Shipping

If your goods are personal (eg. you are relocating to or from overseas) then contact an international removalist. These companies provide a range of specialty services, including provision of knowledge and expertise, consolidation of goods, packaging, insurance, booking sea freight, and handling initial contact with Government agencies. They can arrange transport for small fragile items through to furniture and vehicles.

If you are importing goods for sales/distribution, you should use a licensed customs broker or freight forwarder. They will provide a quote for all fees and costs likely to be incurred, including customs and quarantine clearance, tax/duty, wharf fees, cleaning fees, documentation and other fees. Freight forwarders generally provide a range of services targeted towards the commercial sector, such as customs broking, transport, warehousing, freight broking, insurance, liaison with shipping/air lines, logistic solutions, bonded storage (relating to customs) and liaison with relevant government agencies (eg. Australian Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment).

A list of freight forwarders is on the internet or at the Customs Brokers and Forwarders Council of Australia. Shipping lines are more focused towards commercial trade.

For information on exporting, see Austrade FAQs here.

The Customs Brokers and Forwarders Council of Australia Inc. (CBFCA) is Australia’s leading peak national body. It represents members' interests in international trade logistics and supply chain management service provision. You can go to the website to find a freight forwarder.

The International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations (FIATA) also has a member directory that can be searched through this link.

For information on exporting, see Austrade FAQs here.

Contact the import agent, removalist or freight forwarder. You will require the original information regarding the goods which will include contacts and these other details:

• container number
• original booking agent/company name and details
• departure date and estimated arrival date.
• number of packages and description of goods
• full contact details for the import agent/removalist/freight forwarder/shipping line in Fremantle.

The important aspect to focus on is the goods, and where and how they originated, rather than the shipping line (carrier). Many shipping lines act on behalf of others in carrying other ‘branded’ cargoes, ie. similar to airlines’ ‘code-sharing’; shipping containers can be physically carried by another company’s vessel.

Fremantle Ports’ role in shipping is to facilitate the safe arrival, berthing, security and departure of vessels and we do not play a role in container offloading and delivery. You need to look at whatever documentation you have. If you have not used a freight forwarder or customs broker then the company you have bought the goods from in, for example, China will probably have used a freight forwarder/customs broker. You need to contact the company you dealt with in that country to get documentation, such as the Bill of Lading. You cannot remove the goods yourself from the wharf. Using a freight forwarder or customs broker is recommended in future.

For customs information, you should contact the Department of Home Affairs General Inquiries 1300 363 263 or Cargo Support 1300 558 099. Also, see the Cargo support, trade and goods page (https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/busi/cargo-support-trade-and-goods).