Cost to Ship a Boat From USA to Australia (3 Ways)
The three main ways to ship a boat from the USA to Australia are Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo), container shipping, and flat rack shipping. Let's break down how much each method costs as well as what other accompanying costs you need to prepare for.
For shipping via container, the estimated costs will be around $5,000–$10,000. For Roll-On/Roll-Off shipping, the costs can range from $2,000 to $5,000. For boats that are too large to fit a container or RoRo ship, flat rack shipping is the most suitable option, and it costs around $3,000–$7,000.
There are several shipping companies, carriers, and transporters that offer reliable services to help you get your boat safely from the USA to Australia, such as "We Will Transport It", A1 Auto Transport, and uShip. Let's see what boat shipping services they offer and their estimated costs for each.
Summary
- Shipping your boat via container shipping is the most expensive option compared to shipping via RoRo or flat rack.
- Open and enclosed transport, roll-on/roll-off, lift-on/lift-off, flat rack, and cradle service are some of the boat shipping services offered by different companies.
- When importing a boat to Australia, you need to comply with the regulations set by the Australian Border Force (ABF) and the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA).
- The ABF requires that all transported boats need to be degassed to prevent the risk of fire or explosion.
- The Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry has set a quarantine period for newly transported boats in Australian ports.
On this page:
Three Ways To Ship a Boat From USA to Australia
| Shipping Method | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Container Shipping | $5,000 - $10,000+ |
| Roll-On/Roll-Off Shipping | $2,000 - $5,000 |
| Flat Rack Shipping | $3,000 - $7,000 |
Container shipping costs around $5,000 - $10,000 or more
Container shipping involves loading the boat onto a shipping container, which is then loaded onto a cargo ship. This method provides added protection for your boat during transit, as it is enclosed in a container. However, it can be more expensive than other methods.
The cost of container shipping a boat from the USA to Australia can vary depending on a number of factors, such as the size and weight of the boat, the distance between the ports of origin and destination, and the specific shipping company or freight forwarder you choose to work with. Let's work with the following examples:
| Boat Size | Origin | Destination | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30-foot sailboat | Miami, Florida | Sydney, Australia | $10,000 to $15,000 USD |
| 40-foot powerboat | Los Angeles, California | Melbourne, Australia | $15,000 to $20,000 USD |
Let's say we want to transport a 30-foot sailboat from Miami, Florida to Sydney, Australia. The estimated cost of shipping a boat this size in a 40-foot container can range from $10,000 to $15,000 USD, but the final cost may vary depending on the specific details of the shipment.
You may also want to see this article: The Cheapest Way to Ship a Boat From Florida (All Types)
Meanwhile, shipping a 40-foot powerboat from Los Angeles, California to Melbourne, Australia could cost anywhere between $15,000 to $20,000 USD.
Roll-On/Roll-Off shipping can cost between $2,000 - $5,000
RoRo shipping is a popular method of shipping boats because it is relatively simple and cost-effective. RoRo stands for "roll-on, roll-off," and it involves driving your boat onto a specialized ship that is designed to transport vehicles and it will be secured to the deck of the ship during transit.
This method is often used for boats that are too large or heavy to be transported in a container. It is usually cheaper than container shipping, however, your boat will be exposed to the elements during transit.
The cost of RoRo shipping a boat from the USA to Australia can vary depending on a number of factors, but as a general rule of thumb, you can expect to pay between $2,000 and $5,000 for RoRo shipping a boat from the USA to Australia.
If you want to ship a 30-foot sailboat from Los Angeles, California to Sydney, Australia, the estimated cost for shipping it via RoRo would likely be around $3,500 to $4,000 USD, depending on the exact details of the shipment. However, this cost does not include yet any additional fees or charges that may be incurred during the shipping process, such as customs fees or insurance costs.
Flat rack shipping costs around $3,000 - $7,000 or more
Flat rack shipping involves securing your boat to a flat rack, which is then loaded onto a cargo ship. This method is ideal for boats that are too large to fit into a container or onto a RoRo ship.
Flat rack shipping is also more affordable than container shipping, but it does not offer the same level of protection as container shipping.
The estimated cost of shipping a 30-foot sailboat from Miami, Florida to Sydney, Australia via flat rack shipping can range from $10,000 to $15,000, depending on the specific shipping company and the route taken.
The cost of shipping a boat from the USA to Australia via flat rack shipping can vary depending on several factors, including the size of the boat, the shipping distance, and the shipping company used. Other factors that can affect the cost include the weight of the boat, the type of flat rack container used, and any additional services required, such as crating or insurance.
