LCL shipping to Australia – fast and easy quotes

Costs involved with LCL sea freight shipping to Australia

LCL fees are made up of two parts: one part is made up of the costs from the Bill of Lading; the other is the volume and weight of freight. See below for guidance on how the fees are calculated.

How to calculate LCL fees per Bill of Lading

Depending the commercial terms with your supplier or manufacturer, you would have to pay several types of fees that are based around the Bill of Lading.

Ex-work charges

This includes costs involving:

• Pick-up
• Customs clearance at origin
• Documentation
• Cargo lodgement

International freight charges

Take note that LCL shipment is inclusive of these fees:

• Bunker Adjustment Factor (BAF) – This is a type of fuel surcharge of cargo ships.
• Peak season surcharge (PSS) – This is an increase in the freight rate applied during the busiest time of the shipping season
• General Rate Increase (GRI) – This is a standard increase in the freight rate which also occurs around the same period of PSS or peak season surcharge
• Currency Adjustment Factor (CAF) – This is an exchange % factor from converting one currency to another

Local Australian Handling Charges

The following local fees are generally billed plus GST. Port Service Charges for:

• Unloading the container from the vessel
• Movement from the wharf to the CFS
• Unpacking of the container

These are billed similarly to freight at a specified rate per cubic metre/tonne.

Customs Clearance

This includes clearing your goods with the Australian Border Force.

Delivery to your door

Delivery can be completed via truck, using three methods:

• Standard delivery – Items are removed via forklift
• Manual unloading delivery – We can “hand” unload and supply additional labour to assist you; however, labour hire fees will be applicable.
• Vehicle unloading delivery – We also have vehicles called “tailed lifts”, where the consignment is lowered down to where it can be easily moved off the truck.

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How to calculate LCL fees per CBM charge

LCL rates are charged either on a cubic meter (CBM), which is calculated by multiplying the length, width and height of the packages of goods, or per weight of 1,000kg (1 tonne), whichever is higher. Here are a couple of examples.

Example 1 – Shipping 1 item

Step 1
Know the weight of your shipment and work out the volume. Cargo measurements are:

• Length: 1.5 m
• Width : 1.5 m
• Height: 1.5 m
• Weight: 765 kg

Volume = 1 item x 1.5 m x 1.5 m x 1.5 m = 3.38 cbm

Step 2
Compare volume with the weight-based volume for your shipment to work out your chargeable volume. The higher of volume (3.375 cbm) or weight-based volume (1 item x 765 kg/1,000= 0.77) is used to multiply against the LCL rate to work out the freight cost. In our case the freight rate is charged against 3.38 cbm as it is greater than 0.77 cbm.

Step 3 
Work out your freight cost. Multiply the LCL rate by the chargeable volume. Let’s say the LCL rate charged by your freight forwarder is AUD$40 per cbm. Your LCL cost will be 3.375 x AUD$40 = AUD$135.

Example 2 – Shipping 5 item

Step 1
Know the weight of your shipment and work out the volume. Cargo measurements are:

• Length: 1.0 m
• Width : 1.0 m
• Height: 1.2 m
• Weight: 1,400 kg

Volume = 5 items x 1.0 m x 1.0 m x 1.2 m

Step 2
Compare volume with the weight-based volume for your shipment to work out your chargeable volume. The higher of volume (6.0 cbm) or weight-based volume (5 items x 1,400 kg/1000 = 7.0) is used to multiple against the LCL rate to work out the freight cost. In our case the freight rate is charged against 7.0 cbm as it is greater than 7.0 cbm.

Step 3 
Work out your freight cost. Multiply the LCL rate by the chargeable volume. Let’s say the LCL rate charged by your freight forwarder is AUD$40 per cbm. Your LCL cost will be 7.0 x AUD$40 = AUD$280.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about LCL Shipping to Australia

What documents do you need to proceed with my LCL shipping request?

In general we will require the following documents to be submitted for us to process your shipping request:

• Commercial Invoice (in general applies only to business shipments; however some destination countries require commercial invoices for personal shipments as well)
• Packing Declaration (required for all shipping to Australia)
• Packing List (not essential)
• Fumigation Certificate (if required)

Some destination countries, such as South America, countries in the former Soviet Union and Eastern European nations, may require a more comprehensive list of items shipped and/or additional shipping documents.

Call toll free on 1300651233 or contact us online to verify the documents you need to submit.

How long will shipping to Australia take?

Please click this link to go to table for the LCL transit times to Australia of your delivery.

Australian Port Issues and Fees

LCL is the perfect choice for shipment measuring less than 15 cubic metres; however, below are additional fees you may have to consider.

Storage fees

Outside the allotted grace period (seven days after the shipment arrives) all shipments to Australia will be charged storage fees until cleared by Customs and removed from the port facilities.

We highly recommend, therefore that you call us before you start shipping to Australia to make sure this item has been taken into consideration.

Port fees

You should only be charged for the actual work done by the Australian Port Authority. In order to avoid any misunderstandings regarding the charges, request them in writing prior to shipping to Australia.

What should I not ship into Australia?

Anything that is prohibited should not be imported into Australia. Some products may also require an import permit. It is always best to check with us prior to shipping to avoid any unwanted surprises.

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Five reasons why you should consider us for LCL shipping when importing into Australia

Free online quotes

No nasty surprises and hidden fees. Only the best quotes for your importing needs.

Big savings

On average we’re 30% cheaper than the competition. Use our quote tool and see the big difference we deliver.

Safety

Our commitment to quality means your cargo is safe in our hands. We have been practising this for more than 35 years and we are determined to continue doing so in the years to come.

Speedy customs clearance

Avoid customs clearance delays. Get your cargo moving on time with our reliable customs clearance service.

Convenient delivery and collection service

We provide door-to-door pick-up and delivery for hassle-free movement of your goods.

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Contact us

With more than 35 years’ freight forwarding experience, we have developed a network of shipping companies around the world. We are able to provide importers, retailers, and individuals with lower quotes when LCL shipping to Australia from major countries such as China, United States, United Kingdom, New Zealand, Italy and Germany .

Outstanding customer assistance and service

Here at Freight Forwarder Quote Online, you can speak not only to the staff but also with the Managing Director. Feel free to call him for any queries or concerns. We are committed to being your reliable partner for LCL shipping to Australia.

C’mon! What are you waiting for? Complete our online form and we’ll respond back ASAP.

If you need help getting your free quotes for LCL shipping to Australia the feel free to contact us using our online form or send us a message via LinkedIn or Facebook pages.

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Here are the LCL transit times from major countries such as China, United Kingdom, United States, Canada, France, Hong Kong, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, Taiwan and Thailand.

LCL transit times to Australia

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