Resources

Tools for your next shipment

Track a vessel, work out your cargo volume and get your documents ready. Practical resources to help you plan an import with Atlas.

01 / Track

Find your vessel

Open MarineTraffic to search for a ship and view its reported position.

Open vessel map ↗

Opens MarineTraffic in a new tab. Vessel positions do not confirm cargo release or delivery. Check shipment updates with Atlas or your carrier.

02 / Measure

Calculate cargo volume

Use packed dimensions and weight to estimate cubic metres and air freight chargeable weight.

Use the calculator ↓

03 / Prepare

Get your documents ready

Start with a checklist for your shipment type, then confirm the details with Atlas.

View checklists ↓

Shipment volume & weight calculator

For one package or a group of identical packages. Include the outer packaging in your measurements. For mixed sizes, calculate each group separately.

Enter your packed dimensions, quantity and weight to begin.

Indicative measurements, not a freight quote. Volumetric weight uses length × width × height in centimetres ÷ the selected divisor. Estimated chargeable weight is the greater of actual and volumetric weight, before carrier rounding or minimum charges. Carrier rules and final measurements may differ.

How the calculation works

CBM = length × width × height × quantity ÷ 1,000,000. Actual weight = weight per package × quantity. Air freight uses a 6,000 divisor here; the express courier example uses 5,000. Confirm the applicable basis with your carrier.

Read Qantas Freight’s explanation of actual and volumetric weight and DHL Express’s volumetric weight formula.

Send your shipment details to Atlas for a quote.

Documents to prepare

These are starting checklists. The final documents depend on your goods, shipment and applicable requirements. Atlas will confirm what is needed.

Hand carry: commercial goods and samples
  • Commercial invoice and packing list
  • Importing business details, including ABN and contact information
  • Flight number, arrival date and Australian arrival airport
  • Evidence of identity, such as your passport
  • Details of any planned re-export if the goods are a temporary import

View hand carry clearance details and contact Atlas before you travel.

Air freight and sea freight imports
  • Commercial invoice with supplier, buyer and goods details
  • Packing list with package quantities, dimensions and weights
  • Air waybill or bill of lading details, when available
  • Arrival notice or expected arrival details
  • Importer details and any permits, origin evidence or product specifications relevant to your goods

Explore air freight clearance or sea freight clearance.

Motor vehicle imports
  • Vehicle details, including make, model, year and VIN
  • Purchase invoice or ownership evidence
  • Vehicle import approval documentation, where required
  • Shipping and arrival details
  • Information about cleaning, modifications and any other documents requested for your vehicle

Discuss vehicle import requirements with Atlas before arranging shipment.

Personal effects and household goods
  • Detailed packing list and estimated replacement values
  • Details of items purchased within the last 12 months
  • Completed personal effects statement (B534), where applicable
  • Passport and relevant visa information
  • Shipping and arrival details

View personal effects clearance details.

Postal parcels
  • The postal customs notice you received
  • Purchase invoice or evidence of the goods’ value
  • Tracking number and a clear description of the goods
  • Importer contact details and any requested permits or supporting documents

Get help with postal clearance.

From shipment details to the next step

  1. 1. Share the detailsTell us what is moving, where it is coming from and when it is expected.
  2. 2. Prepare the paperworkWe identify the documents and agreed services your shipment needs.
  3. 3. Manage clearanceClearance progresses subject to customs, biosecurity and other applicable requirements.
  4. 4. Confirm collectionConfirm release and collection or delivery arrangements before collecting your goods.

Forms, dimensions & official guidance

Forms and documents ↗Find existing Atlas, customs and quarantine forms.Official import guidance ↗ABF, biosecurity, vehicle approvals and trade references.Sea container dimensions ↗Compare container specifications for your cargo.Air freight container dimensions ↗Reference dimensions for air freight planning.

Have a booking reference? Open Track-trace cargo tracking ↗ in a new tab.

Discuss your shipment with Atlas ↗

Atlas Customs & Logistics

We are a team with decades of industry experience and we specialize in assisting the smaller freight forwarder. Read More »

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Contact Information
  • 0411 617 617
  • info@atlascustoms.com.au
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