Car Shipping to Australia
2026 Guide
Car shipping to Australia is simple with an agent who can guide you through the steps, costs, and import requirements. Whether you’re moving to Australia, selling a vehicle overseas, or importing a classic car, an experienced international auto transport company can help you comply with Australian regulations and protect your vehicle during the journey overseas.
Why CFR Classic?
Get an Instant Car Shipping Quote
Tell us about your vehicle and we’ll respond within 24 hours with a personalised cost breakdown.
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How Our Container Loading System Protects Your Car on the Trip to Australia
R-RakThe R-Rak system replaces traditional wooden ramps with a secure steel racking system, allowing up to five classic vehicles to be safely loaded into a single container while minimizing movement and reducing the risk of damage during transit.
Shipping a Car to Australia – Key Takeaways
Quick SummaryThe most important facts about shipping a car from the US to Australia— before you dive into the detail.
Shipping a Car to Australia – Key Takeaways
Transit time: 4–6 weeks (ocean), 3–10 days (air)
Goods & Services Tax: 10%
Cost: $3,200–$8,000+ (ocean), $20,000+ (air)
Main ports: Sydney, Melbourne
Import duty: 0-5%
Import approval web portal: ROVER
Car Shipping Process Summary
The ProcessFrom your first quote to keys in hand, here’s the full journey.
Request a Free Quote
Submit your vehicle details online. Our team responds within 24 hours with a personalized cost breakdown and recommended shipping method.
24-hour response
Prepare Your Documentation
Gather your title, bill of sale, and other required paperwork.
Schedule Pick-Up or Vehicle Drop-Off
Have your vehicle picked up from your location and trucked to the port or drop it off at the agreed upon US port terminal.
Ocean Transit to Australia
While your vehicle is in transit, you can track its progress through our customer portal.
Customs Clearance in Australia
Our local broker handles all Australian customs paperwork, VAT, duties, and other considerations.
Delivered & Registered in Australia
Your vehicle undergoes ROVER inspection before registration and release.
Australian Car Shipping Costs, Major Ports & Shipping Methods
PricingShipping a car from the U.S. to starts around USD $3,200, depending on departure port, method (container vs RoRo), vehicle size and destination port. The estimated transit time is 4-6 weeks, but this can also vary.
Route | Roll-On/Roll-Off | Shared Container Load | Full Container Load | Air Freight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
US West Coast → Sydney | Unavailable | $1,975 | $2,850 | Contact for Pricing |
US East Coast → Sydney | Unavailable | Unavailable | $3,200 | Contact for Pricing |
Get an Instant Car Shipping Quote
Tell us about your vehicle and we’ll respond within 24 hours with a personalised cost breakdown.
* Please note that your information is saved on our server as you enter it.
US Departure Ports
LogisticsWe offer multiple departure locations for car shipping services. In addition, we can arrange for pickup from another location and have your vehicle transported to the departure port.
Ports Served in the USA
Los Angeles
New York
Houston
Miami
Savannah
Baltimore
Australian Destination Ports
LogisticsHere are the entry ports in Australia to which we can ship a car. Our agents can also arrange for shipment to an inland location, depending on your needs.
Ports Served in Australia
Sydney
Melbourne
Brisbane
Fremantie
Adelaide
Port Kembla
Geelong
Duties, Taxes & Fees
Taxes & FeesIn addition to the costs associated with shipment, you’ll need to prepare for other costs, such as those levied by the Australian government. Some of these fees could include:
Australian Import and Registration Fees
Customs duty
Goods and Services Tax (GST)
Optional marine insurance/shipping protection
Technical inspection fee
Car insurance
Registration fee
Emissions stickers fee (for urban road use)
Your agent can help you navigate these questions. Generally, you can expect to pay 10% GST on the value of the taxable importation, which includes the customs value of the vehicle, any customs duty payable, and applicable shipping and insurance costs. Many passenger vehicles are also subject to a 5% customs duty based on the vehicle’s customs value, though exemptions, concessions, or free trade agreements may change the final amount. Luxury Car Tax may also apply if the vehicle’s value exceeds Australia’s current LCT threshold.
Australian Import Duty and Tax Exemptions
Duties & ExemptionsMost importers pay 10% GST, but there may be exemptions.
