Need to ship a car to Australia in 2025? All Transport Depot helps you ship a car to Australia safely and affordably with RoRo or container service. Below, we cover cost, 30–45 day transit times, required documents, biosecurity and asbestos rules, and every major Australian arrival port—so you can confidently ship a car to Australia from the USA.
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Most moves fall between $2,500–$5,000 port-to-port. Your exact price depends on:
Shipping method: RoRo is usually cheaper; containers add protection and allow limited spares.
Vehicle size/weight: Larger or lifted vehicles cost more.
Origin & destination: West Coast departures to Australia are often more economical.
Add-ons: Door pickup, marine insurance, storage, or expedited sailings.
Track your shipment anytime: https://alltransportdepot.com/track-shipment/
Typical port-to-port transit runs 30–45 days, depending on route, carrier schedule, and port congestion. RoRo often loads faster; consolidated containers can add a few days for staging. Weather, customs exams, or biosecurity inspections may add time—plan a small buffer.
Confirm eligibility & approvals: Create a ROVER account and apply for your VIA before shipping (https://www.rover.infrastructure.gov.au/).
Choose method & port pair: RoRo vs container; match your U.S. origin to the best Australian arrival port (ports listed above).
Book and insure: Secure vessel space and marine insurance.
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Prepare the vehicle: Remove personal items (RoRo), limit fuel, disable alarms, photograph condition, and clean thoroughly for biosecurity.
Sail & track: Most routes are 30–45 days port-to-port; we provide live updates (https://alltransportdepot.com/track-shipment/).
Clear customs & quarantine: Lodge Import Declaration, pay GST/duty/LCT, complete biosecurity inspection (ABF: https://www.abf.gov.au/importing-exporting-and-manufacturing/importing/how-to-import).
Comply & register: Ensure ADR compliance, then register in your Australian state/territory. ADRs: https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/infrastructure-transport-vehicles/vehicles/vehicle-design-regulation/australian-design-rules
Sydney (Port Kembla, NSW): NSW’s main motor-vehicle hub.
NSW Ports – Port Kembla: https://www.nswports.com.au/port-kembla
Melbourne (VIC): Webb Dock West automotive terminal at the Port of Melbourne.
Port of Melbourne: https://www.portofmelbourne.com/
AAT – Webb Dock West: https://www.aaterminals.com.au/location-webbdockwest/
Brisbane (QLD): Fisherman Islands handles RoRo and vehicles.
Port of Brisbane – Berths & Terminals: https://www.portbris.com.au/operations-and-trade/port-facilities/berths-and-terminals
Fremantle / Perth (WA): Western Australia’s key RoRo gateway.
Fremantle Ports – Shipping: https://www.fremantleports.com.au
Adelaide (SA): Outer Harbor automotive capability.
Flinders Ports – Port Adelaide: https://www.flindersportholdings.com.au/port-adelaide/
Darwin (NT): East Arm Wharf supports vehicles and general cargo.
Darwin Port – East Arm Wharf: https://darwinport.com.au/facilities-services/east-arm-fort-hill-wharf-overview
Tasmania (Burnie/Devonport): RoRo capacity exists; most international vehicle imports route via Melbourne then coastal feeder to TAS.
TasPorts: https://tasports.com.au/
RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off): Best value for running vehicles; fast port handling.
Container (20’/40′): Ideal for high-value, modified, or non-running cars; extra protection; shared or sole-use.
Air freight: Fastest but premium-priced; used for urgent or very high-value units.
Vehicle Import Approval (VIA) via the government’s guide and ROVER portal.
Importing a road vehicle: https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/infrastructure-transport-vehicles/vehicles/importing-road-vehicle-australia
ROVER portal: https://www.rover.infrastructure.gov.au/
Title/Registration and Bill of Sale (proof of ownership/value).
Bill of Lading (issued by the ocean carrier).
Import Declaration (ICS) and customs clearance with the Australian Border Force.
ABF – How to import: https://www.abf.gov.au/importing-exporting-and-manufacturing/importing/how-to-import
Photo ID (passport/driver’s licence).
Marine Insurance (strongly recommended).
