UK TO AUSTRALIA - VEHICLE SHIPPING

The cost of shipping a car from the UK is typically between $7000 to $9000 AUD. This price range covers your ocean freight, customs clearance, documentation handling, and pick up and delivery near transport ports.

Prices will change depending on many factors such as the pick-up and delivery locations, size and weight, and shipping method. For example, the cost for a 4×4 vehicle will be higher than a regular sedan. If your vehicle is located out of Southampton, there will be additional costs for road transport in the UK.

Shipping methods and ports also play a big role in the cost of shipping. Typically, there are options to ship via a container, RoRo, or a shared container. Southampton port is where we usually ship most vehicles heading to Australia. At the time of booking, we can explore the shipping options available to you.

It’s also worth mentioning that there can be unexpected additional fees for things such as quarantine inspections, storage, and cleaning. If your vehicle fails Australia’s strict cleaning inspections at the port of discharge, there will be additional fees for cleaning. Although we like to give you a heads up, these charges are out of our control. Minimise the chances of additional costs by presenting your car in a clean state and without any personal belongings.

In most cases, you will also need to pay 10%GST and 5% Duty to import. Luxury car tax is an additional 33% if the value of your car is higher than $80,657. For fuel-efficient cars, that threshold is $91,387

You can, if it meets specific conditions. You will not be able to buy just any car.

The Australian government has strict import requirements when it comes to used vehicles. Until an import license has been granted, vehicles purchased in the UK shouldn’t be exported to Australia. If you’re shipping before approval is given, you may be responsible for storage expenses and other charges. If approval is not issued, your vehicle will be denied entry and need to be exported or destroyed.

For an in individual, the most common approvals to import are given if you’ve owned and used the vehicle for over 12 months. This is ideal for Australians looking to move back or UK citizens looking to migrate.

Another way to import is if the year of manufacturing is 25 years old and over. This is ideal for car enthusiasts that can source a much larger pool of RHD classic vehicles in the UK.

There is also a way to import special purpose vehicles. These include garbage trucks and mobility vehicles that don’t comply with Australian Design Rules.

Regardless of the approval type, there are certain documents you must have ready for your application process. This includes proof of ownership and a certificate of roadworthiness from the country of origin. Having the correct paperwork ready will minimise the risk of delays.

To import a vehicle, you should ensure that you get import approval before shipping. Consulting with a freight forwarder like Phoenix beforehand can help you get a general idea of costs and eligibility. Ultimately, it’s your responsibility to ensure that you have the right approval before shipping.

When shipping vehicles they will most likely not weigh or measure common cars. To keep it simple, vehicles under 18cbm (most common) in size are charged at a set rate. Cubic meters (cbm) are calculated by multiplying the total length, width, and height of your vehicle. For example, say you want to import and the vehicle is a 2014 BMW X3. The standard size for the vehicle is 4.684m (length) x 1.881m (width) x 1.675m (height) = 14.75cbm. In this case, the cost of shipping is typically at a standardised fee for vehicles under 18cbm. 

On the other hand, vehicles larger than 18cbm are typically charged at a cubic meter rate. Larger SUVs, trucks, motorhomes, heavy machinery, and other large cargo fall in this category. Typically, you will provide the size and weight details of the vehicle to your freight forwarder. The freight forwarder will then pass on this information to the shipping line who may weigh and measure for confirmation. Phoenix Shipping works with the best contractors to minimise your vehicle’s shipping measurements in order to minimise the cbm cost. 

Sometimes, shipping companies may charge between the greater cost of size or weight. Things like heavy machinery and break bulk cargo which are typically heavier in proportion to size are charged in weight.

There are limitations to the size of the vehicle you can ship via container. Hence why shipping via container is common practice. However, RoRo pricing for larger vehicles can depend on weight and size where measurements play a part on final cost.

You may think to yourself, how about I cut the middle man and save myself some money? The process is quite a complex procedure. However, there is nothing stopping you from managing the import yourself instead of hiring a freight forwarder.

We can challenge that argument by discussing how we can save you money as well as time by hiring one. That’s right, the cost can actually be cheaper using a freight forwarder. 

On one hand, you are comparing experienced professionals versus someone unfamiliar with the process. Specialising in vehicle logistics gives us an advantage over someone who isn’t in the industry. We’ve likely encountered all types of scenarios and know how to navigate through them. Our clients aren’t just individuals but also experienced vehicle traders. 

An integrated logistics chain is key to an uninterrupted service. Our established trade network means our system is much like a well-oiled machine. Logistics partners working together to ensure a streamlined and hassle-free process. Comparatively, a trucking company, shipping line, customs broker, and other contractors not communicating often lead to delays and additional costs.

