We guide you through the full process of registering an imported car from Australia in the USA, including state DMV paperwork, inspections, and compliance requirements. Our team coordinates both US and Australian documentation so your Australian vehicle can be legally titled and on the road as quickly as possible.
Import a Car From Australia to USA: Get Instant Shipping Rates
Specialized car import services from Australia to the USA, managed end-to-end by West Coast Shipping.
Shipping or importing a car from Australia to the USA can be complex—between quarantine rules, compliance, and U.S. Customs—but it doesn’t have to be stressful. Whether you’re importing an Australian classic car, a performance ute, or simply moving your daily driver, our car import team handles the entire process from Australia to your driveway in the United States. We manage shipping logistics, documentation, and customs clearance so you can focus on enjoying your new car.
We offer complete door-to-door car import service from Australia to the USA, with containers arriving into our secure US facilities in California, Florida, and New Jersey, and onward delivery available anywhere in the country.
Calculate Your Cost to Import a Car From Australia to USA
Why Import a Car From Australia to the USA With West Coast Shipping?
With decades of experience importing cars from Australia to the USA, we’ve helped thousands of buyers and expats bring Australian vehicles safely into the U.S. Our door-to-door car import service from Australia to USA includes:
- Expert Australian car import service via container or air freight
- Weekly container consolidation saving up to 50% on shipping costs
- Complete customs clearance and documentation handling
- Nationwide pickup from all major Australian cities
- Door-to-door delivery through our US facilities
- Specialist knowledge of US import regulations and requirements
We collect your vehicle from anywhere in Australia using open or enclosed car transporters. The car is then transported to our nearest export warehouse in California, Florida or New Jersey.
You always have the option to deliver/drop off the vehicle yourself.
With nearly 2 decades of experience in loading containers, we make sure that your cars are safely secured for their journey overseas.
Our team works closely with US Customs to clear cars for export.
For a seamless car import experience, we work with reliable partners worldwide to ensure your cars arrive safely and are properly cleared with import customs.
Export Locations
We collect vehicles anywhere in Australia — including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide — and move them to our export facilities for loading to the USA.
International Car Shipping Methods
AIRPLANE
Need your vehicle fast? Air freight delivers in just 3-10 days, making it the quickest shipping option—significantly faster than container or RoRo shipping. Exact timing depends on customs and documentation.
SHIPPING CONTAINER
Our containers fit 1-4 vehicles—running or non-running—and offer cost-saving consolidation shipping. For high-value cars, we provide dedicated 20ft or 40ft containers.
RORO VESSEL
RoRo shipping requires vehicles to be operational and empty. Available ports and rates vary. Note: This method is only available for oversized cars
Have Questions?
What Vehicles Can We Ship From Australia to the USA?
Vehicles
We safely transport all types of personal vehicles from Australia to the USA, including sedans, hatchbacks, SUVs, utes and vans. We’ll help you choose the most cost-effective shipping option tailored to your route, budget, and timeline.
Motocycle
Shipping a motorcycle from Australia to the USA can feel overwhelming, but we make it simple. Our team handles crating, loading, and documentation so your bike arrives secure, insured, and ready to ride.
Electric & Hybrid Cars
EVs and hybrids from Australia require special handling, batteries checks, and paperwork. We arrange compliant shipping for electric and hybrid vehicles to the USA and guide you through all high-voltage and import requirements.
Race & Rally Cars
We specialize in transporting race and rally cars from Australian tracks and workshops to U.S. circuits and collectors. Our enclosed and container options protect delicate setups, aero parts, and spares throughout the journey.
Classic Cars
Classic and vintage Australian and American muscle cars deserve expert care. We offer enclosed, monitored container shipping from Australia to the USA to protect paint, interiors, and rare parts every step of the way.
Luxury Cars
From prestige sedans to exotic sports cars, we provide premium shipping solutions for luxury vehicles leaving Australia for the U.S. Our processes are designed to minimize risk and keep high-value cars secure the entire time.
Salvage & Project Cars
We regularly ship salvage, damaged, and project vehicles from Australia to the USA. Whether the car is non-running, partially disassembled, or mid-restoration, we can arrange safe loading, transport, and all export paperwork.
Heavy Machinery
From construction machinery to agricultural equipment, we ship heavy units of all sizes from Australia to U.S. ports. Our team organizes permits, loading, and secure lashing so your machinery arrives ready for work.
Oversized Vehicles
If your vehicle exceeds standard dimensions, we can help. Our oversized shipping options handle trucks, buses, campers, motorhomes, large SUVs, and custom-built vehicles moving from Australia to the United States.
How Much Does It Cost to Import a Car from Australia to the USA?
Australia-to-USA Car Shipping Costs, Duties & Taxes
Importing a car from Australia to the USA involves two main cost buckets: ocean shipping (RoRo or container) and US import duties, taxes, and fees. Your final price depends on the vehicle’s age and type, shipping method, and the US port of arrival. Use our car-shipping calculator to see your total Australia-to-USA import cost in seconds.
Base Australia Import Cost
- 2.5% standard duty rate on vehicles
- Applicable reciprocal tariff for classic cars 25 years and older
(currently 10% for most countries) - 27.5% duty for newer vehicles (under 25 years old)
- 27.5% duty for motorcycles and auto parts
- 27.5% for pickup trucks due to the Chicken Tax
Duty Exemptions for Cars Imported from Australia:
- Vehicles 25 years and older (if unmodified)
- Factory-built race cars (no age requirement)
- US-built vehicles being returned
Get Import Quote
Our car shipping calculator provides instant rates for importing cars from Australia, including all duties, taxes, and fees.
