LCL shared container
For smaller packed shipments.
For your quote: Volume, gross weight and stackability.
Ocean Freight to Australia: Costs and Transit Times
Ocean freight to and from Australia, with the arrival port, cargo preparation and long inland distances considered before you book.
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A clear quote
Services and terms set out in writing
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COSTS AT A GLANCE
How much does ocean freight to Australia cost?
The US and Canadian examples below allow USD 2,600–5,500 for standard container freight to Australia. Pacific and Atlantic origins have different routing, so the cheapest main-freight price is not necessarily the lowest delivered cost. Inspection, terminal handling and long inland distances can add to the total. For LCL, request a comparison based on packed volume and weight, with cargo preparation assessed before loading.
Read the route, currency and service scope together. An estimate is not a confirmed booking.
ROUTES AND SERVICE SCOPE
Ocean freight to Australia: price examples
Indicative planning budgets in USD, not live carrier quotes. Prices cover an allowance for the main sea freight; terminal charges, surcharges, customs, taxes, insurance and inland legs are confirmed separately. Routes and transit ranges are illustrative, subject to the booked itinerary.
| Volume or container | Example route | Transit estimate | Transport type | Indicative price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20-foot dry container | Los Angeles → Sydney | 18–30 days · planning estimate | FCL · indicative ocean-freight budget | USD 2,600–3,700 |
| 40-foot dry container | Long Beach → Melbourne | 20–35 days · planning estimate | FCL · indicative ocean-freight budget | USD 3,800–5,200 |
| 20-foot dry container | New York → Brisbane | 30–45 days · planning estimate | FCL · indicative ocean-freight budget | USD 3,000–4,500 |
| 40-foot dry container | Vancouver → Sydney | 25–40 days · planning estimate | FCL · indicative ocean-freight budget | USD 3,500–5,500 |
| 20-foot dry container | Montreal → Melbourne | 40–60 days · planning estimate | FCL · indicative ocean-freight budget | USD 3,200–5,000 |
Planning guidance, September 2026. Collection, delivery, terminal handling, clearance, taxes and insurance are included only when explicitly stated in your quote. Routing and acceptance are checked before booking.
A quote for your shipment
Tell us your origin, destination and cargo. We will reply within 24 hours.
Request a quoteSPACE AND SERVICE
Which shipping option suits your shipment to Australia?
20-foot container
Exclusive space for your cargo.
For your quote: Payload, dimensions and loading facilities.
40-foot / high cube
For larger or taller loads.
For your quote: Door clearance, volume and unloading.
PREPARE YOUR SHIPMENT
Shipping container sizes and capacities
Compare 20-foot, 40-foot and high-cube containers: internal dimensions, volume, door openings and payload.
Read the guide →MEASURE BEFORE YOU BOOK
The space your shipment needs
| Option | Suitable for | Details needed |
|---|---|---|
| LCL shared container | For smaller packed shipments. | Volume, gross weight and stackability. |
| 20-foot container | Exclusive space for your cargo. | Payload, dimensions and loading facilities. |
| 40-foot / high cube | For larger or taller loads. | Door clearance, volume and unloading. |
GATEWAYS AND DELIVERY
Ports and delivery areas in Australia
Declare used machinery, timber packaging and any soil or organic contamination before shipping. Cargo and packaging preparation should be checked against applicable Australian biosecurity requirements before loading. Provide the invoice, packing list and importer details, and agree who handles inspection arrangements and release. Inspection, treatment or storage costs need explicit treatment in the proposal.
Sydney / Port Botany
Plan the final handoverConfirm the New South Wales delivery postcode and unloading arrangements. Port arrival does not include release or delivery to the warehouse.
Melbourne
Plan the final handoverInclude the final Victorian delivery address and required equipment. Compare the cost of the complete route, not only the ocean leg.
Brisbane
Plan the final handoverProvide the Queensland destination and access details. Long inland distances can be significant even after the container reaches the coast.