Phoenix Shipping can acquire commercial rates. Naturally, a repeat customer in any industry will be able to get more competitive rates. We’re able to pass these savings on to you and actually save you money compared to doing it all yourself. Thus, if we make the process easier and cheaper, why wouldn’t you choose us?

Expertise: Unlike a regular freight forwarding company, someone that specialises in vehicle shipping is your best option. That is because the process is different from general cargo. A regular freight forwarder that doesn’t have the experience and contacts like a vehicle specialist will struggle. If there are any unexpected obstacles along the way, you want someone that knows how to overcome them swiftly.

Cost-effective: Our buying power and industry knowledge allows us to offer extremely competitive packages regarding the cost of shipping a car. We can negotiate favourable rates on your behalf and make the process an affordable solution.

Customised service: Shipping is not a cookie cutter service. It requires careful consideration as it can take more than 2 months and cost a significant amount of money. Phoenix Shipping is able to offer a variety of methods and timelines to suit your needs. Whether that is shipping via RoRo or container. We can also offer multiple shipping dates each month.  

Time-saving & convenient: We know the process to import and keep up to date with the latest shipping regulations. We are able to streamline the entire process for you and assist with documentation preparation, customs clearance, through to delivery.

Global Network: Phoenix Shipping is part of a global network of freight forwarding agents. This means that we have the right contacts needed to offer a door-to-door solution.

Your vehicle can take more than 40 days in transit. Thus, we understand the need for transparency when it comes to the shipping process of your beloved vehicle. When you choose Phoenix, you’ll have three options to track your vehicle in transit. Those being email, phone calls, and a vessel tracking link.

Firstly, email communication are a crucial part of our service. All paperwork, key updates, and solutions will be communicated via email. From the very beginning where we calculate the cost of shipping, through to delivery.

Secondly, phone calls are also a method to keep you posted on urgent matters and answer any quick questions. If there are major updates during the process, you can expect email and phone call.

Thirdly, a vessel tracking link is provided to track the vessel that’s been booked. With this link you can track the vessel as it moves across ports and oceans to get to your destination. The tracking website comes with a map and regular updates of the vessels journey. Not only does it help you check on the progress at any time you’d like, but it also assists us.

We understand that keeping you informed in the journey is valued and appreciated. That’s why we continue to improve on our forms of communication to provide a better experience for all our customers.

When it comes to marine insurance, it is better to be safe than sorry. That is not to say that the voyage is particularly high risk. However, there is always a chance that things can go wrong and damage does happen. Most recently, in July of 2023, a car carrier vessel caught fire believed to have been caused by an EV.

Now you may ask yourself, what if I don’t pay for marine insurance? Well, there is a ‘limited carrier liability’ which covers a fraction of the vehicle’s worth. This comes with a lengthy process of investigation to determine liability. Opting to rely on limited carrier liability may mean that the payout is considerably less than the damage or loss. These insurance rules generally apply irrespective of the departure and destination port. 

It is also worth noting that marine insurance is not regular car insurance. There is a high chance that your insurance provider will not cover the journey. Therefore, you can either check the terms and conditions of your existing cover or contact them directly if you prefer. 

Phoenix Shipping can also arrange marine insurance. Simply let us know in advance and we will add it to the import package offered. 

As with regular insurance, there is a coverage fee and an excess fee in the case of a claim. We recommend you opt to include marine insurance in the cost of shipping. 

Once the vehicle lands at the port of import after shipping, there are a few more steps. Australian Customs go through documentation and a vehicle inspection to make sure that everything is in order. This is why we ask prior to shipping that you have all original paperwork ready. This includes things such as an ownership certificate, approved vehicle valuation, and personal ID verification. 

Once the vehicle is cleared through Customs, you must take it to a compliance center for vehicle certification. After you import, this is a standard process to ensure roadworthiness before registration. Thereafter, you can register the vehicle and drive away with your new state-issued number plates. 

It is important to note that time is of the essence. Once the vehicle has landed at an Australian port, you want to minimise the risk of any foreseeable delays. The cost of shipping can be heavily impacted by storage costs caused by delays. The port can charge as much as $100 per extra day that your vehicle is there due to unresolved issues. Things such as documentation, payments, and additional queries must be resolved by the set deadlines in order to avoid storage. 

However, there are cases where you need storage options ahead of your arrival. We can provide storage ranging between $10-$20 a day, depending on the location. 

You want to avoid delays where possible by having your paperwork ready and all queries resolved in a timely manner.