When shipping to Australia, it’s important to have an understanding of the country’s stringent customs regulations related to border security. Ensure that you are aware of all the necessary documents required by the Australian Border Force for your products and make sure the information provided in these documents is accurate. Be mindful of restrictions such as pet food, tobacco, and drugs, as these items may cause delays or result in your shipment being denied entry. Shipping from the US to Australia by sea can take more than three weeks, while air shipping takes 3-7 days on average. However, the shipping period can vary depending on various factors like origin and destination handling, customs procedures in both countries, and shipment routing. For the most accurate and efficient route planning, it is best to consult with a reliable freight forwarder.
It’s essential to be prepared for the regulatory disbursements, including duties and the Goods and Services Tax (GST). Imported goods worth over $1,000 AUD will incur duties and GST of 10%, which are in addition to the shipping costs. Hence, it’s advisable to consult with your freight provider to know the exact amount you’ll be paying. Australia is a vast country with a small population, which leads to higher transportation costs within the country. Road transport options are limited, and the infrastructure is basic, with only a few cities spread over a vast area. Lastly, it is advisable to avoid transhipment services while shipping to Australia. The USA and Australia trade lane is well developed, but with limited growth opportunities, there are fewer shipping options between the two countries compared to other trade lanes. Direct shipping options are the most efficient, as the plane or ship moves directly from the US to Australia without transiting through a third country. Transhipment services often go through Asia, which can be a bottleneck due to the large amount of cargo that needs to transit through the hubs. A reputable freight provider will always advise you to opt for a direct shipping option and avoid transhipment service.
Choose a Freight Forwarder
The first step in arranging freight forwarding from the USA to Australia is to choose a freight forwarder for shipping services. Freight forwarders are companies that specialise in arranging for the shipping of goods from one place to another international shipping. When choosing a freight shipping company, consider the following:
- Price: Get quotes from several freight forwarders to compare prices.
- Reputation: Check the reputation of the freight forwarder by reading customer reviews.
- Experience: Choose a freight forwarder that has experience in shipping goods from the USA to Australia.
- Services: Check if the freight forwarder offers the services you need, such as customs clearance, insurance, and tracking.
Choose TGL
Founded in 2014, Think Global Logistics (TGL) is an Australian owned and operated Freight Forwarding company, headquartered in Sydney. As an international freight forwarding company, we provide a one-stop-shop experience for all your shipping needs across the globe.
We specialise in offering business to business logistics services, including sea freight, air freight, domestic freight, warehousing, and customs clearance to all industries. We lead the industry in delivering exceptional services to our customers by focusing on our people and technology. Through our people focused approach, we deliver a tailored experience to our clients by bringing a welcoming face into a faceless industry. Together with our staff, customers, and our partners, we aim to create a strong community we call Think Global Logistics. What makes us different is providing our customers with a simplified service platform through fixed quoting and transparent pricing along with a single point of contact to guide you through the whole process, from start to finish. From knowing who to call for any needs to having a simple to understand cost structure, our customers are never in doubt and always in control.
TGL is and will continue to invest in developing its own proprietary systems that will automate processes, reshape workflow, and collect data for smart, dynamic reporting. Our use of technology and automated systems delivers you a swift and simplified process and ensures a cohesive, transparent, and collaborative experience. As an Australian Trusted Trader, our customers can rely on TGL’s commitment to compliance and stable supply chain practices endorsed by Australian Border Force, meaning more efficient trade for you. Whether your business requires the shipment of building materials, heavy machinery, food and beverage, fashion and clothing, technology devices, or many more… TGL has experience across all industries. Dependable and tailored logistics solutions are hard to come by in today’s economy, and our team of THINKERS always go the extra mile to ensure that the trials and tribulations of your business are solved via our extensive knowledge and global network access.
Prepare the Goods for Shipping
Before shipping your goods, you need to prepare them for shipping. This includes the following:
1. Packaging: Make sure your goods are packaged properly to prevent damage during transit.
2. Labelling: Label your goods clearly with the destination and sender’s information.
3. Documentation: Prepare all the necessary documentation, including invoices, packing lists, and bills of lading.
Arrange for Customs Clearance
When shipping goods from the USA to Australia, you need to arrange for customs clearance. Customs clearance is the process of obtaining clearance from the customs authorities to allow your goods to enter the country. When arranging for customs clearance, consider the following:
- Documentation: Make sure you have all the necessary documentation, including invoices and bills of lading.
- Tariffs: Check for any tariffs that may apply to your goods.
- Regulations: Familiarize yourself with the regulations for importing goods into Australia.
Track Your Shipment
Once your goods have been shipped, you can track your shipment to see its progress. Freight forwarders usually provide tracking services, so you can easily track your shipment online. Tracking your shipment can be a valuable tool in ensuring the timely delivery of your goods and ensuring they arrive in good condition. With the advancement of technology, tracking your shipment has become easier and more accessible than ever before. In this article, we will explore some of the ways you can track your shipment, so you can stay informed and in control.
- Carrier’s Website: The easiest and most common way to track your shipment is by visiting the carrier’s website. Most carriers, including major shipping companies such as FedEx, UPS, and DHL, have dedicated tracking pages where you can enter your tracking number to view the status of your shipment.
- Mobile Apps: Most carriers also offer mobile apps that allow you to track your shipment from your smartphone. These apps often provide real-time updates and push notifications, so you can stay informed about the location and status of your shipment even when you’re on the go.
- Email and Text Notifications: Some carriers offer email or text notifications that will provide you with real-time updates on the status of your shipment. These notifications can be especially useful if you’re expecting a shipment and want to be alerted when it has been delivered.
- Customer Service: If you’re having trouble tracking your shipment or have any other questions, you can always reach out to the carrier’s customer service. They will be able to provide you with the latest information and assist you with any issues you may be having.
- Third-Party Tracking Websites: In addition to the carrier’s website, there are also several third-party websites that offer shipment tracking services. These websites often aggregate tracking information from multiple carriers, allowing you to track your shipment from one central location.
Conclusion
In conclusion, freight forwarding from the USA to Australia can be made much easier with the right guidance and preparation. By choosing a reputable freight forwarder, choosing the right shipping method, preparing your goods for shipping, arranging for customs clearance, and tracking your shipment, you can ensure that your goods reach their destination safely and on time.