Shipping Companies and Their Services
Below are some of the top shipping companies offering shipping services from the USA to Australia:
1. "We Will Transport It" specializes in boat delivery from the USA to New Zealand
We Will Transport It is a reliable international boat shipping company that specializes in shipping boats to Australia and New Zealand. They have over 25 years of experience in the industry and offer a range of services to meet your needs. Below is a table showing the services they offer and the estimated costs for shipping different boat sizes:
| Boat Size | Door-to-Door Transport | Roll-on/Roll-off Service | Lift-on/Lift-off Service | Flat Rack Container Service | Cradle Service |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 20ft | $1,500 - $2,500 | $1,200 - $2,000 | $1,500 - $2,500 | $2,000 - $3,000 | $2,500 - $3,500 |
| 21-30ft | $2,000 - $3,500 | $1,500 - $2,500 | $2,000 - $3,500 | $3,000 - $4,500 | $3,500 - $5,000 |
| 31-40ft | $3,000 - $5,000 | $2,500 - $4,000 | $3,000 - $5,000 | $4,500 - $6,500 | $5,000 - $7,500 |
| 41-50ft | $4,000 - $6,500 | $3,500 - $5,500 | $4,000 - $6,500 | $6,000 - $8,500 | $7,500 - $10,000 |
| 51-60ft | $5,000 - $8,500 | $4,500 - $7,000 | $5,000 - $8,500 | $8,000 - $11,000 | $10,000 - $13,500 |
They also offer insurance coverage to protect your boat during transport and have a team of experts who can help you with all the necessary paperwork and customs clearance.
2. A1 Auto Transport has an established reputation for boat shipping services
A1 Auto Transport is another reputable shipping company that offers boat shipping services from the USA to Australia. They have a team of experienced transporters who can handle boats of all sizes and types. Below is a table summarizing the services they offer and the estimated costs for shipping different boat sizes:
| Boat Size | Open Transport | Enclosed Transport | Door-to-Door Service | Terminal-to-Terminal Service | Roll-on/Roll-off Service | Lift-on/Lift-off Service |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 10 ft | $500 - $1,000 | $800 - $1,200 | $600 - $1,200 | $400 - $800 | $500 - $1,000 | $800 - $1,200 |
| 10 - 20 ft | $1,000 - $2,000 | $1,500 - $2,500 | $800 - $1,500 | $600 - $1,000 | $1,000 - $2,000 | $1,500 - $2,500 |
| 20 - 30 ft | $2,000 - $3,000 | $2,500 - $3,500 | $1,500 - $2,500 | $1,000 - $1,500 | $2,000 - $3,000 | $2,500 - $3,500 |
| 30 - 40 ft | $3,000 - $4,000 | $3,500 - $4,500 | $2,500 - $3,500 | $1,500 - $2,500 | $3,000 - $4,000 | $3,500 - $4,500 |
| 40 - 50 ft | $4,000 - $5,000 | $4,500 - $5,500 | $3,500 - $4,500 | $2,500 - $3,500 | $4,000 - $5,000 | $4,500 - $5,500 |
| 50 - 60 ft | $5,000 - $6,000 | $5,500 - $6,500 | $4,500 - $5,500 | $3,500 - $4,500 | $5,000 - $6,000 | $5,500 - $6,500 |
3. uShip helps boat importers connect with trusted shipping companies
uShip is an online marketplace that connects boat importers with transporters who can ship their boats from the USA to Australia.
One of the unique features of uShip is its auction-style bidding system, which allows shippers to receive multiple quotes from carriers and choose the one that best fits their needs and budget. This system can help shippers save money on shipping costs and carriers find new business opportunities.
This platform offers a range of boat shipping services for different boat sizes as summarized in the table below.
| Boat Size | Open Transport | Enclosed Transport | Door-to-Door Service | Roll-on/Roll-off Service | Lift-on/Lift-off Service |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10-20 ft | $500-$1,500 | $1,000-$2,500 | $800-$1,800 | $700-$1,500 | $900-$1,800 |
| 20-30 ft | $1,500-$2,500 | $2,500-$4,500 | $1,500-$3,000 | $1,500-$2,500 | $2,000-$3,500 |
| 30-40 ft | $2,500-$4,500 | $4,500-$7,500 | $2,500-$5,000 | $2,500-$4,500 | $3,500-$6,000 |
| 40-50 ft | $4,500-$7,500 | $7,500-$12,000 | $4,000-$8,000 | $4,500-$7,500 | $6,000-$10,000 |
| 50-60 ft | $7,500-$12,000 | $12,000-$18,000 | $6,000-$12,000 | $7,500-$12,000 | $10,000-$15,000 |
If you're having a hard time choosing which shipping company to go with, here's how you can find the best one.
