Shipping from the USA to Australia
Importing from USA to Australia
The United States is one of Australia’s largest trading partners, and a key source of machinery, vehicles and parts, technology, health products and consumer goods. Fastrak Logistics manages your freight from US suppliers to Sydney and anywhere in Australia, with customs clearance and delivery handled by the same team.
Shipping from the US needs extra planning during stink bug season. We’ll help you get treatment, documents and timing right so your goods aren’t held on arrival.
We ship from Los Angeles, Long Beach, Oakland, Seattle, New York/New Jersey, Savannah and Houston, and by air from all major US airports.
Sea Freight from USA
- FCL (full container): a 20ft or 40ft container for your goods only. Usually the best value from around 13 to 15 cubic metres.
- LCL (shared container): pay only for the space you use, ideal for smaller orders.
- Supplier consolidation: combine goods from several suppliers into one shipment.
See our sea freight service for more on FCL and LCL.
Air Freight from USA
For urgent, small or high-value shipments, air freight gets your goods to Australia in days rather than weeks, with customs clearance on arrival.
How Importing from USA Works
- Quote: send us your supplier’s location, cargo volume (CBM), weight and Incoterms.
- Booking: we book space and coordinate pickup with your supplier.
- Origin: our overseas agents collect, consolidate if needed, and handle export clearance.
- Documents: we check your paperwork before the goods arrive.
- Customs and biosecurity: clearance is arranged through our licensed customs broker partners.
- Delivery: to your door, or into storage until you need it.
Documents You’ll Need
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Bill of lading (sea) or air waybill (air)
- Manufacturer’s statement supporting your AUSFTA origin claim
- BMSB treatment certificate for target high-risk goods shipped in season
- Packing declaration for FCL and FCX containers
- Treatment certificates or ISPM 15 marks for any timber packaging
Duty Under AUSFTA
Under the Australia–United States Free Trade Agreement (AUSFTA), goods that originate in the US can enter Australia duty-free.
AUSFTA doesn’t require a certificate of origin. Instead, you as the importer must hold information showing why the goods qualify, usually a statement from the US manufacturer, and keep your records for five years. GST of 10% still applies.
Stink Bug (BMSB) Season
The USA is a target risk country for brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB). For the 2026–27 season, Australia’s seasonal measures apply to goods shipped between 1 September 2026 and 30 April 2027.
During the season, target high-risk goods, which include many types of machinery, vehicles and parts, steel and timber products, must be treated by an approved provider, ideally before they leave The USA, and the treatment certificate must travel with your documents. Lower-risk goods can still be selected for inspection. Onshore treatment capacity is limited, so untreated cargo can face delays and extra cost.
We’ll tell you whether your goods fall under the measures and help you arrange treatment with your supplier before shipping.
Shipping from USA FAQs
How long does shipping from the USA to Australia take?
Sea freight from the US West Coast to Sydney usually takes around three to four weeks port to port, and longer from the East Coast. Air freight usually takes a few days. We confirm the expected transit time with your quote.
Do I need a certificate of origin for goods from the USA?
No. AUSFTA doesn’t require one, but you must hold information, usually from the manufacturer, showing why the goods qualify, and keep records for five years.
What is BMSB season?
Brown marmorated stink bug measures apply to many goods shipped from the US between 1 September and 30 April. Target high-risk goods must be treated by an approved provider, ideally before shipping.
Can you ship goods I bought from US online stores?
Yes. We can collect from US suppliers or consolidate purchases from several sellers and ship them to Australia together.
Get a Quote for Shipping from USA
Tell us where your supplier is and what you’re shipping, and we’ll come back with a competitive sea or air freight quote. Call 1300 816 433.
