Trusted Vehicle Freight & International Car Shipping
With over 20 years of experience in vehicle freight and 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 car shipping service with options for RORO (Roll on, Roll off) or Container Shipping.
Door-to-Door International Car Shipping You Can Trust
In the early days of Jacanna, we cut our teeth in vehicle freight and international car transportation; it’s where we earned our freight forwarding stripes, and this is where 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 car transportation 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..
Our international car 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’ve shipped cars to and from the UK, USA, Australia, Japan and even further.
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.
Personalised Service
The cost of shipping your vehicle overseas depends on various factors, such as the method you choose, the locations, and the import fees. 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 freight services
Need to move a car from Japan to NZ, or elsewhere? We offer a full range of international car shipping services, including:
- 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)
- An optional Compliance Service available in Auckland
- Marine Insurance full cover from the place of purchase to the first point of rest in NZ
Learn more about vehicle shipping from Japan.
Track Your Vehicle Shipment
Stay informed throughout the shipping process with Jacanna’s online tracking tools. From the moment your vehicle is received at the departure yard through to arrival in New Zealand, you can monitor its progress in real time – making it easy to stay on top of documentation and payment deadlines.
For vehicle shipping from Japan
For vehicle shipping from the rest of the world
International Car Shipping: What’s Covered?
As one of New Zealand’s primary car freight companies, we take insurance very seriously. We provide specialist insurance coverage for your imported vehicles at no cost to you. Jacanna has tailored this insurance product to meet the specific needs of vehicle importers.
The cover protects your vehicles from the following and more:
- Fire
- Pilfering
- Stranding
- General average
- Mishandling
- Theft
- Earthquake
- Sinking
- Collision (whilst driven incidental to loading and unloading).
For full details, visit our Insurance page.
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.
Useful Information for Vehicle Importers in NZ
Biosecurity & MPI Inspections
All vehicles arriving in New Zealand are subject to MPI biosecurity inspection. Your vehicle may require cleaning or treatment before it can be released. For full details on what’s required, visit the MPI website.
Customs Clearance
Jacanna is one of New Zealand’s most experienced customs brokers. We handle the clearance process on your behalf, ensuring your documentation is accurate and your vehicle moves through customs without unnecessary delays. Note that a NZ Government Transaction Fee applies to all shipments (GST additional to freight). For general customs information, visit the NZ Customs website.
Delivery from Port
Once your vehicle has cleared customs, we arrange delivery through our nationwide network of trusted car transport operators. Only approved operators are permitted to collect vehicles from port, and we take care of all of this on your behalf – delivering your vehicle to your preferred compliance centre or nominated address.
Car Importers NZ: How to Guide
There are four important things you must arrange before your vehicle arrives in New Zealand. We take care of the rest.
- Customs Client Code
Before your vehicle can be cleared through NZ Customs, you’ll need a Customs Client Code. If you don’t already have one, you’ll need to apply directly with NZ Customs – a form is available on their website. You can submit this yourself free of charge, or we can do it on your behalf for $25.00 + GST. Please ensure any scanned ID is high quality, as poor images will result in a rejected application. - Shipping Documents
Your cargo is released against an Original Bill of Lading (OBL). This document is issued once payment has been made to your overseas agent. Jacanna cannot release your vehicle without the original – copies are not accepted. The OBL can be couriered to you directly, or surrendered through your agent. We recommend the latter to avoid the risk of it going missing in transit. - Payment
Jacanna will issue an invoice prior to the vessel’s arrival covering freight charges, the NZ Government Transaction Fee, and applicable GST. This must be paid before the vessel arrives. - Delivery Address
We offer a door-to-door service across New Zealand. Once your vehicle clears customs, we’ll arrange delivery to an address of your choice – most customers opt to send their vehicle directly to their preferred compliance centre.
If any of these steps are overlooked or delayed, it may hold up delivery of your vehicle and result in additional storage charges.
Inner Cargo in Motor Vehicles
NZ Customs requires all inner cargo imported in used vehicles to be declared and itemised on supplier invoices. This includes wheels and tyres, snow chains, and spare parts. Commercially supplied goods will be entered separately on the customs entry and may incur additional GST or duty. Please note that inner cargo is excluded from marine insurance cover. If you have any questions, 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. If you’re concerned about the cost to ship a car overseas, 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.