International Vehicle Shipping
With over 20 years of experience shipping cars internationally, Jacanna has seen it, been there, and done it all before. From cars to commercial trucks, special-interest vehicles, or heavy cargo and machinery, if it has wheels, we have you covered.
Whether you’re looking to import vehicles into New Zealand or export them somewhere more remote, we offer a one-stop-shop international vehicle shipping service with options for RORO (Roll on, Roll off) or Container Shipping. 
Door to Door international vehicle shipping
In the early days of Jacanna, we cut our teeth in vehicle shipping; it’s where we earned our freight forwarding stripes, and our expertise still lies. With global reach but a personal approach, our team can get your vehicles wherever they need to go without any unnecessary headaches.
If you are looking to import vehicles directly from Japan to New Zealand, we offer a comprehensive One-Stop-Shop package that takes care of the entire shipping process. This service includes transportation overseas and delivery from the port of discharge, with the help of our network of trusted transport agents across the country. We ensure your vehicle is delivered on time to its destination – the Compliance Centre.
But our international vehicle shipping service isn’t restricted to one destination! No matter how far afield your vehicle is coming from or going to, we have the logistical know-how to get it there hassle-free.
We will provide you with a transparent quote before shipping so that you know the exact cost and can rest assured that all necessary care and documentation will be taken during the shipment.
Our vehicle shipping methods
Roll-on Roll-off
If you’re searching for an affordable and stress-free way to transport your car overseas, consider the roll-on/roll-off method, commonly referred to as RORO. This method involves loading your vehicle onto the ship at the departure port and unloading it at the destination port, making it a simple and cost-effective option.
Container Shipping
If you need to ship your vehicle and other goods overseas, consider container shipping. This method involves using large intermodal containers that are transported via container ships. Although it may cost more, this option is ideal if you have additional items to ship with your vehicle.
Find what works for you with Jacanna
The cost of shipping your vehicle overseas depends on various factors, such as the method you choose, the locations, and the import fees. The cost primarily depends on the destination of your vehicle. If you are worried about the cost, don’t worry. Jacanna provides upfront and accurate quotes along with expert advice to help you select the best international vehicle shipping method that suits your needs.
RORO and container freight service
We offer direct RORO sailings from multiple ports in Japan with fast transit times, and we monitor every shipment until it reaches its destination. Additionally, we provide weekly containerised service to all major locations in New Zealand. You can expect to receive a Freight Arrival Notice before your shipment arrives, which will provide you with information about the expected arrival date and other important details.
Japan to New Zealand vehicle services:
– Free Vehicle Photo Service (VPS)
– Free Odometer Inspection
– MPI Biosecurity Inspection & Cleaning
– NZTA Border Inspection
– Transportation for Metro areas in NZ (for inland areas, please contact us)
– Compliance Service is available in Auckland only, which is an optional service.
– Marine Insurance full cover from the place of purchase to the first point of rest in NZ
Learn more about vehicle shipping from Japan.
Keep up-to-date with your vehicle shipment
Keeping an eye or, better yet, both eyes on your vehicle throughout the entire shipping process allows you to manage the collection and processing of documents and payments on time. And with Jacanna, you can do just that!
The Vehicle Tracking System (VTS) helps JFA’s customers track their vehicles from the time of delivery at JFA Terminal Receiving yards until the time of shipment. Customers can monitor all the activities of their vehicles within the yard, and the VTS captures the real-time date and time of the work order activities. The system updates the customers on their portable computers and gadgets through the website.
For vehicle shipping from Japan
For vehicle shipping from the rest of the world
Marine cargo cover in brief
As an Importer of vehicles, you know the risks. Jacanna makes it easy with automatic insurance coverage. You get specialist insurance coverage for your imported vehicles at no cost to you.
Your investment is covered.
Jacanna has tailored this insurance product to meet the specific needs of vehicle importers. The cover will protect your vehicles from the following and more:
- Fire
- Pilfering
- Stranding
- General average
- Mishandling
- Theft
- Earthquake
- Sinking
- Collision (whilst driven incidental to loading and unloading).
To lodge a claim, complete a claim form, which can be found in the documents section of the website. Two repair quotes will need to be supplied when submitting your claim. Repairs cannot proceed before the claim has been accepted. Any repairs before the claim is accepted will void the insurance coverage.
N.B: The $500.00 policy applies to all claims to be paid by the importer.
Important information:
Marine Insurance cover terminates in the following circumstances (Whichever occurs first):
– 90 days insurance cover for storage (whilst in the ordinary course of transit) whilst at port in the export country.
– 30 days after discharge from the vessel.
– Delivery to the importer’s premises or premises described in the Bill of Lading.
– Delivery to other commercial premises instructed by the insured.
– When the vehicle is driven under its own power – except when incidental to the loading & unloading.
Exclusions – Principle exclusions include:
– Delay causing loss of market
– Pre-existing damage
– Inner cargo
– Damage caused while the vehicle is being driven (unless being driven incidental to loading and unloading).
– Vehicles over NZD $100k value are not covered above this limit and require separate insurance arrangements.
Please note:
The above information has been provided for general information purposes only. Please refer to the policy document for full details of the policy terms, conditions, and exclusions.
Our global network keeping Us connected
Working with shipping agents all across the world, our global network keeps us connected to seaports and airports everywhere, ensuring a truly international freight forwarding service.
