Moving Overseas

Trusted help
from door to door

With Rocket Freight, you can kiss your worries goodbye as well as your old address.

Moving to a new home can be incredibly exciting but with all that is required, stressful too. The potential for stress reaches a whole new level when you are moving overseas.

 

Not only are you heading off into the unknown, but you have the added challenge of packing up all your worldly possessions for safe transportation. The hunt then begins for an affordable, experienced removal and shipping option, the best way to transport everything, and how to deal with complex regulations and paperwork that comes with clearing your household effects in a new country.

We will help you.

Each step of the process to ensure everything goes just as it should.

As you move from Australia or NZ, the only tears we want you crying are goodbye ones with your family and friends and happy ones when you arrive at your new home!

Here are a few things to consider with your impending move

Can my machinery be insured during its travels to the UK?

In most cases, the quoted freight price to the UK does not encompass insurance. However, freight forwarders like Rocket Freight can help you arrange insurance for your goods’ transit. It’s recommended to review your Inco terms/Purchase terms, as insurance arrangements may be negotiated with your supplier. For any inquiries about insurance when you ship machinery from NZ to UK, please don’t hesitate to contact Rocket Freight today.

What do I do if my machinery is damaged during transit?

It’s highly recommended to consider Marine Transit Insurance for your machinery shipment to the UK. In the event of loss or damage, repairs are usually necessary, except for the excess payment. Allow Rocket Freight to assist you in securing an excellent insurance package for your freight needs when you ship machinery from NZ to UK ports.

Will my machinery be insured?

Typically, the quoted freight price does not include insurance. Nevertheless, freight forwarders such as Rocket Freight can assist you in securing insurance for your goods’ transit. It’s advisable to review your Inco terms/Purchase terms, as insurance arrangements may be discussed with your supplier. For any additional inquiries about insurance when you ship machinery from NZ to USA, please don’t hesitate to contact Rocket Freight today.

What happens if my machinery is damaged during transit?

Considering Marine Transit Insurance for your machinery is highly advisable. In cases of loss or damage, repairs are typically required, with the exception of the excess payment.

Allow Rocket Freight to assist you in securing an excellent insurance package for your freight needs when you ship machinery from NZ to USA.

Do I have to pay GST and duty on my items?

All imports into NZ are liable for GST, and in certain cases, duty may also be applicable. However, various factors, such as the purchase origin or existing concessions, influence these obligations. Additional considerations include free trade agreements and depreciation on personal items. Rocket Freight is here to provide tailored guidance depending on the nature of your goods and the specific import circumstances. Don’t hesitate to contact us for a more detailed discussion if you plan to ship machinery from UK to NZ.

Is insurance included when I ship machinery from UK to NZ?

In most cases, the freight cost provided for shipping machinery from the UK to NZ does not include insurance. Nevertheless, partnering with a freight forwarder such as Rocket Freight offers you the chance to safeguard your goods during transit. It’s advisable to review your Inco terms or purchase terms, as your supplier might already offer this service. For further details or any questions regarding insurance for shipping machinery from the UK to NZ, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us today.

What happens if my machinery is damaged during transit?

It’s highly advisable to consider Marine Transit Insurance if you plan to ship machinery from UK to NZ. In uncommon instances of loss or damage, the typical resolution typically entails repairs, excluding the excess payment. Let Rocket Freight help you obtain a premium insurance package tailored to meet your unique freight requirements.

Do I have to pay GST and duty on my items?

All goods brought into NZ are subject to GST, and in some instances, duty may apply as well. However, several factors, including the origin of purchase or existing concessions, impact these obligations. Other considerations involve free trade agreements and depreciation on personal items. Rocket Freight is available to offer guidance based on your goods’ nature and the specific circumstances of their import. Don’t hesitate to contact us for a more detailed discussion if you plan to ship machinery from USA to NZ. 

Will my machinery be insured?

Typically, the quoted freight price does not include insurance. Nevertheless, freight forwarders such as Rocket Freight can assist you in securing insurance for the transit of your goods. It’s advisable to review your Inco terms/Purchase terms, as arrangements for insurance may be made with your supplier. For any further inquiries regarding insurance, feel free to reach out to Rocket Freight today.

What happens if my machinery is damaged during transit?

It’s highly advisable to consider Marine Transit Insurance if you plan to ship machinery from USA to NZ. In rare cases of loss or damage, the usual outcome involves repairs, except for the excess payment. Allow Rocket Freight to assist you in acquiring a high-quality insurance package customized to your specific freight needs.

Will my machinery be insured?

Usually, the quoted freight price excludes insurance. However, freight forwarders like Rocket Freight can aid you in obtaining insurance for your goods’ transit. It’s recommended to review your Inco terms/Purchase terms, as insurance arrangements may be negotiated with your supplier. For any additional inquiries about insurance, please don’t hesitate to contact Rocket Freight today.

What happens if my machinery is damaged during transit?

It’s strongly recommended to contemplate Marine Transit Insurance for your machinery. In the event of loss or damage, most cases entail repairs, except for the excess payment.

Allow Rocket Freight to assist you in securing an excellent insurance package for your freight needs when you ship machinery from NZ to Australia.

Will my machinery be insured?

Typically, the quoted freight price does not include insurance. Nevertheless, freight forwarders such as Rocket Freight can assist you in securing insurance for the transit of your goods. It’s advisable to review your Inco terms/Purchase terms, as arrangements for insurance may be made with your supplier. For any further inquiries regarding insurance, feel free to reach out to Rocket Freight today.

What happens if my machinery is damaged during transit?

It’s highly advisable to consider Marine Transit Insurance if you plan to ship machinery from Australia to NZ. In unlikely instances of loss or damage, the typical scenario involves repairs, barring the excess payment. Let Rocket Freight aid you in procuring a top-notch insurance plan tailored to your freight requirements.

How long does it take to sea freight ship goods from NZ to UK?
Is insurance included when I ship goods from NZ to UK?

The provided freight cost for shipping goods from NZ to UK won’t cover insurance unless specifically stated that it does. Collaborating with a freight forwarder like Rocket Freight provides you with the opportunity to protect your goods in transit. It is recommended to examine your Inco terms or purchase terms, as your supplier may already include this service. For more details or any questions regarding insurance when you ship goods from NZ to UK, feel free to reach out to us today.

How long does it take to sea freight ship goods from NZ to USA?

The duration depends on the shipping origin and destination. For instance, sending goods from Auckland to Los Angeles can take as little as 15 days. The selected service also plays a role – more affordable options typically have longer transit times due to additional stops and transfers. Rocket Freight is here to assist you in determining the optimal choice, so feel free to contact us for personalised guidance!

Is insurance included when I ship goods from NZ to USA?

In most cases, unless otherwise stated, the quoted freight cost for shipping goods from NZ to USA doesn’t include insurance. However, when you use a freight forwarder like Rocket Freight, you can choose to protect your goods in transit. It’s recommended to examine your Inco terms or purchase terms, as your supplier may provide this service. For additional information or inquiries about insurance for shipping products from NZ to USA, contact us today.

How long does it take to sea freight ship goods from NZ to Australia?

How long it takes for your stuff to get there depends on where you’re sending it from and to. For example, sending goods from Auckland to Brisbane can take as little as 3 days on the water. It also depends on the service you pick – cheaper ones usually take longer because they have more stops and transfers. Rocket Freight can help you figure out the best choice for you, so reach out to us!

Is insurance included when I ship goods from NZ to Australia?

Generally speaking, the quoted freight cost for shipping goods from NZ to Australia doesn’t include insurance. However, when you collaborate with a freight forwarder like Rocket Freight, you can choose to protect your goods in transit. It’s recommended to examine your Inco terms or purchase terms, as your supplier may provide this service. For additional information or inquiries about insurance for shipping products from NZ to Australia, contact us today.

Can I get a container delivered to my house? 

In New Zealand, you can opt to have an export container delivered to your residence, as long as it’s situated entirely on private property and doesn’t have any contractual restrictions. However, when it comes to an import container, it needs to go through an MPI process at an ATF (Approved Transitional Facility). This process includes unpacking, clearance, repacking, and then delivery to your residence. It’s worth noting that many side loaders might not place containers on grass surfaces, so it’s advisable to have a sturdy hardstand area. If you have any inquiries about container deliveries when shipping goods from the UK to NZ, don’t hesitate to contact the friendly Rocket Freight team for assistance.

How long does it take to sea freight ship goods from UK to NZ?

How long it takes for your stuff to get there depends on where you’re sending it from and to. For example, sending goods from London to Auckland as little as 36 days. It also depends on the service you pick – cheaper ones usually take longer because they have more stops and transfers. Rocket Freight can help you figure out the best choice for you, so reach out to us!

Is insurance included when I ship goods from UK to NZ?

Generally speaking, the provided freight cost for shipping goods from the UK to NZ doesn’t cover insurance. Nevertheless, teaming up with a freight forwarder such as Rocket Freight offers you the option to safeguard your goods during transit. It’s advisable to review your Inco terms or purchase terms, as your supplier might already offer this service. For more details or any questions regarding insurance when you ship goods from the UK to NZ, feel free to reach out to us today.

How long does it take to sea freight ship goods from USA to NZ?