Fremantle / Adelaide
Plan the final handoverChoose the gateway using the actual Western or South Australian delivery address. A port on the opposite coast can add a substantial land leg.
PLAN YOUR CONNECTION
Routes to and from Australia
These connections illustrate requests. They do not confirm a direct service, timetable or acceptance.
Los Angeles ↔ Sydney
Provide the actual collection and delivery addresses. We check the main transport, any connecting legs and handling requirements for your direction of travel.
Long Beach ↔ Melbourne
Provide the actual collection and delivery addresses. We check the main transport, any connecting legs and handling requirements for your direction of travel.
New York ↔ Brisbane
Provide the actual collection and delivery addresses. We check the main transport, any connecting legs and handling requirements for your direction of travel.
Vancouver ↔ Sydney
Provide the actual collection and delivery addresses. We check the main transport, any connecting legs and handling requirements for your direction of travel.
Montreal ↔ Melbourne
Provide the actual collection and delivery addresses. We check the main transport, any connecting legs and handling requirements for your direction of travel.
Santos ↔ Sydney
Provide the actual collection and delivery addresses. We check the main transport, any connecting legs and handling requirements for your direction of travel.
PREPARATION
Prepare your shipment in four steps
List and measure
Describe the commodity, package count, packed dimensions and gross weight. Include loading and lifting requirements.
Check access
Give collection and delivery addresses, unloading facilities and any access restrictions.
Agree the scope
Check included services, exclusions, currency and the transport direction before accepting the quote.
Confirm handover
Prepare documents and packing for the agreed carrier and confirm collection and receiving arrangements.
YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED
Ocean freight to Australia: FAQs
What affects the price?
The US and Canadian examples below allow USD 2,600–5,500 for standard container freight to Australia. Pacific and Atlantic origins have different routing, so the cheapest main-freight price is not necessarily the lowest delivered cost. Inspection, terminal handling and long inland distances can add to the total. For LCL, request a comparison based on packed volume and weight, with cargo preparation assessed before loading.
Which transport option should I choose?
The choice depends on dimensions, weight, contents and handling requirements. The options above describe different service scopes, not interchangeable prices. Provide accurate measurements and your preferred date so we can assess the suitable equipment. Acceptance is confirmed before booking.
How long does transport take?
For Australia, the main transport time must be distinguished from collection, consolidation, clearance and delivery. See the route-specific planning ranges below. We will confirm the itinerary and expected handover window with the proposal. Do not schedule a final delivery solely from a vessel or flight arrival estimate.
Can I arrange collection and delivery?
Yes, request the legs you need and provide complete addresses. For Sydney / Port Botany, tell us whether handover is at a terminal, depot or private address. Access and unloading requirements affect the scope. The quote will say which legs are included.
What documents and preparation are needed?
Declare used machinery, timber packaging and any soil or organic contamination before shipping. Cargo and packaging preparation should be checked against applicable Australian biosecurity requirements before loading. Provide the invoice, packing list and importer details, and agree who handles inspection arrangements and release. Inspection, treatment or storage costs need explicit treatment in the proposal.
What is excluded from the example prices?
Indicative planning budgets in USD, not live carrier quotes. Prices cover an allowance for the main sea freight; terminal charges, surcharges, customs, taxes, insurance and inland legs are confirmed separately. Routes and transit ranges are illustrative, subject to the booked itinerary. Terminal costs, taxes, insurance and local transport must be checked separately against the written quote.
Can I ship in the opposite direction?
Yes, you can request either direction. The receiving country, contents and handover requirements determine the documentation and available service. An outward price does not automatically apply to the return journey. Swap the origin and destination in the form for a separate assessment.
Does my request confirm a booking?
No. Your request lets us check cargo, routing and services. We will respond within 24 hours, but a booking requires an accepted proposal and confirmed availability. Do not deliver cargo to a terminal until the handover instructions are confirmed.
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Tell us your cargo, origin and destination. We will prepare a proposal with the transport services and conditions clearly set out.
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