Car Shipping to Melbourne

Shipping Your Vehicle to Melbourne from the UK | Ship Cars Ltd

Ship Cars Ltd is your premier partner for shipping your vehicle from the UK to Melbourne, Australia. We understand that sending your car overseas is a significant undertaking, and we are dedicated to providing a secure, efficient, and transparent service. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about shipping your car to Melbourne.

Our Shipping Services to Melbourne

We offer a range of shipping methods to suit your needs and budget, ensuring your vehicle reaches Melbourne safely and efficiently.

• Roll-On/Roll-Off (RORO): This is a popular and cost-effective method for shipping operational vehicles. Your car is driven directly onto a specialised vessel and secured for transit.

  • Transit Time: Approximately 50 days.

  • Sailing Frequency: Four times a month.

  • Important Restrictions:

    • Hybrid and electric vehicles are not permitted on RORO services.

    • No personal belongings or goods are allowed inside the vehicle during RORO shipment. The vehicle must be empty.

• Shared Container Shipping: This service involves your vehicle being loaded into a shipping container shared with other vehicles. It offers enhanced security compared to RORO and is a cost-effective option for most car owners.

  • Vehicle Condition: Vehicles do not need to be in working order for shared container shipping.

  • Loading Goods: You can load personal effects or goods within the container alongside your vehicle, provided they are declared and comply with Australian import regulations.

  • Hybrid & Electric Vehicles: These are allowed in containers. Electric vehicles may incur a hazard surcharge, typically around £295.

  • Transit Time: Approximately 50 days.

  • Sailing Frequency: Four times a month.

• Dedicated Container Shipping: For ultimate security, privacy, and flexibility, you can opt for a dedicated container. This means the entire container is for your sole use, ideal for high-value vehicles, multiple cars, or when transporting significant personal effects.

  • Vehicle Condition: Vehicles do not need to be in working order.

  • Loading Goods: You can load personal effects or goods within the container.

  • Hybrid & Electric Vehicles: Allowed in containers. Electric vehicles may incur a hazard surcharge, typically around £295.

  • Transit Time: Approximately 50 days.

  • Sailing Frequency: Four times a month.

Preparing Your Car for Shipping

Proper preparation is essential to ensure a smooth shipping process and to meet Australian import requirements.

Why Ship Your Vehicle to Melbourne?

Melbourne, the capital of Victoria, is a major gateway to Australia and a popular destination for individuals and businesses.

• Personal Relocation: Many individuals and families immigrate to Australia, choosing to ship their vehicles for convenience and familiarity upon arrival.

• Investment and Business: Importing vehicles can be a sound business strategy, with demand for various types of cars in the Australian market.

• Hobby and Classic Cars: Australia has a passionate car culture, and enthusiasts frequently import special interest vehicles, classics, or performance cars.

• Touring Australia: Shipping a vehicle allows for extensive travel and exploration across Australia’s vast landscapes.

Destination Rules, Inspections, and Permits for Melbourne, Australia

Australia has stringent biosecurity and customs regulations to protect its unique environment and automotive industry.

Rules for Permanent Export, Transfer of Residence, and Temporary Import:

• Permanent Export (from UK perspective): Comply with UK export regulations and inform HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

• Transfer of Residence (To Australia): Australia offers concessions for individuals relocating permanently. If you have owned and used the vehicle overseas for at least 12 months before your arrival and are moving permanently, you may be eligible for concessions on duty and GST. This requires thorough documentation.

• Temporary Import: Generally for short-term stays, such as tourism or specific events. Strict conditions apply for re-exportation, and duties/taxes may be deferred rather than exempted.

Inspection and Permit Requirements:

• Biosecurity (Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry – DAFF): All imported vehicles undergo rigorous biosecurity checks to prevent the introduction of pests and diseases. The vehicle must be immaculately cleaned, inside and out, with no soil, mud, plant material, or other contaminants. Failure to meet these standards can result in expensive cleaning or rejection.

  • Where to Get Information: The DAFF website provides detailed guidelines on vehicle cleanliness and biosecurity requirements.

• Australian Border Force (ABF): Handles customs clearance, duties, and taxes.

• Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts: Manages vehicle import approvals under the Road Vehicle Standards Act 2018 (RVSA).

  • Import Approval: For most vehicles, you will need an import approval from this department before the vehicle can be imported. This ensures the vehicle meets Australian Design Rules (ADRs) for safety and emissions. Vehicles not meeting ADRs may require modification to be compliant, which can be costly. Specific exemptions exist, such as for vehicles over 30 years old (under the specialist and enthusiast vehicle scheme) or if you are a new resident importing a personal vehicle you have owned for over 12 months.

  • Where to Get Information: The Department’s website outlines the process for obtaining import approval and details compliance requirements.

Official Authority Links:

• Australian Border Force (ABF): For customs, duties, and import declarations.
  • Website: https://www.abf.gov.au/
• Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF): For biosecurity requirements.
  • Website: https://www.agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity-trade/import
• Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts: For vehicle import approvals and compliance (ADRs).
  • Website: https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/infrastructure-transport-vehicles/vehicles
• HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) – UK: For UK export procedures.
  • Website: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/hm-revenue-customs

Paperwork Required

Meticulous documentation is critical for navigating Australian import regulations.