Importing Process and Associated Costs
The process of importing a boat from the USA to Australia can be broken down into several steps:
Step 1: Obtain an import permit from the Australian government
An import permit is required for all boats being imported into Australia and can be obtained from the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, and Communications. The cost of the import permit is $50 AUD ($34 USD) and must be obtained prior to the shipment of the boat.
Step 2: Customs clearance is a critical step in the boat import process
Once the boat arrives in Australia, it must go through customs clearance. This involves paying any import duty and GST (Goods and Services Tax) that is applicable.
The amount of duty and GST payable depends on the value of the boat and the country of origin. The current import duty rate for boats is 5% of the customs value, while the GST rate is 10% of the customs value plus the duty payable.
Step 3: Comply with Australian standards
All boats being imported into Australia must comply with Australian standards for safety and environmental protection. This may require modifications to the boat, which can add to the overall cost of the import process.
To avoid unnecessary costs for modification, you might need to hire a marine surveyor to inspect your boat before importing it to Australia. The surveyor will check the boat's condition and ensure that it complies with the Australian Maritime Safety Authority's (AMSA) standards. They will also provide you with a report that you need to submit to the AMSA.
If your boat has a fuel tank that contains residual fuel, you need to degas it before importing it to Australia. The Australian Border Force (ABF) requires all fuel tanks to be degassed to prevent the risk of fire or explosion during transportation.
Step 4: Obtain AusFTA certification
If the boat is manufactured in the USA, it may be eligible for duty-free entry under the Australia-United States Free Trade Agreement (AusFTA). To be eligible, the boat must meet certain criteria and an AusFTA certificate must be obtained. The cost of obtaining an AusFTA certificate varies depending on the certification body, however, it is typically in the range of $200 to $500 AUD.
Step 5: Consider other additional costs
In addition to the above costs, there may be other costs associated with importing a boat into Australia, such as:
Additional costs for obtaining insurance
Insurance is an important aspect of shipping your boat, as it can protect you against any damage or loss that may occur during transit. The cost of insurance will depend on the value of your boat, as well as the type of coverage you choose, but to give you an estimate you may refer to the table below:
| Boat Value | Estimated Insurance Cost Range |
|---|---|
| $10,000 | $200 - $400 |
| $25,000 | $500 - $1,000 |
| $50,000 | $1,000 - $2,000 |
| $100,000 | $2,000 - $4,000 |
| $250,000 | $5,000 - $10,000 |
| $500,000 | $10,000 - $20,000 |
When purchasing insurance, try to shop around and compare quotes from different providers. This will help you find the best coverage at the most affordable price. Some shipping companies may offer insurance as part of their services, so be sure to ask about this when obtaining quotes.
Additional payment for duty costs
Duty costs are another important consideration when shipping your boat from the USA to Australia. These costs are based on the value of your boat and are calculated as a percentage of that value. The duty rate for boats shipped from the USA to Australia is typically around 5% FOB, but this may vary depending on the specific circumstances.
Note that duty costs may not apply to all boats shipped from the USA to Australia.For American-made boats shipped from the USA to Australia, there is typically no import duty. However, if you purchase a boat in the USA that was manufactured in another country, an import duty of 5% FOB will apply.
Additional costs for storage
Storage costs refer to the fees charged for keeping your boat in a storage facility before and after shipment. The cost of storage can depend on the size of your boat, the type of storage facility, and the duration of the storage period. To give an estimate of how much you need to pay for storage, you can refer to the table below.
| Estimated Cost | |
|---|---|
| Average Cost per Cubic Foot | $0.50 per cubic foot |
| Average Cost per Bin | $2.85 per bin |
| Average Cost per Square Foot | $0.66 per square foot |
| Average Cost per Pallet | $13.20 per pallet |
Additional costs for boat quarantine
Quarantine costs refer to the fees charged for inspecting and treating your boat for any pests or diseases before it is allowed to enter Australia. These fees can vary depending on the size of your boat and the duration of the quarantine period.
The Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry requires a quarantine period for boats arriving at their port. During this period, your boat will be inspected, and any pests or diseases will be treated. The cost of quarantine can range from $400 to $1,000 per week, depending on the size of your boat and the duration of the quarantine period.
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