Shipping from Australia to Singapore and need some help? Our experienced and trained staff are here to help.
M&P International Freights has years of experience in the industry, allowing us to get your goods to Singapore quickly and safely.
With our large network of partners and suppliers, we also have one of the most competitive rates with many delivery timings for you to choose from.
Items Commonly Shipped From Australia to Singapore
From smaller parcels to bulky or dangerous goods, here are some commonly shipped items from Australia to Singapore:
- Mineral fuel (e.g. oil), which makes up to a billion dollars of Australia’s overall export
- Machineries and vehicles (e.g. cranes, motorcycles)
- Retail goods (e.g clothes, cosmetics, furniture)
- Luggage and personal belongings
- Liquids (e.g. alcoholic beverages like wine) and chemicals
- Technical, electronic and medical equipment and devices
These items are commonly shipped by:
- Manufacturers and businesses exporting products and materials
- Individuals who do online shopping (e.g. from retailers like Target)
- International students
- International movers helping individuals and families relocate abroad
Process of Shipping from Australia to Singapore
There are several steps that go into shipping items from Australia to Singapore. For instance, if you are hiring a freight forwarder like M&P International Freights to move your goods, here is what you can expect.
Step 1: Contact Us
First, contact us with details about your shipment, such as:
- Origin and destination address
- Preferred pick up and drop off dates
- Description of goods (including dimensions and weight)
- Images of goods (where possible)
- Preferred shipping method (if any)
After discussing your preferred shipping arrangements, we may then provide you with an initial quotation.
Step 2: Packing and Preparations
Your items will then need to be securely packed into boxes or shipping containers. To prevent any damages or losses, you may choose to engage our professional freight packing services.
In the meantime, we will make the necessary bookings and aid in the preparation of important shipping documents like:
Step 3: Pick Up
Once ready, we will dispatch a courier to collect and transport the goods to a shipping facility. Your goods may then be consolidated with other items headed for Singapore before being loaded onto the carrier vessel.
Step 4: Transit
Your items will then begin their journey to your destination. Rest assured, when your goods are in transit, they will be safely handled by shipping professionals.
Once they have arrived in Singapore, consolidated cargo will be deconsolidated and will have to undergo customs clearance.
Step 5: Last Mile Delivery
Once they have been cleared, your goods will be picked up for final mile delivery. Typically, they will be transported to their final destination via trucking.
Types of Shipment Modes
Air Freight
Air freight is the shipment of goods via air carriers like cargo or commercial planes. It is typically regarded as one of the fastest and safest ways to ship from Australia to Singapore, though it can also be more expensive than other modes.
This mode of shipment is ideal for those looking to ship:
- Smaller items – e.g. packages
- Urgent deliveries – e.g. time-sensitive documents
- High-value items – e.g. precious gems
Sea Freight
Sea freight is the shipment of goods via sea vessels like cargo or RoRo ships. It is typically regarded as one of the cheapest ways to ship large quantities of goods internationally. However, shipments tend to take a longer time to complete compared to air freight.
This mode of shipment is great for those looking to save cost while shipping:
- Large, bulky items – e.g. heavy machinery
- Large volumes of merchandise – e.g. monthly stock for retail stores
When shipping via ocean freight, consignors typically get to decide between less-than-container load (LCL) and full container load (FCL) shipping.
LCL shipping
LCL shipping is ideal for those who want to ship cargo that may not be able to fill a typical shipping container. Instead, goods are consolidated with other shipments going along the same route.
LCL can offer plenty of benefits to shippers, such as:
- Lowered shipment rates
They will only need to pay for the space being used, rather than a full container.
- Availability during busy seasons
It may be easier to secure LCL space compared to FCL during busy seasons, like before Chinese New Year or Christmas.
FCL shipping
FCL shipping is when consignors reserve an entire container for shipment of their own goods exclusively. They may choose to use the full space of the container or not.
