In today's globalised world, moving vehicles across continents has become increasingly common. Whether you're relocating overseas, selling a car to an international buyer, or simply want to take your beloved vehicle on your new adventure, car shipping Australia is a reliable and practical solution. However, shipping a car internationally can be a complex process, involving legal requirements, logistics, and costs. In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about car shipping Australia, including popular destinations like New Zealand and Europe.

Why You Might Need Car Shipping Services

There are various reasons why people look into car shipping Australia services:

1.     Moving overseas: If you are moving abroad, you might consider bringing your vehicle with you, if it is a vehicle, you are especially fond of, or one that you know well.

2.     Buying or Selling a Car overseas: Today the internet is full of online car auctions and marketplaces wherein buying or selling a car from abroad has never been easier. Auto shipping Australia to NZ or Europe lets people in and out of a country be in the same location.

3.     Car Collectors & Collectors: Car collectors, performance car collectors are the ones who will be taking their collectibles overseas for rallies, shows or other activities.

4.     When Taking a Long-Term Vacation: If you are an adventurer, it’s best if you take your own car when you are taking a long-term vacation abroad. It is most common for travellers who are travelling to New Zealand or across Europe and where you can drive around in more freedom and versatility.

Popular Destinations for Car Shipping from Australia

1. Car Shipping Australia to New Zealand

One of the most common international car shipping routes is from Australia to New Zealand. Given the proximity of these two countries and their strong trade ties, moving cars between Australia and New Zealand is a relatively straightforward process, but there are still a few things you need to consider.

• Shipping Options: When shipping a car from Australia to New Zealand, you typically have two options: Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) or container shipping. RoRo is the most popular and cost-effective option, where your car is driven onto a specialised ship and secured for the journey. Container shipping, on the other hand, provides more protection, as your vehicle is placed inside a container, but it tends to be more expensive.
• Customs and Duties: Both Australia and New Zealand have specific customs regulations that you need to follow. New Zealand has strict biosecurity measures, which means your car must be thoroughly cleaned to avoid bringing in any contaminants. Additionally, you’ll need to be aware of import duties and taxes that may apply when your car arrives in New Zealand.
• Timeframe: Shipping a car from Australia to New Zealand generally takes between 10 to 20 days, depending on the shipping method and the ports involved.

2. Car Shipping Australia to Europe

Shipping a car from Australia to Europe can be a more complex and expensive process compared to shipping to New Zealand, but it's completely achievable with the right planning.

•        Shipping Procedure: As with New Zealand, the two most common car transport from Australia to Europe are RoRo and container shipping. If you are shipping expensive or old cars, container shipping might be a better option because it’s more secure. But RoRo is still an option that works and is cheaper for the common vehicles.

•        Import Customs: Europe is a huge continent, which means there are lots of different countries with import policies. Please be sure to check the country you’re shipping to as customs fees, VAT, and emissions requirements can be different in different parts of Europe. You will find emissions standards in some European countries for instance that you would have to pass to import your car.

•        Delivery Time: Car shipping from Australia to Europe takes up to a month, it varies with the destination country and transportation method. On average it can be 30–60 days.

3. Other International Destinations

While car shipping Australia to NZ and Europe are two of the most popular international routes, people also ship cars to other parts of the world, including the USA, Asia, and the Middle East. The process for shipping to these destinations is similar, but it’s important to check the specific import regulations for the country you're shipping to.

The Car Shipping Process: What to Expect

Once you’ve made the decision to ship your car internationally, it’s important to understand the full shipping process. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of what you can expect:

1. Choose a Shipping Company

The first step in the car shipping Australia process is to choose a reputable shipping company. Look for one that specialises in international car shipping and has experience with your destination country. Make sure to get multiple quotes and ask about their services, including whether they offer RoRo or container shipping.

2. Prepare Your Vehicle

Before your car can be shipped, you’ll need to prepare it. This includes:

•        Wipe down your car both inside and out, in line with biosecurity standards.

•        Unpacking any personal effects because a lot of shippers will not let you bring things in the car.

•        Running fluids and making sure the car runs.

•        Taking photos of your vehicle when you ship it so that you know what the state is.

3. Customs Paperwork

Shipping a car internationally involves a lot of paperwork. You’ll need to provide:

•        Title/Registration (if the car is owned).

•        Your driver’s licence or passport.

•        Permits or documents for import to destination country.

•        An executed customs declaration form.

Your shipping company should be able to guide you through the documentation process to ensure everything is in order.

4. Shipping and Delivery

Once everything is prepared, your car will be loaded onto the ship, either via RoRo or in a container. The shipping company will provide you with an estimated delivery date, and you’ll be able to track your car’s journey.

Once your car arrives at its destination, it will go through customs clearance. You’ll need to pay any applicable duties, taxes, and fees before your car is released. Depending on the destination country, additional inspections may be required, such as emissions testing in Europe.

5. Collecting Your Vehicle

After customs clearance, you can collect your car or arrange for it to be delivered to your new home. Make sure to inspect the vehicle upon arrival to ensure it’s in the same condition as when it was shipped.

Costs Involved in Car Shipping Australia

One of the biggest concerns when shipping a car overseas is the cost. Factors that affect the cost of car shipping Australia include:

•        Shipping Option: RoRo will usually be less expensive than container shipping, but if your vehicle is very valuable you might need to ship by container.

•        Country: Shipping to nearby country such as New Zealand will be cheaper than shipping to Europe because it’s not that far.

•        Vehicle Length and Weight: Larger and heavier cars are going to cost more to ship.

•        Customs and Taxes: Import taxes, VAT and other taxes vary by country of destination so do not forget to keep this in mind.

On average, shipping a car from Australia to New Zealand can cost between $1,500 and $3,000, while shipping to Europe can range from $4,000 to $10,000 or more, depending on the specifics.

Conclusion

Shipping a car internationally from Australia can be a complex but manageable process with the right preparation. Whether you're looking into car shipping Australia to NZ, Europe, or other destinations, it’s essential to choose a reputable shipping company, understand the customs regulations, and be prepared for the costs involved. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure your car arrives safely at its new destination, ready for your next adventure.