Import from Australia to USA with Expert Car Shipping Help

Q: Do I have to pay import tax or tariffs when importing a car from Australia to the USA?

As of August 11, 2026, covered automobiles and light trucks imported from Australia face an additional 25% Section 232 automobile tariff under current U.S. rules. CBP separately lists the general duty rate for foreign-made passenger automobiles at 2.5%, so the vehicle's classification and any applicable exception matter when calculating the landed duty. Used vehicles manufactured in a year at least 25 years before the year of entry are excluded from the additional Section 232 auto duty. Confirm the applicable HTS classification before shipment.

Q: Are right-hand drive cars legal to import from Australia into the USA?

Yes, right-hand drive itself is legal under federal vehicle-safety rules, so an Australian RHD car can be imported if the vehicle otherwise qualifies for U.S. entry. For a nonconforming RHD vehicle under 25 years old, an import-eligibility decision based only on a similar U.S. left-hand-drive model may not be sufficient, and a Registered Importer may need model-specific evidence. Once federal import requirements are satisfied, the individual state controls titling and registration. Check that state's DMV requirements before arranging final delivery.

Q: What documents are required to import a car from Australia to the USA?

For U.S. customs clearance, prepare the carrier's original bill of lading, bill of sale, foreign registration, and other records covering the vehicle. CBP also requires EPA Form 3520-1 and DOT Form HS-7 to declare the emissions and safety basis for entry. A nonconforming vehicle may need additional Registered Importer, Independent Commercial Importer, bond, or approval paperwork before release. A1's international car shipping documents guide covers the broader paperwork used for overseas vehicle shipments.

by Joe Webster

Last updated Aug, 11 2026

Import from Australia to USA with Expert Car Shipping Help

Transport Your Vehicle To Australia

Are you looking for assistance with carrying your ride from overseas into the United States? Well, good news, folks: Your search ends here. A-1 Motorcar Freight is a professional auto company licensed and regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration under the United States Department of Cary. We have prided on offering international ride shipping help for automobiles for the last two and a half decades. We know the business inside and out. Our auto dispatch services are fast and professional. Customer satisfaction is a guarantee.

Our international car dispatch offering includes our busiest voyages from Australia to the USA. We offer international shipping assistance via ocean and air freight. Our importing process is efficient and straightforward.

Requirements for Australian Vehicles

When importing a car from Australia to the USA, it's crucial to ensure it complies with U.S. safety and emission standards. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have specific regulations that must be met by imported vehicles. Australian vehicles may require modifications to meet these standards, including changes to lighting, seat belts, and emission control systems. It's advisable to consult with a Registered Importer (RI) who can assist in bringing the vehicle into compliance and handle the necessary paperwork.

Import Process and Associated Costs

Importing a car from Australia involves several steps and associated costs. Firstly, you'll need to select a shipping method, such as Roll-On/Roll-Off (RORO) or container shipping, with RORO typically being more cost-effective. Shipping costs can start around USD 2,649, but this varies based on the vehicle's size and chosen shipping method. Upon arrival in the U.S., the car will be subject to customs duties—2.5% for automobiles, 25% for trucks, and 2.4% for motorcycles. Additional costs may include compliance modifications, insurance, and registration fees.

Understanding the 25-Year Exemption

Vehicles that are 25 years old or older are exempt from U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) compliance requirements. This exemption simplifies the import process, as these vehicles do not need to meet current U.S. safety and emission standards. However, the car must remain in its original configuration without significant modifications. This exemption particularly benefits enthusiasts importing classic vehicles from Australia, such as vintage Holdens or Land Cruisers.

Documentation and Customs Clearance

Proper documentation is vital for a successful import. You'll need the original bill of lading, bill of sale, foreign registration, and compliance forms such as EPA Form 3520-1 and DOT Form HS-7. Ensuring all paperwork is accurately completed and submitted will facilitate customs clearance and prevent delays or penalties.

