
Shipping a car from the UK to Australia can be a tricky process due to the latter's strict laws, which aim to discourage car imports. However, there are several shipping companies that can help with this process. The cost of shipping a car from the UK to Australia varies depending on the company and the type of car, ranging from £1,100 per car to £5,000 for a large vehicle. The shipping process, from collection to delivery, generally takes between 2 to 3 months. Before shipping your car to Australia, you must obtain approval from the Australian Department of Infrastructure and Transport. Failure to do so may result in expensive storage fees, and your vehicle may have to be shipped back or destroyed.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Shipping methods | Roll on Roll off (RoRo), Lift-on Lift-off (LoLo), R-Rak shared containers, Roll-on Roll-off (RORO) |
| Shipping companies | Auto Shippers, PSS International Removals, Taurus Logistics, Willship International, SEA GO |
| Shipping cost | £1,100 per car, £1,500 for R-Rak container shipping service, £3500 for a mini, up to £5000 for a large vehicle |
| Shipping time | 2-3 months |
| Shipping ports | Southampton, Sheerness, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane, Fremantle, Perth |
| Other services | Vehicle collection, Vehicle Import Approval, UK export clearance, container loading, Australian import procedures, quarantine services, compliance and registration assistance, packing and wrapping household items |
| Import requirements | Vehicle worth over AU$7,000, owned for at least 12 months, road tax/vehicle tax, customs costs, duties and taxes, registration fees, shipment protection cover, quarantine checks |
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What You'll Learn
- Shipping methods: Roll-on Roll-off (RoRo), Lift-on Lift-off (LoLo), R-Rak, and container shipping
- Costs: Expect to pay around £3500-£5000, including taxes and fees
- Paperwork: Customs clearance, UK export clearance, and Vehicle Import Approval
- Timeline: The process can take 2-3 months, depending on schedules and quarantine
- Quarantine: Strict biosecurity checks are required for importing cars into Australia

Shipping methods: Roll-on Roll-off (RoRo), Lift-on Lift-off (LoLo), R-Rak, and container shipping
When shipping a car from the UK to Australia, there are several shipping methods to consider: Roll-on Roll-off (RoRo), Lift-on Lift-off (LoLo), R-Rak, and container shipping. Each method has its advantages and considerations.
Roll-on Roll-off (RoRo) is a shipping method where vehicles can be driven directly onto and off the ship, eliminating the need for cranes or extensive manpower. RoRo is considered one of the easiest and most efficient ways to ship cars and is preferred by many leading car manufacturers. This method is suitable for various vehicle types, including cars, 4x4s, motorhomes, and trucks. RoRo shipping services are available from the UK to Australia, with destinations such as Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, and other popular ports.
Lift-on Lift-off (LoLo) ships are cargo ships equipped with onboard cranes to load and unload cargo. LoLo vessels can operate independently and are advantageous when docking at ports with limited cargo handling equipment. This method may be used for loading and unloading containers carrying vehicles.
R-Rak is a revolutionary system for shipping multiple cars in a single container. It consists of vertical posts and wheel frames that securely hold vehicles in place, allowing for efficient use of space. R-Rak enables cost efficiency by maximising car storage capacity and providing more frequent sailings and faster transit times. This method also allows for loading personal effects and other belongings inside the vehicle, which is not always permitted in other shipping methods.
Container shipping offers a cost-effective solution, especially when shipping a car along with household items. This method ensures that all belongings arrive simultaneously, making the move more convenient. Container shipping companies provide various options, including sole use of 20ft or 40ft containers, or shared/less-than-container load (LCL) services, which are economical for shipping a single car or vehicle.
When choosing a shipping method, it is essential to consider factors such as cost, efficiency, safety, and the availability of the service at the desired ports. Additionally, it is crucial to comply with customs regulations and obtain approval from the Australian Department of Infrastructure and Transport before shipping a vehicle to Australia.
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Costs: Expect to pay around £3500-£5000, including taxes and fees
The cost of shipping a car from the UK to Australia varies depending on several factors, including the size of the vehicle, the chosen shipping method, and the departure and arrival ports.
For instance, shipping a mini car from London to Sydney would cost around £3500, including taxes and fees, while shipping a large vehicle, such as a Land Rover Discovery, could cost up to £5000. These prices include door-to-door pick-up and delivery, as well as basic customs clearance costs.
It is important to note that shipping costs can also be influenced by factors such as exchange rates, oil prices, and the number of cars being shipped between locations. Additionally, you should expect to pay for UK documentation, loading costs, insurance, and other destination charges, which are not typically included in the base rate.
One of the most affordable shipping methods is Roll-on Roll-off (RoRo), where cars are driven directly onto the car shipping deck of the vessel. This method is straightforward vehicle transport and does not allow for the shipment of personal items.
Before shipping your vehicle to Australia, you must obtain approval from the Australian Department of Infrastructure and Transport. Failure to do so may result in expensive storage fees, and if your approval request is denied, your vehicle will have to be shipped back or destroyed at your expense.
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Paperwork: Customs clearance, UK export clearance, and Vehicle Import Approval
When shipping a car from the UK to Australia, there are several important steps to ensure your vehicle clears customs and meets all necessary import requirements. Here is an overview of the paperwork and procedures you need to consider:
Customs Clearance
Customs clearance is a crucial aspect of shipping your car to Australia. As a registered customs broker, shipping companies can help ensure your vehicle complies with current UK customs requirements, preventing delays. They can also assist in completing customs formalities at your destination port in Australia. It is important to provide all necessary documentation and adhere to the regulations of both countries to avoid any issues during the clearance process.
