Import Services for Freight to Australia
At a Glance
- Managed import freight forwarding from virtually anywhere worldwide, with end-to-end support from global pickup to Australian delivery.
- Air freight (express and standard) and sea freight options tailored to your timeframe, cargo type, and budget.
- Documentation guidance and customs clearance coordination provided to help reduce the risk of delays during import.
- Professional packing, palletising, and custom crating available at origin for fragile, heavy, or awkward freight.
- Serves businesses establishing supply chains, government clients, and individuals importing personal purchases or household effects.
When you've got something important to move from overseas to Australia, we make it simple — and stress-free. PACK & SEND provides managed import freight forwarding services that pack with precision, send with confidence, and handle everything in between. As your specialist logistics partner, we coordinate bespoke solutions across air freight and sea freight, delivering end-to-end support from global pickup to final delivery at your door.
Smart logistics means getting it right, from planning to delivery. Our managed approach ensures your import freight receives the coordinated care it deserves, whether you're bringing in a single valuable purchase or establishing an ongoing supply chain.
Get a Quote Now
To find out more about using our parcel delivery services and courier network, call us on 1300 668 000 to speak with one of our helpful team, or request a quote online.
Who We Help: Businesses, Government, and Individuals
Our tailored solutions serve diverse needs across Australia. For businesses from SMEs to corporates, we provide reliable, expert solutions that integrate seamlessly with your operations. Government clients benefit from our compliance-focused approach, emphasising progress, assurance, and accountability. Individuals receive peace-of-mind services when importing personal purchases, excess baggage, or household effects from overseas travels.
Why Choose a Managed Import Forwarder
Coordinated imports require more than just booking transport. Our managed approach includes documentation guidance to help reduce the risk of issues during international shipping, carrier orchestration across multiple modes, and careful handling for fragile, heavy, or awkward freight. You'll receive tracking updates at every major milestone, ensuring you stay informed throughout your shipment's journey.
Key benefits include expert coordination, risk reduction through proper documentation, and specialised handling for complex consignments.
Air Freight Import Methods
Air freight suits time-sensitive consignments and smaller shipments requiring faster delivery. Express air freight typically takes 3-7 business days, while standard air freight ranges from 5-10 business days. You'll receive tracking updates at every major milestone, keeping you informed as your shipment progresses through international transit.
What's Included in Our Managed Import Service
Our coordinated import service covers every aspect from origin to destination. We arrange global pickup coverage, coordinate multiple carrier options, provide professional packing and materials when needed, and offer door-to-door delivery or depot collection upon arrival in Australia.
Global Pickup and Wide Destination Coverage
Imports can be coordinated from virtually anywhere worldwide and delivered across Australia through our extensive service centre network. With over 80,000 serviced destinations globally, we connect your overseas suppliers or personal purchases to any Australian location.
Professional Packing and Palletising
Our in-house packing expertise utilises quality materials and proven techniques to protect your goods. We provide custom foam packaging, wooden crates, and palletising services, and can even source shipping containers for larger imports requiring specialised protection during transit.
Multiple Transport Options and Specialised Vehicles
We tailor transport modes to your specific needs, coordinating air freight, sea freight, and specialised vehicles for fragile or heavy items. Our coordination extends to first and last-mile delivery, ensuring seamless handoffs throughout the journey.
How Our Import Process Works
Our structured approach ensures clarity and reduces complexity at every stage:
- Enquire and Share Shipment Details Provide item type, dimensions, weight, origin, destination, timing requirements, and any special handling needs. Shipments under 20kg and up to $1,000 in value can be booked online, while larger, awkward, or time-sensitive freight should be arranged through a service centre.
- Solution Design and Quote We propose a tailored solution with a recommended transport mode, packing approach, and indicative timelines. Contact us for a detailed courier quote based on your specific requirements.
- Documentation Guidance We guide you through the documentation process to help reduce the risk of issues during international transit, while acknowledging that final customs decisions remain with relevant authorities.