How long it takes for your stuff to get there depends on where you’re sending it from and to. For example, sending goods from Los Angeles to Auckland as little as 15 days. It also depends on the service you pick – cheaper ones usually take longer because they have more stops and transfers. Rocket Freight can help you figure out the best choice for you, so reach out to us!

Is insurance included when I ship goods from USA to NZ?

Generally, the quoted freight cost for shipping goods from USA to NZ doesn’t include insurance. However, when you collaborate with a freight forwarder like Rocket Freight, you can choose to protect your goods in transit. It’s recommended to examine your Inco terms or purchase terms, as your supplier may provide this service. For additional information or inquiries about insurance for shipping products from USA to NZ, contact us today.

Can I get a container delivered to my house? 

In New Zealand, you have the option to receive an export container at your residence, provided it is entirely located on private property and free from contractual restrictions. In the case of an import container, it must undergo an MPI process at an ATF (Approved Transitional Facility). This involves unpacking, clearance, repacking, and then delivery to your residence. It’s important to be aware that numerous side loaders may not position containers on grass surfaces, so it’s recommended to have a sturdy hardstand area in place. If you have any questions about container deliveries when you ship goods from USA to NZ, feel free to reach out to the friendly Rocket Freight team for assistance.

Will my motorcycle be insured?

Typically, the quoted freight price does not include insurance. Nevertheless, Rocket Freight can assist you in securing insurance for the transit of your goods. It’s advisable to review your Inco terms/Purchase terms, as arrangements for insurance may be made with your supplier. For any further inquiries regarding insurance, feel free to reach out to our team today.

What happens if my motorcycle is damaged during transit?

It’s highly advisable to consider Marine Transit Insurance for your motorcycles. In the unfortunate event of loss or damage, the majority of cases involve repairs, with the exception of the excess payment. Allow Rocket Freight to assist you in securing an excellent insurance package for your freight needs.

What is the best method to ship a motorcycle from China to NZ?

The most popular choice for motorcycle shipping is often via a shared container. Depending on the volume of bikes along your chosen route, they may need to be crated or can be shipped uncrated. However, for certain locations, roll-on-roll-off services are a more cost-effective option overall. Talk to our team today about your requirements and we’ll be happy to help. 

Will my machinery be insured?

Typically, the quoted freight price does not include insurance. Nevertheless, freight forwarders such as Rocket Freight can assist you in securing insurance for the transit of your goods. It’s advisable to review your Inco terms/Purchase terms, as arrangements for insurance may be made with your supplier. For any further inquiries regarding insurance, feel free to reach out to Rocket Freight today.

What happens if my machinery is damaged during transit?

It’s highly advisable to consider Marine Transit Insurance for your machinerys. In the unfortunate event of loss or damage, the majority of cases involve repairs, with the exception of the excess payment. Allow Rocket Freight to assist you in securing an excellent insurance package for your freight needs.

What kind of decontamination at the border can I expect?

MPI diligently seeks out anything that could pose a threat to New Zealand’s Biosecurity. This includes insects like the fruit fly, which, if allowed unchecked entry into New Zealand, could cause significant devastation to crops and farmers’ livelihoods. Additionally, microscopic natural threats such as the PSA kiwifruit disease likely entered through the border. Items like seeds, soil, vegetation, or anything that is or was alive at any point could potentially pose a threat and are treated with utmost seriousness by MPI. We strongly advise ensuring that your trailer boat is thoroughly emptied and cleaned before shipping so it meets the highest cleanliness standards to avoid additional fees. If you have further inquiries, feel free to contact Rocket Freight today.

What happens if my trailer boat is damaged during transit?

When you ship a trailer boat from China to NZ, it is not automatically insured against damage. It’s strongly recommended to contemplate obtaining Marine Transit Insurance for your trailer boats. In most unfortunate instances involving loss or damage, the typical scenario entails repairs, with the exception of the excess payment. Let Rocket Freight aid you in obtaining a top-notch insurance package tailored to your freight requirements.

Is insurance included when I ship a trailer boat from China to NZ?

Typically, insurance isn’t included in the quoted freight price. Nevertheless, the Rocket Freight team can facilitate insuring the trailer boat for transit, should it be necessary. It’s advisable to review your Inco terms / Purchase terms, as this could be organised with your supplier. If you have further inquiries regarding insurance, don’t hesitate to reach out to Rocket Freight today.

Can you ship trailer boats worldwide?

We can definitely try! If there’s access to an international seaport, we typically can offer assistance. Contact our team today and provide us with the specifics, and we’ll take it from there.

What kind of decontamination at the border can I expect?

MPI diligently seeks out anything that could pose a threat to New Zealand’s Biosecurity. This includes insects like the fruit fly, which, if allowed unchecked entry into New Zealand, could cause significant devastation to crops and farmers’ livelihoods. Additionally, microscopic natural threats such as the PSA kiwifruit disease likely entered through the border. Items like seeds, soil, vegetation, or anything that is or was alive at any point could potentially pose a threat and are treated with utmost seriousness by MPI. We strongly advise ensuring that any parts are thoroughly emptied and cleaned before shipping so they meet the highest cleanliness standards to avoid additional fees. This is especially important for parts involved in second hand farming equipment, rural vehicles, etc. If you have further inquiries, feel free to contact Rocket Freight today.

What happens if my part is damaged during transit?

When you ship a parts from China to NZ, they are not automatically insured against damage. Considering Marine Transit Insurance for your trailer boats is highly advisable. In most regrettable situations involving loss or damage, the usual outcome involves repairs, excluding the excess payment. Allow Rocket Freight to assist you in acquiring a high-quality insurance plan customised to your specific freight needs.

Is insurance included when I ship parts from China to NZ?

Typically, insurance isn’t automatically included in the standard shipping costs when shipping parts from China to NZ. However, Rocket Freight offers the option to assist in insuring your shipment for transit, providing additional protection and peace of mind. We understand the importance of safeguarding your goods during the shipping process. Our team can facilitate the arrangement of insurance tailored to your specific needs, ensuring coverage for any unforeseen circumstances or damages. Feel free to contact us for detailed information and to discuss insurance options for your specific shipment.

Can you ship parts worldwide?

We can definitely try! If there’s access to an international seaport, we typically can offer assistance. Contact our team today and provide us with the specifics, and we’ll take it from there.

What happens if my part is damaged during transit?

When you ship parts from NZ to China, they are not automatically insured against damage. Considering Marine Transit Insurance for your trailer boats is highly advisable. In most regrettable situations involving loss or damage, the usual outcome involves repairs, excluding the excess payment. Allow Rocket Freight to assist you in acquiring a high-quality insurance plan customised to your specific freight needs.

Is insurance included when I ship parts from NZ to China?

Typically, insurance isn’t automatically included in the standard shipping costs when shipping parts from NZ to China. However, Rocket Freight offers the option to assist in insuring your shipment for transit, providing additional protection and peace of mind. We understand the importance of safeguarding your goods during the shipping process. Our team can facilitate the arrangement of insurance tailored to your specific needs, ensuring coverage for any unforeseen circumstances or damages. Feel free to contact us for detailed information and to discuss insurance options for your specific shipment.

Can you ship parts worldwide?

We can definitely try! If there’s access to an international seaport, we typically can offer assistance. Contact our team today and provide us with the specifics, and we’ll take it from there.

What happens if my truck is damaged during transit?

It’s highly advisable to consider Marine Transit Insurance for your trucks. In the unfortunate event of loss or damage, the majority of cases involve repairs, with the exception of the excess payment. Allow Rocket Freight to assist you in securing an excellent insurance package for your freight needs.

How can I ship a truck from China to NZ?

To get started, it’s crucial to collect key details about your selected vehicle, including its year, make, model, and your preferred Chinese port for shipping. Following that, don’t hesitate to contact a reliable shipping company such as Rocket Freight, which can handle the logistics of your shipment. While transporting a truck from China to New Zealand does involve some paperwork and logistical planning, rest assured that we’re here to assist you every step of the way.

What happens if my caravan is damaged during transit?

It’s highly advisable to consider Marine Transit Insurance for any shipped vehicles and cargo. In the unfortunate event of loss or damage, the majority of cases involve repairs, with the exception of the excess payment. Allow Rocket Freight to assist you in securing an excellent insurance package for your caravan freight needs.

Can I fit my caravan into a shipping container? 

Caravans are often rather large however you will be surprised at how many caravans we ship in containers often with only a centimetre or so to spare on each side, please look at our ‘will it fit in a container’ and work out if your caravan will fit or not as that gives us options if not you only have one choice which is to ship via the roll on roll off service, Both options have different positives and negatives.

Can I ship a gas bottle inside my caravan from China to NZ?

No, you will need to remove any gas bottles prior to the shipment. 

Can I fill my caravan with goods and ship it from China to NZ?

You can load items inside your caravan for shipping, but this is only permissible if you opt for shipment inside a shipping container. It’s essential to declare all contents to New Zealand Customs and MPI upon arrival or to the relevant authority in the destination country. If you’re planning to ship via Roll on Roll off, please note that shipping lines do not accept vehicles with personal effects loaded in them. Feel free to reach out to Rocket Freight if you have any questions or concerns about permissible cargo.

