Our international freight service arranges air and sea freight with our carrier partners, for businesses importing into or exporting from Australia. We coordinate the shipment from booking to delivery at your door, with pick-up and delivery within Australia handled by our team.
What does international freight involve?
International freight moves goods between Australia and other countries by air or sea. Alongside the transport itself, a shipment involves booking space with a carrier, preparing export or import documents, customs clearance and delivery at each end.
We arrange the freight with our carrier partners and coordinate each step, so you have one point of contact for the whole shipment.
Air freight or sea freight?
| Air freight | Sea freight | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Urgent, high-value or smaller shipments | Larger, heavier or less urgent shipments |
| Transit time | Shorter | Longer |
| Cost | Higher per kilogram | Usually lower per kilogram for larger volumes |
| Shipment options | Loose cargo by weight and volume | Full container load (FCL) or less than container load (LCL) |
Importing into Australia
- Imports valued over AUD 1,000 need a full import declaration, which is generally lodged by a licensed customs broker.
- Customs duty and GST may apply. GST on imported goods is 10%.
- Goods can be inspected for biosecurity by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.
- Timber packaging, such as pallets and crates, should be ISPM 15 treated and marked to avoid delays at the border.
Documents you’ll usually need
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Bill of lading for sea freight, or air waybill for air freight
- Any permits or certificates your goods require
Incoterms
Your Incoterms, such as EXW, FOB, CIF or DDP, set out which costs and risks the buyer and the seller each take on. Check the Incoterms on your purchase order before you book, because they decide which parts of the shipment you need to arrange.
Ports and airports
Container freight for the Newcastle region generally moves through Port Botany in Sydney or the Port of Newcastle, and air freight through Sydney Airport. We’ll confirm the best route for your shipment when we quote.
How it works
- Send your shipment details. Tell us the origin and destination, the goods, their weights and dimensions, your Incoterms and when they’re ready.
- Compare options. We quote the air or sea options that suit your shipment.
- Book and prepare documents. We book space with our carrier partners and coordinate the paperwork.
- Clearance. Imports are cleared by a licensed customs broker.
- Delivered. Our team delivers to your door within Australia.
What affects the price of international freight
International freight is quoted on each shipment. The main factors are:
- Air or sea, and the route between origin and destination
- The weight and volume of the goods
- Full container or shared container (sea freight)
- Customs, duty and GST on imports
- Pick-up and delivery at each end
Questions about this service
Do you handle customs clearance?
Customs clearance in Australia must be lodged by a licensed customs broker. Ask us about your shipment and we’ll explain how it will be handled.
How long does international freight take?
It depends on the origin, the destination and whether you choose air or sea. Contact us with your details for a timeframe.
Do you handle exports as well as imports?
Yes. We arrange export freight with our carrier partners, as well as imports into Australia.
What should I send you for a quote?
The origin and destination, a description of the goods, their weights and dimensions, your Incoterms and the date the goods will be ready.
Get a quote
Tell us what you need moved and where it’s going, or call 0485 752 618.
Related services: Same-Day Courier · Road Freight · Warehousing & Fulfilment