How Can You Ship a Car from the UK to Australia?

Moving a car in the UK to Australia may appear to be a daunting task, and with the proper advice, it is an easy task. You may be moving or importing a luxury car, or even simply moving a car of your heart, but it is very important to know the steps to follow and the requirements. This article will take you through all the information you should know when shipping a car in the UK to Australia which will provide the necessary information that will help you have a hassle free and easy process.Ship Cars Ltd  

Why Ship a Car from the UK to Australia?

It is not unusual to ship a car in the UK to Australia. A lot of individuals prefer to take their cars to Australia due to a number of reasons. It could be the change of a place of residence, the dream of living in Australia or just the necessity to have a specific model of cars, which cannot be found in the country of origin, shipping a car has a number of benefits. It gives you the convenience of having your own car in a new country and you do not need to get another car and adapt to the new transportation.

In addition, a significant number of cars lovers and collectors decide to export cars abroad to preserve their valuables or to attend motorsport activities. No matter why, it is important to know how shipping works to have a hassle-free experience.

You may also like to read 10 Mistakes People Make While Shipping Car International.

What Are the Costs Involved in Shipping a Car from the UK to Australia?

Shipping a car internationally is never free, and the cost can vary based on several factors. On average, the cost to ship a car from the UK to Australia can range from £800 to £2,000 or more. The price depends on factors such as the size and weight of the vehicle, the shipping method, the distance, and the port of departure and arrival.

Here are some key elements that influence the cost of shipping:

• Vehicle Size and Weight: Larger and heavier vehicles will cost more to ship due to the extra space they take up and the additional weight.
  
• Shipping Method: The two main shipping methods are Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) and container shipping. RoRo tends to be cheaper, as the vehicle is driven onto the ship, while container shipping is more expensive but offers additional protection for the car.
  
• Port Fees: Charges at the departure and arrival ports also contribute to the overall cost.
  
• Insurance: Insurance coverage is recommended to protect the car during transit, and the level of coverage will influence the price.

You may also get benefit from reading How To Choose Right Car Shipping Method.

How Do You Choose the Right Shipping Method for Your Car?

There are typically two methods of shipping to roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) or container shipping when transporting a car between the UK and Australia. They both have their advantages and disadvantages, and thus you need to select the one that suits your needs most.

Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) Shipping: A Cost-Effective Option

The most popular and less expensive mode of transporting cars across the borders is RoRo shipping. Under this technique, the vehicle is loaded onto the ship and fitted onto a giant cargo space throughout the voyage. RoRo vessels are specially designed to transport vehicles and transporting them is an easy task.

You may like to read Important Things to Remeber When Shipping a Car.

Advantages of RoRo Shipping:

• Cheap: It is usually cheaper than container shipping.
• Quick and effective: It is also easily done and the turnaround time is often shorter.
  

Disadvantages of RoRo Shipping:

• poor security: With the car locked, it is available to the weather, salt water, and other factors that may cause damage to the handling of the car.
• Only transportable cars: It is possible to transport only cars that can be brought on board the ship, through RoRo.

Container Shipping: For Extra Protection

Container shipping is more secure to your car because it is packed in a closed container, which serves the purpose of protecting the vehicle against adverse environmental factors. The approach suits luxury cars, classic cars or any vehicle which needs additional coverage.

Advantages of Container Shipping:

• Additional security: The vehicle is shielded against the weather and other external forces.
• FLEXibility: You have the option to transport more things in the container like personal goods or car parts and this is not the case of Roll-on/Roll-off  shipping.

Disadvantages of Container Shipping:

• Fewer expenses: This approach is more costly, compared to RoRo.
• Slower lead time: Container shipping can be slow depending on the availability.

What Paperwork Is Required for Shipping a Car from the UK to Australia?

International car shipping services of cars does not simply entail shipping the cars on a vessel. Legal and regulatory requirements are quite a number and are to be taken into consideration. In the case of Australia, these needs might be stringent so that only safe, roadworthy and environmentally-conformant vehicles are imported. The following is a list of the key documentation that you will require:

• Import Approval: There is the import approval that you have to get before you can ship your vehicle to Australia. It is compulsory and has to be applied to in the department of infrastructure, transport, regional development and communications.
• Customs Declaration: You will be required to fill out a customs declaration form, indicating the make and the model of the car, its age, and any alterations carried out.
• Evidence of Ownership: You will have to give evidence of ownership of the car in form of a registration certificate or bill of sale.
• Vehicle Identity and Compliance: Where your vehicle is not less than 12 months old, or is not produced in Australia, it must be of Australian Vehicle Standard. A check or a certificate of compliance can be demanded.
• Shipping Documentation: This involves the Bill of Lading and insurance documents (only in case you take insurance during transit) which is a receipt of the transportation of this car.
• Quarantine Inspection: After the car gets to Australia, it will be subject to a quarantine inspection. This guarantees that it is not contaminated with dirt, mud or vegetation material that may be a biosecurity risk.

How Long Does It Take to Ship a Car from the UK to Australia?

Typically, the period between dispatching the shipments in the UK and Australia is between 4 and 6 weeks, depending on the mode of transportation used and the exact route undertaken. In case of RoRo shipping, it might fall on the lower portion of this estimate and in case of container shipping it might be a little higher as it involves handling of the shipping.

Remember that customs clearance and quarantine inspections might also introduce some additional few days in the process and thus you should plan in advance in case your arrival day is definite.

Are There Any Restrictions on Shipping a Car to Australia?

• As a rule, the time frame between making the shipments in the UK and Australia is 4-6 weeks, depending on the means of transportation and the specific route taken. Under RoRo shipping, it may take the smaller part of this estimate and in case of container shipping, it may be slightly greater since it does not involve shipping handling.
• Bear in mind that customs clearance and quarantine checks may add some extra few days to the process as well and therefore you must be ready ahead of time in case you do not know your arrival day.

How Do You Choose a Reliable Shipping Company?

An international vehicle shipping company that has a long history of shipping cars between the UK and Australia is the one you should choose when deciding on a shipping company to ship your car. The following tips should be considered when selecting a service:

• Experience: seek a firm that has experience in the transportation of cars between UK and Australia.
• Reputation: Review customer reviews, testimonials and other applicable certifications.
• Insurance: Make sure that the shipping company provides a sufficient insurance cover to cover your car.
• Transparent Pricing: A trustworthy company is expected to offer transparent pricing with all the fees and other possible costs.

Conclusion: How to Ensure a Smooth Car Shipping Process

Exporting a vehicle in the UK to Australia cannot be done without proper planning, detail and regulation. Knowing about the shipping methods, prices, documentation, and regulations, you will be able to avoid the pitfalls and deliver your car safely to Australia. It is important to remember to choose a trusted shipping corporation, to prepare all the needed documents, and give the shipping business enough time. You will be driving your car in Australia within the shortest time possible with the right preparation!