What taxes might be payable to Customs on arrival?

Any items with a value exceeding NZD 1000 that are imported into New Zealand are liable for GST, and certain items may also incur Duty. The current rate for GST is 15% of the CIF value (comprising the cost of goods, freight, and insurance). Some goods, such as personal effects and vehicles, may be exempt under specific conditions. To determine if a concession applies to your circumstances, please get in touch with Rocket Freight.

What do I need to do to ship a Caravan from China to NZ?

  1. Ensure that your caravan’s fuel tank is filled to no more than one-quarter capacity, as it will not be shipped with a greater amount.

  1. Be certain to disconnect the battery from your vehicle.

  1. Remove all fire extinguishers.
  2. Take out any gas bottles.
  3. Clear your motorhome or caravan of any remaining food items.

  1. Thoroughly clean both the interior and exterior of your vehicle, paying special attention to the wheel arches and awnings. The New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries (MAF) will inspect for dirt, leaves, and plant materials.

  1. Inform us if you have any inner cargo, such as golf clubs, a suitcase of clothes, or bottles of alcohol. Whenever possible, try to minimise inner cargo, as it can increase both costs and clearance times.

  1. For security purposes, remove all electronics and either secure them inside your vehicle or arrange for them to be couriered to your delivery point.
  2. We strongly recommend obtaining Marine Insurance, and we offer comprehensive insurance packages that cover your shipment from origin pickup to destination drop-off. Remember to capture close-up photos of every side of your caravan or motorhome, both internally and externally, for your records.

What is the fastest way to ship items from NZ To China?

When you want to get your items to your destination as fast as possible, it is essential to ship goods from NZ to China via an airline carrier. Talk to us about airline shipping now. 

Can you provide boxes for my goods to be shipped in to China?

If you’re planning an international move or shipping items from NZ to China, you have the option to either buy cartons and packing materials of lots of different sizes directly from us or you can find them yourself from places like Bunnings, Mitre 10, or many storage providing facilities. Simply reach out to Rocket Freight, and we’ll help you find the right option for your shipment.

Is insurance included when I ship items from China to NZ?

Generally, the quoted freight cost to ship items from China to NZ doesn’t include insurance. However, when you collaborate with a freight forwarder like Rocket Freight, you can choose to protect your cargo throughout its journey. It’s a good practice to examine your Inco terms or purchase terms, as your supplier may provide this option. If you have any additional questions or need more information about insurance when you ship items from China to NZ, feel free to contact Rocket Freight today.

Can I get a container delivered to my house in NZ? 

In New Zealand, you have the option to have an export container brought to your home if it’s entirely located on private property without contractual constraints. However, when dealing with an import container, it must go through an MPI process at an ATF (Approved Transitional Facility). There, it will be unloaded, cleared, repacked, and then delivered to your residence. It’s important to note that some side loaders may not place containers on grass surfaces, so it’s advisable to have a solid hardstand area available. If you have any inquiries regarding container deliveries when shipping items from China to NZ, don’t hesitate to contact Rocket Freight for guidance and support.

Is insurance included when I ship goods from China to NZ?

Typically, insurance isn’t bundled into the quoted freight cost when you ship goods from China to NZ. Nevertheless, when you partner with a freight forwarder such as Rocket Freight, you have the option to safeguard your goods during transit. It’s advisable to review your Inco terms or purchase terms, as your supplier might offer this service. If you have further inquiries regarding insurance to ship products from China to NZ, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with Rocket Freight today.

Can I get a container delivered to my house? 

In New Zealand, you can have an export container delivered to your residence as long as it’s entirely situated on private property without any contractual restrictions. For an import container, it must undergo an MPI process at an ATF (Approved Transitional Facility), where it is unpacked, cleared, repacked, and subsequently delivered to your residence. It’s worth noting that many side loaders won’t place containers on grass surfaces, so it’s advisable to have a solid hardstand area. If you have any questions about container deliveries when you ship goods from China to NZ, please feel free to reach out to Rocket Freight for assistance.

Should I empty my motorhome before shipping?

If you are shipping via Roll on Roll off then we suggest you remove anything that is not tied down. The vehicle will be accessed by wharf hands and handed through many ports during transit. And often shipping lines will not accept the unit on roll on roll off unless it is emptied. If you are loading into a shipping container you can leave your belongings inside as long as they are all declared.

Can I ship a gas bottle on my motorhome?

No, unfortunately gas bottles are considered dangerous goods and should be removed prior to shipping.

Will my motorhome be insured?

In most cases insurance is not included in the freight price quoted however the team at Rocket Freight will be able to help you insure the goods for transit if required. It pays to check your Inco terms / Purchase terms as this may be arranged with your supplier. Contact Rocket Freight today if you have any more questions about insurance.

Can I ship personal effects in my caravan

Goods can be put inside your caravan for shipping but only if you ship inside a shipping container. Everything you put inside must be declared to NZ customs & MPI on arrival or at the destination country’s relevant authority. If you are shipping by Roll on Roll off, then vehicles with personal effects loaded in them are not accepted by the shipping lines. Contact Rocket Freight if you have any queries regarding what you can load.

Can a motorcycle ship via roll on roll off?

Yes, you can check out or page on roll on / roll off for more information.

Will my motorcycle be insured?

In most cases insurance is not included in the quoted freight price. However freight forwarders like us – Rocket Freight will be able to help you insure the goods for transit. It pays to check your Inco terms / Purchase terms as this may be arranged with your supplier. Contact Rocket Freight today if you have any more questions about insurance.

Do you Pickup Motorcycles worldwide?

Yes, we can pick up your motorcycle from anywhere in the world. Contact the team and we can get you sorted.

Should I empty my Caravan before shipping?

If you are shipping via Roll on Roll off then we suggest you remove anything that is not tied down. The vehicle will be accessed by wharf hands and handed through many ports during transit. And often shipping lines will not accept the unit on roll on roll off unless it is emptied. If you are loading into a shipping container you can leave your belongings inside as long as they are all declared.

Can I ship a gas bottle on my Caravan?

No, unfortunately gas bottles are considered dangerous goods and should be removed prior to shipping.

Will my caravan be insured?

In most cases insurance is not included in the freight price quoted however the team at Rocket Freight will be able to help you insure the goods for transit if required. It pays to check your Inco terms / Purchase terms as this may be arranged with your supplier. Contact Rocket Freight today if you have any more questions about insurance.

Do you Pickup Vehicles worldwide?

We can certainly try! As long as there is access to an international sea port we can usually assist. Get in touch with the team today and let us know the details.

Can I ship personal effects in my motorhome

Goods can be put inside your caravan for shipping but only if you ship inside a shipping container. Everything you put inside must be declared to NZ customs & MPI on arrival or at the destination country’s relevant authority. If you are shipping by Roll on Roll off, then vehicles with personal effects loaded in them are not accepted by the shipping lines. Contact Rocket Freight if you have any queries regarding what you can load.

Will my boat be insured?

In most cases insurance is not included in the freight price quoted however the team at Rocket Freight will be able to help you insure the goods for transit if required. It pays to check your Inco terms / Purchase terms as this may be arranged with your supplier. Contact Rocket Freight today if you have any more questions about insurance.

Do you Pickup Boats worldwide?

We can certainly try! As long as there is access to an international sea port we can usually assist. Get in touch with the team today and let us know the details.

Do I need to have a current registration to ship?

No, however for exports you do have to de-register the car before it leaves the country. The team at Rocket Freight can guide you through this process.

When and how should I book in?

The sooner the better! As soon as you have a plan in place we can request space with the shipping lines. Depending on the space availability there may be a delay on shipping so if you have a date in mind get in touch with the Rocket Freight team immediately and we can set up a booking for you.

Will my car be insured?

In most cases insurance is not included in the freight price quoted however the team at Rocket Freight will be able to help you insure the goods for transit if required. It pays to check your Inco terms / Purchase terms as this may be arranged with your supplier. Contact Rocket Freight today if you have any more questions about insurance.

How long does it take?

That all depends! On where its coming from or going to, and on what service you choose. The sailing times and frequencies vary, so if your timeline is pressing get in touch today and we can look at the different options available to you.

What about compliance & registration costs

Compliance and registration are additional costs. We can help with complying your vehicle for registration in NZ but the registration process itself must be handled by the importer. There are many compliance centres available throughout NZ if you choose to arrange this yourself, otherwise the team can help guide you through this process. Get in touch today.

What paperwork do I need in order to ship

There are many different types of documents that you may need depending on the type of goods you are trying to Import. Rocket Freight can help you determine this, however the main documents needed for a simple customs clearance is:

  1. A bill of lading
  2. Purchase invoice
  3. NZ Customs Client Registration Number (for goods over NZ$1000.00)
  4. Container Quarantine Declaration (for full containers)

Some goods will require a fumigation certificate, a phytosanitary certificate, or a certificate of origin. Contact Rocket Freight today for help with your import documentation.

