What are the different ways that a car can be shipped?
Sole use Container
This is where your vehicle is secured in its own container for the entire voyage. This is generally considered the safer option as the vehicle is not driven. We recommend the container option for high value or high-performance vehicles and / or when you want to ship personal effects or parts with the vehicle.
Container shipment is generally the only option available for non-running vehicles.
Roll on / Roll off.
RORO Service is where the vehicle is driven on and off the vessel and is secured inside the ship, out of the weather.
A RO/RO ship is like a big car ferry
To be shipped RORO, the car must be safe to drive, although current registration is not required. RORO is more cost effective but does carry a higher risk.
RORO shipment is the only option available for oversize cargo that is too large for shipment by container.
This service is not generally recommended for high value or “interesting” vehicles.
Shared Container Service:
This is where up to four cars are loaded in a 40’ container and you only pay the costs for your share.
This is a very cost-effective way to ship your cars, but it is only available from the West Coast USA and from the UK.
Can I ship a Motorbike & Car in the same Container?
To ship a car and bike in a 20′ Container, we first need to confirm they will both fit in the container together. Accurate dimensions of both the car and the motorcycle will be required.
What are my options if my car is NON-RUNNING?
Non-running vehicles can certainly be shipped, but only by Container (not RORO).
Can I ship Personal Effects (PE’s) with My Car?
It depends on whether you decide to ship RORO or Container.
With 20ft Container shipment, you can have up to 2 cubic metres of personal effects outside of the car (in the container) at no additional charge for shipping. If you have more than 2 cubic metres outside of the vehicle there will be an additional charge for restraining. You can also load as much as you like in the car but not on the driver’s seat. There will not be enough room for major furniture items. With Shared Container you can load items in the car only.
With RORO shipment, you cannot have any personal affects in the car at all.
Can I ship Home Contents (furniture etc) with my car?
We do not ship home contents. You would need to contact a removalist for this service. We recommend you treat your household goods and your car separately. This is usually the most cost-effective method rather than combining them.
Do you need a Vehicle Import Permit (VIA) to import a car into Australia?
Yes – without a vehicle import permit the vehicle is a prohibited import and can be exported.
Under what circumstances can you get a Vehicle Import Permit (VIA)
Per a detailed explanation here
What if my Car has Air Conditioning?
Vehicles imported under the Personal Import Scheme do not need to be degassed.
For other cars, the gas may need to be removed depending on what type of gas has been used.
Are asbestos regulations applicable to imported vehicles?
Yes – see here for more information.
When is Duty/GST Applicable?
Duty / GST are applicable to vehicles imported to Australia including personal imports (excluding re-imports by the original owner).
See here for further information.
Is insurance necessary?
We strongly recommend insuring all vehicles. If you insure your car on the road you should also insure it at sea