UK Export Clearance
When exporting a car from the UK, you must comply with UK customs requirements to avoid delays. This includes providing the necessary documentation and ensuring your vehicle meets the relevant standards and regulations. Working with a shipping company that has experience with UK exports can help streamline this process and ensure your car meets the necessary criteria for export.
Vehicle Import Approval
Before shipping your car to Australia, obtaining Vehicle Import Approval is mandatory. This process is managed by the Australian Department of Infrastructure and Transport through their online application portal, ROVER. Failure to secure this approval before your car arrives may result in costly storage fees, and your vehicle could be shipped back or even destroyed if approval is denied. There are different types of import approval applications, and you should select the one that suits your specific circumstances. For instance, if you are importing a non-road vehicle, such as a quad bike or golf cart, you are not required to obtain a road vehicle import approval. However, applying for an Advisory Notice from the department can facilitate clearing customs for such vehicles.
Additionally, the Register of Approved Vehicles (RAV) is a crucial aspect of vehicle import approval. The RAV is a database of vehicles that have met the requirements of the RVS legislation and been approved for the Australian market. A concessional RAV entry approval indicates that your vehicle has been approved for importation. Alternatively, if your vehicle will not be used on Australian roads or only in exceptional circumstances, a non-RAV entry import approval may be more suitable.
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Timeline: The process can take 2-3 months, depending on schedules and quarantine
Shipping a car from the UK to Australia can be a lengthy process due to various factors, including sailing schedules and quarantine requirements. The entire process typically takes between 2 to 3 months, but it can be longer or shorter depending on several variables.
Firstly, it is important to obtain approval from the Australian Department of Infrastructure and Transport before shipping your vehicle. This step is mandatory, and failure to do so may result in costly storage fees or even the denial of entry for your vehicle, which would then need to be shipped back or destroyed. Obtaining the necessary approvals can take several weeks, depending on the efficiency of the Australian government departments.
After receiving approval, the next step is to choose a shipping company and book a slot. Reputable companies like Auto Shippers, PSS International Removals, and Taurus Logistics offer car shipping services from the UK to Australia. They provide different shipping methods, such as Roll-on Roll-off (RoRo) and container shipping. The frequency of departures varies, with some companies offering weekly to fortnightly sailings, while others provide shipments every 7 to 10 days. The availability of your chosen shipping method and the schedule provided by the shipping company will impact the overall timeline.
Once your vehicle is collected or received at the loading warehouse, it undergoes a detailed inspection, and a condition report is issued. Then, it is loaded and secured into a container or driven directly onto the car shipping deck, depending on the shipping method. This process ensures that your vehicle is safely secured to prevent any damage during transit.
After your vehicle embarks on its journey, the shipping time will depend on the route taken and the sailing schedule. The transit time can vary from around 45 days for Europe to Australia routes to longer durations, depending on the specific origin and destination ports.
Upon arrival at the Australian port, your vehicle will go through customs clearance and quarantine inspections. Australia has strict biosecurity measures, and quarantine checks are essential to prevent potential risks. The duration of these checks can vary, and unexpected delays may occur, affecting the overall timeline.
After your vehicle clears customs and quarantine, it can be delivered to your preferred location in Australia. Some companies offer door-to-door delivery services, ensuring a seamless shipping process. However, it is important to note that the entire process, including delivery, can extend beyond the estimated 2 to 3 months, especially if there are unforeseen delays during any of the aforementioned steps.
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Quarantine: Strict biosecurity checks are required for importing cars into Australia
Australia has strict biosecurity checks in place for importing cars to prevent biosecurity risks and protect its natural environment and agriculture. Biosecurity risk material, such as soil, plant debris, seeds, and live insects not present in Australia, must be removed from contaminated vehicles before they are released from customs control. These checks are carried out by Biosecurity Officers at the border, and the cleaning is done by commercial companies.
If your vehicle arrives in Australia without prior import approval, the Australian Border Force (ABF) will not release it from customs control, and you will be responsible for any storage costs incurred. Therefore, it is crucial to obtain approval from the Australian Department of Infrastructure and Transport before shipping your vehicle. The department manages the approval process through ROVER, its online application and approval portal. Several types of import approval applications are available, and you should select the one that suits your circumstances.
Additionally, it is important to note that the importation of asbestos is prohibited in almost all circumstances. Make sure your vehicle does not contain any components with asbestos before importing it into Australia.
To ensure a smooth quarantine release process, you can engage the services of a shipping company that specialises in importing cars into Australia. They can guide you through the entire process, including quarantine inspections and requirements.
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Frequently asked questions
The cost varies depending on the company and the type of car. The price can range from £1,100 per car to £5,000 for a large vehicle.
The shipping process, from collection to delivery, generally takes between 2-3 months, depending on the sailing schedule and quarantine release times.
The process involves obtaining approval from the Australian Department of Infrastructure and Transport, exporting the car from the UK, shipping it to Australia, and clearing customs and quarantine in Australia.
Some companies that offer car shipping services from the UK to Australia include Autoshippers, PSS International Removals, Taurus Logistics, and Sea Go.










