What about quarantine decontamination and cleanliness

MPI is looking for anything that might be a threat to New Zealand’s Biosecurity. This can be insects such as the fruit fly which would devastate crops and farmers lively hoods if allowed access to new Zealand unchecked by MPI, also microscopic natural threats like PSA kiwifruit disease which likely came through the border. Seeds, dirt, grass and basically anything that is alive or was alive at some stage could potentially be a threat and is taken very seriously by MPI. We highly recommend to save additional fees anything you send to NZ is of the highest standard of cleanliness. Contact Rocket Freight today if you have any more questions.

What Taxes might be payable to Customs on Arrival

What Taxes might be payable to Customs on Arrival
All goods over a value of NZD 1000 imported into NZ are subject to GST, and some items may be subject to Duty. The current rate is 15% of the CIF value (meaning the cost of your goods, + freight + insurance) some goods have exemption such as personal effects and vehicles but only under certain conditions. Contact rocket freight to find out if a concession applies to your situation.

How to prepare your shipment for bio-security NZ

Depending on your circumstances it can be difficult to have your vehicle cleaned for shipping to New Zealand. On this page we detail the tips and tricks to be able to give your vehicle the best chance of passing through New Zealand’s strict Bio-Security laws.

The Shipping line has a cleanliness standard and if your vehicle is in bad condition upon inspection at the port of origin it maybe rejected for shipping also even if accepted for shipping usually if its just visually clean from the outside it may arrive and be rejected from entry to NZ via the government agency tasked with determining bio-security threats to NZ call MPI (The ministry for Primary Industries. Never fear in this page we detail all the tips and tricks we have learnt over many years of shipping cars that should give you the best chance of getting your vehicle passed through these border exams with no treatments required.

Machinery is generally a red flag for bio-security and large machinery needs to have a cleaning certificate from the exporter before it departs the country of origin even to the point of removing panels to access areas where dirt might be hiding. 

Personal effects such as just about anything that is used outside will also be a red flag to MPI for biosecurity and when shipping any such items as part of your household effects you should spotlessly wash and decontaminate them prior to shipping to avoid expensive treatments at this end.

Products made from animals or parts of animals also will attract the attention and additional expense of MPI biosecurity requirements so always make sure you talk to us about anything you think might be a problem as its likely it might be a problem, the Rocket Freight team is happy to advise you and in most cases answer your questions straight away or point you in the right direction for answers which saves you money and time in the long run.

People moving to NZ have the best chance to be able to pass the border exams and ensure no further costs are added to the shipping price for expensive quarantine treatments on arrival. Check your car before tendering it to us for shipping, ensure you Vacuum the inside of the car and be sure not to forget under the seats in the gloved boxes and to open up the boot and vacuum in there paying special attention to the spare tyre and tools part generally dirt accumulates in these hidden boot areas over the years and many a car fail the checks on this area. Also pop the hood open check the engine area look for leaves in the grill and bugs in the radiator often things fall into these areas over time and checking this before you go can save a financial sting on arrival in NZ. Also when cleaning the outside the final tip is Bio-security issues are generally found underneath your vehicle so if you have access to wash the underside then you should as 65% of all our failed results are due to customers not cleaning the underside at the very least to give it a good chance of passing you should waterblast up under the wheel arches and as far as you can get under with the pressure washer wand, washworlds normally have great tools for getting under cars with pressure washers on long poles.

Bugs, Insects, Spiders etc these are all nasties and considered a potential threat on arrival in NZ so we need importers to do there best to mitigate these potential threats before shipping by exterminating then always check your wing windows where spiders love to live and spray out the vehicle or bomb them before shipping a $10.00 super market bomb to kill all the bugs before departure is better than paying many hundreds of dollars for fumigation in NZ.  Some countries have mandatory restriction requiring us to fumigate the container before shipping to NZ or the vehicle but we will guide you on that its still best for the importer to do everything in there power to ensure that no creepy crawlies get into NZ via there vehicle and to avoid the large cost associated with treating this or the other problems listed above once the vehicle arrives in NZ and has been determined to be a biosecurity threat and ordered for treatment.

If you have any questions in relation to quarantine decontamination on vehicles just let us know the team at Rocket Freight are here to answer any questions you might have.

Vehicle Quarantine Decontamination and Cleaning

How to prepare your vehicle for shipping

Depending on your circumstances it can be difficult to have your vehicle cleaned for shipping to New Zealand. On this page we detail the tips and tricks to be able to give your vehicle the best chance of passing through New Zealand’s strict Bio-Security laws.

The Shipping line has a cleanliness standard and if your vehicle is in bad condition upon inspection at the port of origin it maybe rejected for shipping also even if accepted for shipping usually if its just visually clean from the outside it may arrive and be rejected from entry to NZ via the government agency tasked with determining bio-security threats to NZ call MPI (The ministry for Primary Industries. Never fear in this page we detail all the tips and tricks we have learnt over many years of shipping cars that should give you the best chance of getting your vehicle passed through these border exams with no treatments required.

Machinery is generally a red flag for bio-security and large machinery needs to have a cleaning certificate from the exporter before it departs the country of origin even to the point of removing panels to access areas where dirt might be hiding. 

Personal effects such as just about anything that is used outside will also be a red flag to MPI for biosecurity and when shipping any such items as part of your household effects you should spotlessly wash and decontaminate them prior to shipping to avoid expensive treatments at this end.

Products made from animals or parts of animals also will attract the attention and additional expense of MPI biosecurity requirements so always make sure you talk to us about anything you think might be a problem as its likely it might be a problem, the Rocket Freight team is happy to advise you and in most cases answer your questions straight away or point you in the right direction for answers which saves you money and time in the long run.

People moving to NZ have the best chance to be able to pass the border exams and ensure no further costs are added to the shipping price for expensive quarantine treatments on arrival. Check your car before tendering it to us for shipping, ensure you Vacuum the inside of the car and be sure not to forget under the seats in the gloved boxes and to open up the boot and vacuum in there paying special attention to the spare tyre and tools part generally dirt accumulates in these hidden boot areas over the years and many a car fail the checks on this area. Also pop the hood open check the engine area look for leaves in the grill and bugs in the radiator often things fall into these areas over time and checking this before you go can save a financial sting on arrival in NZ. Also when cleaning the outside the final tip is Bio-security issues are generally found underneath your vehicle so if you have access to wash the underside then you should as 65% of all our failed results are due to customers not cleaning the underside at the very least to give it a good chance of passing you should waterblast up under the wheel archs and as far as you can get under with the pressure washer wand, washworlds normally have great tools for getting under cars with pressure washers on long poles.

Bugs, Insects, Spiders etc these are all nasties and considered a potential threat on arrival in NZ so we need importers to do there best to mitigate these potential threats before shipping by exterminating then always check your wing windows where spiders love to live and spray out the vehicle or bomb them before shipping a $10.00 super market bomb to kill all the bugs before departure is better than paying many hundreds of dollars for fumigation in NZ. Some countries have mandatory restriction requiring us to fumigate the container before shipping to NZ or the vehicle but we will guide you on that its still best for the importer to do everything in there power to ensure that no creepy crawlies get into NZ via there vehicle and to avoid the large cost associated with treating this or the other problems listed above once the vehicle arrives in NZ and has been determined to be a biosecurity threat and ordered for treatment.

If you have any questions in relation to quarantine decontamination on vehicles just let us know the team at Rocket Freight are here to answer any questions you might have.

Carnet Documents

Carnet Documents are an awesome tool for short cutting the customs clearance process in all the countries that they are valid in which totals some 78 countries around the world. Since the start of the 20th Century the idea of easy temporary admission of goods through borders would assist in opening up commercial opportunities, however it took until 1963 for the first carnet to be issued for use. 

Carnets are Ideal when you will only temporarily have the goods in a country for a short period of time or if your goods are going through multiple countries like goods for exhibitions, shows, concerts, touring vehicles etc

Carnet documents allow you to pass through borders without paying any bonds or security deposits with the local customs office for taxes.

ATA carnets are usually the way to go with static cargo they have a cheaper application fee and bond requirements however have motor vehicles that you want to drive on the road in other countries then you will definitely want to get your hands on a CPD Carnet.

Special Vehicle Carnets did you know there are also special vehicle carnet called a CPD carnet so if your planning to take your vehicle travel around the carnet network of 78 countries not only will it allow you to pass through tax free it will also allow you to drive the vehicle without having to register in the particular country you are passing through just as long as you keep it registered in its home country for the entire time you are away.

Carnets are designed to take a lot of hassle and stress out of moving goods that will not stay in countries permanently they are easy to apply for and a bond is held by the issuing authority of the carnet.

Some countries don’t allow carnets to be used or only allow ATA or CPD or vice versa if you have interest in carnets we at Rocket Freight can help and guide your through the process of obtaining one that works for you. Contact our specialists today.

Container Dimensions

If you are shipping via a container you need to know how much product you can get into a container or even if your cargo will fit in a container. Often overlooked when purchasing large items such as caravans or vehicles is will it fit in a container and if it doesn’t am I prepared to pay the additional costs associated with break bulk or roll on roll off shipping. Our advice at Rocket Freight is always to check before you buy it can save you a world of headaches and potentially could cost the financial viability of what you set out to achieve in the first place. 

A Rocket Freight special tip is to try and negotiate with you supplier to package the goods into boxes that fit perfectly to the door and to the roof maximising the amount of product you can ship in one container reducing your per item freight cost, obviously this is not relevant to all goods types however its worth thinking about and applying it where you can.

