Ship a Car to Australia: Complete Guide

ship a car to Australia! Shipping a car from the USA to Australia requires careful coordination, strict documentation, and professional logistics management. Whether you’re relocating, exporting a personal vehicle, sending a classic car, or supporting dealership inventory, Australia remains one of the most regulated vehicle import destinations.

This guide covers shipping methods, costs, transit times, required documents, port options, and the complete export process for transporting a car from the USA to Australia.


1. What Cars Can Be Shipped?

Common types of cars shipped to Australia include:

Sedans
SUVs
Pickup trucks
Electric vehicles
Hybrid cars
Luxury & exotic cars
Classic/antique cars
Vans
4×4 & off-road vehicles
Non-running cars (with special handling)

Any roadworthy or towable vehicle can be shipped safely with the proper method and preparation.


2. Shipping Methods from the USA to Australia

a. Roll-On Roll-Off (RoRo)

Best for cars that run, steer, and brake.

Advantages:

  • Most affordable shipping method

  • Fast loading/unloading

  • Secure vehicle decks

  • Ideal for standard cars and SUVs


b. Container Shipping (20ft & 40ft)

Perfect for high-value, classic, luxury, or electric vehicles.

Advantages:

  • Fully enclosed protection

  • Added security from weather and theft

  • Can include parts or personal items (depending on regulations)

  • Options for single or shared containers


c. Flat Rack Shipping

Used for oversized vehicles, lifted trucks, or modified cars.

Advantages:

  • Fits vehicles that can’t enter standard containers

  • Secured using heavy-duty straps

  • Ideal for wide or tall units


d. Breakbulk Shipping

For extremely large or non-standard vehicles.

Advantages:

  • No size restrictions

  • Ideal for large trucks, commercial vehicles, or specialty builds

  • Direct crane loading


3. ship a car to Australia Shipping Costs

Costs depend on:

  • Vehicle size and weight

  • Shipping method (RoRo, container, flat rack, breakbulk)

  • U.S. departure port

  • Australian port of arrival

  • Additional inspection or cleaning

  • Marine insurance options

Estimated price range:
$2,000 – $6,000+, depending on car type and shipping method.


4. ship a car to Australia Shipping Timelines

Estimated transit times from the USA to Australia:

  • West Coast USA → Australia: 20–35 days

  • East Coast USA → Australia: 30–50 days (via transshipment)

  • Gulf Coast USA → Australia: 28–45 days

Total process including booking, loading, customs, and quarantine typically takes:

4–7 weeks.


5. ship a car to Australia Departure Ports in the USA

Major U.S. ports for exporting cars to Australia:

Los Angeles, CA
Long Beach, CA
Seattle, WA
San Francisco, CA
Houston, TX
Baltimore, MD
Savannah, GA
Jacksonville, FL

These ports offer RoRo, container, flat rack, and breakbulk services.


📲 Message Us or Call Today

📧 ship@alltransportdepot.com
📲 WhatsApp: +1 (470) 791-4497
📞 Office: +1 (678) 528-5794
🌐 www.alltransportdepot.com


6. ship a car to Australia Arrival Ports in Australia

Popular Australian ports for car imports:

Port of Sydney (NSW)
Port of Melbourne (VIC)
Port of Brisbane (QLD)
Port of Fremantle (WA)
Port of Adelaide (SA)

These ports provide:

  • Vehicle inspection facilities

  • RoRo berths

  • Secure storage yards

  • Quarantine cleaning and inspection services


7. ship a car to Australia Required Documents for Export & Import

Export Documents (USA):

  • Vehicle Title

  • Bill of Sale / Commercial Invoice

  • Shipper’s Export Declaration (SED)

  • Power of Attorney (for your freight forwarder)

  • Vehicle specifications (VIN, dimensions, weight)

  • EPA/DOT compliance (if applicable)


ship a car to Australia Import Documents (Australia):

  • Australian Import Approval (mandatory)

  • Australian Border Force (ABF) import declaration

  • Bill of Lading

  • Invoice/Purchase documentation

  • Vehicle condition report

  • Biosecurity (DAFF) inspection documents

  • Possible quarantine cleaning certificate

Australia has some of the strictest biosecurity rules in the world.


8. Preparing Your Car for Shipping

To ensure smooth export and quick clearance in Australia:

  • Thoroughly clean vehicle (interior, exterior, undercarriage)

  • Remove all dirt, seeds, soil, and debris (mandatory)

  • Disconnect alarm systems

  • Remove personal belongings

  • Document condition with photos

  • Provide accurate dimensions

  • Ensure car is drivable (for RoRo) or can be loaded safely

Failure to meet cleanliness standards may result in cleaning fees, delays, or re-inspection.


9. ship a car to Australia Import Duties & Taxes 

Australia may apply:

  • Customs duties (varies by vehicle age/type)

  • GST (10%)

  • Luxury Car Tax (if applicable)

  • Biosecurity inspection fees

  • Port fees

A customs broker can provide exact cost estimates specific to your vehicle.


10. Why Choose All Transport Depot for Car Shipping?

All Transport Depot offers:

  • Professional car handling

  • RoRo, container, flat rack, and breakbulk options

  • Full documentation & customs assistance

  • Strict biosecurity-compliant guidance

  • Transparent pricing

  • Safe and secure loading

  • Real-time shipping updates

  • Door-to-port or port-to-port options

From family cars to luxury and classic vehicles, we manage the entire process professionally and safely.


Final Thoughts

Shipping a car to Australia from the USA is simple when handled by experts. With All Transport Depot, you get:

  • Safe transportation

  • Smooth customs and quarantine clearance

  • Professional documentation management

  • Reliable timelines

  • Competitive pricing

Your vehicle arrives in Australia clean, compliant, and on schedule.


📲 Message Us or Call Today

📧 ship@alltransportdepot.com
📲 WhatsApp: +1 (470) 791-4497
📞 Office: +1 (678) 528-5794
🌐 www.alltransportdepot.com

Ryan is an experienced truck driver at Lone Star Auto Transport. He’s logged thousands of miles, safely delivering vehicles across the vast expanse of Texas and beyond. His commitment to on-time deliveries and vehicle care is unmatched.