Exporting from the USA? CBP requires filing and presentation for used self-propelled vehicles, generally ≥72 hours before export.
CBP – Exporting a Motor Vehicle: https://www.cbp.gov/trade/basic-import-export/export-docs/motor-vehicle
19 CFR §192.2: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-19/chapter-I/part-192/subpart-A/section-192.2
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Budget for GST (10%) on the taxable importation and, where applicable, duty and LCT on higher-value cars.
ABF – GST & other taxes: https://www.abf.gov.au/importing-exporting-and-manufacturing/importing/cost-of-importing-goods/gst-and-other-taxes
ATO – LCT thresholds: https://www.ato.gov.au/tax-rates-and-codes/luxury-car-tax-rate-and-thresholds
Vehicles must arrive clean and free of soil, seeds, and organic matter. DAFF can order cleaning or re-inspection if contamination is found.
DAFF – Vehicles & machinery: https://www.agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity-trade/import/goods/vehicles-machinery
BICON database: https://www.agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity-trade/import/online-services/bicon
ll Transportdepot Inc is able to handle all of the above requirements To Place Order https://alltransportdepot.com/place-order/
Australia prohibits any level of asbestos in imported vehicles and parts (e.g., older brake pads, clutches, gaskets). Be ready to prove your vehicle is asbestos-free or face delays and testing.
ABF – Asbestos in imported motor vehicles: https://www.abf.gov.au/importing-exporting-and-manufacturing/prohibited-goods/asbestos/asbestos-in-imported-motor-vehicles
Managing asbestos risk when importing a vehicle (PDF): https://www.abf.gov.au/prohibited-goods-subsite/files/fs-asbestos-risk-importing-vehicle.pdf
RoRo: No. Car decks are for vehicles only.
Container: Limited boxed parts may be allowed if declared and secured; carrier and customs rules apply. We’ll advise the safest, compliant option.
Spring/Fall: Balanced demand and mild weather; often the smoothest flow.
Summer: Busy schedules but predictable sailings.
Winter: Weather can slow U.S. inland trucking—plan buffers.
Los Angeles/Long Beach → Sydney (Port Kembla) or Melbourne
Oakland → Sydney or Brisbane
New York/New Jersey → Brisbane or Melbourne
Houston → Fremantle (Perth)
Miami → Adelaide
EVs can move via RoRo or container. Carriers may mandate a specific state of charge. On arrival, EVs must meet Australian Design Rules (ADRs) for compliance.
ADRs: https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/infrastructure-transport-vehicles/vehicles/vehicle-design-regulation/australian-design-rules
Vehicle Import Approval (VIA) via ROVER: https://www.rover.infrastructure.gov.au/
Original title/registration + bill of sale
Bill of Lading
Import Declaration (ICS) & customs entry (ABF): https://www.abf.gov.au/importing-exporting-and-manufacturing/importing/how-to-import
Photo ID
Marine insurance
Vehicle imports (Department of Infrastructure):
Importing a road vehicle: https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/infrastructure-transport-vehicles/vehicles/importing-road-vehicle-australia
RVS/ROVER Contact: https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/infrastructure-transport-vehicles/vehicles/rvs/contact-us
Australian Border Force (ABF):
Importing a motor vehicle: https://www.abf.gov.au/importing-exporting-and-manufacturing/importing/how-to-import/types-of-imports/importing-a-motor-vehicle
ABF contact: https://www.abf.gov.au/help-and-support/contact-us
DAFF Biosecurity:
Vehicles & machinery: https://www.agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity-trade/import/goods/vehicles-machinery
BICON: https://www.agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity-trade/import/online-services/bicon
ATO (GST/LCT):
LCT thresholds: https://www.ato.gov.au/tax-rates-and-codes/luxury-car-tax-rate-and-thresholds
Nationwide USA pickup and Australia-wide port coverage
RoRo, container, out-of-gauge, and project cargo
Transparent quotes, real-time tracking, and dedicated support
FMC-licensed and bonded NVOCC/OTI (U.S. Federal Maritime Commission) — verify our license in the FMC database: https://www2.fmc.gov/otci/
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.