- Pickup, Packing, and Origin Handling We arrange collection at origin and provide optional professional packing, crating, or palletising to prepare your consignment for safe carriage.
- International Transport and Milestone Tracking Your goods move by air or sea with coordinated carrier handoffs. You'll receive up-to-date tracking based on carrier scan data throughout the journey.
- Customs Clearance Coordination in Australia We coordinate import clearance processes and duties/taxes procedures with appropriate parties, providing guidance throughout the compliance process.
- Final Delivery or Depot Collection Choose door delivery or depot collection, with careful handling maintained for fragile or heavy items right to your destination.
Booking Options and When to Contact a Service Centre
Your booking path depends on your shipment characteristics and complexity requirements.
Complex or urgent imports require bespoke coordination. Contact your local PACK & SEND service centre for tailored solutions that address specific handling, timing, or documentation requirements.
What We Handle and Common Import Scenarios
We coordinate imports across diverse categories and complexities, from single purchases to ongoing business supply requirements.
Fragile, Valuable, and Sensitive Items
Art, antiques, electronics, and precision instrumentation receive bespoke packing solutions and careful handling protocols throughout transit. Our custom foam packaging and wooden crates provide maximum protection for sensitive goods.
Heavy, Bulky, or Awkward Freight
Machinery, furniture, and oversized goods benefit from professional palletising, specialised vehicles, and safe loading techniques. We coordinate appropriate equipment and handling methods for challenging consignments.
One-Off Imports and Ongoing Supply
Whether coordinating a single overseas purchase or establishing recurring supply chain schedules, we provide tailored solutions that scale with your requirements.
Customs, Duties, and Import Documentation
Import compliance requires careful coordination and accurate documentation to ensure smooth clearance processes.
Typical Documents for Imports
Common requirements include commercial invoices, packing lists, and bills of lading or air waybills. Specific documentation varies by shipment type and destination, and we provide guidance based on your particular circumstances.
Our Role in Customs Coordination
We coordinate with relevant parties and guide documentation processes to help reduce the risk of delays, while acknowledging that final decisions rest with Australian and foreign customs authorities.
Duties, Taxes, and Classifications
Payable amounts depend on official classification and assessment by customs authorities. We guide you through the process while recognising that final determinations remain with relevant government bodies.
Tracking, Communication, and Care in Transit
We maintain appropriate visibility and communication throughout your shipment's journey. You'll receive up-to-date tracking with tracking updates at every major milestone, reflecting the latest carrier scan data rather than continuous GPS monitoring.
Accurate, Scan-Based Tracking Updates
Our tracking system provides reliable updates based on carrier scan data, ensuring you stay informed of your shipment's progress without overstating technological capabilities.
Hands-On Coordination for Critical Moves
For deliveries managed using our own vehicles, we maintain close coordination with drivers and provide timely communication to keep you informed throughout the journey.
Packaging Standards and Restrictions
Safe transit requires appropriate packaging standards and awareness of restricted categories.
Professional Packing for Safe Transit
Our quality materials, custom foam solutions, wooden crates, and palletising techniques protect items through multiple handoffs and varying transport conditions.
Prohibited and Restricted Items
Hazardous goods and other restricted categories may be subject to limitations or special requirements. Contact a service centre for guidance on specific items or unusual circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions About Importing to Australia
Should I Choose Air or Sea for My Import?
Air freight suits time-sensitive, smaller consignments, while sea freight works for bulk cargo and less urgent shipments. Contact us for tailored advice based on your specific timing, size, and budget considerations.
Can You Help with One-Off Purchases from Overseas?
Absolutely. We coordinate ad-hoc imports including packing, pickup, and door delivery for personal purchases, travel acquisitions, and occasional business needs.
How Are Fragile or High-Value Items Protected?
We employ professional packing methods, careful handling protocols, and provide tracking updates at every major milestone to ensure valuable items receive appropriate care throughout transit.
What If My Shipment Is Over 20kg?
Larger shipments require service centre coordination for bespoke solutions addressing specific handling, documentation, and delivery requirements.