A Guide to Commonly Used Terms in Vehicle Shipping

Cargo types: Bulk cargo refers to loose goods; Break bulk cargo refers to good shipped in units such as cartons, pallets and vehicles; container cargo refers to sealed units of consolidated goods either as Full Container Loads (FCL) or Less-than Container Loads (LCL); inner cargo refers to goods stored within vehicles transported via container.

Carnet: An ATA Carnet is a Customs document recognised by countries around the world which allows you to temporarily import/export goods overseas up to a year. For example, this is useful if you are bringing a vehicle to New Zealand for a short amount of time for a show, short-term professional use or as a commercial sample. An alternative route to a temporary import (meaning you don’t have to pay import duties or GST) is to provide security in the form of a refundable cash deposit.

Compliance: Vehicles must carry documentation – usually from the manufacturer – detailing that they conform to New Zealand rules surrounding roadworthiness, emissions, safety and manufacture. This is organised by New Zealand Transport.

Customs: New Zealand Customs service requires all visitors to declare money or objects they are bringing into New Zealand – you may be liable to payment of taxes or duties. Immigrants to New Zealand or returning residents who have been away more than 21 months can get tax and duty concessions on vehicles, boats and aircraft provided they have used the vehicle for at least 12 months.

LOLO: Lift-on-lift-off container ship which is serviced by port cranes.

MAF: Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. Since 2012 MAF is part of the newly formed Ministry for Primary Industries, but in terms of importing vehicles into the country, its function is essentially the same. Its officers require anyone bringing anything into the country to declare where it has come from and to ensure that it is clean so as to prevent the spread of disease or invasive species into New Zealand.

RORO: Roll-on-roll-off ships which enable vehicles to be driven on and off without the use of cranes or containers.

If you want a quote to have us help you bring a vehicle to New Zealand, fill out this form, email info@mmnz.biz, or phone us on +64 9 303 0075. Your quote will be in your inbox within 24 hours.