The total cost will depend on a few variables. Such as the purchase price, departure location and destination, vehicle size, port clearance costs, and compliance. Nonetheless, an indicative cost to ship a car from Japan via a freight agent will be between $1500 to $2000.

This freight package may include:

• Pick-up in the metro area near the port.
• Pre-export inspection
• Export agent fees
• Ocean Freight
• Marine Insurance
• Landing port clearance charges
• Delivery in the metro area near the port.
• Import agent fees

Variables that usually aren’t included in the price due to their case by case basis:

• Any pick-up or delivery location outside the metro area nearest to the related port.
• MPI Cleaning – if required at landing port.
• Compliance inspection & registration.
• GST to NZ Customs – 15% of CIF (value of the vehicle, marine insurance, and ocean freight) +$55.71NZD Entry Fee

Therefore, if you are wondering about how much it is to ship a car from Japan, there is no one size fits all solution. To import a truck is obviously more expensive than to import your own car. This has largely got to do with the vehicle size. Most roll on roll off vessels will price the transport by the size and weight of the vehicle.

Rest assured, Dolphin Shipping offers the best value for money when looking to import from Japan. This comes as a result of our experience, positive attitude, and relationship with Japan export agents. Submitting a detailed quote request makes it easy for us to provide a solution tailored to your needs. Therefore, we are your best bet if you are seriously looking to ship a car from Japan.

Like most things, specialised expertise in a field gives an unparalleled advantage to the person or company that has them. Dolphin Shipping makes it easy to import from Japan for our customers. That is one of our biggest value propositions. Our customer service is unrivalled because of our work ethic and culture. Our friendly operations staff are eager to help and walk you through any questions. Firstly, we look at is whether your vehicle is compliant with NZ regulations to be registered for our roads. Secondly, we check that all paperwork is in order. Lastly, we can handle the car shipping process door-to-door. Thus, making international car shipping as easy as it can be.

Alternatively, you are able to use multiple companies at different stages of the shipping process. You may find your own agent in Japan. Also, you could go directly to a shipping line like Toyofuji to book space on their vessels. Get an import agent like Dolphin Shipping to complete the import handling. Lastly, get a trucking company to move the vehicle to your chosen compliance centre. In theory, this should be saving you a few dollars of the total cost. Realistically, it makes it harder and more often than not, more expensive. This segmented approach generally means less cohesion in the supply chain causing costly delays and mistakes.

To import a vehicle from Japan it must meet a range of approved standards before the it can be registered for NZ roads. The NZ Transport Agency is your number one source in ensuring this. Although we will give our advice, it is your responsibility to ensure the vehicle complies with NZ standards.

Japanese car brands are well known to be reliable and affordable. Many regard them as the best value for money in the industry. When looking to import a car from Japan, there’s a range of fuel efficient, hybrid and electric vehicles available. This eco-friendly range aligns well with goals to reduce our carbon footprint.

Due to the well-established Japan to NZ industry, maintenance of all kinds is stress-free. There are so many affordable Japanese parts available in New Zealand as a result and they can easily be imported. Whether you import trucks from Japan or are importing a car, parts are easier to find.

Due to Japan’s strict rules for on road vehicles, they have a high vehicle turnover rate. Vehicles only a few years old get traded in for newer models. This allows for NZ customers to capitalise on this. It means they can import vehicles from Japan in relatively new and good condition.

Second hand cars from Japan are also a better option to lower your insurance premium. Naturally, a used car may likely have a lower premium. However, there are only so many NZ-new used cars in the market. That is where imported vehicles fulfil the demand for used cars. Generally speaking, they also will not depreciate as fast compared to new cars.

New Zealand has a strong trading relationship with Japan. We have all heard about or owned the trusted car brands Toyota, Nissan, Honda, Mazda. So, why not get a deal and highest quality first go by going straight to the source.

It can be difficult to know the condition and quality of a vehicle when purchasing it from overseas. Thankfully, there is a grading system on the auction inspection sheets prepared for car exporters.

These inspection sheets will rate vehicles a number between 1-5 and will outline the condition and any miniscule details. This grading system aims to give the buyer peace of mind prior to purchasing a car in Japan. It provides disclosure on faults as they are unable to inspect the vehicle in person.

Many vehicles being exported out of Japan are good quality due to the strict local rules for on-road vehicles. Many vehicles are only a few years old prior to export to New Zealand. However, it is still your responsibility to make sure you are getting the best choice from what is available.

To clarify, the used car auction guidein Japan is as follows:

• Grade 5: Showroom condition, all original body parts, low mileage.
• Grade 4.5: Excellent condition. Maybe some small marks.
• Grade 4: Good condition, some scratches, and dents from normal use.
• Grade 3.5: Average condition with scratches and dents visible
• Grade 3: Scratches and dents, worn components, chance of rust.
• Grade 2: Badly corroded, damaged or modified.
• Grade 1: Not far away from being scrap, or heavily modified.
• Grade RA or A1: Has been in a minor accident. Repaired to a good standard.
• Grade R or A: Has been in an accident and had some parts repaired or replaced.