SHIPPING TIMES FROM AUSTRALIA
- 2 weeks for customs clearance and container loading
- Additional week if using shared container service
- 2-3 weeks sailing time to New Jersey
- 5-10 weeks sailing time to California
ADDITIONAL COSTS TO CONSIDER
- Vehicle Collection: Fees vary by pickup location in Australia
- Import Duties: 2.5% for cars, 25% for trucks (Chicken Tax)
- Cargo Protection: Optional insurance coverage available
PAYMENT OPTIONS
We accept wire transfers, checks, and ban deposits only. Read more about banking fees when paying from overseas.
We do not accept credit card payments.
Australian Car Shipping Protection During Import
Protect your Australian vehicle while it’s being imported to the USA with our optional Cargo Damage Protection. This coverage safeguards your car from the moment it’s in our care—through loading, ocean transit, and delivery at our US facilities via our trusted agents.
Most standard auto protection policies don’t cover international vehicle shipping from Australia to the USA. If you decline Cargo Damage Protection, please note that our liability is capped at $500 under the Carriage of Goods at Sea Act.
Wholesale Car Import & Export Solutions for Dealers & Auctions
We support high-volume car import and export for dealers, auctions, fleet owners, and event organizers moving vehicles between Australia, the USA, and worldwide. Our turnkey logistics handle every step of bulk car shipping so your team can focus on sales instead of transport.
- End-to-End solutions between the US and the world
- Vehicle collection & export clearance
- Private warehouses in CA, FL, NJ
- Vehicle and parts consolidation
- Use our carrier bookings or your own
- Ability to choose your own import agent when shipping dedicated containers
- Expedited Air Freight options
Documents Required to Import a Car From Australia to the USA
Importing your Australian car into the United States requires specific documentation for customs clearance and DOT/EPA compliance. Below is the core paperwork you’ll need to legally import a car from Australia to the USA.
Essential Documentation for Australia-to-USA Car Imports:
- Original Bill of Lading for the vehicle shipment
- Bill of Sale or Purchase Invoice showing vehicle value
- Foreign Registration or Australian Title (or US title, if returning)
- Letter of Approval from NHTSA (when required for vehicles under 25 years old)
- EPA Form 3520-1 to declare emissions compliance or exemption
- DOT Form HS-7 to declare the correct import category and FMVSS status
Vehicle Age Requirements for Australian Car Imports:
- Vehicles 25 years and older: Exempt from DOT & EPA rules if unmodified
- Vehicles under 25 years: Must meet US safety and emissions standards
- Factory-built race cars: No age restrictions apply
Having the right documents in place is critical, but it’s only one step of the Australia-to-USA car import process. Learn everything about international car shipping, from documentation to delivery, in our comprehensive guide.
Dedicated Export Team
Your dedicated account manager prepares and files all US import documents for Australian vehicles, including customs entries, NHTSA, and EPA forms. We make sure your car is properly documented and approved for entry into the United States.
The Australian Car Import Process
Car Shipping Cost & Duties:
Base Australian Import Cost
- 2.5% for automobiles
- 2.5% for motorcycles and auto parts
- 25% for pickup trucks due to the Chicken Tax
Duty Exemptions:
- Vehicles 25 years and older (if unmodified)
- Factory-built race cars (no age requirement)
- US-built vehicles being returned
Car Import Process From Australia to USA
Importing a car from Australia to the USA is a multi-step process that covers export paperwork, ocean freight, and US customs clearance. With decades of experience importing Australian vehicles, we’ve refined a proven, start-to-finish process so you don’t have to manage the details yourself.
Whether you’re importing an Australian classic, a modern daily driver, or a special-edition performance car, our international car import service handles everything required to move your vehicle safely from Australia to the United States.
Our container shipping solutions make the Australia-to-USA car import process simple and efficient. We coordinate export documentation in Australia, arrange secure container loading, manage US customs clearance, and deliver your car to our US facilities or directly to your door.
Key Steps in Our Australian Car Import Process:
- Door-to-door service from any location in Australia
- Weekly container consolidation to save up to 50% on costs
- Complete customs clearance and documentation handling
- Secure vehicle transport from pickup to delivery
Registering Your Car in Australia
Essential Documents for US Title & Registration:
- Original Australian registration and proof of ownership
- US Customs duty payment records
- EPA/DOT compliance certificates
- Original bill of sale and shipping documents
Key US Registration Requirements:
- Complete US vehicle registration forms
- Pass state-specific inspections and emissions tests
- For vehicles 25+ years old: Historic vehicle registration available
- Obtain US auto insurance coverage
Frequently Asked Questions About Australian Car Shipping
Get an instant rate using our car import calculator.
Typical costs range from $5000 - $7000 per container
Costs include:
- 2.5% duty for automobiles
- 2.5% for motorcycles and parts
- 25% for pickup trucks (Chicken Tax)
Required documents include:
- Original bill of lading
- Bill of sale
- Foreign registration or US title
- NHTSA approval letter
- EPA Form 3520-1
- DOT Form HS-7.
Import eligibility depends on vehicle age:
- 25+ years old: Exempt from DOT & EPA rules if unmodified
- Under 25: Must meet US standards
- Factory race cars: No age restrictions
- Show & display vehicles allowed for events
Transit times include:
- 2 weeks for customs and loading
- additional week for shared container service
- 2-3 weeks sailing to New Jersey
- 5-10 weeks sailing to California.
Our container consolidation service saves up to 50% on shipping costs.
We offer shared container options from Australian while maintaining dedicated container service when needed.
We provide safe transport from
- Sydney
- Melbourne
- Brisbane
- Perth
- Adelaide
- Gold Coast
- Darwin
- Canberra
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