Mainfreight Vehicle Transportation Services: Moving Rally Cars Across Borders

How Mainfreight handles specialised vehicle transportation for Motorsport events

What types of events typically need international vehicle shipments?

Motorsport events like the Shannons Adelaide Rally regularly attract international competitors. Rally teams often move their vehicles from event to event across the globe, requiring specialist logistics support to ensure cars arrive on time, cleared, and ready to race.

What are the key steps from request to final delivery?

For imports, Mainfreight’s role covers the full end‑to‑end process for arriving vehicles. This includes coordinating all inbound logistics, managing documentation and compliance requirements, overseeing quarantine and customs procedures, and ensuring each vehicle is handled efficiently from the moment it enters the country.

For exports, our work centres around timing and staging:

• We provide onsite space to stage, prepare, and pack vehicles.

• We work within fixed motorsport dates, as there is no room for delays.

• Export timing is coordinated so the cars arrive in time for their next international rally.

What documentation is required for moving vehicles internationally?

Most motorsport vehicles travel under ATA Carnets, which act like a passport for freight. They allow duty  and tax free movement between Carnet approved countries.

Carnets require:

• Physical presentation to Australian Customs

• Manual clearance

• Vehicles and equipment to leave exactly as they arrived

We also support customers with:

• Packing declarations

• Asbestos declarations

• Standard import/export documents

Are there specific customs or regulatory considerations for motorsport vehicles?

Yes. Vehicles must comply with Carnet rules, pass Quarantine inspection, and arrive in the same condition they left. Any contamination, even dust or plant matter, can trigger delays if not handled correctly.

How do you decide whether to ship by sea or air?

It usually comes down to two things:

• Budget - event budgets are locked in early, and although sea freight offers a more cost‑effective option, its longer transit time needs to be considered.
• Timelines - if the event window is tight, air becomes the only option.

What specialised equipment or methods does Mainfreight use?

Our advantage is our flexible site space, experience, and established team. We’re set up specifically to handle specialist vehicle unpacking and staging.

How do you protect high value vehicles during unloading and inspections?

All unloading takes place inside our Quarantine approved warehouse. A specialist vehicle unpack crew manages every car, ensuring controlled, careful handling from the moment the container doors open.

What are the biggest operational challenges in moving event vehicles?

The primary operational challenge is timing, as many vehicles arrive only a few days before they are scheduled to compete.

Can you share an example of solving a time sensitive issue?

A common scenario involves minor Quarantine contamination - dirt trapped in vents, underbody crevices, or wheel wells. Because we work side by side with Quarantine officers and have onsite Quarantine waste facilities, we can resolve it immediately and avoid holds or delays.

How does Mainfreight coordinate these movements?

Through constant communication between our international branches and our Adelaide team to keep every detail aligned.

What partnerships support this process?

Strong relationships with:

• Customs Brokers
• Quarantine officers
• Event organisers
• Specialist unpack crews

Mainfreight’s customs teams manage and coordinates all of these at a local level.

What sets Mainfreight apart in motorsport logistics?

• Onsite Customs Brokers 

• Dedicated inspection attendance

• Deep experience with Carnet movements

• A Quarantine approved depot

• Facilities designed for high value, sensitive freight

These capabilities ensure vehicles arriving from places like Indonesia make it through clearance quickly and safely, even with tight event deadlines.

This publication is for general information purposes only, is not intended to be comprehensive, and does not constitute the provision of legal advice. Should you have any queries in relation to this publication, it is recommended that you seek independent advice from a relevant professional or a qualified legal practitioner (where applicable).
 
This publication does not take into consideration your objectives, circumstances, or particular needs. Any reliance you place on such information is strictly at your own risk. Before acting on the information, we encourage you to do your own research.