florida
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Savannah, Georgia
How to Choose the Best Port
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West Coast ports offer faster transit to Australia
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Closer ports reduce inland transport costs
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Sailing frequency impacts both cost and timing
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All Transport Depot helps secure the most cost-effective option
Port of Melbourne – Australia’s Leading Vehicle Import Hub
The Port of Melbourne is Australia’s largest and busiest container and vehicle port, handling a significant volume of imported cars and machinery each year.
Why Choose Melbourne Port?
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Dedicated vehicle and RORO terminals
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Advanced biosecurity and inspection facilities
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Efficient customs clearance processes
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Ideal for personal, dealership, and commercial imports
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Serves Victoria and nationwide distribution
Australia enforces strict biosecurity, quarantine (DAFF), and compliance inspections, making professional handling essential.
Types of Vehicles & Machinery Shipped via RORO to Melbourne
RORO shipping supports a wide variety of vehicles and equipment, making it suitable for both private individuals and commercial importers.
Passenger Vehicles
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Sedans
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Coupes
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SUVs
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Crossovers
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Hatchbacks
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Minivans
Commercial Vehicles
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Pickup trucks (UTES)
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Vans
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Buses
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Box trucks
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Specialty vehicles
Heavy Machinery
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Excavators
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Bulldozers
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Wheel loaders
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Forklifts
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Agricultural machinery
Other Equipment
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Motorcycles
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Boats & jet skis
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RVs and camper vans
Non-Running Vehicles
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Accepted with special handling
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Forklift loading required
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Additional fees apply
Cost of RORO Shipping to Melbourne, Australia (2025 Guide)
RORO shipping costs to Australia depend on multiple variables. While rates fluctuate based on fuel prices and demand, the following factors determine overall cost.
Factors That Affect RORO Pricing
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Vehicle size and dimensions
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Port of departure in the USA
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Running vs. non-running condition
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Vehicle height and weight
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Seasonal demand
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Port, documentation, and inspection fees
Estimated Cost Categories
(Exact pricing depends on vessel availability, season, and port. Contact All Transport Depot for current rates.)
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Sedans: Most affordable option
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SUVs: Higher due to size and height
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Pickup Trucks: Based on length and height
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Machinery: Charged by cubic meters (CBM)
Documents Required for RORO Shipping to Australia
Accurate and complete documentation is critical due to Australia’s strict import and quarantine regulations.
Required Documents
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Original Vehicle Title
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Bill of Sale
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Passport or Government-issued ID
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Export Power of Attorney (provided by All Transport Depot)
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Import Approval (mandatory for Australia)
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Consignee details in Australia
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Customs broker details (highly recommended)
Auction, salvage, or modified vehicles may require additional approvals.
Step-by-Step Process: How to Ship a Car from USA to Melbourne via RORO
All Transport Depot manages the shipping process from start to finish.
1. Request a Quote
Provide vehicle details, pickup ZIP code, and Melbourne destination.
2. Import Approval (Australia)
Obtain approval before shipping (essential step).
3. Vehicle Pickup or Port Drop-Off
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Door-to-port service available
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Or self-delivery to the export port
4. Vehicle Cleaning & Inspection
Vehicles must be thoroughly cleaned to meet Australian quarantine standards.
5. U.S. Export Customs Clearance
All Transport Depot handles AES filing and export documentation.
6. RORO Vessel Loading
Vehicle is driven onto the ship and secured.
7. Ocean Transit to Melbourne
Ships operate on fixed international schedules.
8. Arrival & Australian Customs / Quarantine Clearance
Your customs broker handles:
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Import duty & GST
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DAFF (quarantine) inspection
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Port & terminal fees
9. Vehicle Release
Vehicle is collected directly from Port of Melbourne.
Transit Time from USA to Melbourne, Australia
Transit times vary depending on the departure port and shipping route.
Estimated Transit Times
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West Coast USA to Melbourne: ~25–35 days
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Gulf Coast USA to Melbourne: ~35–45 days
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East Coast USA to Melbourne: ~45–55 days
Delays may occur due to inspections or seasonal congestion, but RORO remains one of the most efficient options.
How to Save Money on RORO Shipping to Australia
Planning ahead can significantly reduce shipping costs.
Money-Saving Tips
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Ship from West Coast ports for shorter transit
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Ensure vehicle is spotless to avoid quarantine re-cleaning fees
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Submit documents early
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Keep vehicles running
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Obtain Import Approval before booking
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Work with an experienced exporter like All Transport Depot
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Shipping to Australia
Australia has some of the strictest import rules worldwide. Avoid these common errors:
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Shipping without Import Approval
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Dirty vehicles (soil, leaves, mud)
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Incorrect vehicle details
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Missing documents
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Using inexperienced agents
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Delaying quarantine inspections
Avoiding these mistakes prevents delays and extra charges.
Why Ship with All Transport Depot?
All Transport Depot is a trusted logistics partner for shipping vehicles and machinery from the USA to Australia. Our experience with Australian compliance and Melbourne Port ensures a smooth, stress-free process.
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Licensed & bonded U.S. exporter
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Extensive experience with Australia-bound shipments
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Reliable RORO sailings to Melbourne
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Competitive pricing
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Door-to-port & port-to-port services
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Dedicated customer support
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Fast documentation handling
Our mission is to make international vehicle shipping transparent, compliant, and affordable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
• Do I need Import Approval to ship a car to Australia?
Yes. Import Approval is mandatory before shipping.
• Does the vehicle need to be running?
Running vehicles are cheaper, but non-running units are accepted.
• Can I ship personal items inside the vehicle?
No. RORO requires completely empty interiors.
• How long does customs and quarantine clearance take in Melbourne?
Typically 3–7 business days, depending on inspections.
• What is the cheapest way to ship a car to Australia?
RORO shipping is usually the most affordable option for standard vehicles.
✈️ Get a Free Quote Today
Ready to ship your vehicle by air? Here’s what we’ll need to get started:
📧 Email: ship@alltransportdepot.com
📲 WhatsApp: +1 (470) 791-4497
📞 Phone: +1 (678) 528-5794
At All TransportDepot Inc., we ensure premium service for safe, secure, and reliable car air shipping worldwide.
👉 Don’t wait—Get Your Free Quote Now
Jessica is a dedicated customer service representative at Windy City Car Carriers. Her warm and friendly demeanor puts customers at ease as she guides them through the car shipping process. She takes pride in ensuring a stress-free experience for every client.