Shipping to Australia from the USA
Australia is one of the most popular destinations for Americans moving abroad. Most household goods travel by sea container to Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane or Fremantle (Perth), with air cargo for the things you need straight away. Compare up to 5 free quotes from shipping companies that move people to Australia every week.
- Region
- Australia / Oceania
- Main sea ports
- Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Fremantle (Perth), Adelaide
- Main airports
- Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth
- Sea transit
- Typically about 5 to 8 weeks port to port
- Shipments
- Household goods, cars, boxes and barrels, commercial freight
Container shipping to Australia
Most household moves to Australia go by sea container. You can book a container just for your goods (FCL) or share one with other customers (LCL).
| Option | Space (approx.) | Usually fits |
|---|---|---|
| Shared container (LCL) | Pay per cubic metre or foot | A few rooms, up to about 15 m³ (530 ft³) |
| 20ft container (FCL) | About 33 m³ (1,170 ft³) | 1 to 2 bedroom home |
| 40ft container (FCL) | About 67 m³ (2,390 ft³) | 3 to 4 bedroom home, or household goods plus a car |
Not sure how much you have? Use our moving size calculator.
Air cargo to Australia
Air cargo (air freight) is the fastest way to ship to Australia. It is ideal for clothes, documents, electronics and things you need as soon as you arrive. Prices are based on the "chargeable weight": the actual weight or the volume weight, whichever is higher, so air cargo is best for smaller, lighter shipments.
Air shipments to Australia usually arrive at Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth.
Car shipping to Australia
Importing a car to Australia is strictly controlled: most vehicles need an import approval before they are shipped and must meet Australian standards. The car must also be thoroughly cleaned for biosecurity inspection. Many people find it cheaper to sell their car in the USA and buy one in Australia, so check the rules and costs before you ship.
- RoRo: the car is driven onto the ship. Often the cheapest option, but you can't pack belongings in the car.
- Container: more protection, and you can combine the car with household goods.
- To export a car from the USA you need the original title, and the documents must be given to U.S. Customs before the car is loaded.
Shipping boxes and barrels to Australia
Only sending a few things? Shipping boxes, barrels or excess baggage to Australia is much cheaper than a full move. Many companies collect from your home and deliver door to door.
Commercial freight to Australia
Shipping goods for your business? Compare quotes for FCL and LCL freight, pallets and air freight to Australia, including customs clearance.
How much does shipping to Australia cost?
Every shipment is different, so prices vary a lot between companies. Your price depends on:
- The volume or weight of your goods
- Shared container, full container or air cargo
- Your pickup location in the USA and the destination city in Australia
- Packing, insurance, storage and door delivery
- Destination charges such as port fees and customs clearance
- Season and current freight rates
Ask each company what is included, especially destination charges. Compare up to 5 free quotes to find the best price.
How long does shipping to Australia take?
Sea freight from the USA to Australia typically takes about 5 to 8 weeks port to port. Door-to-door delivery takes longer because of collection, customs clearance and final delivery. Air cargo usually arrives within a few days to two weeks.
Customs and documents for Australia
- Australia has very strict biosecurity rules. Everything is inspected and items with soil, plant material, insects or food may be held, cleaned at your cost, or destroyed.
- Clean outdoor furniture, garden tools, bicycles, camping gear and shoes before packing, and declare wooden and wicker items.
- Keep a detailed, accurate packing list: it is used for customs and biosecurity clearance.
- Check the official Australian biosecurity import rules (BICON) for anything you are unsure about.
Rules change, so always confirm with your shipping company. See also our guide to prohibited items and how to pack.
Shipping companies to Australia
We are adding verified shipping companies for Australia. Send one request and up to 5 companies that serve your route will contact you with quotes.
Frequently asked questions about shipping to Australia
How much does it cost to ship to Australia from the USA?
The cost depends on how much you ship (volume or weight), the method (shared container, full container or air cargo), your pickup location in the USA, the destination city in Australia, and extra services like packing, insurance and door delivery. Compare written quotes to know your real price: Movers World gets you up to 5 free quotes with one request.
How long does shipping to Australia take?
Sea freight from the USA to Australia typically takes about 5 to 8 weeks port to port. Door-to-door delivery takes longer because of collection, customs clearance and final delivery. Air cargo usually arrives within a few days to two weeks.
Can I ship a car to Australia?
Importing a car to Australia is strictly controlled: most vehicles need an import approval before they are shipped and must meet Australian standards. The car must also be thoroughly cleaned for biosecurity inspection. Many people find it cheaper to sell their car in the USA and buy one in Australia, so check the rules and costs before you ship.
What documents do I need to ship to Australia?
Usually your passport, a detailed packing list and proof of your move such as a visa or residence permit. For a car you also need the title and bill of sale. Your shipping company will confirm the exact list for Australia.
Is air cargo or sea freight better for shipping to Australia?
Sea freight is much cheaper for furniture and large shipments, but slower. Air cargo is faster and best for small, urgent or valuable items. Many people combine both: a small air shipment for essentials and the rest by sea.