FAQs
We know relocating internationally can feel overwhelming. This FAQ section covers the key information you need about shipping, timelines, documentation, customs, and support. Our goal is to give you clarity from the very start.
Container Shipments
1. What size container would I need?
Options are 40ft/20ft – Talk to one of our Staff members who can advise accordingly.
2. Can I receive a container at my residence to load myself?
Yes you can, providing it can sit on your property, note if it must go on a public area, it may be subject to council permits.
3. Can Masons pack all my furniture and load the container?
Yes, we can offer a full pack up service, if required.
4. How long does it take for the container to get home?
From Australia, generally circa 10 weeks
Frum USA, generally 6 – 7 weeks
From Canada, generally 6 weeks
New Zealand, generally 8-10 weeks
All dependant on shipping line schedules and global economic situations at the time of shipping.
5. How much advance notice do I need to give
Masons when booking a move?
Our recommended advice is normally 4 – 6 weeks, however if there is something of urgency, we advise contacting our office and we will endeavour to assist you.
6. Do I have to load the Container myself?
Dependant on your requirements, there are various options and we can review with you personally when booking
7. Will I have to pay Import Tax on my personal
belongings?
Providing you have been living abroad for a minimum of 12 months.
All possessions have been owned by you for a minimum of 6 months and you are moving home on a permanent basis.
** All new or unused items will be liable for Import Vat & Duty.
8. Do Masons help me with customs and
clearance of my container?
Yes our dedicated staff members will work 1:1 with you throughout the process up to the point of delivery.
9. What is needed for Customs?
Our dedicated staff member will work and review all paperwork needed for Transfer of Residence prior to submission to customs.
Forms and requirements will be given at the point of booking.
10. Can I track my shipment?
Yes, once your shipment leaves a tracking link will be given for your convenience, alternatively you will also be kept up to date on arrival of your shipment as it lands in the port of destination.
Vehicle Shipments
1. How do I qualify to bring my vehicle and pay
no VRT or import taxes?
You will need to have been living abroad for a minimum of 12 months.
Have purchased and registered the vehicle for a minimum of 6 months prior to your move.
You need to be moving home on a permanent basis.
The above conditions along with required supporting documentation will facilitate your application.
Our team of dedicated staff will work 1:1 with you to ensure a smooth transition.
2. What is needed for Customs to bring my car
home?
We advise speaking with one of our dedicated staff to ensure you qualify as per the required TOR conditions.
3. Can I ship a HYBRID or EV?
Yes, Mason Transport can ship your Hybrid or EV. Please contact a member of staff to discuss the requirements on shipping EV's and Hybrid vehicles.
4. Can I bring home multiple vehicles under my
transfer of residence and get VRT exemption?
Yes you can once you can provide the relevant documentation.
5. Do I have to load the vehicle myself?
No, you do not, our experienced staff will load and secure the vehicle for you at once of our appointed depots.
6. Can I put personal items in my car?
Yes, you can pack personal items inside the vehicle if needed.
7. How much advance notice do I need to give
Masons when booking a move?
Our recommended advice is normally 4 – 6 weeks, however if there is something of urgency, we advise contacting our office and we will endeavour to assist you.
8. When my vehicle arrives, can Masons arrange
for it to be transported to my residence?
Yes we can, this is an additional service that we can offer, speak with one our team who will assist you.
9. Do Masons help me with customs and clearance
of my car?
Yes our dedicated staff members will work 1:1 with you throughout the process up to the point of delivery.
10. Can I track my shipment?
Yes, once your shipment leaves a tracking link will be given for your convenience, alternatively you will also be kept UpToDate on arrival of your shipment as it lands in the port of destination.
11. Can I get Insurance?
Yes, please speak to one of our staff for a competitive quotation
Smaller Shipments
1. I only have a small shipment, can Masons
assist with bringing my suitcases/boxes etc home?
Yes, we can offer a service for small shipments through our shared container service.
2. What is the process and service?
Upon booking we will advise you of the depot details for dropping your items off.
3. Will I still need to do a Transfer of
Residence with Customs for a small shipment?
Yes you will, one of our dedicated team members will advise of all the requirement for a smooth transition.
4. How long will it take my shipment to arrive?
Depending on location, the average transit time would be 10 weeks.
5. What is the drop off place for my shipment?
Depending on your location, please contact our office and one of our team can advise you on the closest depot.
6. Where is the collection place of my shipment?
Depending on port of arrival, please contact our office and one of our team can advise you on the closest depot.
7. Do Masons help me with customs and clearance
of my shipment?
Yes our dedicated staff members will work 1:1 with you throughout the process up to the point of delivery.
8. Can I track my shipment?
Yes, once your shipment leaves a tracking link will be given for your convenience, alternatively you will also be kept up to date on arrival of your shipment as it lands in the port of destination.
Full Home Relocation Service
1. Will Masons come to my home and pack up all
of my possessions?
Yes, we offer a full door-door relocation service.
2. How do I know the size of my shipment and
space required?
Depending on your locations we can arrange a video survey or a call out in personal by one of our team members.
3. How long pack up take?
Depending on the volume of items and your locations, packing of a 3-bed house can generally take 2 days. Speak with one of out team who would be happy to advise.
4. Can we ship a vehicle(s) in the same
container as our household furniture?
Yes, we can load your car in the same container as your household items.
5. How do I qualify to bring my vehicle and my
Personal possessions home and pay no VRT or import taxes?
You will need to have been living abroad for a minimum of 12 months.
You will need to have purchased and registered the vehicle for a minimum of 6 months prior to your move.
You will need to have owned all of your possessions for at least 6 months prior to your move.
You need to be moving home on a permanent basis.
All NEW/USED items would be liable for import vat and duty.
The above conditions along with required supporting documentation will facilitate your application.
Our team of dedicated staff will work 1:1 with you to ensure a smooth transition.
Things To Consider Before Shipping
- All items on your shipment must to be listed and declared.
- All Work tools are liable for import VAT and Duty.
- All Alcohol and Cigarettes are liable for import VAT & Duty.
- Firearms are prohibited.
- Tractors and farm machinery are liable for further inspections and may require a phytosanitary certificate.
- Live plants are prohibited.
- Shipping expensive Items, we recommend you ensure you have a purchase invoice/receipt and proof of payment; this would also be applicable when shipping Quad bikes, off road motorcycles, jet skis etc. Our team of advisers are always at hand to assist with any questions you may have.