Cost to Ship a Car from Australia to the UK Made Simple

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Considerations

  • Shipping a car from Australia to the UK costs $2,000–$4,700, with pricing based on container use, vehicle size, and port access.
  • Average transit time is 6–10 weeks, with departures from Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane to Southampton via consolidated container service.
  • UK import rules require NOVA declaration, proof of ownership, and MOT compliance; all exporters must be licensed and fully insured.
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Cost to Ship a Car from Australia to the UK Made Simple

Suppose you're moving internationally from Straya to Britain. In that case, you may wonder if bringing your car with you is practical or if you'd be better off selling it in Straya and buying another vehicle when you arrive in Britain. Read on and see how much you can expect to pay.

How Much Does It Cost To Ship A Car From Australia To The UK?

Shipping your vehicle from Straya to Britain via ocean-going freight will usually cost you about AUD 2,000, but this can vary depending on many factors, such as the type of delivery you choose, the size and weight of the vehicle, the total distance of your shipment, and the time frame for delivering the car.

It's essential to consult with an experienced international car transport service before you ship your vehicle from Straya to Britain and get a quote for the cost and arrival time. Shopping around can also be a good idea to ensure you get an industry-standard rate.

Shipping OptionEstimated Cost (AUD)Transit TimeBest ForIncludes
Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo)$2,000 – $3,2006–10 weeksStandard vehiclesBasic port-to-port transport
Shared Container Shipping$2,800 – $3,9008–10 weeksBudget-conscious with some protectionSpace in a container, moderate security
Dedicated Container Shipping$3,500 – $4,700+6–9 weeksHigh-value or classic vehiclesFull container, high protection, personal items allowed
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What Will I Pay At Customs When I Cargo A Vehicle From Straya To Britain?

You won't pay any taxes if you are a British citizen or resident, have owned the car for over six months, and have resided in Straya for 12 months or longer. Otherwise, you may need to pay up to 20% VAT and 10% duty.

20% VAT and 10% import duty are charged on all vehicles manufactured outside the EU, including any car you'd bring from Straya. Cars made in the EU will be charged a 20% VAT and a duty of £50. Additionally, if the vehicle is 30+ years old and not extensively modified, you will pay 5% VAT and no other fees.

Shipping a car from Australia to the UK involves several considerations beyond just the transportation cost. Here are some key factors to keep in mind:

Vehicle Compliance and Testing

Vehicles imported from Australia must comply with UK road standards. If your car is under ten years old, an Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) test will likely be required to ensure it meets UK safety and environmental regulations. This process can be complex, especially if the manufacturer does not provide your vehicle's 'Model Report'. The requirements may differ for cars over ten years old, but it's essential to verify the specific obligations for your vehicle.

Shipping Methods and Costs

Shipping a car from Australia to the UK typically ranges from $2,000 to $4,700, depending on the shipping method (Roll-on/Roll-off vs. container), vehicle size, and departure port. Transit times can vary between 6 and 10 weeks. Choosing a reputable shipping company that offers comprehensive services, including customs clearance and delivery, can help streamline the process.

By understanding these aspects, import duties, vehicle compliance, and shipping logistics, you can better prepare for shipping your car from Australia to the UK. Consulting with experienced international auto transport providers can further assist in navigating the complexities involved.

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Are There Other Costs Associated With Forwarding A Four Wheeler From Straya To Britain?


Yes. If your car is under ten years old, it must comply with British safety standards. For example, it may need a rear fog light or a change to the speedometer to read in MPH rather than KPH. You will need to pay to make these modifications.

Cars over ten years old have slightly different safety requirements, but they must still pass an MOT safety test and may need modifications to meet Britain's standards. Vehicles over 40 years old typically do not require tests or changes.

Import Duties and Taxes

You may be subject to import duties and Value Added Tax (VAT) when importing a vehicle into the UK. The standard import duty is 10% of the vehicle's value, and VAT is typically 20%. However, if you're relocating to the UK and meet certain conditions, you might be eligible for relief under the Transfer of Residence (ToR) scheme, which can exempt you from these charges. To qualify, you must have lived outside the UK for at least 12 months and owned the vehicle for at least six months before moving.

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Deliver Your Automobile From Straya To Britain With A-1 AT

Shipping an automobile from Straya to Britain might be expensive because of the country's strict customs regulations. But with A-1 Auto Transport, you'll get excellent service from seasoned logistics pros at surprisingly affordable rates. Call or contact us online to get a price and set up your auto transport from Straya to Britain.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Moved my ride hassle-free with these folks.Fair pricing, no surprises. Definitely recommend them!
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Neil Tran
Worth the Slightly Higher Price
★★★★★

This wasn’t my first time shipping a car, but it was my first time sending one from Australia to the UK. While the cost was a bit more than some other quotes, the communication was clear and ongoing, which made all the difference. It’s easy to get lost in logistics—these guys kept it simple.

Curtis Linton
Left Hanging in a Tough Spot
★★★★★

My experience didn’t go well. They outsourced my car shipment and when the driver backed out, I was left scrambling last minute. I had to line up someone else on short notice. I wouldn’t use them again.

Evan Ryder
Disappointing Service and Poor Follow-Through
★★★★★

I tried to work with them for a shipment to the UK, but it went south fast. When I left a negative review, they shut down communication instead of resolving the issue. I ended up going directly to a carrier, which I should’ve done from the start.

Daniel Stokes
Didn’t Deliverm, Had to Cancel
★★★★★

They promised pickup within a certain window, but nothing ever happened. Each time I followed up, I got vague responses. I finally had to involve the third-party platform and cancel the whole deal. It was a frustrating experience.

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A-1 Auto Transport is a disclosed agent for the following shipping companies:

CSI Logistics
435 Division Street
Elizabeth, NJ 07201
FMC 22206
Intl Cargo
45 Campus Drive
Edison, NJ 08837
NO. 17858N
Trans Global Auto Logistics, Inc.
3401 E Randol Mill Rd,
Arlington, TX 76011
NO. 018191NF
CFR Rinkens
15501 Texaco Avenue
Paramount, CA 90723
NO. 013055NF
ABC Worldwide LLC
2840 NW 2nd Ave #105
Boca Raton, FL 33431
NO. 025472F
ShipYourCarNow LLC
1160 South Rogers Circle Suite 1
Boca Raton, FL 33487
NO. 025646
Merco Air & Ocean Cargo, Inc.
6 Fir Way
Cooper City, FL 33026
NO. 021869F
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