Car Shipping to Australia from the USA
Shipping a car from the USA to Australia is possible, but it involves more steps than most people expect. Australian import rules are strict, the logistics are specific, and the method you choose matters as much as the company you hire. SDC International Shipping handles containerized car shipping to Australia alongside household goods, so if you’re moving your life overseas, your vehicle can come with it. If you’re still working through the broader process, our guide to moving from America to Australia covers everything from packing to customs clearance.
This page explains how the process works, what Australia requires, and what to expect from start to delivery. If you’re weighing whether to bring your car at all, the honest answer is: it depends on the vehicle. We’ll help you figure that out before you commit to anything.
How SDC Ships Cars to Australia
SDC International Shipping ships vehicles in sealed containers only. We never use RO-RO (Roll-On/Roll-Off). RO-RO involves driving cars onto open decks alongside other vehicles, where they’re exposed to weather, sea air, and more handling. Container shipping keeps your vehicle enclosed, protected, and separated from other cargo for the entire journey across the Pacific.
The most practical option for most clients is shipping the car in the same container as their household goods. A standard 40-foot container can typically hold one vehicle plus the contents of a three to four bedroom home. Everything travels together, clears customs together, and delivers to your Australian address together. This simplifies the logistics considerably and is usually more cost-effective than two separate shipments.
If your household shipment is smaller, a shared container (LCL) is also available for the household goods portion, with the vehicle shipped separately in its own container. We’ll advise which approach makes sense based on your volume and timeline.
Is It Worth Shipping Your Car to Australia?
This is the question most people ask first, and the honest answer varies. Australia drives on the left, so left-hand-drive American vehicles face real practical limitations there. You can drive one, but it’s genuinely awkward for daily use, particularly when navigating roundabouts and overtaking. Most Americans who bring a car are bringing a right-hand-drive vehicle they already own, a classic or collector car, or a vehicle that’s expensive or difficult to source in Australia.
A few things worth knowing before you decide. New cars in Australia are generally more expensive than equivalent models in the United States, so if your vehicle is relatively new and in good condition, the shipping cost may be less than replacing it. Electric vehicles and specific model variants can be particularly hard to find in Australia or have long wait times, making shipping more attractive. On the other hand, the total cost of importing a car, including shipping, import approval, compliance work, and biosecurity inspection, adds up quickly, and for older or lower-value vehicles it may not make financial sense.
We’re happy to walk through the numbers with you before you book anything. Our goal is to give you an accurate picture, not just a quote.
Australian Import Requirements for Vehicles
Australia’s vehicle import rules are administered by the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts. Most personal vehicles require import approval before they can enter the country, and approval is not guaranteed. The rules vary depending on the vehicle’s age, make, and whether it meets Australian Design Rules.
Vehicles over 25 years old
Vehicles manufactured more than 25 years ago can generally be imported as vehicles of historical interest, which is a more straightforward pathway. These are often classic or vintage cars, and the import process is more accessible than for newer vehicles.
Newer vehicles
Importing a newer vehicle is more complex. You’ll typically need to demonstrate that the vehicle meets Australian Design Rules or arrange for compliance work after arrival. Left-hand-drive vehicles face additional hurdles, and right-hand-drive conversion is expensive and not always straightforward. Vehicles must also pass a biosecurity inspection conducted by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) on arrival, which means all surfaces including the undercarriage, wheel wells, and engine bay must be clean and free of soil, organic matter, and pests.
SDC will help you understand whether your specific vehicle is a practical candidate for import and what steps are required before shipping begins. We do not recommend putting a vehicle in a container before import approval is confirmed.
Documents you will need
The standard documentation required to import a vehicle into Australia includes the vehicle title in your name, a copy of your passport, proof of your Australian visa or residency status, and the import approval from the Department of Infrastructure. If the vehicle was recently purchased, a bill of sale is also required. SDC coordinates the export documentation on the US side and works with our Australian partners on customs clearance at the destination port.
What Vehicles Can Be Shipped
SDC can ship sedans, SUVs, crossovers, pickup trucks, and vans, provided they fit within standard container dimensions. Motorcycles and scooters can be included in the same container as household goods. Collector and classic cars are a common shipment for us, and we handle the crating and securing requirements that those vehicles need. Electric vehicles require additional battery preparation steps before loading, which we coordinate during the planning phase.
Full-size trucks, campers, and oversized vehicles may not fit in a standard container. If you’re unsure whether your vehicle qualifies, share the make, model, and year with us and we’ll confirm before anything is booked.