Exemption Type | How to Qualify & Exemption Details |
|---|---|
Temporary imports for tourists or temporary residents | Tourists and temporary residents may temporarily import a road vehicle into Australia for up to 12 months without paying duty and taxes, provided the conditions are met. Vehicles imported with a CPD carnet for touring purposes do not need a Vehicle Import Approval from the Department of Infrastructure. |
Returned Australian vehicles | A vehicle returning to Australia may qualify for concessional treatment as returned Australian goods, provided the correct import approval is obtained and the vehicle meets the relevant conditions. ABF specifically refers to concessional treatment under Items 17 and 20 of Schedule 4 for returned Australian goods. |
Luxury Car Tax exemptions or deferrals | LCT can apply to imported luxury cars, but ABF notes some luxury car imports are exempt. Businesses registered for GST may also be able to quote their ABN to prevent LCT becoming payable before the car is sold or imported at the retail level, such as when the car is held as trading stock, used for manufacturer research and development, or exported GST-free. |
Electric and Hybrid Vehicles | Some plug-in hybrid and electric passenger vehicles can have a free customs duty rate when their value is below the defined fuel-efficient car limit. ABF’s Chapter 87 tariff schedule lists Free duty treatment for qualifying plug-in hybrid and electric passenger vehicles under several tariff headings. |
Shipping Methods
Choose your shipping methodYour vehicle can be shipped via container, via air freight, or on a roll-on/roll-off ship (think of it like a parking lot on a shipping vessel).
The method you choose will impact the cost and timing of your shipment. A quick summary of the benefits of each:
- Cheapest → Ro-Ro
- Balanced → Shared Container Load
- Maximum protection → Full Container Load
- Fastest → Air Freight
Ro-Ro (Roll-On/Roll-Off) Shipping
Ro-Ro shipping is typically the most affordable option, with the additional benefit that these ships have more frequent departures, meaning your shipment will have a shorter lead time before arrival.
Ro-Ro’s main drawback is that your vehicle will be in the open on the Ro-Ro deck with hundreds of other vehicles, and you will not be able to transport personal items inside the vehicle.
Shared Container Load (SCL)
With shared container load, we’ll use our R-Rak method to safely load your vehicle into a container, along with a few other customers’ vehicles. This allows you to share the cost of a container while benefiting from added security compared to Ro-Ro shipping.
However, it’s generally more expensive than Ro-Ro and takes longer as the container won’t ship until it’s been filled.
Full Container Load (FCL)
Full container load offers the benefits of shared container load shipping; however, the container is reserved exclusively for your vehicle or vehicles. This offers the highest level of protection and security, allows you to ship your vehicle with personal goods inside, and departs as soon as it can be loaded onto a vessel – no waiting to fill the container. The primary drawback is that FCL is more expensive than SCL and Ro-Ro.
Air Freight
Air freight is the fastest method. It’s exactly what it sounds like – we load your vehicle into a plane and then it is transported by air to its destination in Australia.
While significantly more expensive than other options, it’s ideal for time-sensitive shipments, reducing the process to days rather than weeks or months.
Import Eligibility & Documentation Required
ComplianceTo ship a car to Australia, you’ll need to confirm a few details. Your agent can assist you in the process of determining your vehicle’s eligibility for shipment to Australia.
- Vehicle Import Approval: You need to have vehicle import approval BEFORE shipping your vehicle – approval is granted by the Australian Department of Infrastructure & Transport through the ROVER portal.
- Australian Design Rules (ADR): Vehicles must generally comply with Australian safety and emissions standards. Many U.S. spec vehicles require modifications to meet ADR compliance prior to registration.
- Biosecurity/Quarantine: Australia enforces strict biosecurity standards; vehicles must be thoroughly cleaned and free of contamination (soil, plant matter, etc.) before arrival to avoid additional cleaning or quarantine fees.
- Departure & Arrival Logistics: Choose a U.S. departure port based on where you’re located (West Coast ports like Los Angeles or East Coast ports like New York). At the destination, ports such as Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Fremantle serve vehicle imports.
