FAQs
Frequently asked questions.
Quick answers on quoting, booking, compliance and shipping wine, beer, spirits and general freight. Can't find what you need? Talk to the team.
Getting started
Do I need an account to get a quote?
No. You can request a single quote without an account. Businesses that ship regularly can register a free business account to quote, book and track across carriers in one place.
Is there a minimum volume for a business account?
No. Every business client, from a single shipment a year to daily volume, can create a free account and book straight away. There is no minimum, and no need to call for a quote first.
What can I do in the Client Portal?
Compare available options across carriers and book straight away, see every open shipment across every carrier in one list, manage your account and users, order packaging, access shipping resources and guides relevant to your industry, and access statements and document reprints with multiple payment methods.
Services and coverage
What kinds of freight do you handle?
International freight, led by our wine, beer and spirits heritage, plus urgent and time critical freight, door to door general and parcel freight, and palletised and bulk freight (LCL and FCL). We export and import across every shipment size and industry, international and domestic.
Which carriers do you use?
We work across a multi carrier network including DHL, FedEx, UPS and more, consolidated into a single booking, documentation and tracking environment. We match each shipment to the right carrier, service and route.
Can you handle urgent shipments?
Yes. When something genuinely needs to get somewhere quickly, reliably and with active management, we manage the movement from collection through to delivery, with chain of custody, proof of delivery and escalation support.
Do you ship palletised or container loads?
Yes. We offer consolidated LCL (shared container) and FCL (full container) freight for businesses moving volume rather than parcels, with rates based on volume. As a guide, a 20 foot container typically holds around 10 pallets of wine; below that, LCL is usually the more practical option.
Palletised & Bulk Freight →Exporting pallets or containers of wine →
Quotes and pricing
How much could I save?
Our rates are compared across every integrated carrier, so you're not stuck with one provider's price. On average, clients save up to 36% versus booking direct.
How is freight priced?
Air freight is typically priced on weight, using whichever is greater of the actual weight or the volumetric weight. Sea freight is typically priced on cubic volume (CBM). Destination, shipment size and shipping method all affect the cost.
What information do you need to quote a pallet or container shipment?
The origin pickup location, destination address, number of cartons or pallets, dimensions and weight, shipment purpose, and preferred shipping method (air or sea). Pallet and container quotes typically take 2 to 7 business days once all the required information has been provided.
Can a quote change after it's issued?
Pallet and container quotes are estimates based on the information initially supplied. Final costs can vary if conditions change, for example pallets that don't meet ISPM standards and need repalletising, different actual weights or dimensions, storage charges from delays at destination, fuel surcharge or tariff changes, or extra handling such as tailgate delivery.
Shipping wine, beer and spirits
Can wine be shipped internationally from Australia?
Yes, to many countries, but every shipment must comply with Australian export requirements and the import regulations of the destination country. Those rules depend on the destination, the volume, whether the receiver is a consumer or a business, and the shipping method.
Can I send wine as an individual rather than a business?
Yes. Private collection moves, gifts, one off cases to friends or family, and private sales between collectors are all covered. Get a quote and our team will help you arrange it.
How should wine be packed for international shipping?
Use double walled cartons with dividers or inserts so bottles can't move or touch each other, with no glass to glass or glass to wood contact. Avoid foam pallets and loose bubble wrap as the main protection. International grade wine packaging is included with our air freight shipments, and we can supply wine shipping cartons.
When is a Wine Australia export permit needed?
An export permit is required when more than 99 litres of wine are exported to the same receiver on the same vessel or shipment. Before a permit can be issued, the winery must hold a Wine Australia export licence and the wine must be registered and approved through WALAS.
Can wine samples be declared at production value?
Many countries allow wine samples sent for evaluation, competitions or trade tastings to be declared at production value (the cost of producing the wine) rather than retail price, which can significantly reduce duties and taxes. The rules differ by country, so check the requirements for your destination with our team.
How long do wine samples take to arrive overseas?
Typically 1 to 2 business days to New Zealand and some parts of Asia, 3 to 5 business days to many Asian destinations, and 5 to 10 business days to Europe and other markets. Times can vary with customs clearance and importer processing, so ship well ahead of any event deadline.
Does beer need Wine Australia approval to export?
No. Unlike wine, beer doesn't need export approval from Wine Australia. Breweries instead comply with customs and excise requirements administered by Australian Border Force and the Australian Taxation Office, and many export under bond so Australian excise isn't paid on beer consumed overseas.
Shipping wine to the USA
Can I ship wine to the USA?
Yes. We run two USA models. Express is for businesses (B2B) only, using your own COLA and import agent or Get Freighted as the import agent. Consolidation covers B2B, B2C and C2C shipments, with no COLA or US importer required, and dispatches once a month.
I'm visiting Australia. How do I ship wine home to the USA?
The easiest way is to tell the winery you'd like to ship your wine to the USA with Get Freighted. Most Australian wineries already know the service, and those without an account can create one free. The wine is consolidated in Australia, prepared for US import compliance, then delivered to your door by US delivery partners.
Which US states can't receive wine shipments?
Delivery is currently not available to Utah, South Dakota, Delaware, Rhode Island or Oklahoma. Availability is subject to change as regulations evolve.
Can you ship wine I've already bought and have with me?
Often, yes, whether it's at your hotel or accommodation, packed in luggage, or bought on a winery tour. Contact our team to arrange it. Additional administration and processing fees may apply.
Importing wine into Australia
What duties and taxes apply when importing wine into Australia?
Typically 5% import duty, 10% GST and 29% Wine Equalisation Tax (WET), with WET calculated on the customs value plus duty, transport and insurance. The AUD $1,000 low value threshold does not apply to wine, so duties and taxes apply to all wine shipments, including samples.
How long does import clearance take?
Most wine shipments clear in 1 to 2 business days. Shipments selected for Imported Food Inspection can take up to two weeks, with inspection fees typically between AUD $100 and $160.
Compliance and support
How do you handle compliance?
We confirm the correct clearance pathway before we book, so goods arrive without stops, holds or returns at customs. Alcohol is a restricted product with many carriers, and we hold broad alcohol shipping approvals with our international carrier partners.
Should I insure my shipment?
For valuable wine, insurance is strongly recommended. It protects against loss, damage and reshipping costs, and is usually based on the declared value, so keep an accurate inventory. Insurance can be included in pallet and container quotes on request, and consumer wine shipments to the USA are fully insured during transport.
How do I contact Get Freighted?
Our Australian based team provides phone and email support 365 days a year. Call 1300 878 078, email support@getfreighted.com.au, or use the contact form. You'll speak to a real freight specialist, not a call centre.
Buying wine
Can I buy Australian wine through Get Freighted?
Yes, two ways. Shop premium wines from Australian producers at Australia Tasting Room, delivered by Get Freighted. Or use CellarJet: buy from any Australian winery, distillery or retailer, have the seller send it to us, and we'll ship it home to you.
Still have a question?
Talk to a real freight specialist, not a call centre.