FCL is a more cost-effective option for consignors planning to ship more than 15 cubic metres (CBM) of cargo from Australia to Singapore. Compared to LCL shipments, goods transported via FCL typically reach their final destination faster, and with lower risk of damage due to less handling.
Cost of Shipping Items from Australia to Singapore
It typically costs SGD 16 to SGD 60 (AUD 17.63 to AUD 66.13) to ship a 1kg parcel from Australia to Singapore. However, the cost may vary depending on factors like:
- Mode of transport used
- Type of shipment chosen (e.g. express shipping, consolidated freight)
- Handling fees
- Cargo insurance
- Value of goods being transported
Shipping rates for air freight and LCL shipments are typically calculated by multiplying a carrier’s base rate by the chargeable weight of the goods.
Chargeable weight is when you take the larger of the two values when comparing:
- Actual weight – The actual weight of cargo, measured on a weighing scale
- Volumetric weight – The product of multiplying your cargo’s length, height and weight (and a density ratio for air freight)
The table below shows you how to calculate the cost of freight based on chargeable weight.
| Sea freight (LCL) | Air freight | |
|---|---|---|
| Actual weight | Total weight on scale measured in tonnes, converted to CBM. 1000kg = 1 ton = 1 CBM | Total weight on scale measured in kg. |
| Volumetric weight | Length x width x height (metres) = Volumetric weight (CBM) | A density ratio of 1:6 is typically applied. Length x width x height (cm) / 6,000 = Volumetric weight (kg) |
| Cost of freight | Base rate ($) x chargeable weight (CBM) = Cost of freight ($) | Base rate ($) x chargeable weight (kg) = Cost of freight ($) |
Common Prohibited Items for Import into Singapore
In addition to illegal goods, here are some items to avoid as they are prohibited for import into Singapore.
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Benefits of Engaging a Freight Forwarder for Shipments From Australia to Singapore
Ease in packing and labelling your goods
Most freight forwarders offer services to pick and pack your goods. This is helpful especially if you want to relieve yourself from having to pack and label them yourself.
Guarantees hassle-free shipping
Freight forwarders are fully aware of the taxes, licences, documentation, rules, regulations, and other things related to international shipping. With this expertise, you get to smoothly ship items to Singapore with minimal hassle.
Reliable services
The most reliable and reputable freight forwarders have their clients’ best interests at heart. You can thus trust that your goods will be well taken care of until they reach their final destination.
Many freight forwarders also take full liability for goods, in case of any damages or loss.
Why Choose M&P International Freights?
Complete knowledge about the entire procedure
As experts in freight forwarding, we are fully aware of the ins and outs of shipping items from Australia to Singapore.
We are well equipped to seamlessly guide you along the procedures of international shipping.
Wide network within the shipping industry
Our solid reputation within the industry also ensures that we can deliver your goods with ease.
We work with a huge network of carriers, allowing us to handle the shipping task effortlessly, regardless of its size. Hiring M&P for your sea freight logistics means that you will be working with the best.
Experienced in shipping an extensive range of cargo
M&P is versatile and able to cater to the shipping needs of a wide range of items. From couriering small online shopping parcels to shipping bulky items and dangerous goods, we have you covered.
FAQs About Shipping From Australia to Singapore
What is the cheapest way to ship from Australia to Singapore?
Sea freight is typically the cheapest way to ship from Australia to Singapore. Other cheap ways to ship to Singapore include opting for freight consolidation, budget delivery services and shipments with longer delivery times.
Freight forwarders like M&P International Freights are well-equipped in optimising for the best prices for international shipments. Contact us for an affordable quotation today!
How long does it take to ship from Australia to Singapore?
Shipping goods from Australia to Singapore via sea freight often takes around 4 to 8 weeks. Air freight may take between 2 to 12 days to complete.
However, delivery times may vary based on the time of year, your chosen forwarder and the type of shipment chosen (e.g. budget vs express shipping).