Note that the door of a general container is slightly smaller dimensions meaning your cargo has to fit through the doorway of the container so its important to take that into account when shipping large goods, a strengthening crossbar runs across the top of the door drastically reducing the height by 100mm.

20ft General Container

Door Internal Cubic Capacity Weight
Width 2.33
Height 2.26
Length 5.89
Width 2.35
Height 2.36
Up to 33m3 depending on your cargo shape and size
this can vary quite a lot
21700kg
is the max payload you can load

40ft General Container

Door Internal Cubic Capacity Weight
Width 2.33
Height 2.26
Length 12.05
Width 2.35
Height 2.36
Up to 66m3 depending on your cargo shape and size
this can vary quite a lot
26500kg
is the max payload you can load

40ft High Cube Container

Door Internal Cubic Capacity Weight
Width 2.33
Height 2.59
Length 12.05
Width 2.35
Height 2.69
Up to 76m3 depending on your cargo shape and size
this can vary quite a lot
26500kg
is the max payload you can load

These are the 3 most common types of shipping containers and are generally hired out by all shipping lines to and from most destinations around the world.

There are differing types of these containers such as vented, unvented, food grade and they all have the same dimensions. 

There are 20ft High Cube versions of 20ft containers however these are not common and likely only available on specialized routes and shipping lines they are commonly used in pacific islands shipping, so check with us before you decide on trying to use one of these containers for your cargo.

20ft High Cube Container

Door Internal Cubic Capacity Weight
Width 2.33
Height 2.59
Length 5.89
Width 2.35
Height 2.69
Up to 37m3 depending on your cargo shape and size
this can vary quite a lot
21700kg
is the max payload you can load

There are also Flat Rack Containers for goods that don’t fit in containers basically they are a steel base of a container however much thicker with no sides or roof so essentially a plinth that you can strap a large out of gauge piece of cargo to for shipping at the top of a container stack on a container ship these types of containers can be extremely expensive to ship and are open to the elements on the open sea however amazing shrink wrapping can limit this exposure to just about zero. These units come in 4 different varieties 20ft and 40ft with or with end walls.  Get in touch with one of our shipping specialists today if you think a flat rack would suit your shipping requirements.

20ft Flat Rack Container

Length Width Height Weight
6.00 2.35 0.23 26500kg
is the max payload you can load in most cases

40ft Flat Rack Container

Length Width Height Weight
12.20 2.35 0.65 39000kg
is the max payload you can load

Open Top Containers are another option a container with a tarp roof allows you to load goods that are to high for closed in containers but still have the safety of steel surrounds and the weatherproofness of a tarp over the top however these are not infallible to the elements and additional plastic packaging is always recommended. These come in both 20ft and 40ft varieties get in touch today if you think this might suit your shipping requirement, they are the same dimensions as normal containers however without a roof.

Finally we have reefer containers they come in both 40ft and 20ft Varieties and are for chilled or frozen cargo normally however any type of temperature sensitive may suit to be loaded in a reefer container. Also from some destinations your cargo maybe loaded into NOR or non operating reefers this often comes at a reduced shipping rate due to the reduced volume of cargo you can put in a Non operating reefer container always good to check with us a rocket if you think this type of shipping method would suit you and your cargo.

20ft Reefer Container

Door Internal Cubic Capacity Weight
Width 2.26
Height 2.20
Length 5.44
Width 2.26
Height 2.24
Up to 27m3 depending on your cargo shape and size
this can vary quite a lot
21700kg
Is the max payload you can load

40ft General Container

Door Internal Cubic Capacity Weight
Width 2.26
Height 2.20
Length 11.55
Width 2.26
Height 2.24
Up to 58m3 depending on your cargo shape and size
this can vary quite a lot
25000kg
Is the max payload you can load

Customs Controlled Area

Rocket Freight is a full licensed customs controlled area and can hold your goods in store without customs clearance this can save thousands by removing the containers off the wharf where they would otherwise occur demurrage fees which can be up to $200.00 per day for a container, also by continuing the process we can unpack and dehire your container saving potential detention fees for having the container too long which can also be up to $200.00 per day. Getting your goods cleared and into new Zealand for the best possible price is our priority and we have customs continuous collectors permits and all the other approvals in place to make it happen even in the worst case scenarios we can likely help where others cannot. If your having trouble with your customs clearances and need us to get the job done for you then get in touch with one of our shipping specialists today.

Customs controlled areas are also the only way to unpack groupage or FAK containers as all the LCL shipments in a shared container need to be cleared separately from a Customs Controlled Area.

Customs Forms for commercial or business imports or exports

The basic two documents required for customs clearance is a customs client code for your business and a purchase invoice for the goods.

If you don’t have a Customs Client Code you will need to fill in the NZCS224 form and return it to us with a copy of all the directors passports.

Goods always have a value for customs purposes even if you receive goods for free or samples for free your supplier must state a value for customs purposes only on an invoice. Customs rules states everything has a value so it must be supplied.

All imports for businesses are taxable and must be cleared by a registered customs broker like Rocket Freight.

Many goods can require substantially more documentation in order for us to clear look at our FAQ for more information, fill out and enquiry form or give us a call we are here to assist you to get your product to market.

Vehicle GST Exemptions (Concession 80 Clearances)

The Documentation required to obtain a Concessionary Entry also known to people as the GST Exemption with New Zealand Customs on your vehicle can be quite complex if your case is difficult however below is a guide to what documentation you should have available to prove that you fit the GST Concession requirements under law.

This section deals with the paperwork required and is a guide to assist you in providing the right documentation and complying documentation.

Purchase Invoice

The Purchase invoice is one of the most important documents that you can provide supporting your application for GST exemption, it needs to be dated in a way to show you bought paid and took possession of the vehicle from more than one year before you either departed the country of origin or surrendered the car for shipping whichever came earlier. It also needs to show the purchase price. If you don’t have a purchase invoice please contact the dealer you purchased the vehicle from often they will have records retained for many years and can easily send you another copy. If you don’t have a purchase invoice and you bought the vehicle privately or just have a handwritten purchase invoice then there may still be ways we can claim the concession for you, get in touch with one of our experts today we have helped many people through getting the concessionary entry on your vehicle.

Registration Documents

A Registration Certificate showing the date you acquired the vehicle or the date it was transferred into your name is also a great document to supply to us as added proof of your eligibility for the GST Concession. If you don’t have the certificate or transfer papers sometimes even a reminder notice can work if it links your name to the vehicle and is dated from more than 1 year prior to your departure from the country of origin or your surrender of the car for shipping whichever happened earlier.

Insurance Paperwork

Often Insurance paperwork contains information proving your length of ownership and is another useful tool in providing proof of length of ownership.

Passport and VISA’s

We will need a copy of your passport in full colour and high quality. It must be signed so please check you have signed yours with E-Gate these days we have found quite a few customers who have forgotten to sign the passport where indicated. New Zealand customs will check your passport upon application to them for the GST exemption and make sure you have been outside of new Zealand or domiciled outside of new Zealand for the required period of 21 months. If you don’t meet this then your GST exemption application will likely be rejected. Short Holidays and small trips back to NZ can often be taken into consideration by the officer looking at your case, often if we inform customs of these with the reasons they still consider you as eligible however it is on a case by case basis. NZ and AU passports automatically qualify the holder to NZ Residency however any other Passport holder will need to have a copy of there VISA sent to us to prove they have the right to be in NZ normally under most circumstances all VISA’s longer than 12 months will be considered eligible for this part of the requirements.

NZCS224 (Client Code Application)

This form registers you as a user in the customs TSW system and allows us to process your application.
Private Individual Application NZCS224A

E Ticket

If you haven’t arrived in NZ then a copy of your Airline E-Ticket is essential as it lets NZ Customs know when you will be arriving in New Zealand. If you have already arrived in NZ then just let us know the date you arrived in NZ.

If your not a returning resident then skip this question. Returning Residents we need to know when you departed from new Zealand to live overseas permanently when you arrived back if you haven’t supplied an e-ticket and how long you have been away for this is only if you are a returning resident.

ODO Reading

Last thing we need is a reading of your ODO reading when your last with your car so please make sure to do this before departing company with your vehicle.

Any questions about the documentation you need or if your don’t have some of it or its not quite up to spec then check out our FAQ section. If that still doesn’t assist fill out and enquiry form below or just pickup up the phone and contact one of our team now for assistance likely we will be able to answer your questions straight away or point you in the right direction.

Inco Terms

Inco terms are a set of codes that outline and specify the terms of transport on a purchase of goods between buyer and seller specifically what the buyer pays for and what the seller pays for in regards to the transportation of the goods from the seller to the buyer, prior to inco terms much confusion happened when buying goods internationally about who paid for what in regards to getting the goods to the other party so the ICC (International Chamber Commerce) decided to formalize terms known as INCO terms so when you bought goods under the specified Inco term there could be no confusion about who pays for what in regards to transport between the buyer and the seller.

The latest version of Inco terms is from 2020 and we have compiled the below list for your reference to the most common inco terms.