Handy vehicle shipping information
Importers Guide
MPI – Ministry of Primary Industry
If you have any queries about MPI (MAF) inspections or information, please visit the MPI website.
NZ Customs
We are widely regarded as one of New Zealand’s leading Customs Brokers, providing specialist services and expert advice from our large team of experienced Customs and MPI/MAF accredited brokers.
A NZ Government Transaction Fee is payable GST (additional to Freight)
If you have any questions pertaining to Customs Clearance, please refer to the Customs website.
Transport from Port of Discharge
Only approved transport operators are permitted to enter the ports and uplift vehicles. We take care of the delivery through our extensive network of personally selected nationwide transport agents, who ensure timely delivery to the customer’s destination, i.e., the Compliance Centre.
How to Guide
There are four easy but very important things that you must arrange before your vehicle arrives in New Zealand. We do the rest!
1. Customs Client Code
- If you do not have a Customs Client Code as an individual or company, you must apply for a Customs Client Code from NZ Customs. A Client Code form is attached.
- You can submit this to NZ Customs yourself free of charge, or you can return the completed form to us, and we will submit it on your behalf for an additional cost of $25.00 + GST.
- Please ensure the photo identification and a scanned driver’s licence or passport are high quality. Customs will reject the application if the image is poor.
- If you are going to submit the application to NZ Customs yourself, please let us know your Customs Client Code as soon as it is issued to you.
- Without this code, your vehicle cannot be Customs cleared.
2. Shipping documents
This comes in the form of an ORIGINAL BILL OF LADING (OBL). This document is very important as it is released once you have paid your agent in Japan for the cargo. Without this ORIGINAL BILL OF LADING, Jacanna cannot release your cargo.
There are two ways the ORIGINAL BILL OF LADING can be presented:
- It can be couriered to you by your Japanese agent. You need to get the ORIGINAL BILL OF LADING to Jacanna (we cannot accept copies).
- It can be surrendered to our agent in Japan, the Japan Forwarding Agency (JFA). You can request your Japan agent to arrange this.
The second option is preferred because you eliminate the risk of losing the ORIGINAL BILL OF LADING.
3. Payment
Jacanna will send out an invoice to you before the vessel’s arrival covering the GST, Government Transaction Fee, and Freight Charges payable. This needs to be paid before the vessel’s arrival.
4. Delivery Address
Jacanna has a door-to-door service. We will arrange delivery to an address supplied by you. It can be to any address in the metropolitan area. Most people choose to send the car to their preferred compliance centre.
If any of these four steps are overlooked or late, it will hold up the delivery of your cargo, and you will incur additional storage charges.
Inner Cargo in Motor Vehicles
NZ Customs require all inner cargo imported into New Zealand in used vehicles to be accounted for.
This includes, but is not limited to, the following;
- Sets of wheels/tyres etc.
- Snow chains and similar accessories
- OE new and used spare parts (particular or not to the vehicle in which they are in)
For Customs clearance purposes, we need all inner cargo to be itemised on all supplier invoices.
If the goods are ‘free of charge’ with no commercial value but are listed with a ‘value for customs purposes’, this figure will be deducted from the FOB value of the vehicle and added to the Customs entry using that value. The total value of the GST is unaffected.
If the goods are ‘free of charge’ with no commercial value and no value shown on the invoice, a minimal ‘sensible’ value will be deducted from the FOB value of the vehicle and added to the Customs entry using that value. The total value of the GST is unaffected.
If the goods have been commercially supplied, they will be listed and entered in addition to the vehicles on the Customs entry. Any GST/Duty will be charged accordingly.
It is both the importers’ and suppliers’ responsibility to ensure all additional inner cargo shipped in used motor vehicles is listed on commercial invoices. This process is a NZ Customs requirement.
Please note: Inner cargo is specifically excluded from the marine policy wording ‘inner cargo’, which is defined as any item being placed in the vehicle for the purpose of storage during transit.
We wish to thank you for your understanding and continued support. If further clarification is needed regarding this issue, please contact us.
Haven’t found what you’re looking for?
Frequently asked questions
Roll-on/roll-off is generally considered the cheapest and easiest method of international car shipping. In this method, vehicles are “rolled on” to the vessel and transported in open air until they are “rolled off” at their destination. While this is generally the most cost-effective method, various other factors can influence the price. When you’re ready to ship a vehicle internationally, the Jacanna team will work with you to find the best possible method available.
While we have a special talent for shipping vehicles from Japan directly to New Zealand, we have the logistical know-how and global network required to transport your vehicle to and from just about anywhere in the world. We are active in all the major markets, such as Australia, the USA, Europe, and Asia, but we can also go further afield when necessary. For more information on how global our reach is, talk to the team today.
While international shipping times will vary depending on the distance travelled and method used, Jacanna does have a sailing schedule available so you can see when vessels are leaving and their planned arrival time. You can also track your shipment via our Vehicle Tracking System, so you’re never left in the lurch.
When your vehicle arrives at port, it will need to go through Customs and Quarantine. While we strive to obtain pre-clearance from Customs before arrival, we must wait for the quarantine inspection to determine if your car requires any cleaning.
When your shipment arrives in New Zealand, it typically takes 5-7 business days to clear customs at the port and get delivered to the compliance centre of your choice.