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Estimated Cost And Delivery Time

From/To	Ocean	Ground	Estimated Time
Melbourne to (New York Harbor) to New York, NY	$2300	$275	36+5 days
City Limits to (California Seaport) to Los Angeles	$3600	$350	26+5 days
Sydney to (New York Terminal) to Boston, MA	$2300	$400	36+5 days
Local Area to (California Waterfront) to Portland, OR	$3600	$485	28+6 days
Melbourne to (California Harbor) to Phoenix, AZ	$3610	$550	28+6 days
Sydney to (New York Terminal) to Detroit, MI	$2300	$575	36+6 days
Sydney to (New York port) to Atlanta, GA	$2300	$700	36+6 days
The Area to (California Seaport) to Denver, CO	$3600	$775	26+7 days
Melbourne to (New York Waterfront) to Memphis, TN	$2300	$810	36+6 days
Dallas, TX to (California Harbor) to City Limits	$3600	$1,025	28+7 days

*Prices and times are estimated. They can vary depending on the season and the type.
*delivering the vehicle to the nearest port saves the ground freight cost.
*Allow an additional to process the documents.
*Prices are for one car in a dedicated 20ft container. This is the safest and most reliable way to travel internationally. Other items may be included in the container to help save you money when moving.
*Using the RoRo (roll on, roll off) method is less expensive, and shipments can be completed in fewer time. Contact us now for a free RoRo quote.

Compliance for Newer Vehicles

Compliance with U.S. safety and emission standards is mandatory for vehicles less than 25 years old. This often requires modifications to meet the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) and EPA regulations. Engaging a Registered Importer (RI) and an Independent Commercial Importer (ICI) is typically necessary to perform the required modifications and certify compliance. This process can be time-consuming and costly, so it's crucial to consider these factors when planning your import.

Our Process Of Shipment

You would want your car to be in safe hands throughout the process. What better automotive shipping company to use than one in business for two decades? Contact us, and let us work with you to ensure safe delivery. We are available 24/7, 7 a week. Our personnel will work hand in hand with you on the specifics.

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Shipping Methods and Costs

The two primary shipping methods for importing vehicles from Australia are Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) and container shipping.

RoRo Shipping: This method involves driving the vehicle onto the shipping vessel. It's generally more cost-effective, with prices starting around USD 2,649. However, the vehicle must be operational, and there is less protection from the elements during transit.
Container Shipping: This option provides enhanced protection by enclosing the vehicle in a container. It's suitable for non-operational vehicles or those requiring extra security. Costs are higher; the final price depends on container size and destination port.

Additional costs to consider include customs duties (2.5% for cars, 25% for trucks), taxes, and fees for compliance modifications. The total cost can range from $2,000 to $4,500, depending on the vehicle's size, shipping method, and destination.

Location & Delivery

The most crucial factor that should be taken care of is knowing the precise location of your vehicle in Australia. This includes the location of the warehouse or manufacturing industries in Australia. Knowing the exact location for your bike makes it easier to plan the on-road carriage to the major Berth in Australia to be shipped. This is when the manufacturing company does not provide hauling assistance.

This is an essential first step because our berth workers in Australia must set up a schedule. Freight containers are used to transport imported automobiles. Separate cargo areas must be set aside. Our staff must coordinate with local carriage authorities to accommodate the timetables of cargo ships.

This step also involves factoring in the location in the United States to be shipped. This will determine which U.S. Transit is more convenient to ship your vehicle to from Australia. The closest one to the pickup terminal or precise location is the most conducive.

Cost Calculator

Once the location of the vehicle and shipping port are known, the next step is cost estimation. We offer precise figures on how much it will cost to import rides into the USA from Australia.We have a comprehensive post of how much it would cost to ship a vehicle from overseas. The size and weight dictate this, the year of manufacture, the model, the car’s condition, and the total distance covered. It is not possible to generalize, but in most cases, more prominent, heavier automobiles are more costly to freight. This is because they require larger freight space in the cargo containers, measured in square feet. Shipping a normal-sized vehicle from Australia to the US will cost you approximately $2,950.

