General Information About Vehicle Shipping
We transport construction vehicles, industrial & heavy machinery, agricultural & farm machinery, commercial trucks, caravans & trailers, motorhomes & campervans, vans and boats & jet skis.
Regardless of the type of freight, if it has wheels, we can move it.
Pricing depends on your vehicle’s size and type, the route, distance and any additional services required such as quarantine cleaning or door-to-door delivery. Your quote will list all charges clearly before you book.
Transit times vary by route, vessel schedules and depot availability. Typical timeframes are:
| Route | Time (est.) |
|---|---|
| Brisbane to Perth | ~3 weeks |
| Sydney to Perth | ~3 weeks |
| Melbourne to Perth | ~2 weeks |
| Adelaide to Perth | Subject to service available (enquire) |
If your vehicle is collected outside a major metro area, allow extra time for it to reach the port.
We can arrange shipping from and to anywhere in Australia.
For coastal shipping around Australia, we support moving vehicles from major ports in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Devonport, Adelaide and Perth. Vehicles can be collected and delivered anywhere in Australia and move to the nearest port for transportation by RORO vessels.
When using coastal shipping services, your vehicle travels fully enclosed inside a multi-deck ship, protected from the elements and road hazards. These are the same vessels used to transport new vehicles from Asia and Europe into Australia, reducing handling and limiting exposure to damage.
Rail transport normally involves road movements at both ends and additional loading stages. Shipping generally requires fewer handling steps and is often smoother for long-distance transport. Its also an open carriage transport solution so your vehicle is not protected from the elements.
Preparing Your Vehicle for Shipping
Before shipping, please ensure:
- All personal belongings and loose items are removed, and we mean all.
- Fuel levels are kept low around ¼ tank is sufficient.
- Gas cylinders are removed unless they are brand-new empty cylinders supplied with new caravans
- Loose parts and accessories are secured
- The vehicle is in running condition
We will advise if any route-specific preparation is required.
Generally no. Many carriers do not allow any personal items to be inside vehicles. If its not a permanent fixture of the car then it cannot travel with the car. We do mean nothing, so no phone chargers, cables, sun glasses, CD’s, clothes, tools, etc – they will be removed and disposed of if they are left in the vehicle.
If you have a need to transport personal belongings with your vehicle, please specify when requesting a quote.
Yes. While standard quotes assume the motorised unit is fully road-worthy, mobile under its own power and capable of being registered for road use, non-running vehicles require manual review, custom quotation and special handling.
If your vehicle is non-running, please specify when requesting a quote.
Booking Your Shipment
Shipping providers have their own unique requirements for booking and each will provide details on how to book with their quotes.
We require:
- Vehicle details and dimensions
- Pickup and delivery addresses
- Any modifications or accessories
- Site-specific access details
If you have photos, you can upload them as well.
When choosing a vehicle shipping company, it is important to research and compare different companies, ask for references and reviews from previous customers, and get a written quote that includes all fees and services.
Transport Options
Yes. We offer four transport options depending on how you’d like your vehicle handled:
Depot to Depot
You drop your vehicle at our designated depot. We transport it to the port for loading onto our ship using a car carrier. Once it arrives at the destination port, it is transported back to our depot for collection.
Depot to Door
You drop your vehicle at our designated depot. We transport it to the port and load it onto our ship using a car carrier. When it arrives at the destination port, your vehicle is transported by car carrier directly to your address (or as close as we can get with a semi trailer).
Door to Depot
We collect your vehicle from your address using a car carrier and transport it to the port for loading onto the ship. After arrival at the destination port, it is transported by car carrier to our depot for you to collect.
Door to Door
We collect your vehicle from your address using a car carrier, transport it to the port and load it onto our ship. Once it reaches the destination port, it is transported by car carrier directly to your door. If semi-trailer access is not available, you may need to meet the truck at a safe loading area.
Yes. Collection or delivery may not be possible on narrow streets, steep driveways or areas without truck access. You may be asked to meet the driver at a nearby accessible location.
Shipment Tracking, Communication & Updates
Most vehicle-shipping companies provide tracking information and updates throughout the transport process. You can usually track your shipment online or by contacting the company directly.
You will also receive a call or text message from the depot when your vehicle is ready for collection or delivery.
Weather, port congestion, industrial action or operational changes may affect vessel schedules. Services resume as soon as conditions allow.
Pricing, Fees and Payments
Costs are based on:
- Vehicle size and type
- Route and distance
- Service option (door or depot)
- Any special handling requirements
- Quarantine or inspection needs
Additional charges may apply for:
- Quarantine cleaning
- Missed pickups or unattended deliveries
- Undeclared modifications
- Incorrect dimensions
- Vehicles that breakdown in transit
- Non-running vehicles or towing
- Returning the vehicle to a depot
- Permits that may need to be obtained
We encourage that payments be made directly with the shipping company. This will ensure the most competitive pricing without the added overheads and margins typically added by brokers.
Delivery and Collection
The Federation of Freight Forwarders Association (FIATA) defines abandoned cargo as “cargo which the consignee (importer) has manifested no intention to take delivery of after a reasonable period”. This also encompasses instances in which the importer can’t be determined or contacted.
A vehicle is classified as Abandoned Goods if it needs to be collected from a depot but remains uncollected for 28 days after arrival or after a storage term ends. Additional procedures and charges apply.
Liability, Insurance & Claims
Generally, vehicles travel at your risk so we recommend you have your own insurance in place. Carriers and shipping companies do not accept liability for:
- Personal items left in the vehicle.
- Fair wear and tear
- Hidden defects
- Mechanical or electrical issues due to age or inherent faults
- Pre-existing damage
- Damage outside the Service Period
- Indirect or consequential loss
For full details, be sure to check the Terms and Conditions provided when you requested a quote.
Additional charges may apply for:
- Quarantine cleaning
- Missed pickups or unattended deliveries
- Undeclared modifications
- Incorrect dimensions
- Vehicles that breakdown in transit
- Non-running vehicles or towing
- Returning the vehicle to a depot
- Permits that may need to be obtained
Service Areas and Shipping Routes
Yes. Vehicles of just about any shape and size can be shipped either by road, rail or between key Australian ports according to vessel schedules.
Our network of carriers and shipping specialists is able to provide vehicle shipping across Australia, including major metro, regional and remote locations.
Yes. Regional pickups and deliveries are available via our carrier network. Lead times vary.
How we help you transport large vehicles across Australia
Operating under Heavy Vehicle National Law with NHVR permitting and CoR practices. NHVR