Vehicle shipping to Australia | Forza Logistics
Thinking about shipping to Australia but don't know where to start? Leave it to us! Forza Logistics makes shipping from New Zealand to Australia simple. We are experts in the movement of vehicles, boats, motorcycles and much more. Get in contact for more information.
The below guide helps outline essential information you should know about when shipping to Australia
Key things to know before shipping a Vehicle to Australia
Australian Biosecurity Requirments
All used items shipping to Australia undergo a mandatory inspection on arrival - Everything from household goods to multi million dollar Ferrari's are inspected to ensure they meet Australia's strict import requirements for cleanliness. To prepare a vehicle for Australian import inspections, clean all exterior areas like the vehicle underside, wheel wells, and mudguards, paying close attention to where soil, seeds, or plant material can get trapped. Thoroughly clean the interior by vacuuming, and meticulously clean the engine bay, radiator, spare tyre, and boot to remove any dirt, soil, or foreign objects that could trigger a quarantine alert
ROVA Import Permits
For permanent imports into Australia, It is mandatory that you obtain a valid Australian import permit through the ROVA system BEFORE you ship. This is a requirement for all Cars, Trucks, Motorcycles, Trailers, RV's and Caravans. Failure to do so can lead to the item being denied entry or held at the border. For more info, please see: https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/infrastructure-transport-vehicles/vehicles/importing-road-vehicle-australia
Asbestos Requirements
Australia has a zero tolerance policy for the importation of any items containing asbestos, including in vehicles. Some vehicles pose a higher risk than others so it's our recommendation you contact us to discuss the best option for your individual case. For more info, please see: asbestos
Marine Insurance
Unless additional Marine Insurance is arranged, all items are shipped at the owner's risk. For added protection and peace of mind, Forza Logistics can provide marine insurance cover on application.
Australian Import Duties, Taxes and GST
Australian Import Duties, Taxes and GST are applicable on some shipments and can have a significant effect on overall costings when considering shipping into Australia. Please get in contact with us to discuss your specific situation.
Required Shipping Documents for vehicles
Full and complete documentation from the start will ensure a smooth and streamlined import process on arrival into Australia. We are able to offer tailored guidance around documentation required for your specific case but below are some common ones you will need in order to ship a vehicle from New Zealand to Australia:
- Bill of sale / Value Declaration / Invoice.
- ROVA Import Permit.
- Copy of the Vehicle Registration.
- Passport copy.
- NZ Customs Client code.
Available Shipping options for Vehicles from New Zealand to Australia
There are a number of different ways to get a Vehicle shipped to Australia. Below are some of the more common ones on offer:
Dedicated FCL Containers
Needing Security for a prised possession? Shipping in a dedicated container is the most direct and secure means of sea freighting vehicles overseas.
Check out the Benefits and Drawbacks of FCL Container Shipping BENEFITS ​ - Weekly services to all major Australian ports. ​ - Options from Auckland, Christchurch, Dunedin and more. ​ - Secure and discreet. The containers are loaded at our approved depots at origin and not opened again until they arrive at our destination depot for unpack. ​ - Options to have additional cargo shipped with cars (Equipment, spare parts, personal effects and more). ​ - Shipped on your own timeline. No waiting for other peoples cargo ​ - Can handle running and non-running vehicles. ​​​​​​​​​​ ​ DRAWBACKS ​ - Higher end of costs for sea freight options.​​​​​​​​
Roll On, Roll Off (RORO)
Is price your main concern? The (RORO) service is the most economical and cost effective option on offer for shipping vehicles to Australia.
Check out the Benefits and Drawbacks with RORO Shipping BENEFITS - Most economical and cost effective option. ​ - No restrictions on size. Suitable for any sized vehicle, truck or camper. ​​​​​​​​​​ ​​​​ DRAWBACKS ​ ​- Only between 1-2 sailings per month to major Australian ports. ​ - Only available from Auckland port. ​ - Vehicle(s) are driven by 3rd party port and vessel personal. ​ - No additional items can ship inside the vehicle. ​ - Only running vehicles are able to ship
Air Freight
Time critical and high value? Air Freight prioritises rapid delivery at premium pricing.
Check out the Benefits and Drawbacks on Air Freight Shipping BENEFITS ​ - Multiple flights per week to major Australian airports. ​ - Transit time is only 1-2 days from airport to airport. ​ - Priority handling by government agencies. ​ ​ DRAWBACKS ​ - Pricing is likely upwards of NZD$25,000.00 door to door. ​​ - Additional items can add significant costs.
Shared Container Shipping
Want the security of a dedicated container but the cost saving aspects of the RORO Service? A shared container option might be the solution for you.
Check out the Benefits and Drawbacks of Shared Container Shipping BENEFITS ​  - Secure and discreet. The containers are loaded at our approved depots at origin and not opened again until they arrive at our destination depot for unpack. ​ - Options to have additional cargo shipped with cars (Equipment, spare parts, personal effects and more). ​ - Can handle running and non-running vehicles​​ ​ - Great cost savings when compared with a dedicated container option. ​​ ​ DRAWBACKS ​​ - Reliant on other people shipping to the same destination at the same time so flexibility on timing is needed. ​ - Some destinations in Australia are more frequented than others so not all ports are on offer.
What you can and can't ship with a vehicle to Australia
Approved Items:
Restricted Items:
