Common Challenges When Shipping a Car from the UK to Australia
Today we talk something about demystifying the process of shipping a car from the UK to Australia in order to ensure that anyone in the process is well informed.
Despite this, there are several issues that are likely to emerge during the process and they include; Since one is aware of these challenges they can plan for them in order to make the process as smooth and as convenient as possible.
The following are some of the common problems that you will encounter when shipping a car from the UK to Australia.
1. Compliance with Australian Vehicle Standards
One of the greatest impediments of shipping a car to Australia is the need to make sure that the vehicle meets the Australian Design Rules (ADRs).
These are very stringent and encompass aspects such as safety, emissions as well as performance measures.
Vehicles which do not conform to the ADRs may be deemed to be unsafe and may therefore need expensive changes in order to be allowed for use on the Australian roads.
One has to know these regulations before deciding to ship a car because the adjustments that are made to the car in order to meet the set requirements take time and money.
2. Customs and Quarantine Regulations
It will also be important to note that Australia has very strict customs and quarantine laws especially with regard to the importation of vehicle.
Every vehicle that is imported into the country is required to undergo a very comprehensive examination by the Australian Border Force (ABF) and the Department of Agriculture.
The other significant challenge is to determine if any aspect of the vehicle pose biosecurity threats such as soil, plant materials or even pests.
This means therefore that the vehicle has to be thoroughly washed on the exterior and interior before it can be shipped out.
Consequences include quarantine of the car, delayed transport or increased cleaning measures, which means that more funds will be spent on the process.
3. Costs and Unexpected Fees
When shipping a car internationally, people are usually shocked by the number of additional costs that come with the process besides the shipping price.
Some of the charges include port charges, customs duties, taxes, quarantine inspection charges, and possibility of charges for alterations or for cleaning.
Also, if the car fails to meet certain set standards or if there are delays when processing the papers, there can also be charges for storage.
This is due to the fact that one has to cater for these additional costs and it is advised not to be taken by surprise.
4. Shipping Time and Delays
It takes several weeks to ship a car from the UK to Australia and there are always situations when the shipment will be delayed.
Shipping times are relative to the particular route that is being used, the current weather conditions and the current state of the ports.
Also, customs inspections and quarantine checks may sometimes result in more delay in the process if there are any problems with the car for instance.
One has to expect a long waiting time and that is why it is advisable to have a backup means of transport while waiting for the car to get out of customs.
5. Insurance and Liability Issues
Another problem is insurance when shipping a car abroad. Although majority of the shipping companies have an insurance service, it is important to know the extent of the services provided.
Most of the standard insurance policies may not include the damages that occur during loading and unloading such as dents or scratches.
It is imperative to make sure that the vehicle is insured at all time while on transit since the car may be damaged during transportation or during any form of customs checks.
6. Paperwork and Documentation
The documentations that are needed when shipping a car from the UK to Australia can be rather many and confusing.
Some of the documents that you will need include proof of ownership of the vehicle, the bill of lading, shipping insurance documents, Vehicle Import Approval from the Dept. of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications among others.
This is because lack of the required documents can cause delays or even make the vehicle not to be imported at all.
One has to make sure that all the documents are well finalized to avoid any problems encountered once the shipment is delivered.
7. Vehicle Age and Model Restrictions
Australia has set some rules that define the type of vehicle that can be imported to the country in terms of the age, model and condition of the vehicle.
Some of the older cars or models that do not meet the emission standards set by most countries may be disallowed to be imported into the country if they are not modified in some way.
Some of the makes and models may also need further certification which will take time and money to acquire.
Importing a vehicle is a complicated process and it is essential to determine if your car of choice is eligible for import before shipping it.
8. Finding a Reliable Shipping Company
Not all shipping companies are created equal and this is where one can either make a good decision or a wrong one.
It is important to engage the services of a company that has embarked on shipping of vehicles to many countries including Australia to be in a position to appreciate the challenges involved in the process.
A good shipping company will be able to assist with matters of the customs, transportation of the vehicle and any alterations that may be required in the vehicle for compliance with the importation laws.
Conclusion
Transporting a car from one country to another especially from the United Kingdom to Australia is not an easy task.
Depending on the type of car to be imported, there are many aspects that have to be taken into consideration; from adherence to the vehicle standards to the handling of the customs issues and the associated fees.
It is imperative therefore to take the following steps to ensure that the process is as easy as it can be; research the shipping company, plan the shipping process as well as try as much as possible to avoid some of the mentioned challenges.
Proper planning, research and having a good relationship with a shipping company will go a long way in reducing these problems and make the whole process as smooth as possible.
And thus, understanding the possible difficulties and being prepared for them you will be able to bring your vehicle safely and in good working condition to Australia.
