Secure UK ↔ Australasia Vehicle Shipping

Classic cars, motorcycles, valuable vehicles to Australia & New Zealand — shipped with expertise and care since 1998

Shipping a classic car or valuable vehicle to Australia? You need more than a freight forwarder pushing paperwork. You need specialists who understand that your '67 Mustang or vintage Land Rover isn't just cargo — it's a prized possession.

We ship our own classic cars and caravans between UK and Australia, so we know exactly what matters: proper securing, enclosed container protection, and careful handling at every stage. And because we're direct importers with shipping line accounts, you pay wholesale rates without the middleman markup.

Container shipping from £4,500 for a single vehicle. Transit time 8-16 weeks. Full marine insurance available.

Why Container Shipping vs RoRo?

✓ Container Shipping (Our Method)

  • Enclosed protection — Your vehicle is fully protected from weather, salt spray, and deck exposure
  • Professional securing — Hand-loaded with proper blocking and bracing
  • Load personal items — Can include spare parts, tools, accessories within the container
  • Better for high-value — Suitable for restored classics, valuable collectibles
  • Flexible scheduling — Share container space or book sole-use
  • Often cheaper — Especially for sharing space or multiple vehicles

✗ RoRo Shipping (Roll-On/Roll-Off)

  • Exposed on deck — Vehicle sits on open ship deck for 8+ weeks
  • Weather exposure — Salt spray, sun, rain exposure during transit
  • Nothing inside — Cannot load any personal items or spare parts
  • Basic securing — Standard tie-downs, less protection
  • Fixed pricing — No flexibility for sharing or combining
  • Often more expensive — Especially for caravans and oversized vehicles

Choose Your Service Level

Port-to-Port

Most Popular

You deliver your vehicle to UK port (Southampton, Felixstowe, or Tilbury). You collect from AU/NZ port (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Auckland, etc.).

  • Lowest cost option
  • You control timing at both ends
  • Most flexibility

Door-to-Port

+£400-£1,200

We collect your vehicle from your UK location and deliver to port. You collect from AU/NZ port.

  • Convenient UK collection
  • Professional transport to port
  • Price depends on your location

Port-to-Door

+£600-£1,500

You deliver to UK port. We arrange delivery from AU/NZ port to your destination address.

  • Convenient AU/NZ delivery
  • Professional transport from port
  • Price depends on destination

Full Door-to-Door

+£1,000-£2,700

We handle collection in UK and delivery in AU/NZ. Complete white-glove service.

  • Complete convenience
  • No port visits required
  • Best for busy schedules

Port-to-Port Pricing Guide

Vehicle Type Container Price
Single car/motorcycle (shared 20ft) Shared 20ft £4,500-£5,500
Single large car (sole-use 20ft) Sole 20ft £6,500-£8,500
Two cars (40ft container) Sole 40ft £8,500-£10,500
Premium vehicle (>£50k value) Custom Custom quote

Includes:

  • Secure hand-loaded container shipping
  • Professional blocking and bracing
  • Marine cargo insurance (up to £50k, higher available)
  • Full customs documentation and manifesting
  • Port delivery (UK) and port collection (AU/NZ)
  • 8-16 week transit time

Our Vehicle Shipping Process

1. Preparation Guidance

We guide you through all preparation requirements:

  • Biosecurity cleaning (critical for AU/NZ)
  • Fluid levels and battery preparation
  • Documentation required
  • Photography for insurance

2. Professional Loading

Your vehicle is loaded with care:

  • Hand-driven into container
  • Proper wheel chocks and securing
  • Blocking and bracing to prevent movement
  • Final inspection and sealing

3. Insurance & Tracking

Complete peace of mind:

  • Marine cargo insurance included
  • Higher value coverage available
  • Container tracking during transit
  • Updates on shipping status

Real Customer Story

1967 Ford Mustang - UK to Melbourne

Customer: Classic car collector

Challenge: £45,000 restored vehicle, needed secure shipping without deck exposure

Solution: Sole-use 20ft container, professional securing, agreed value insurance at £45,000

Result: 9-week transit, arrived pristine condition, customer saved £2,000 vs. removals company quote

"I was nervous about shipping my restored Mustang to Australia, but SeaCrate made the whole process straightforward. They understood the value of the car and treated it with respect. Arrived in perfect condition, and I saved money compared to other quotes. Highly recommended for classic car shipping."

— David M., Melbourne

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I load personal items inside my car?

Yes, within reason. You can load spare parts, tools, and accessories that relate to the vehicle. These must be declared on the customs manifest. We don't recommend household goods, but vehicle-related items are fine.

What biosecurity cleaning is required?

Australian biosecurity is very strict. Your vehicle must be spotlessly clean — undercarriage, wheel wells, interior. No soil, seeds, or organic material. We provide a detailed cleaning checklist. Failure to clean properly results in £220+ fines at AU customs.

How long does shipping take?

8-16 weeks depending on route and port. UK to Sydney/Melbourne is typically 10-12 weeks. This includes inland transport to UK port, sea transit, and customs clearance.

What insurance is included?

Marine cargo insurance up to £50,000 is included in our pricing. For higher value vehicles, we can arrange additional coverage. You'll need to provide proof of value (receipts, valuations, photos).

Can I ship a non-running vehicle?

Yes, but it requires special handling. The vehicle needs to be loadable (steering works, brakes functional for safety). We'll arrange winching if needed. Additional charges may apply.

What documents do I need?

UK side: V5 logbook, proof of ownership, export declaration. AU/NZ side: Import approval, biosecurity clearance, customs declaration. We guide you through every document required.

Why is container shipping better than RoRo for classics?

RoRo exposes your vehicle to 8+ weeks of salt spray, weather, and deck conditions. For a restored classic or valuable vehicle, the risk isn't worth the small cost difference. Container shipping provides complete protection.

Can I share a container to save money?

Yes! If you have a standard-sized vehicle, you can share a 20ft or 40ft container with another customer. This reduces your cost significantly. We handle all the coordination.

Ready to Ship Your Vehicle?

Get a detailed quote in 24 hours. Tell us about your vehicle and requirements.

Get Vehicle Quote →