Container consolidation has revolutionized car shipping to New Zealand, allowing individual importers to access bulk shipping rates previously available only to commercial dealers. By sharing container space with other vehicles, you can reduce shipping costs by 40-50% while maintaining the superior protection of container transport. This guide explores the logistics, timing, and procedures behind West Coast Shipping's consolidation service, helping you maximize savings when importing cars to NZ.
For comprehensive import strategies, see our Car Shipping to New Zealand: Complete Guide.
Container consolidation (also called Less than Container Load or LCL shipping) involves strategically combining multiple vehicles within a single shipping container to optimize space utilization:
Single Vehicle Import: Instead of paying for an entire 20ft container ($4,500+), you pay only for the space your vehicle occupies.
Shared Expenses: Container costs, documentation fees, and handling charges are divided among multiple importers.
Same Protection Benefits: Your vehicle enjoys the same weather protection, security, and damage prevention as dedicated container shipping.
Real Example: Four 2023 Toyota RAV4s shipped in one 40ft container from Los Angeles to Auckland reduced per-vehicle costs from $3,500 to $1,600—a 54% savings.
West Coast Shipping's consolidation process involves specialized loading procedures designed to maximize space while ensuring vehicle safety:
1. Strategic Vehicle Positioning
Professional loaders arrange vehicles in specific configurations based on dimensions and weight.
Vehicles are positioned to maximize clearance between neighboring vehicles (typically 4-8 inches).
Advanced 3D imaging software determines optimal placement for various vehicle types.
2. Multi-Level Securing Systems
Wheel strapping with certified marine-grade straps (rated for 5,000+ lbs)
Custom wooden blocking and bracing for non-rolling vehicles
Supplementary strapping at critical suspension points
Industrial-grade padding between vehicles when necessary
3. Space Optimization Techniques
Strategically folded mirrors and removed antennas
Lowered convertible tops to reduce height requirements
Tire deflation for oversized vehicles (1-2 PSI reduction)
Vehicle battery disconnection to prevent discharge
Loading Configurations:
| Container Size | Vehicle Capacity | Ideal Combinations |
|---|---|---|
| 20ft Standard | 1-2 vehicles | 1 SUV + 1 compact |
| 40ft Standard | 3-4 vehicles | 3 midsize sedans + 1 compact |
| 40ft High Cube | 4 vehicles | 4 midsize SUVs or sedans |
West Coast Shipping maintains regular consolidated container departures to New Zealand:
Los Angeles/Oakland: Weekly Monday departures
New Jersey: Bi-weekly Friday departures
Florida: Bi-weekly Wednesday departures
Transit Times:
USA West Coast to Auckland: 25-30 days
USA East Coast to Auckland: 35-40 days
Consolidation may add 5-7 days depending on timing
Container consolidation requires coordinated timing for maximum efficiency:
1. Staging Process
Vehicles received 7-10 days before departure
Free storage provided during consolidation period
Vehicle condition documentation and photography
Pre-shipping inspection and cleaning verification
2. Booking Deadlines
Documentation cutoff: 10 days before sailing
Vehicle delivery deadline: 7 days before sailing
Loading and securing: 3-5 days before sailing
Container gate-in: 2 days before sailing
Synchronization Advantage: West Coast Shipping's high-volume New Zealand shipping allows weekly departures rather than the industry standard bi-weekly or monthly consolidation schedules.
| Shipping Method | Cost Range | Transit Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared Container (1 car) | $1,600-$2,000 | 30-37 days | Individual importers |
| Dedicated 20ft Container | $4,500-$5,500 | 25-30 days | High-value vehicles |
| Shared Container (2 cars) | $3,000 total | 30-37 days | Family relocations |
| Air Freight | $15,000+ | 3-7 days | Urgent shipments |
Average dedicated container cost: $4,800
Average shared container cost: $1,800
Actual savings: 62.5% per vehicle
The 40% savings advertised is actually conservative compared to real-world results, with many clients saving 50-60% through container consolidation.
West Coast Shipping has optimized consolidation services specifically for the New Zealand market:
1. New Zealand Compliance Integration
Pre-shipment biosecurity cleaning coordination
NZTA entry certification documentation preparation
Combined customs clearance processing
GST payment handling and exemption verification
2. Strategic NZ Port Relationships
Weekly allocations at Auckland's primary container terminal
Direct container handling at port rather than off-site CFS
Priority biosecurity inspection scheduling
Expedited container release procedures
3. Volume-Based Advantages
Guaranteed weekly container space allocations
Preferential sailing schedules with major ocean carriers
Dedicated New Zealand documentation team
Volume discounts passed to individual customers
Case Study: A Wellington-based classic car collector saved $28,400 shipping seven vehicles over 18 months using container consolidation versus dedicated containers.
Container consolidation provides maximum benefit for:
1. Single-Vehicle Importers
Private individuals importing personal vehicles
First-time importers testing the New Zealand market
Collectors adding individual vehicles to collections
2. Standard-Sized Vehicles
Sedans, coupes, and standard SUVs
Small to mid-size trucks
Compact sports cars
3. Flexible Timeline Shipments
Non-urgent relocations
Inventory additions without specific deadlines
Seasonal vehicle imports (e.g., summer convertibles)
4. Multi-Vehicle Imports
Family relocations with 2-3 vehicles
Small dealer inventory shipments
Collection transfers requiring multiple vehicles
Container consolidation isn't ideal for every situation:
1. Oversize Vehicles
Full-size trucks, large SUVs, and vehicles with aftermarket modifications may require dedicated containers.
2. Urgent Shipments
Consolidation adds 5-7 days to standard shipping times due to loading coordination.
3. Non-Running Project Cars
Vehicles requiring special loading equipment often need dedicated container space and custom securing.
4. High-Value Exotics
Vehicles valued over $250,000 typically warrant exclusive container shipping with specialized insurance.
Booking consolidated shipping through West Coast Shipping follows a streamlined process:
1. Request Quote via our Car Shipping Calculator for instant consolidation rates.
2. Documentation Submission
Vehicle title (or ownership documentation)
Seller's invoice/bill of sale
Export authorization (if applicable)
Personal identification
3. Vehicle Delivery
Drop-off at our California, Florida, or New Jersey facilities
Or arrange door-to-port pickup service
4. Track Shipment through our online portal, following your vehicle's journey to New Zealand in real-time.
Container consolidation offers the perfect balance of affordability and protection when shipping vehicles to New Zealand. By saving 40-50% on shipping costs while maintaining the security of container transport, this approach has made international car shipping accessible to individual importers and collectors. With West Coast Shipping's weekly consolidated departures, professional loading procedures, and New Zealand-specific expertise, you can navigate the complex world of international car shipping with confidence and efficiency.
Contact West Coast Shipping for container consolidation quotes and scheduling.
For more money-saving strategies, see the cost optimization section in our Car Shipping to New Zealand: Complete Guide.