
Shipping a car from the USA to Australia can be a complex and costly process. The price of shipping a car to Australia depends on various factors, including the make, model, dimensions, and weight of the vehicle. The cost of shipping a car from the USA to Australia typically ranges from $2,100 to $4,025, with an average transit time of 3 to 5 weeks. The shipping method chosen, such as container shipping or Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo), will also impact the overall cost. Additionally, specific import requirements, such as obtaining a Vehicle Import Approval (VIA) through Australia's ROVER system, must be met to avoid unexpected delays and additional charges.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cost | USD 2105-4025 USD |
| Transit time | 15-50 days |
| Shipping methods | Container shipping, Roll-On/Roll-Off (RO-RO) |
| Vehicle specifications | Make, model, dimensions, and weight |
| Additional costs | Special handling, non-runners, forklift service, storage, cleaning, vendor fees, Australian taxes, etc. |
| Import requirements | ROVER system approval, VIA, quarantine inspection, customs clearance, asbestos testing, etc. |
| Departure ports | Los Angeles, Houston, Savannah, Miami, New York, California, Florida, New Jersey |
| Arrival ports | Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Fremantle, Botany |
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What You'll Learn
- Shipping costs are influenced by the car's make, model, weight, and size
- The shipping method, such as container or roll-on/roll-off, affects the price
- Age restrictions: older than 10 years may need a special import license
- Additional costs: quarantine, cleaning, and special handling requirements
- Import duties: 10% duty + 10% GST for cars under 30 years old

Shipping costs are influenced by the car's make, model, weight, and size
The cost to ship a car to Australia starts at $2,105 USD, but prices typically range from $2,100 to $4,025 USD. The price to ship a vehicle to Australia depends on the make, model, dimensions, and weight of the vehicle. Larger and heavier cars generally cost more to ship due to size and weight variations, as well as value differences.
The make and model of a car are important factors in determining shipping costs. Different makes and models have different sizes, weights, and values, which can affect the price of shipping. For example, a large and heavy luxury car will likely cost more to ship than a small and lightweight economy car.
The dimensions and weight of a car are also crucial in determining shipping costs. Larger and heavier cars take up more space and require more resources to transport, which can increase the shipping cost. Cars that require special handling, such as non-runners or those needing forklift service, may also incur additional charges.
The transport method chosen can also influence the price. Container shipping and Roll-On/Roll-Off (RO-RO) services are the two main options for shipping a car to Australia, and they come with different cost implications. With container shipping, you can bring additional items inside your car, while with RO-RO, nothing else is allowed inside the vehicle. The choice between these methods can depend on the specific needs and requirements of the car owner.
The location of the car in the US also matters, as the cost varies based on the distance from the departure port. Additionally, the choice between standard and expedited shipping services can influence the final cost, with expedited shipping typically being more expensive.
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$15.99

The shipping method, such as container or roll-on/roll-off, affects the price
The shipping method is a crucial factor in determining the cost of transporting a car to Australia. The two main options are container shipping and Roll-On/Roll-Off (RO-RO) services, each offering unique advantages and cost structures.
Container shipping is an attractive option for those looking to transport additional items inside their vehicles. This method provides flexibility in terms of vehicle condition, accommodating both running and non-running cars. Additionally, container shipping offers cost-saving opportunities through consolidation, where multiple vehicles share a container, reducing costs by up to 50%. This method is particularly beneficial for high-value cars, which are typically allocated dedicated 20-foot or 40-foot containers.
On the other hand, RO-RO services stand out for their efficiency and cost-effectiveness. This method is widely recognised for its reliable departure, transit, and arrival times, making it a preferred choice for new car manufacturers. RO-RO shipping is exclusively for operational vehicles, ensuring competitive rates for transporting running cars. It's important to note that this method does not permit any items inside the vehicle.
The choice between container shipping and RO-RO services depends on individual needs and budget constraints. Container shipping provides the advantage of additional space but may come at a higher cost, especially for those requiring a dedicated container. RO-RO, on the other hand, offers competitive pricing for operational vehicles but lacks the flexibility to accommodate non-running cars or additional items.
It's worth noting that other factors, such as vehicle make, model, dimensions, and weight, also influence the overall cost of shipping a car to Australia. Additionally, special handling requirements for non-runners or vehicles needing forklift service may result in extra charges. Obtaining quotes from different shipping companies and selecting a method that aligns with your specific needs and budget is essential.
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Age restrictions: older than 10 years may need a special import license
Australia has specific import laws that need to be considered when shipping a car to the country. One of the key factors affecting the shipping cost to Australia is age restriction.
Australia prohibits the import of cars over 10 years old unless a special import license is obtained for classic or collectible vehicles. The country's Road Vehicle Standards (RVS) laws, which came into effect on July 1, 2021, allow for the import of a wider choice of older classic and collectible vehicles, including passenger cars or vans, motorcycles, and light commercial vehicles (weighing less than 3,500 kg gross vehicle mass).
