Container Shipping to Australia from the UK
Are you in need of container shipping from the UK to Australia for personal belongings, household items, and furniture? If you're planning an overseas move and require a container to transport your possessions, request a free quote from us. Keep reading for further details on shipping times to Australia, weekly schedules, customs guidelines, and additional information about container shipping to Australia.
Container Shipping & Removals Services to Australia
At 1st Move we offer direct container services for household goods and personal effects.
You can take advantage of some great international shipping rates using our shared container services and our bespoke export packing systems for those smaller house moves.
Shipping a full house? We offer 20ft and 40ft container shipping services with loading direct from your door. Both services are direct from the UK and we offer some of the fastest sailing times available.
Please see our weekly international shipping schedule for Australia below or visit our international removals Australia page for more information.
How Long Does it Take to Ship a Container to Australia?
Are you planning a move to Australia? Get dates and port to port transit times for each vessel departing from the UK to Australia.
Short Answer: Typically, the port to port transit time from the UK to Australia starts from 50 days and may vary depending on the port of arrival. For more detailed times for each port/vessel please see our table below.
| Destination | Vessel Name | Last Moving Date to Meet Vessel | Sailing Date | Port to Port Transit Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adelaide | ONE Mackinac | 28/11/2023 | 12/12/2023 | 48 |
| YM Wreath | 05/12/2023 | 19/12/2023 | 48 | |
| ONE Milano | 12/12/2023 | 26/12/2023 | 48 | |
| ONE Millau | 19/12/2023 | 02/01/2024 | 48 | |
| Brisbane | ONE Mackinac | 28/11/2023 | 12/12/2023 | 57 |
| YM Wreath | 05/12/2023 | 19/12/2023 | 57 | |
| ONE Milano | 12/12/2023 | 26/12/2023 | 57 | |
| ONE Millau | 19/12/2023 | 02/01/2024 | 57 | |
| Fremantle | ONE Mackinac | 28/11/2023 | 12/12/2023 | 47 |
| YM Wreath | 05/12/2023 | 19/12/2023 | 47 | |
| ONE Milano | 12/12/2023 | 26/12/2023 | 47 | |
| ONE Millau | 19/12/2023 | 02/01/2024 | 47 | |
| Melbourne | ONE Mackinac | 28/11/2023 | 12/12/2023 | 45 |
| YM Wreath | 05/12/2023 | 19/12/2023 | 45 | |
| ONE Milano | 12/12/2023 | 26/12/2023 | 45 | |
| ONE Millau | 19/12/2023 | 02/01/2024 | 45 | |
| Sydney | ONE Mackinac | 28/11/2023 | 12/12/2023 | 50 |
| YM Wreath | 05/12/2023 | 19/12/2023 | 50 | |
| ONE Milano | 12/12/2023 | 26/12/2023 | 50 | |
| ONE Millau | 19/12/2023 | 02/01/2024 | 50 |
Container Tracking
Once your goods have been loaded you will receive a unique container number. We offer a container tracking service through trace-track.com, allowing you to track your container in real-time. Simply enter your container number to get the latest information about your shipment:
Restricted and Prohibited Items for Shipping to Australia
If you're planning to move to Australia, it's crucial to be aware of the country's specific regulations about what you can and can't bring. Australia has strict customs rules, especially due to its unique ecosystem. Knowing what items are restricted and prohibited will make the process of clearing customs in Australia smooth and hassle-free.
Prohibited Items
Certain items are absolutely prohibited from entering Australia. These include but are not limited to:
- Seeds and certain plants
- Certain foodstuffs
- Specific chemicals, such as pesticides
Moreover, be aware that common items such as Christmas decorations often containing pinecones and holly, or wooden items (including toys, antique furniture, baskets, and carvings) are considered biosecurity risks and could be destroyed at your expense.
Please check the full list of 71 prohibited items here: https://www.abf.gov.au/importing-exporting-and-manufacturing/prohibited-goods/list-of-items
Restricted Items
Other items may be restricted, meaning they might require cleaning or treatment before being allowed into the country. If these items are found to be contaminated with animal or plant material, they could be destroyed at your expense. Such items include:
- Camping equipment
- Bicycles and barbecues
- Animal bedding
- Wetsuits
- Carpets and rugs
To navigate these restrictions, make sure you clean these items thoroughly before packing. The Australian Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment provides a comprehensive list of items to consider, along with tips for importation.
Packing and Declaration
Working with a professional shipping company like us can significantly ease your move. We'll assist you with packing, complying with Australian customs restrictions, and all necessary paperwork. For removals to Australia, you'll be sending Unaccompanied Personal Effects (UPE) and need to fill out the appropriate form, which we can guide you through.
You may have to pay duty on certain items such as cars or alcohol and tobacco, but generally, personal items you've owned for more than a year or those clearly for personal use during your stay in Australia are exempt.
At 1st Move International, we're here to support you in shipping your belongings to Australia safely and efficiently. With our extensive experience in international removals, we'll make your move easier. Ready to start your journey Down Under? Get a moving quote here.
Main Container Shipping Ports in Australia
Australia has several significant ports that serve as the main hubs for container shipping. These ports play a crucial role in the country's trade and commerce by handling millions of Twenty-foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) each year.
- Port Botany (Port of Sydney): One of the most significant container ports in Australia, Port Botany is located in Sydney, New South Wales. It has a dedicated terminal for containerized goods and is the second busiest container port in Australia, handling over 2.5 million TEUs per year.
- Port of Melbourne: The Port of Melbourne is Australia's busiest container port. It handles around 36% of Australia's container trade, which translates to over 3.2 million TEUs per year. The port is well equipped with modern facilities to manage large volumes of cargo.
- Port of Brisbane: Situated in Queensland, the Port of Brisbane handles over 1.3~ million TEUs annually. It is one of Australia's fastest-growing container ports and has a dedicated terminal for container shipping.
- Port of Fremantle: The Port of Fremantle, located in Western Australia, is a significant hub for container shipping in the region. As of 2021, it manages around 792,021 TEUs annually.
- Port Adelaide: Located in South Australia, Port Adelaide, also known as the Flinders Ports, is a significant hub for container trade. It handles around 219,000 TEUs per year.
Trust Us with Your Move to Australia
At 1st Move International, we have over two decades of experience in the removals industry, offering unrivalled expertise and exceptional services tailored to your needs.
We're proud to offer faster shipping and safer packing and we meticulously handle every item, ensuring your belongings arrive safely at your new home in Australia. As members of the British International Freight Association (BIFA) and the British Association of Removers (BAR), we adhere to the highest standards of professionalism and care in every move.
Get a free, no-obligation quote for our removal services today.
