Your Top Questions About Vehicle Shipping Answered 

20 Feb 2026

Transporting a vehicle across the world can feel like a daunting task, especially with the complex web of customs and shipping logistics involved. Whether you’re a first-timer importing a classic car or a seasoned pro moving heavy machinery, you likely have a few questions. 

At Dolphin Shipping, we specialise in making the international freighting experience smooth and predictable. Here are the most common queries we receive from Australians looking to move their vehicles overseas or bring them home. 

  1. How do I actually get a car into Australia?

Importing a vehicle into Australia is heavily regulated. You cannot simply buy a car overseas and ship it here without prior permission. 

  • The Golden Rule: You must obtain a Vehicle Import Approval (VIA) from the Australian Government before the vehicle leaves the origin port. 
  • Common Entry Paths: Vehicles are usually imported under specific categories, such as vehicles manufactured before July 1997, the Registered Automotive Workshop Scheme (RAWS) or the Personal Import Scheme. 
  1. What are the main shipping methods?

There are two primary ways to move a vehicle across the ocean: 

  • Roll-on/Roll-off (Ro/Ro): The vehicle is driven onto a specialised vessel (like a floating parking garage). This is the most cost-effective method and is the industry standard for most cars and machinery. 
  • Container Shipping: Your vehicle is secured inside a private or shared shipping container. This is generally more expensive but offers extra security for high-value vehicles and allows you to ship spare parts or personal belongings inside the car. 
  1. How much does it cost?

Costs vary significantly based on: 

  • The origin and destination ports. 
  • The size and weight of the vehicle. 
  • Current import fees and taxes. 
  • The Dolphin Difference: We provide comprehensive quotes with no hidden costs. Beware of competitors who don’t disclose all local port and quarantine fees upfront. 
  1. Which Australian ports can I use?

We offer international vehicle shipping worldwide through all major Australian ports, including: 

  • Port Kembla (Sydney) 
  • Brisbane 
  • Melbourne 
  • Adelaide 
  • Fremantle (Perth) 
  1. Can I ship more than just cars?

Absolutely. While cars are our core business, we have the expertise and heavy-duty equipment to transport: 

  • Boats and yachts. 
  • Motorhomes, Caravans and RVs. 
  • Heavy agricultural and industrial machinery. 
  1. Is it harder to export a car from Australia?

Exporting can be easier or harder depending on the regulations of the country you are shipping to. For example, shipping to New Zealand is a very popular and relatively straightforward route due to open trade policies. We always recommend researching the import laws of your destination country first. 

  1. Why choose a specialist over a general freight company?

General freight companies deal with boxes and pallets. Specialised vehicle shippers like Dolphin Shipping understand the unique quarantine requirements (cleaning for seeds and soil), the specific lashing points for cars and the delicate nature of customs paperwork for motor vehicles. We are agents who handle the entire process door-to-door.