EXW – this inco terms is commonly referred to as Ex-Works

This means the seller will have the goods ready for transport at the location specified to the seller generally the factory of manufacture. This is all the seller is required to assume the cost for all the costs from that point including clearance through customs in foreign countries is assumed by the buyer. This Inco term is common in countries with great trade relations. It also puts the most financial obligation in relation to transport on the buyer and the least possible on the seller. EXW prices for goods should be substantially cheaper than other terms of sale as the transport costs are not sunk into the cost of the product which is quite often standard practice worldwide.

FCA – Free Carrier to named place

Buying on FCA means the seller will pay to get the goods cleared and to a named location as agreed usually a port or distribution hub from there the buyer will take on all the costs. FCA is not a very common inco term however can serve a purpose when it works such as hard to arrange a carrier we had a customer use FCA terms as Bullock carts needed to take the goods to a trucking depot in Myanmar as no roads went to the village that the product was made in and we had not contacts with any bullock transport in Myanmar to arrange it for them under EXW terms.

FOB – Free On Board

Free on Board basically means that the supplier pays for everything up until the point the cargo is on board the boat ready to depart from the closest origin port. The buyer then takes care of all costs including the ocean freight and destination fees. This terms keeps control of the freight in the buyers hands and ensures no third party freight companies other that your preferred provider dip there hands into the process and take a cut. It is an extremely common term in shipping and the ultimate way to buy to ensure no hidden costs especially from origins in Asia where freight is often pitched as free or negligible, however you receive huge costs on arrival in New Zealand. Talk to us today if you are buying goods on CFR CIF terms from Asia or any terms mentioned below FOB in this list as its likely we can save you a lot of money by changing over to FOB buying terms.

CFR – Cost of Goods and Freight

This INCO term is very common and is regularly used by suppliers to control the shipping and freight process all the way up until the time the goods have arrived at the destination port closest to the buyer at that point responsibility for costs transfer to the buyer, usually we discourage the use of buying on this term but in some cases it is the best way if you are buying on this term then give our team a call we are happy to give you a costs analysis so you can work out if there is a cheaper more efficient way of shipping.

CIF – Cost of goods, Insurance, Freight

This INCO term is very similar to the above Inco term it is also regularly used by suppliers to control the shipping and freight process with one extra part they also insure the goods for transit all the way up until the time the goods have arrived at the destination port closest to the buyer at that point responsibility for costs transfer to the buyer, usually we discourage the use of buying on this term but in some cases it is the best way if you are buying on this term then give our team a call we are happy to give you a costs analysis so you can work out if there is a cheaper more efficient way of shipping.

DAP – Delivered at Point

This is another inco term and used quite often when a buyer doesn’t want to have any cost incurred for getting goods to NZ under normal circumstances this hands all the control to the seller of the shipping process and we recommend against it in most cases however it does have its uses especially in low value transactions and non sale of goods and some export markets from NZ. The only responsibility of the buyer is to have the goods customs cleared everything else getting it delivered to the point specified is born by the supplier.

DDP – Delivery Duty Paid

This term is similar to the above term and is common in shipping terminology it basically puts all the responsibility and financial cost of getting the goods to the buyer on the sellers shoulders including taxes in destination. For imports to NZ that would mean GST which is claimable by NZ Businesses revert to overseas supplier which would then not be reimburses which could inflate your goods purchase price unnecessarily. Most case for importing to NZ we recommend not using this term from buying goods however to export of goods it maybe necessary for some customers overseas as always we are happy to give you a free assessment of your inco terms and make sure it’s the most efficient way of getting your products to market export or import.

Full chart of inco terms

MPI Documentation

The ministry for primary industries is a mega government organisation with many responsibilities and one of them is enforcing controlled exports and imports to New Zealand. MPI and the relevant legislation governing your commodity type can be some of the hardest things to overcome in finding solutions to your freighting requirements. It can be the difference between having a commercially viable import product or legal export products.

Some of the most common types of MPI documentation can be found below:

Container Quarantine Declarations

Every full container (FCL) that arrives in New Zealand must have an accompanying Quarantine Declaration this form is a declaration of cleanliness of the container and must be filled out by the loader of the container at origin. If you do not have this Quarantine Declaration or the quarantine declaration is non-compliant you will be hit with expensive 6 sided examination fees on the port and supervised unpacking fees from MPI this could be in the thousands depending on how long it takes to unload and check all your cargo. Its best to talk to our shipping specialists before shipping goods without the correct forms for all government agencies talking to us first could save you hundreds or even thousands especially if contamination is found.

Quarantine Declaration Form

NZCS 218 (Unaccompanied Baggage Declaration)

This for is used for all personal effects imports into New Zealand it doubles as a NZ Customs and MPI form making it easy for both government agencies to risk assess your cargo for entry to New Zealand if you have a personal effects shipment arriving you will nee to complete this form correctly. Please see our short video on how to complete this correctly.

Unaccompanied Baggage Declaration Form

Packing List

Packing lists are detailed itemised and in some cases value assigned inventories of goods shipments for all personal effects or household goods shipments you will need to produce one either our packing company will produce one if you pay for packaging with us or you will need to produce one yourself if you pack your goods yourself. Its always best to number every item with a number and what the goods are in that package when taking insurance out with us it is very important to assign a value to each item as you pack the goods. Please see our short video on how to create a packing list. Please see a link to our template packing list. MPI will review this packing list upon importation to new Zealand for risk assessment purposes items of high bio-security risk will be singled out for inspection like xmas decorations or outdoor equipment. When packing goods or tendering them to us for packing its always useful to think is it even worth shipping this item as it maybe worth less than the inspection costs if your unsure we can help guide you also always make sure everything you ship to New Zealand is clean and free from unwanted pests and diseases this will reduce your chances of MPI ordering your goods for destruction or expensive treatments upon inspection in NZ. As always if you are unsure about any aspect of this give us a call we have shipping specialists available to aide you in your decision making process it might be the difference between passing your quarantine inspection on arrival or failing and paying extra fees to remedy the situation.

MPI Supplementary Information Declaration

This is another form that goes into more detail about your personal effects shipment and we recommend filling this out with every personal effects consignment to NZ.

MPI Supplementary Information Declaration

Packing Standards for international shipping

There are many aspects to think about when packaging your goods for overseas transport, The team at Rocket Freight have been sending goods around the world for 20+ years and have seen what can happen if goods are not packaged correctly.

Firstly you must consider the goods and how fragile or breakable they are and ensure you have sufficient packaging around it and in many cases if you want the goods to be insured whilst in transit then you will have to have them professionally packed.

There are 4 levels of safety in packaging that Rocket Freight considers for goods depending on the type.

  • Highest – Fully crated in either a steel, plastice or wooden crate*
  • High – wrapped and boxed and palletised.
  • Medium – Wrapped and boxed
  • Low – Boxed

You need to consider how you package your goods if your unsure and want our expert opinion give us a call we would be happy to help you.

*Wooden packaging

Wooden packaging is something you have to carefully consider when using some types or wood like plywood in thin grades are acceptable for transport or manufactured boards such as MDF are acceptable however for normal timber you have to be careful as there are international stamp standards for pallets and crates that must be adhered to at risk of having your goods stopped by Forestry or Bio-Security holds and face possible massive costs and risks of having your goods fumigated, ISPM-15 standard stamp is what you need to ensure your crate or pallet if made of wood needs to have on it.

This is what it looks like it can vary in width height etc however must have the ippc symbol as depicted below. The xx is the country code to NZ for New Zealand. The next 000 is the manufacturer code. The YY is the treatment code most common HT for heat treated.

Any questions about packaging call one of our shipping specialists today we should be able to help assist your with any questions you have.

Shipping a car Australia to NZ 

Every Kiwi loves a bargain and you only have to look over the ditch to realise there are some deals to be had. With such a difference in our markets the keen investor can be sure to realise a profit by investing in the right vehicle whether your shipping a written off car for parts, classic vehicles or run of the mill everyday drivers different makes and models sell for different prices in each market so the gains are yours to make simply by shipping. That’s not all but by large Kiwis and Australians move back and forward between the two countries so often that when coming home or moving to NZ you can help but consider taking your car with you. With so many reasons to ship your vehicle to NZ Rocket Freight is here to make sure it happens smoothly and effortlessly.

New Zealand has great service links with Australia being geographically very close to each other the transit times are fast especially from the east coast. We have roll on roll off services from all major ports in Australia to all major ports in New Zealand also we have Container options from all major ports in Australia to all major ports in NZ. Roll on Roll off is the cheapest option for shipping from Australia to NZ however it doesn’t suit all situations and you may need to opt for a container or a shared container service.

Major Ports In Australia

Roll on roll off Containers
Fremantle (Perth) Fremantle (Perth)
Adelaide Adelaide
Melbourne Melbourne
Brisbane Brisbane
Port Kembla (Sydney) Port Kembla (Sydney)

Major Ports In NZ

Roll on Roll off Containers
Auckland Auckland
Wellington Tauranga
Nelson Wellington 
Lyttelton (Christchurch) Nelson
Lyttelton (Christchurch)
Port Chalmers (Dunedin)

Buying in Australia can be a challenge however with so many great online auction websites and private listing sites it can be very easy to sit back in your chair and search for your next project or your next payday. Rocket Freight makes things super easy for you basically you only need to find and buy the car we will go pick up the car wherever it is in Australia and bring it to NZ. All the process it extremely seamless we handle the customs and MPI processes and deliver it directly to wherever you need it in NZ.

