Shipping a car from HK to Aus

[Jos77]

Hi,
We're moving back to Aus soon and was hoping to get some help about costs to take our car back with us.

Jos

[wtbhotia]

PM Skyhook, I think he has lots of experience doing this and he's in Sai Kung also.

[Jos77]

Thanks for that.

[Skyhook]

Hi,
We're moving back to Aus soon and was hoping to get some help about costs to take our car back with us.

Jos

If you use a RO/RO service like K - Line for example, ( I prefer RO/RO rather than containers ) it should cost between $1200 - $1500US all in ex Kwai Chung. I assume you already have your DOTARS approval so it's just a matter of arranging the shipping/logistics side of thing etc ? If not please refer to the DOTARS website here > http://www.infrastructure.gov.au/roa...ral/index.aspx

Give Apple Zou or Vicki Wu a call on 2861 5433 or email [email protected] for an accurate quote and a shipping schedule.

Other things you need to consider.

Have just enough fuel to drive the car on and off the ship.

Getting the car to port, either self drive and catch a cab home or organise a tow truck. Towing will cost between $350 - $600 from SK - KC depending on what rate you pay. Gweilo rate will always be higher lol. The car must be there 2 - 3 hours before departure.

Make sure you have your HK ID card to enter the port, affix A4 sized info sheets to the front and rear windscreens of the car you are going to ship, that lists Vehicle Identification number, Chassis and Engine # and the Bill of Lading number. Place the BIL paperwork on the drivers side of the dash as it waits on the dock prior to being driven onto the car carrier ( ship ). The ships purser will get you to sign the BIL and give you a copy, then you can leave.

Make sure you evacuate the air-conditioning system prior to shipping if it does not have, an Australian approved, automotive CFC free refrigerant spec.

Also if the car has a very expensive car radio installed and it happens to have a detachable face, remove it and take it back in your hand luggage when you fly back...They " could " get nicked, otherwise...

You will also have to pay ( AUS ) 10% customs duty and 10% GST based on a rough rule of thumb, 50% value of what an authorised ( present used book value ) Australian delivery via Lance Dixons, would be. You will also have to pay luxury car tax if the value of your car hits over the threshold.

Hope that helps a bit...

[star-anise]

When you have cleared custom, the procedure in Victoria is that you will need to go to a garage that is able to do road worthiness check and issue a road worthiness cert. if your car does not have child seat hooks installed, you will need to get them installed by a specialist as well. After everything is issued, you will then need to book a time with vicroads or local transport authority to have your car inspected and registered...

Quite a exhaustive and somewhat costly exercise actually!

[Jos77]

Thanks sky hook,

That definitely helps me. A lot!

Jos

[Jos77]

Thanks also Star Anise,

We're going to WA do r/w won't be a problem.

Jos

[Skyhook]

AHhhh WA, I don't think the RORO service applies to WA, I have always shipped cars to Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne. In that case you are going to have to organise a container, and have it loaded at the HIT port instead, which will cost more. Depending on what the rates are at the moment, I would guess it will be between $1500US - $2300 ish for a 20ft container.

For somebody that has container experience specific to cars, ie they have their own experienced packers and know how to strap the car down without damaging suspension components, I would call Mr Clem Storey ( another Sai Kung district resident ) C/- AFS International Freight Forwarding on 2368 5288.
He wont be the cheapest, but your car will end up undamaged and in one piece, so he's worth paying the extra for.

[MovingIn07]

Or ship to melbourne, fly down and then drive it over. Quite an epic (3 -day) drive but I've been told it's a great trip.

BTW - can you fill the car with "stuff" and save on shipping other gear, or is it illegal or too risky?

[bryant.english]

Or ship to melbourne, fly down and then drive it over. Quite an epic (3 -day) drive but I've been told it's a great trip.

BTW - can you fill the car with "stuff" and save on shipping other gear, or is it illegal or too risky?

Reminds me of when I toyed with the idea of bringing my van from the UK to here, (wish I did now!). They told me that because I'd be renting the container i could pack the van and any free space around it!