To qualify for this scheme, the vehicle must have been originally built (or significantly modified) more than 25 years ago. A successful application will result in the vehicle being entered on the Register of Approved Vehicles (RAV), which is a prerequisite for registration. However, it's important to note that vehicles imported under this pathway may not be eligible for general registration, and it's up to each state and territory to decide whether to register the vehicle.
The cost of shipping a car to Australia can range from $2,100 to $4,020, excluding additional or unforeseen costs. The duties to import a car to Australia include the value of the vehicle plus $1,500 to $2,500 in local charges. The shipping cost is influenced by factors such as the car's make, model, dimensions, and weight.
It is important to follow all necessary steps and obtain the required approvals, such as the Vehicle Import Approval (VIA) and ROVER system approval, to ensure a smooth shipping process and avoid any surprises upon arrival in Australia.
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Additional costs: quarantine, cleaning, and special handling requirements
When shipping a car to Australia, it is important to be aware of the additional costs that may arise from quarantine, cleaning, and special handling requirements. Here are some key points to consider:
Quarantine Requirements and Costs
Upon arrival in Australia, your vehicle will be subject to a mandatory quarantine inspection by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry. This inspection is conducted to ensure biosecurity and prevent the introduction of damaging non-native pests, plants, and diseases. If your vehicle is found to be contaminated, it may need to be cleaned, fumigated, or even quarantined or destroyed. These additional cleaning and fumigation costs will be your responsibility.
Cleaning Costs
Even if your vehicle passes the initial quarantine inspection, there may still be additional cleaning costs incurred. The Department of Agriculture has high standards for vehicle cleanliness, and even professionally cleaned cars can fail the inspection. Allow for a budget of AU$300-500 to cover potential cleaning and vacuuming costs.
Special Handling Requirements
Special handling requirements may also result in additional costs. For example, if your vehicle contains prohibited items such as asbestos, you may face delays and be responsible for any costs incurred during sampling and testing. Additionally, if your vehicle's air conditioning system contains prohibited gases, you may need to pay for degassing prior to shipment.
Import Duties and Taxes
While tourists or temporary residents may import a vehicle for up to 12 months without paying customs duty, other taxes such as the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and Luxury Car Tax (LCT) will still apply. These taxes are levied by Australian Customs and can add significantly to the overall cost of importing a vehicle.
Compliance Modifications
After your vehicle clears quarantine, it must meet Australian Design Rules (ADR) and may require compliance modifications before local registration. These modifications may include changes to the vehicle's specifications or features to align with Australian standards and regulations.
It is important to carefully research and understand all the potential additional costs associated with shipping a car to Australia. These costs can vary depending on the specific circumstances and requirements of your vehicle.
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Import duties: 10% duty + 10% GST for cars under 30 years old
When importing a car to Australia, import duties must be paid. The amount of import duty and tax you have to pay depends on the age of the car. For cars under 30 years old, the import duty is 10% of the value of the car, plus a 10% Goods and Services Tax (GST).
In addition to import duties, there are other costs to consider when importing a car to Australia. The cost to ship a car from the USA to Australia ranges from $2,100 to $4,025, depending on the make, model, dimensions, and weight of the vehicle. The transit time can take anywhere from 3 to 5 weeks, depending on the nearest port of departure in the United States and the destination port in Australia.
It is important to note that Australia prohibits the import of cars over 10 years old unless a special import license is obtained for classic or collectible vehicles. To import a classic car, the vehicle must have been originally built or significantly modified more than 25 years ago. The application process for importing a classic car involves creating a profile, submitting ID verification, and providing vehicle details such as make, model, Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), and photos.
Before importing a car to Australia, it is crucial to obtain import approval through the ROVER system, which is Australia's mandatory online platform for vehicle import approvals. The ROVER system manages all applications and approvals under the Road Vehicle Standards (RVS) laws. Without import approval, your car may be held in quarantine or sent back to the country of origin, resulting in additional storage and shipping charges.
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Frequently asked questions
The cost to ship a car to Australia depends on several factors, including the make and model of the car, its dimensions and weight, the shipping method, and the departure and destination ports. The price typically ranges from \$2,100 to \$4,025 USD.
There are two main shipping methods for transporting a car to Australia: container shipping and Roll-On/Roll-Off (RO-RO) services. Container shipping allows you to ship additional items inside your car and is ideal for high-value vehicles. RO-RO services are generally more affordable, as you only pay port charges and customs clearance charges in addition to the shipping charge. However, this method requires vehicles to be operational and empty.
Shipping a car to Australia involves several import requirements. You must obtain a Vehicle Import Approval (VIA) through Australia's ROVER system before shipping your vehicle. Australia also has strict laws and standards regarding vehicle safety, emissions, and cleanliness. Additional costs may arise due to quarantine requirements, such as cleaning, fumigation, and re-inspection.









