Moving to New Zealand from Australia? Want to take your car with you? many thousands of people do this and it makes sense financially with a great tax exemption law in NZ you can often bring your car in tax free which often makes it viable. The basic criteria for shipping your car back duty free is below which you must meet there are some definitions on this and you must have the relevant supporting documentation, so if you are unsure or have some more questions just get in touch with our team today.

  1. You must have owned and used the vehicle in Australia for more the 12 months
  2. You must have been outside of NZ for the whole of a 21 month period prior to either your departure from Australia or the Vehicle is picked up for shipping whichever comes first
  3. You must have the right to live in NZ which means either permanent residency or an Australian Passport holder or New Zealand passport holder often a 12 month work permit is the minimum requirement to the exemption, also and Australian permanent resident but still on a foreign passport it eligible just like an Australian passport holder

Do you have further questions?

Check our FAQ page for frequently asked questions about shipping a car from Australia to NZ.

At Rocket we love reuniting people with there cars or uniting them for the first time if you have a vehicle to ship from Australia to New Zealand then Rocket Freight is your premium shipping service we look forward to hearing from you today.

Temporary Exports From NZ

Sometimes the needs arises to temporarily export goods from new Zealand its important that you do this in the correct way and Rocket Freight can assist you with this process from start to finish often if you get this wrong then you may get charged taxes when the goods return to New Zealand and nobody likes to pay tax twice if you can avoid it. In some cases however when goods are improved and value is added overseas and then the goods are returned to NZ in a more valuable state you may have to pay tax on the improvement value however not on the original price only the improvement if you have done the correct process with us which we will guide you through each step of the way.

Get in touch with us today if you think a temporary export solution is right for your freight requirements our shipping specialists will be more than happy to assist you.

Shipping a Vehicle USA to NZ 
Temporary Imports to New Zealand

New Zealand has an awesome temporary import scheme with New Zealand customs and some other relevant border agencies. Carnets are always a great option however paying a bond to NZ Customs to secure a temporary import to NZ can save the admin and courier fees around carnets and is worth thinking about if this is the solution that best fits you. The bond payable is set at the amount of tax that you would normally pay should you be permanently entering the goods to New Zealand, this bond will be fully refunded upon the goods being re-exported from New Zealand.

Normally we would need a letter of intent from you made out to NZ Customs stating what your intentions are when you plan to arrive what the goods are coming to NZ temporarily for and when you plan to re-export the goods. In most cases NZ customs will give you up to 1 year to complete your business and re-export the goods. The other documents required on top of the letter of intention will be the normal documentation for importing commercial goods or vehicles. Check out our FAQ page for more information on required documents. Customs may or may not ask for further supplementary docs at their discretion however most of the time this is all that is required.

Temporary import entries with NZ Customs are also open to vehicles for touring or racing purposes you would pay a bond that is refunded upon re-export from NZ the bond is equivalent to the total tax payable, vehicles also are able to have a temporary registration setup with NZTA via a VTNZ or VINZ testing station these allow you to obtain all the necessary registration and warrants to drive legally on a NZ road with your foreign car for up to one year. We can help you with this and provide all the necessary documentation the NZTA will need to set this up.

Get in touch with one of our shipping specialists today If your interesting in temporary imports to New Zealand we can guide you through the necessary documentation required to obtain clearance and tailor make a solution to suit your purpose.

MPI Transitional Facility

All goods coming into New Zealand must first transit through an MPI approved transitional facility where the goods gain bio-security clearance to enter New Zealand. Also all containers entering NZ must be unpacked and by a trained and accredited person who has been appointed a position of authority by MPI to unpack containers and handle uncleared cargo through the clearance transition.

Rocket Freight is a fully accredited quarantine facility with accredited persons we can handle all of your container unpacking needs and also have many additional risk item approvals so we can handle risk cargo such as used vehicles machinery tyres untreated wood seeds food and personal effects.

Reach out to our shipping specialists today if you have containers arriving in new Zealand that need unpacking at a transitional facility we would love to help.

Customs Import Transaction Fee Increase 2023

All import shipments into New Zealand incur a customs transaction fee.

As of 1st July 2023 the transaction fee has increased from $51.72+GST up to $75.12+GST.

The government has agreed to increase the biosecurity entry levy to a new maximum rate of $50.00 which where this increase has come from.

Please note any customs import entries lodged from 1st July will have this increased fee charged. You will see this on either your customs certificates or on the customs statement.

Shipping a car UK to NZ 

The United Kingdom consisting of Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales and England is a country with strong trade links and heritage with New Zealand an excellent place to do business with being English speaking as it New Zealand, Rocket Freight has a lot of trade with the united kingdom from caravans in containers to people moving back and forward taking there cars with them or businesses and private individuals trading in rare or luxury European cars, we handle it all effortlessly from pickup to delivery and every process in between.

New Zealand has great service links with United Kingdom, even though the UK is half a world away the links remain solid. We have roll on roll off services from Southampton to all major ports in New Zealand also we have Container options from London and Southampton to all major ports in NZ. Shared Containerised shipments are the cheapest option for vehicle shipping from Australia to NZ however it doesn’t suit all situations and you may need to opt for a full container or the roll on roll off service.

Major Ports in the UK

Roll on roll off Containers
Southampton London
Southampton

Major Ports in NZ

Roll on Roll off Containers
Auckland Auckland
Wellington Tauranga
Nelson Wellington 
Lyttelton (Christchurch) Nelson
Lyttelton (Christchurch)
Port Chalmers (Dunedin)

Buying vehicles in the UK can be a challenge especially given the time difference however with so many great online auction websites and private listing sites it can be very easy to sit back in your chair and search for your next project or your next payday. Rocket Freight makes things super easy for you basically you only need to find and buy the car we will go pick up the car wherever it is in United Kingdom and bring it to NZ. The process it extremely streamlined and we handle the customs and MPI processes and deliver it directly to wherever you need it in NZ.

Moving to New Zealand from the UK? Want to take your car with you? many thousands of people do this and it makes sense financially with a great tax exemption law in NZ you can often bring your car in tax free which often makes it viable. The basic criteria for shipping your car back duty free is below which you must meet there are some definitions on this and you must have the relevant supporting documentation, so if you are unsure or have some more questions just get in touch with our team today.

  1. You must have owned and used the vehicle in Australia for more the 12 months.
  2. You must have been outside of NZ for the whole of a 21 month period prior to either your departure from Australia or the Vehicle is picked up for shipping whichever comes first.
  3. You must have the right to live in NZ which means either permanent residency or an Australian Passport holder or New Zealand passport holder often a 12 month work permit is the minimum requirement to the exemption, also and Australian permanent resident but still on a foreign passport it eligible just like an Australian passport holder.

Once of the most import documents to have when moving a vehicle from the UK to NZ is the original V5 registration document, This original document needs to be presented to your entry certifier as part of the compliance on road costs in NZ without this document the vehicle can never be registered for the roads in NZ. Make sure you have the correct documents before you buy or decide to ship talk to Rocket Freight today we can assist and reassure you.

Do you have further questions?

Check our FAQ page for frequently asked questions about shipping a car from the UK to NZ.

At Rocket we love shipping vehicles out of the UK with so many luxury and rare vehicles for sale in the UK is a pleasure to welcome them into NZ and the owners if your moving here, from caravans to boats or motorhomes, cars to motorbikes Rocket is your one stop shop for shipping from the United Kingdom to New Zealand the team at Rocket Freight look forward to hearing from you today.

Shipping a Car from NZ to the UK

Its every kiwis dream to buy a classic from the USA and bring it home to NZ, Nostalgia events are so popular in NZ why not be part of the dream and ship your own piece of heritage back to NZ. That’s not the only reason to ship cars from the USA to NZ you might be moving over to NZ or you business buys and sells cars whatever the reason Rocket can Assist you wit the most cost effective shipping solutions.

The United Kingdom has three services from NZ either Roll on Roll off or via a Full or Shared Container but first you need to decide exactly where you want to ship from in NZ and to in the UK. Not all ports are serviced Via both options so see below the main ports for each service in the USA. Containers can also be sent inland and to other ports via transhipment which would get you to anywhere you desire however the cost can be a concern. See our roll on roll off vs full container vs shared container pages to assist in your decision.

Roll on roll off Containers
Southampton London
Southampton

If your Selling cars to buyers in the UK some things to consider are taxes that your customer may have to pay and rules and regulations. The UK is a highly regulated economy and may vehicles are prohibited for importation to the UK however some exemptions do apply so its important that you make sure your buyer in the UK has all the right approvals in place in order to import the car or UK customs could end up seizing it upon arrival, we here at Rocket Freight can help you make the right decisions just get in touch with our team today. 

Moving to the UK and taking your car with you? this can be a great idea its always a big risk moving to another country and having to search for a reliable vehicle can add to the stress at a time you just don’t need it, you know the car you have right now and have serviced and looked after it just the way you want its reliable so why not take it. Often a car is tax free into the UK when you are moving there however there is some conditions.