The total transportation distance will, of course, include the starting location until the shipping terminal, the voyage distance of the delivery from the arrival to the pickup terminal for terminal–terminal delivery, or the residence for the door–to–door delivery help. Get a quote for your shipment.

The Actual Distribution

After all the specifics are taken care of, the actual dispatch starts. A delivery date will be sent to the client. A-1 Auto Transport offers our clients voyage tracking, so you can always know how far your shipment is to delivery. This creates trust and credibility with our clients, mainly thanks to the sensitivity of shipping.

Delivery

Upon arrival at the U.S. port, the client will be informed of how long the delivery to the terminal or port will take. This is to alert the clients to make arrangements on their side.

Why Choose Us?

We understand the sensitivity of shipping exotic and luxurious foreign vehicles. For this reason, our international assistance is wholly insured under air and ocean freight. Our clients rest assured that should the unimaginable happen, they and any other belongings in the vehicle are covered.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I import a car from Australia that is less than 25 years old?

Yes, a car from Australia can be permanently imported before age 25, but a foreign-market vehicle must satisfy both NHTSA safety and EPA emissions requirements. A vehicle under 25 without the manufacturer's U.S. FMVSS certification label generally must be NHTSA-eligible and imported through a Registered Importer, with a DOT bond equal to 150% of its entered value. EPA separately allows an age-based provision for vehicles over 21 years old when the engine meets its original-equipment conditions. Confirm both federal compliance paths before shipping.

How much does it cost to import a car from Australia to the USA?

For a standard running car using common RoRo or shared-container service, the Australia-to-U.S. ocean-shipping portion is about $2,700-$4,000 before duties, port charges, inland trucking, and compliance work. Current market pricing includes RoRo starting near $2,649, Sydney routes around $3,500-$3,800, and shared-container freight around $2,750-$3,350. Dedicated containers, oversized vehicles, and nonconforming cars can cost more. A1's international car shipping cost calculator can help scope the route and vehicle details.

Do I have to pay import tax or tariffs when importing a car from Australia to the USA?

As of August 11, 2026, covered automobiles and light trucks imported from Australia face an additional 25% Section 232 automobile tariff under current U.S. rules. CBP separately lists the general duty rate for foreign-made passenger automobiles at 2.5%, so the vehicle's classification and any applicable exception matter when calculating the landed duty. Used vehicles manufactured in a year at least 25 years before the year of entry are excluded from the additional Section 232 auto duty. Confirm the applicable HTS classification before shipment.

Are right-hand drive cars legal to import from Australia into the USA?

Yes, right-hand drive itself is legal under federal vehicle-safety rules, so an Australian RHD car can be imported if the vehicle otherwise qualifies for U.S. entry. For a nonconforming RHD vehicle under 25 years old, an import-eligibility decision based only on a similar U.S. left-hand-drive model may not be sufficient, and a Registered Importer may need model-specific evidence. Once federal import requirements are satisfied, the individual state controls titling and registration. Check that state's DMV requirements before arranging final delivery.

What documents are required to import a car from Australia to the USA?

For U.S. customs clearance, prepare the carrier's original bill of lading, bill of sale, foreign registration, and other records covering the vehicle. CBP also requires EPA Form 3520-1 and DOT Form HS-7 to declare the emissions and safety basis for entry. A nonconforming vehicle may need additional Registered Importer, Independent Commercial Importer, bond, or approval paperwork before release. A1's international car shipping documents guide covers the broader paperwork used for overseas vehicle shipments.

Should I use RoRo or container shipping for a car from Australia to the USA?

RoRo is usually the lower-cost ocean option for a running car, while container shipping provides an enclosed space and is more practical for many non-running or higher-value vehicles. RoRo requires the vehicle to be operable for drive-on and drive-off handling, and service availability depends on the ports and sailing schedule. Containers usually cost more because of additional loading and container handling. A1's international car shipping by sea guide explains the main ocean-shipping options.