UK Paperwork:

1. V5C Registration Document: Original UK vehicle registration certificate.

2. Proof of Identity: Valid passport.

3. Bill of Lading: Provided by Ship Cars Ltd.

4. Purchase Invoice: To verify value and ownership.

5. Vehicle Condition Report: Required for comprehensive insurance. Free if we collect; £35 if you deliver to us.

Australian Port and Compliance Paperwork:

1. Import Declaration: Handled by your Australian customs broker.

2. Bill of Lading: Original document.

3. Proof of Ownership: V5C and invoice.

4. Import Approval: Issued by the Department of Infrastructure.

5. Biosecurity Clearance Certificate: From DAFF.

6. Transfer of Residence Documentation: If claiming concessions.

7. Proof of Identity: Passport.

8. Proof of Compliance: Documentation showing the vehicle meets ADRs, or an exemption certificate.

Duty and Tax in Australia

Australia levies Goods and Services Tax (GST) and potentially Customs Duty on imported vehicles.

• GST (Goods and Services Tax): Currently 10% is applied to the ‘landed cost’ of the vehicle, which includes the purchase price, shipping, insurance, and any import duty.

• Customs Duty: The rate varies but is typically 5% for cars. However, if the vehicle is imported under the Transfer of Residence concession and meets the criteria, duty may be waived.

• Luxury Car Tax (LCT): If the ‘landed cost’ of your vehicle exceeds a certain threshold (which changes annually), it may be subject to the Luxury Car Tax.

Transfer of Residence Concession: If you qualify, you may be exempt from GST and Customs Duty on a vehicle you have owned and used overseas for at least 12 months prior to relocating permanently to Australia. You will still be liable for any applicable LCT.

Collection and Delivery in the UK

Ship Cars Ltd offers convenient collection services throughout the UK:

• Transporter Collection: Your vehicle is collected by a professional transporter and delivered directly to our port, ensuring no extra mileage is added.

• Trade Plate Driver: For fully operational vehicles with a valid MOT, our experienced drivers can collect and drive them to the port.

What’s Not Allowed or Restricted?

• Biosecurity Contamination: Any trace of soil, mud, plant material, or insects is strictly prohibited. Vehicles must be immaculately clean.

• Personal Belongings: Not allowed in RORO shipments. Allowed in containers but must be declared and comply with Australian regulations.

• Vehicle Age Restrictions: While specific age bans are less common, older vehicles may face challenges meeting ADR compliance or may be subject to higher duties. Vehicles over 30 years old may qualify for the Specialist and Enthusiast Vehicle Scheme.

• Non-Compliant Vehicles: Vehicles that do not meet Australian Design Rules (ADRs) for safety and emissions will likely require significant modification or may not be eligible for import unless an exemption applies.

Insurance and Risk Coverage

We offer comprehensive insurance to protect your vehicle during transit:

• Total Loss Coverage (Fire/Water Damage): Costs 1% of the vehicle’s value + shipping cost.

• Comprehensive Cover: Costs 1.5% of the vehicle’s value + shipping cost and covers cosmetic damage as well.

  • Eligibility: Vehicles cannot be older than 10 years for this cover.

  • Condition Report: A condition report is required. It’s free if we collect your vehicle; otherwise, it costs £35.

Cost Breakdown

The total cost of shipping your vehicle to Melbourne is influenced by several factors:

• Shipping Method: RORO, shared container, or dedicated container.

• Vehicle Size and Weight: Larger vehicles incur higher fees.

• UK Collection: Charges for transporter or trade plate driver services.

• Port Fees: Charges at the UK port of departure.

• Insurance Premium: Based on the vehicle’s value and chosen coverage.

• Documentation Fees: For preparing and processing shipping documents.

• Australian Customs Clearance: Fees paid to an Australian customs broker.

• Biosecurity Cleaning/Treatment: If required upon arrival.

• Import Approval Fees: For the Department of Infrastructure application.

• Duties and Taxes: GST, Customs Duty, and potentially Luxury Car Tax.

Pricing Examples:

• Small Golf-sized Car: £1370 (Shared Container)

• Large Car (e.g., Range Rover): £1720 (Shared Container)

Note: These prices are indicative for shared container shipping. Dedicated container rates and RORO costs will differ. Please contact us for a precise quote.

Useful Links for Your Shipment:

• [Link to Container Shipping Page]: https://shipcars.co.uk/international-container-shipping/
• [Link to How to Prepare Your Car for Shipping]: https://shipcars.co.uk/articles/how-to-prepare-your-car-for-shipping/
• [Link to Top 10 Mistakes People Make During International Car Shipping]: https://shipcars.co.uk/articles/10-mistakes-people-make-during-international-car-shipping/
• [Link to Prepare Your Car for Export]: https://shipcars.co.uk/articles/preparing-your-car-for-export/
• [Link to How to Avoid Damage with International Shipping]: https://shipcars.co.uk/articles/avoiding-damage-with-international-car-shipping/

Ship Cars Ltd is dedicated to providing a seamless and secure car shipping experience to Melbourne. Contact us today for a personalised quote and expert guidance.

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