  1. Your must have not lived in the UK for a least 12 months prior to shipping or your personal departure to the UK
  2. Owned and used the car for 6 months prior to your personal departure or the cars departure
  3. You must be moving to the UK to live for a minimum of 6 months
  4. The vehicle must arrive in the UK within 6 months of your arrival in the UK
  5. You can’t sell the vehicle for 1 year after arrival in the UK

Do you have further questions?

Check our FAQ page for frequently asked questions about shipping from NZ to the UK.

Shipping to the UK is a long route and one we at Rocket Freight have done many a time and certainly will ensure it’s a smooth sailing and your left with no surprises, let us know today if you have any further questions or would like a no obligation free quote. We look forward to assisting you.

Shipping a Car from NZ to Australia

Automotive shipping from New Zealand to Australia is one of our most popular services, with New Zealand and Australia so closely connected culturally it often makes financial sense to ship a car to Australia.

Australia has three services from NZ either Roll on Roll off or via a Full or Shared Container but first you need to decide exactly where you want to ship from in NZ and to in Australia. Not all ports are serviced Via both options so see below the main ports for each service. See our roll on roll off vs full container vs shared container pages to assist in your decision on the shipping method.

Roll on roll off Containers
Brisbane Brisbane
Port Kembla (Sydney) Sydney
Melbourne Melbourne
Fremantle (Perth) Fremantle (Perth)

When Selling a car(s) or moving over to Australia and taking your car with you one of the main considerations it taxes. Australia loves its taxes and there is no exemptions to tax even for people moving to Australia and taking there personal car with them, they also have a luxury car tax for higher valued vehicles. However that’s not always a problem many cars are cheaper in New Zealand than Australia due to Australia’s strict import policies and high taxes so what you save by not having to sell in a lower market and what you could sell for in Australia’s higher market is worth the small amount of tax.

Temporary exports to AU things you need to consider

  1. Australia is a vast country and you need to make sure you make the right decision about what port to send to.
  2. A general rule of thumb for the cost of shipping is anywhere around the coast of the Australia being the cheapest areas to ship to with more inland places being more expensive.
  3. Also the East coast is geographically a lot closer to NZ so can result in faster transit times and cheaper in cost than the West Coast so that should be part of your consideration.
  4. Make sure you have your paperwork in order you need a Carnet document ready to go just get in touch with us today and we can point you in the right direction.
  5. You have 1 year to complete your sightseeing trip in Australia before you must export your vehicle either back to NZ or on to another country.
  6. Most vehicles will be accepted for entry to Australia on a temporary basis.
  7. Carnet documents are a great way to fly through customs without bond fees payable we can put you in touch with the right people.

Do you have further questions?

Check our FAQ page for frequently asked questions about shipping from NZ to Australia.

Shipping to the Australia is one of Rocket Freight’s fundamental trade routes and one we have sent many thousands of cars on we know every aspect like the back of hand ensuring you get the best service and value for money, let us know today if you have any further questions or would like a no obligation free quote. We look forward to assisting you.

Shipping a Car from NZ to the USA

Summer road trip round the iconic routes of the USA? Selling classic or performance second hand vehicles to the USA? Or simply moving back home? There can be many reasons to ship a car, motorcycle, campervan, boat, motorhome or machinery back to the USA and some of these can even be for your business.

The United states has three services from NZ either Roll on Roll off or via a Full or Shared Container but first you need to decide exactly where you want to ship from in NZ and to in the USA. Not all ports are serviced Via both options so see below the main ports for each service in the USA. Containers can also be sent inland and to other ports via transhipment which would get you to anywhere you desire however the cost can be a concern. See our roll on roll off vs full container vs shared container pages to assist in your decision.

Roll on roll off Containers
Long Beach (Los Angeles, California) Long Beach (Los Angeles, California)
Savanah (Georgia) New York (New York)
Galveston (Texas)
Baltimore (Maryland)

Selling cars to buyers in the USA and things to consider are taxes for the importer rules and regulations. USA is a highly regulated economy and may vehicles are prohibited for importation to the USA however some exemptions do apply so its important that you make sure your buyer in the USA has all the right approvals in place in order to import the car or US customs could end up seizing it upon arrival, we here at Rocket Freight can help you make the right decisions just get in touch with our team today. Also every state has different sales taxes and rules its important for the buyer to be aware of these costs. We can also just ship to the closest port in some of these types of situations and leave the buyer to sort out the taxes and customs clearances this can help keep you out of any troubles on arrival.

Temporary exports to the USA things you need to consider

  1. The USA is a vast country and you need to make sure you make the right decision about what port to send to.
  2. A general rule of thumb for the cost of shipping is anywhere around the coast of the USA being the cheapest areas to ship to with more inland places being more expensive.
  3. Also the west coast is geographically a lot closer to NZ so can result in faster transit times so that should be part of your consideration.
  4. Make sure you have your paperwork in order you need your EPA and DOT permits ready before you ship we can help point you in the right direction just get in touch today.
  5. You have 1 year to complete your sightseeing trip in the USA before you must export your vehicle either back to NZ or on to another country.
  6. Most vehicles will be accepted for entry to the USA on a temporary basis.
  7. Carnet documents are a great way to fly through customs without bond fees payable we can put you in touch with the right people.

Do you have further questions?

Check our FAQ page for frequently asked questions about shipping to the USA from New Zealand.

Shipping to the USA is a passion of Rocket Freight and every shipment sent to the USA is taken care of like one of our own, let us know today if you have any further questions or would like a no obligation free quote. We look forward to assisting you.

Shared Container Shipping

Sometimes you just don’t have enough cargo to fill up a whole container right? A small pallet of business supplies or retail product in China that you need to get sent over or just a large box ordered online that’s too expensive for courier. There are many examples of things that’s can be placed in a shared container private or personal Motorcycles bought in overseas or your business imports boxes of clothes from overseas whatever it might be if the total volume is less than 10-12 cubic metres it can be worthwhile looking at shared container options.

What are shared containers you might ask well basically shared containers are full containers made up of everybody’s goods that are two small to justify there own full container, so as freight forwarders we put all our customers freight together and make a full container booking that way we get to divide the price of a full container over all the customers we have delivering exceptional prices to all customers down to a minimum price of 1 cubic metre.

We even have vehicle shared containers from some place in the world and when roll on roll off shipping is not available we have containers loaded with vehicles with our special ramping systems we can often load 3 – 4 vehicles inside and container and the odd couple of motorbikes too, we also can load caravans when the dimensions are favourable and the roll on roll off price is to high.

Shared containers are a great way to move your personal effects especially if you live in anpartment, lets face it not everybody has a lot of stuff that you want to take with you when you move overseas so we can offer the same consolidated container service or shared container service to you with your move from 4 or 5 boxes to a few pallets we look after it all for you and make sure you pay the lowest possible price by matching you with others moving to the same country as you.

Shared container shipping can have a downside and that is being a little bit slower than traditional shipping of full containers or roll on roll off cargo, this is due to the fact that in some cases we have to wait to get enough similar cargo from the same origin and destination to be able to fill a container we strive to get this done in record time however it can take some time.

Full container shipping

The humble shipping container numbers in its millions and roughly 80% of all cargo worldwide moves around the world in a shipping container. Introduced to replace the breakbulk method of shipping in the 1970s it has certainly become the most trusted method of shipping adding amazing compartmentalisation of shipping and all the efficiency of the modern world.

Containers are strong made of solid steel they protect your goods extremely well in transit from external elements and bumps and knocks over the often turbulent seas on there journeys around the world.

Container shipping is safer and cheaper than you think depending if you need a full container or a shared container the more product you get inside a container the better see our container dimensions page.

Our containers are loaded at depots around the world including our depots New Zealand goods are handled with extreme care and professionalism they are secured with sturdy steel bolts at our depots and not opened until arrived at our unpack depot at the end of the transit.

All types of cargo can be loaded together from vehicles and personal effects when a person moves overseas to boxes of books for a local bookseller, basically if the cargo fits inside a container then that is the best way to ship the cargo and the cheapest, however in some cases roll on roll off shipping works cheaper.

Rocket Freight has its own fully licensed container unpacking and distribution depot, it can be hard for importers to meet all the costs and government regulations in relation to the import and handling of their own containers, in that case Rocket Freight can handle the whole container process for you and deliver just the goods on a truck when ready to go saving you all the hassle and leaving you with just the desired product and none the paperwork and hassles of handling your own containers.

There is no real downside to container shipping especially if your goods are commercial and packaged in boxes ready to simply load in as long as it fits you should use this method however its always good to do freight comparison pricing with us when looking at vehicles and machinery that maybe better suited to roll on roll off shipping.

From and to New Zealand vehicles are often shipped inside containers with at lot less limited roll on roll off shipping we have had to practice systems of lashing that allow vehicles, bikes machinery even caravans and trucks to be loaded inside containers, check you vehicle dimensions against container dimensions here.

Container shipping is also the best way to move house when you new house is overseas, with Rocket Freight your goods get packaged professionally at your house moved to our depot loaded inside out sturdy containers and moved across the oceans safely and securely then unloaded and delivered and even unpacked and put away for you.