How to Ship to Australia from the US: A Beginner’s Guide

While shipping from the US to Australia seems to be rare, it is actually quite common. Given that approximately 10% of all the retail purchases on the continent are made online, no wonder that there are plenty of US shops that deliver their goods across the Pacific Ocean. Thus, expanding business to target Australians or having increased traffic from that country comes with many advantages if properly managed.

This article Meest-America provides you with a quick guide on how to ship package to Australia from the USA so that it arrives timely, damage-free, and not for all the money in the world. All the essential points, like customs clearance, restricted items, and cheap ways to deliver to Australia, are covered.

How to Get Your Parcel Shipped?

The key thing to remember when you need to ship a package to Australia is that this country has one of the strictest regulations regarding goods and objects that can be shipped. For instance, shipment of agricultural products is strictly forbidden, as well as anything that poses a danger to public safety.

On top of that, the list of restricted or forbidden objects includes:

• machinery, especially used one;
• drugs & steroids;
• weapons/firearms;
• plants & animals;
• protected wildlife.

Australia also ensures that agricultural products, animals, mining and construction machinery, as well as certain packaged foods, meet quarantine requirements before being imported into the country.

Tariffs, Taxes, and Fees

While restrictions on imports are strong, taxes and duties are less strict. More than 99% of parcels fall under the duty-free category thanks to the Australia-United States Free Trade Agreement (AUSFTA).

Whenever you need to send the following products, there are no duties:

• food & beverages;
• certain medical services, aids, and appliances;
• educational materials and courses;
• cars/car parts for disabled veterans and disabled people.

Please note that the absence of duties does not equal the absence of taxes. In summary, the Goods and Services Tax (GST) is levied on most items that are imported into Australia. What does it mean for you? Be ready to pay 10% of the value of the imported goods.

Documentation and Import Declaration

Customs protocols and compliance standards are among the things that should be treated with special attention. Ensure your international shipment includes all required documentation, such as a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, and certificate of origin. In addition, for parcels with a value over AUD 1,000, an Australian Border Force import declaration must be filed.

Proper labeling and packaging are also essential. Keep in mind that goods must carry a trade description in English, including the country of origin. Non-compliant labeling can result in goods being held at customs or fines.

Packaging Matters

Always check that the packaging meets relevant safety standards. This is especially critical for fragile, hazardous, or temperature-sensitive objects.

Understanding Shipping Fees

How much is it to ship a package to Australia? In short, do not expect transportation to be cheap. There are several factors that make delivery from the US to Australia expensive, and it is doubtful that anything can change shortly.

What factors contribute to the high delivery cost?

Geographical Challenges

Australia’s remote location means longer transit routes. Indeed, most goods need to travel long distances to reach Australian shores. As a result, increased fuel and labor costs.

Port Congestion

Delays in loading and unloading cargo in such ports as Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane make shipping costs higher. On top of that, Australia has high port fees that are also reflected in the total cost.

Labor Shortages in Logistics

Logistics in Australia is going through difficult times with ongoing labor shortages. Thus, there is a constant need for staff in positions such as truck drivers, port workers, and warehouse staff. Limited availability of skilled workers drives wage increases, which impact the delivery cost.

Cheapest Ways to Receive Parcels from the US

The high delivery rates are still in place, no matter which transportation carrier you choose to send a package to Australia. Therefore, being picky about the delivery company to minimize delivery cost will not have a desired effect.

It is more effective to focus on other aspects that might help you reduce the shipping price. Some of the tips are:

• select lightweight goods and space-saving packaging if possible;
• look for flat-rate shipping deals if you shop in US stores often;
• buy in bundles to split shipping across items;
• use shipping calculators to compare options before checkout.

They can help Australian shoppers cut down on the delivery fees a bit. Is it possible to do more than that?

Plan Ahead

Buying spontaneously from an online store in the US is not the best option. The more urgently you need a bought item, the higher the fee you will have to pay. Why? You would have to use the express delivery option, which is highly expensive. Meanwhile, planned purchases allow you to use standard delivery, which has significantly lower fees.

Volume-Based Discount

Unless you plan to buy only one specific item, it is worth searching for a store that offers volume-based discounts. Sometimes, this kind of purchase even allows free delivery, which significantly reduces the total cost.

Smart Packing

Given the delivery cost and the fact that shipping cost is based on dimensional weight, smart packing is a must. Here are some of the tips on how to pack your goods safely to prevent damage on the one hand and ensure you do not spend extra because of a too-large box:

1. Begin with a thorough choice of a sturdy box. It should be the perfect size to put all the shipped items in it. At the same time, it should not take up too much space.
2. Use fillers to make sure objects in the box do not move. The route is long, and movements inside the box can lead to damage.
3. Put wide tape to ensure the box will not open wide in the process of handling.

Follow through to make sure your parcel is packed well and has increased protection from damage.

Shipping Options from the USA to Australia

What is the best way to send a package to Australia? The answer to this question depends on many factors, including what is shipped and how urgently you need it. In general, there are three main ways how to ship a package to Australia — by air, by sea, and by container shipping. Let’s take a look at when and why each of the methods is a perfect option.

Air Freight

Do you need to have your package shipped from the USA to Australia within 2–10 days? You should consider delivery by air. It is ideal for urgent, high-value, or fragile items that require quick delivery and careful handling.

Some of the undeniable advantages of air freight are speedy transit, reliable tracking, and minimal handling. Unfortunately, this method of transportation also has several drawbacks, namely high cost, limited capacity for bulky or heavy goods.

Sometimes, goods should be delivered intact, and cost-efficiency should be compromised. Air freight exists for time-sensitive shipments like electronics, medical supplies, or premium products.

Sea Freight

Sea freight is the top-tier solution for bulky and heavy goods like furniture, industrial goods, or seasonal inventory. Given the sizes of the package, delivery by air may not be available as an option at all. Even if it is, the transportation cost would go over the moon. Even though transit time ranges from 20 to 40 days for sea freight, which some might consider long, shipping to Australia by sea is a part of a smart, cost-effective strategy.

It is doubtful that those customers who sent a package from the United States to Australia rarely would use it, though (unless you are relocating). This is more of a possibility for businesses shipping large volumes.

Still, let’s take a look at the major pros:

• economical for heavy cargo;
• scalable for a large load.

At the same time, slow delivery, port delays, and more complex logistics might discourage customers who ship lightweight goods to Australia, or shipment of heavy objects is a one-time need.

Container Shipping

Container shipping involves renting a full (FCL) or shared (LCL) container. It offers flexibility for both small and large shipments.

Similar to transportation by sea, it is unlikely for individuals to use this shipping option. It is suitable for them only if they are involved in some e-commerce activity or moving to Australia for good.

However, this shipping method is highly popular with e-commerce fulfillment companies and retail businesses. They can benefit from the offered security and customization. The fact that it is suitable for varied cargo types makes container shipping suitable for different kinds of businesses.

Still, this type of transportation requires planning. It also has longer lead times and customs complexity.

Conclusion

Shipping from the US to Australia for new customers can seem like a challenging process that needs experience, punctuality, and careful attention to detail. But with the correct selection of a carrier like Meest-America and a clear understanding of the rules, specifications, and limitations, it can run smoothly and cost-effectively.

If you know how to properly prepare your goods, whether it’s documentation or packaging, you have the foundation for safe delivery. It also allows your shipping provider to handle their part efficiently and without delays.

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