Shipping a Classic Car to Australia

If you’re a classic car enthusiast, there’s a good chance you’ve always dreamed of taking your prized possession on an epic road trip across the United States. But what if you want to take your car on an even longer journey – say, all the way to Australia?

Owning a classic car is not just about car clubs and swap meets. Although it is a beloved hobby, it is also a wise investment. That’s why you’ll need to take extra care when it comes time to ship your car. You can protect its value by ensuring your vehicle is transported in the safest possible way.

Keep reading to learn more about shipping a classic car to Australia, including the laws you should know about, finding the right shipping company, and what documents you’ll need.

1. Research Import and Export Laws

Before obtaining any permits or clearance, make sure your car complies with Australian safety and environmental standards. You can find more information about Australian Design Rules through the Department of Infrastructure.

You’ll also need to ensure your car is eligible for export through US Customs and Border Patrol. You must provide Customs with a 72-hour notice before exporting the vehicle through their Automated Export System (AES). Filing requirements will vary depending on the value of your car, your citizenship status, and other factors.

Next, you’ll need to get an import permit from the Australian Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, and Communications. You can apply for this online, and you’ll need to provide some basic information about your car. Once you have your permit, you’ll need to arrange for shipping.

If you’re unsure about any of the laws and regulations surrounding shipping a classic car to Australia, it’s best to consult with a professional shipping company. These companies have experience working with vehicles of all types and can help guide you through the process from start to finish.

2. How to Prepare Your Car for Shipment

If you’re planning on shipping your car overseas to Australia, there are a few things you’ll need to do to prepare it for the journey.

First, give the car a good cleaning inside and out to remove any dirt, grime, or debris that could cause problems during transit. Next, carefully inspect the vehicle for any damage or potential issues that could arise during shipping. If you find any problems, get them fixed before shipping the car.

Finally, remove any loose items from the car that could shift during transit and damage the interior or exterior of the vehicle. By taking these simple steps, you can help ensure that your car arrives in Australia in excellent condition.

3. The Process of Shipping a Car to Australia

Shipping a car to Australia can be a daunting prospect, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the process. However, by enlisting the help of a reputable auto shipping company, you can make the process go much more smoothly.

Shippers like A-1 Auto Transport will help you prepare your vehicle for transport by checking over all the parts and components and ensuring that it meets all of the necessary safety requirements. They will also work with you to select the type of transport best suited to your needs, whether that’s an open or enclosed carrier or even an air shipment. And once your car reaches its destination in Australia, they will take care of all the customs paperwork, so your vehicle is ready to go as soon as it arrives on Australian soil.

4. What to Expect When Your Car Arrives in Australia

When your car arrives in Australia, you’ll need to go through a process known as customs clearance. This involves obtaining certain documents from your shipping provider and having them approved by postal officials or customs agents.

You’ll also typically be required to pay import duties and taxes based on the value of your car at the time of importing. Once this process is complete, you’ll get official approval to bring your vehicle into Australia and will be able to drive it legally on local roads.

While this might sound like a complicated process, most people find it relatively straightforward once they know what to expect. With the right information, timing, and preparation beforehand, it shouldn’t be too difficult for you to get your car imported into Australia smoothly and successfully.

5. Tips for Keeping Your Classic Car in Good Condition While It’s in Storage

If you aren’t ready to hit the road with your classic car once you make it to Australia, you may need to store it for a while. To keep your vehicle in good condition during this time, follow these tips:

Keep the car out of direct sunlight at all times. UV rays can damage and fade paint over time, so store your classic car in a shaded location whenever possible.

Make sure the area is well-ventilated and dry, as excess moisture can damage your car’s interior.

Protect the interior from dust by covering the seats and dash with a soft cloth.

Ensure the engine is adequately lubricated by starting it up and running it for a few minutes every few weeks. This will help keep all the moving parts in good working condition.

Check the tires periodically to ensure they are inflated to the proper pressure. Flat spots can form on tires that sit for too long, so it’s essential to keep an eye on them.

Periodically check on the vehicle to make sure it’s in good condition and that nothing is leaking or developing leaks.

If you take these steps, you can rest assured that your classic car will be in great shape when it’s time to remove it from storage and take it for a spin.

Conclusion

Shipping a classic car to Australia can be challenging, but it is definitely doable with the right information and preparation.

To get started, you’ll need to find a reliable shipping company that has experience transporting cars overseas and make sure you have all the necessary paperwork in order. Then, once your vehicle reaches Australia, you’ll need to go through customs clearance to get official approval to drive it on local roads.

While this process might sound daunting, it’s relatively straightforward if you know what to expect. By following these tips, you can ensure that your classic car arrives in Australia safely and without any issues.