How to Ship Your Car from Australia to the U.S.

If you’re moving from Australia to the United States and want to bring your car along, you’ll need to understand the best way to ship your vehicle safely and efficiently. While there are several methods to transport a car internationally, not all are equal. At SDC International Shipping, we always recommend shipping your car inside a shipping container along with your household goods rather than using Roll-On/Roll-Off (RO-RO) services.

In this guide, we’ll explain why container shipping is the preferred method and provide step-by-step instructions on how to ship your car from Australia to the U.S.

The Challenge: Choosing the Right Method to Ship Your Car

Shipping a car internationally involves many considerations, from safety and cost to customs regulations and delivery timelines. While RO-RO services might seem like a cheaper option, they come with several drawbacks that can end up costing you more in the long run. At SDC International Shipping, we recommend container shipping for its superior safety, cost-effectiveness, and flexibility. Here’s why and how to ship your car the right way.

1. Understanding Container Shipping vs. RO-RO Services

What Is Container Shipping?
Container shipping involves loading your car into a secure, weatherproof shipping container, which is then placed on a cargo ship. This method allows you to ship your car along with your household goods, providing added convenience and security.

Benefits of Container Shipping:

Enhanced Protection: Your car is safely enclosed within a steel container, protecting it from the elements, theft, and damage during transit.
Cost Efficiency: By consolidating your car with your household goods in the same container, you save on shipping costs compared to shipping separately.
Greater Flexibility: You have more control over shipping schedules and delivery locations, and there is less risk of damage since the car remains secured inside the container.

What Is RO-RO Shipping?
Roll-On/Roll-Off (RO-RO) services involve driving your car onto a specialized ship and securing it to the deck. This method does not provide the same level of protection, as the car is exposed to weather and potential damage.

Drawbacks of RO-RO Shipping:

Increased Risk of Damage: Your car is exposed to the elements and may be damaged during loading, unloading, or transit.
Limited Flexibility: RO-RO services have fixed schedules and ports, reducing flexibility in delivery options.
Higher Overall Costs: Despite lower initial rates, additional fees (such as port handling and customs inspections) can add up, making RO-RO less economical in the long run.

Why SDC Recommends Container Shipping:
At SDC International Shipping, we recommend container shipping because it offers the highest level of safety and cost efficiency. By shipping your car inside a container along with your household goods, you reduce overall shipping costs and minimize risks.

Why This Matters:
Choosing container shipping ensures your car arrives safely, securely, and cost-effectively at your new home in the U.S.

2. Steps to Ship Your Car from Australia to the U.S.

Step 1: Prepare Your Vehicle for Shipping
Before shipping your car, you’ll need to prepare it properly to comply with U.S. import regulations and ensure its safe transport.

Clean Your Car: Thoroughly wash the exterior and clean the interior of your car. This helps with inspections and prevents any dirt or pests from entering the U.S.
Inspect for Damage: Take photos and document any existing scratches, dents, or other damage. This documentation will be useful in case of any disputes regarding the car’s condition upon arrival.
Remove Personal Items: Remove all personal items from the car, as these are not covered by insurance during shipping.
Check Fluids and Battery: Ensure that your car’s fluids are topped off and the battery is fully charged. However, keep the fuel tank no more than a quarter full to comply with shipping regulations.

Why This Matters:
Proper preparation helps avoid delays at customs and ensures your car is ready for safe shipping.

Step 2: Choose the Right Container Size
Select a container size that fits both your car and your household goods:

20-Foot Container: Suitable for one car and a small volume of household goods.
40-Foot Container: Ideal for shipping one car with a larger volume of household goods or multiple vehicles.

Why This Matters:
Choosing the right container size ensures all your items fit securely and helps you optimize shipping costs.

Step 3: Obtain the Necessary Documentation
Gather all required documents to ship your car:

Proof of Ownership: Provide a copy of your vehicle’s registration and title.
Bill of Sale: Include a bill of sale if the car was recently purchased.
Import Approval: Obtain import approval from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to ensure compliance with U.S. vehicle import regulations.
Insurance Documentation: Verify that your car is covered by marine insurance during transit. SDC can assist with obtaining marine insurance to cover potential risks.

Why This Matters:
Having the correct documentation ready prevents delays and ensures your car complies with U.S. import laws.

Step 4: Schedule Your Shipping with SDC International Shipping
Contact SDC International Shipping to schedule your container shipment. We’ll coordinate all aspects of the process, from picking up your car in Australia to delivering it to your new home in the U.S.

Professional Packing and Loading: Our team professionally packs your car and household goods into the container to maximize space and ensure secure transport.
Customs Clearance: We handle all customs documentation and clearance procedures, ensuring compliance with U.S. import regulations.
Tracking and Communication: We provide regular updates on the status of your shipment, so you always know where your car is.

Why This Matters:
Working with SDC ensures a seamless shipping process, saving you time, money, and stress.

3. Understand U.S. Customs Regulations for Vehicles

What You Need to Know About U.S. Customs
When importing a car into the U.S., you must comply with specific customs regulations:

Vehicle Compliance: Your car must meet U.S. safety and environmental standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Transportation (DOT).
Customs Duties and Taxes: Import duties may apply to your vehicle. SDC helps determine any applicable fees and handles the payment on your behalf.
Documentation Requirements: You must provide proof of ownership, a bill of sale, and other necessary documents. SDC manages all paperwork to ensure compliance.

Why SDC Helps:
We navigate the complex customs regulations and handle all paperwork, ensuring your car clears customs without issues.

4. Avoid Hidden Costs and Risks of RO-RO Services

Why Not Use RO-RO Services?
While RO-RO might appear cheaper upfront, hidden costs can quickly add up:

Additional Fees: RO-RO services often come with extra port handling fees, customs inspection fees, and potential storage charges.
Higher Risk of Damage: Vehicles are exposed to the elements and other risks on the deck of a ship, leading to a higher likelihood of damage.
Limited Flexibility: RO-RO services have strict schedules and limited port options, reducing convenience.

Why SDC Recommends Against RO-RO:
We avoid using RO-RO services because they do not provide the security, cost efficiency, or flexibility that container shipping offers.

Conclusion: Ship Your Car Safely and Securely with SDC International Shipping

Shipping your car from Australia to the U.S. requires careful planning and the right approach. By choosing container shipping with SDC International Shipping, you ensure your vehicle is protected, cost-effective, and compliant with all U.S. regulations. We handle everything from documentation to customs clearance, providing you with peace of mind throughout the process.

Ready to Ship Your Car Safely?
Contact us today to learn more about our container shipping services and get a personalized quote for shipping your car and household goods from Australia to the U.S.