Car/Vehicle Shipping Cost from Shanghai to Sydney

How long does it take to ship from China to Australia? Rules of thumbs for lead times (in regular conditions) are 1-2 weeks for regular post, 3 days for air express freight, 8-10 days for air freight, and 30-40 days for ocean freight.

The cost of shipping from China to Australia depends on several factors: Cargo type and volume—FCL vs. LCL or air cargo weight. Shipping method—Air freight is faster but more costly than sea freight from China to Australia.

Driving is usually cheaper for shorter distances (under 500 miles), but for long cross-country moves (over 1,000 miles), shipping can become comparable or even cheaper when factoring in gas, food, lodging, and wear-and-tear on your vehicle, making driving better for short trips and shipping often better for long, busy, or difficult trips. The decision balances cost, time, and convenience, as shipping saves you time and adds miles/wear, while driving costs less upfront but adds stress and expenses.