The Shipping Process, Step by Step
Once you’ve confirmed your vehicle is importable and you have approval in hand, the shipping process follows a clear sequence.
Vehicle preparation and pickup
Before loading, your vehicle needs to be clean, particularly the undercarriage, engine bay, and wheel wells, to meet Australian biosecurity requirements. The fuel tank should be at or below one quarter full. SDC arranges pickup from your location or drop-off at the nearest port facility, depending on your shipment plan.
Container loading and securing
Your vehicle is driven into the container and secured with wheel chocks, straps, and blocking material to prevent any movement during transit. If household goods are being included in the same container, the packing and loading sequence is coordinated so everything fits safely and the vehicle is protected from contact with other cargo.
Ocean transit
Transit time from the US West Coast to Australian ports typically runs 7 to 13 weeks by sea freight. From East Coast ports, expect 6 to 12 weeks. These are ocean transit windows and do not include time for export processing before departure or customs clearance and delivery after arrival. Your move coordinator will keep you updated throughout.
Customs clearance and biosecurity inspection
On arrival in Australia, your container is processed through customs and biosecurity. The vehicle will be inspected to confirm it meets cleanliness standards and matches the import approval documentation. If any issues are flagged, for example organic material found in the undercarriage, treatment or cleaning can be arranged at the port, though this adds cost and time. Our Australian customs regulations guide covers what to expect from DAFF inspections in detail. SDC’s Australian partners manage the clearance process and will communicate any requirements to you directly.
Delivery
Once cleared, your vehicle is delivered to your Australian address or made available for pickup at the destination port, depending on your preference and location. If your household goods are in the same container, delivery is coordinated as a single appointment.
Moving Insurance for Your Vehicle
We strongly recommend insuring your vehicle for the full replacement or agreed value before it ships. International moving insurance covers damage during loading, transit, and unloading, not just total loss. For classic or high-value vehicles in particular, all-risk coverage is worth having. Your quote will include insurance options, and we’re happy to explain what each policy covers before you decide. You can find more detail on our international moving insurance for Australia page.
Destination Ports and Delivery in Australia
SDC ships to all major Australian ports: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide. From each port, we coordinate final delivery to your home address through our network of Australian agents. If you’re relocating to a regional area, delivery can usually still be arranged. Let us know your destination and we’ll confirm what’s possible.
For a full overview of the move from the U.S. to Australia, our international moving services to Australia page covers household goods, packing, customs, and delivery. When you’re ready to discuss your vehicle shipment specifically, call SDC International Shipping at (877) 856-7050 or request a quote online.
Frequently Asked Questions About Shipping a Car to Australia
Can I ship a left-hand-drive car to Australia?
Yes, but it’s complicated. Left-hand-drive vehicles can be imported, but they’re not well-suited to Australian roads and may require additional compliance work. Most people who ship cars to Australia are bringing right-hand-drive vehicles. If you’re considering a left-hand-drive vehicle, speak with us first so we can walk through the import requirements before you commit.
How much does it cost to ship a car to Australia from the USA?
The cost depends on the container type, origin port, destination port, and whether you’re combining the vehicle with household goods. There’s no single figure that applies to every situation. The best starting point is a quote based on your specific vehicle and move details. Call SDC International Shipping at (877) 856-7050 and we’ll provide a full breakdown with no obligation.
Do I need import approval before shipping my car?
Yes. Import approval from the Department of Infrastructure is required before the vehicle can legally enter Australia. SDC does not load a vehicle into a container without this documentation confirmed. We’ll help you understand the approval process and what’s needed for your specific vehicle.
Can I put personal belongings inside my car during shipping?
No. Australian customs requires that vehicles be empty of personal effects during import. All household goods must be declared separately in a packing inventory. Placing items inside the vehicle creates customs compliance problems and can result in delays or penalties on arrival.
How long does it take to ship a car to Australia?
Ocean transit from the West Coast runs 7 to 13 weeks. From East Coast ports, allow 6 to 12 weeks. These figures cover the ocean crossing only. Add time for export processing before departure and customs clearance and delivery after arrival. For a realistic door-to-door estimate based on your origin and destination, contact SDC directly.
Can I ship my car and household goods in the same container?
Yes, and this is the approach most of our clients use. A 40-foot container typically fits one standard vehicle alongside the contents of a three to four bedroom home. Everything ships together, which simplifies customs and often reduces the overall cost compared to two separate shipments.
