Shipping methods compared
| Method | How it works | Best for | Watch-outs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Container | Vehicle or machine is driven or lifted into a 20 ft or 40 ft box and secured | Cars, utes, small plant; extra security | Height and width limits; lashing must be done properly |
| Flat rack | Cargo sits on a collapsible-end platform, lashed down | Wide or tall machinery that won't fit in a box | Exposure to weather; weight limits; limited vessel slots |
| Open top | Container with a removable tarpaulin roof, loaded from above | Tall items within container width | Crane loading at origin |
| Breakbulk | Cargo loaded directly into the hold or on deck by ship's gear | Heavy lifts, long items, project cargo | Needs a suitable multipurpose vessel; lifting points and plans |
| RoRo | Vehicle driven on and off a car carrier | Running vehicles in volume | Service availability varies; personal items usually not allowed inside |
ICTSI states that its PNG terminals accept international container ships and general cargo vessels including breakbulk ships and car carriers. On the Australia and Asia trades, multipurpose geared vessels, such as those operated by Swire Shipping and ANL, carry a lot of PNG's out-of-gauge and project cargo. For more on these services, see our guides to shipping from Australia and shipping from Asia, and our complete guide to shipping to Lae.
Vehicle import rules
PNG Customs guidance on used vehicle imports says you need to:
- Obtain the relevant import permit.
- Make sure the vehicle complies with age restrictions. Customs guidance describes these as generally under 10 years, but confirm the current rule for your vehicle category before you buy.
- Pay import duties and taxes based on valuation.
- Clear it through Customs at the port of entry.
- Register it with the PNG transport authorities. Only right-hand-drive vehicles can be registered, and additional requirements apply to commercial vehicles.
When registering a vehicle import with Customs, you'll also need a statutory declaration, signed and stamped by a commissioner of oaths, declaring ownership and import of the vehicle.
Excise and valuation
Vehicles attract excise as well as GST. Private motor vehicles can attract excise of up to 40%, while work vehicles attract around 10%, and rates vary by category and engine capacity. Customs may consider the purchase price, freight, insurance, vehicle class and engine capacity, so don't assume one vehicle's rate applies to another. Used machinery valuation, including how depreciation is treated, is a common point of discussion with Customs. Get a written estimate from a licensed broker before you commit to a purchase, and see our guide to PNG duty, excise and GST.
Cleaning for biosecurity
This is where machinery shipments most often come unstuck. NAQIA expects used machinery and vehicles to be free of soil, seeds and plant material, and offshore cleaning evidence is expected. Mining and earthmoving gear is the hardest to get truly clean. Budget for a professional wash-down, including tracks, belly plates, radiators, buckets and cabs, done as close to shipment as practical. Equipment that fails inspection can be held, re-cleaned or re-exported. Our NAQIA guide covers this in detail.
Preparing the cargo
- Measure accurately. Length, width, height and weight, including attachments. Out-of-gauge freight is priced and stowed on exact dimensions.
- Identify lifting and lashing points. Supply drawings for heavy lifts and centre-of-gravity details for breakbulk.
- Batteries and fuel. Disconnect batteries and keep fuel to the minimum the carrier allows. Some items may be treated as dangerous goods.
- Remove loose items. Personal effects and tools left in vehicles cause customs problems and theft.
- Photograph everything. Condition photos at loading and discharge support any insurance claim.
Documents for vehicles and machinery
- Commercial invoice or bill of sale, plus proof of payment.
- Ownership and deregistration or export documents from the origin country.
- Bill of lading details identifying the unit: make, model, year, chassis or serial number, engine number and engine capacity.
- Import permit, statutory declaration and cleaning evidence.
See our full shipping documents checklist.
After Lae: getting it to site
Heavy machinery bound for the Highlands faces steep climbs, tight bends and bridges with weight limits. Oversized loads need route surveys, permits and sometimes escorts. Plan the road leg before you book the sea leg; our guide to inland transport from Lae to the Highlands explains why.
Frequently asked questions
Can I import a left-hand-drive vehicle into PNG?
No. PNG Customs guidance states only right-hand-drive vehicles can be registered.
Is there an age limit on used vehicles imported into PNG?
Customs guidance indicates age restrictions apply, generally under 10 years. Confirm the current rule for your vehicle type before you buy.
What's the best way to ship an excavator to Lae?
Small units may fit in a container or on a flat rack. Larger machines usually go breakbulk on a multipurpose geared vessel. Either way, the machine must be thoroughly cleaned for NAQIA.
Wade Miller
Senior Air Freight Writer, Sydney
Wade has spent more than 20 years in freight, from cargo terminal ramps to forwarding operations and customs documentation, working with importers and exporters across Australia and the Asia-Pacific. He writes practical guides on rates, paperwork and the rules that affect shipments, and reviews them against primary sources such as customs authority publications and carrier notices.
Related guides
Back to the complete guide to shipping to Lae
This guide is general information based on publicly available sources at the date shown. Rules, rates and schedules change, so confirm details with PNG Customs, NAQIA, your carrier or a licensed customs broker before you ship. Spotted something out of date? Report a correction.