You’ll also want to ensure you have all proper documentation for import. You’ll need the following documentation to ship a car to Australia:
Documents for Shipping
Bill of Sale or Purchase Invoice
showing ownership, date, and vehicle value
US Title or Registration Certificate
confirming ownership transfer
Vehicle Photos
(VIN plate/chassis number, exterior, interior, engine bay) if required by the carrier or Australian authorities
Shipping Contract/Booking Confirmation and Marine Insurance Certificate
Marine insurance recommended but not required
US Export Clearance Documents
and proof of vehicle condition
Upon arrival in Australia, you’ll need the following to complete your import and register your vehicle:
Documents for Import
Quarantine and Biosecurity check
Duty and VAT Assessment Documents
Proof of Insurance
Passport or Other Identification
Proof of Official Address Registration
Vehicle Registration
RegistrationIf you intend to operate your vehicle on Australian roads, you’ll need to have the vehicle registered for road use. Your visa or driver’s license are insufficient on its own. Registration is separate from import approval, and each state or territory has its own inspection, roadworthiness, insurance, and compliance requirements. A valid import approval or RAV entry does not guarantee that the vehicle will be accepted for registration. Visit the government website for the relevant Australian Territory for more information about plating your vehicle in Australia.
If all of this sounds like a lot to process, don’t worry! With agents in Australia, the US, and abroad, the team at CFR Classic can assist with inspections, compliance requirements, and the full registration process.
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Car Overseas Now!
Our agents are ready to answer any questions you have! Pop in your vehicle’s details below and we’ll get you a free quick quote for your car shipment within 24 hours.
Australia Car Shipping FAQ
Common QuestionsEverything commonly asked about shipping a car from the US to Australia.
Should I use escrow or a secure payment service when buying a car overseas?
Using a secure payment service is highly recommended. Services like CFR SafePay act as a trusted intermediary—verifying the seller, confirming the vehicle details, and holding funds until everything checks out—helping protect you from fraud.
Are there special considerations for shipping electric vehicles?
Yes. Electric vehicles are classified as hazardous cargo due to their batteries, which means:
- Additional documentation is required
- Shipping costs may be higher
- Some carriers have restrictions or require special containers
- Working with an experienced shipper is essential for EV transport.
Can I ship a new car overseas?
Yes, but you’ll need proper ownership documents, such as:
- Vehicle title or Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MSO)
- Notarized bill of sale
- Proof of full payment
- In many cases, it’s easier to ship once the official title is issued.
Is air freight available for car shipping?
Yes. Air freight is the fastest option, delivering vehicles in days instead of weeks. However, it is significantly more expensive than ocean shipping and is typically used for high-value or time-sensitive vehicles.
Do departure and arrival ports affect shipping cost?
Yes. Popular shipping routes (like major U.S. to Germany ports) are usually more affordable due to higher volume and efficiency. Less common routes can cost more due to limited availability.
Is it cheaper to import a car or buy one locally in Australia?
It depends. Importing can make sense for:
Classic or specialty vehicles
Personal vehicles during relocation (often tax-exempt)
However, for standard vehicles, taxes, duties, and modification costs can make local purchasing more economical.
Do I need marine insurance?
Yes, it’s strongly recommended. Carrier liability is limited (often around $500), which may not cover your vehicle’s value. Marine insurance typically costs about 1–2% of the car’s value and provides full protection during transit.
Addtional Resources
Explore moreWe’ve rounded up some extra guides, handy tools, and useful links to help you keep rolling. Check them out below.
Joey has spent his entire teen and adult life in cars. Joey’s father owned a Jeep store, and Joey had his own used car lot that he ran himself from age 22 until I was 30. At 30 years old, Joey got “out of” the car business and joined CFR Rinkens. Joey started when there were only 9 people at CFR, but the company grew to over 150 employees during his time there.
When Joey started, CFR Rinkens was shipping about 40 vehicles per week from Los Angeles. Joey established locations in Houston, Miami, and New York and within the first year, CFR went to shipping 150 cars per week. Joey started as a customer service rep and later moved up to sales manager, operations manager, and marketing manager.
Joey then moved to Europe for two years and spent the entire time traveling through Europe meeting with clients. In 2022, Joey and his partners purchased CFR Classic from CFR Rinkens and he returned to California to watch over the operation more closely.