From A to B by Sea
Whether 20ft, 40ft, each HC, Reefer, Flat Rack, Open Top or RORO, it is all smooth sailing from here.
Get Your
Goods Global
Elevate Your Freight
Prepare for business take-off with new age, integrated customs, tracking, Qantas fee and reliable airfreight.
Freight Like Never Before
Ready to take the strain off
your supply chain?
Fast
Quotations
- Choose multiple or single pricing options per trade lane
- Differentiate per product
- Save prices into a formalised quote to share with your colleagues
Automated
Schedules
- Instantly convert schedules into bookings or save for later
- Display routing options graphically via Google Maps integration
Simplified
Bookings
- Create bookings from a quote or schedule
- Save time by copying previous bookings
- Save bookings as drafts
Transparent
Tracking
- AIS vessel positions for shipments in real time
- Instant push notifications
- Complete transparency ensures fewer customer inquiries
- Stay up-to-date with milestones
- Manage documents and conversations with vendors directly from the shipment
Comprehensive
Reporting
- Simple report generator
- Download and schedule reports
- Share reports via email
Warehouse
Visibility
- View and download warehouse receipts, cargo releases and pickup orders
- Filter and create detailed pickup orders, warehouse receipts, cargo releases and inventory reports
- Ability to search cargo detail report by part number and filter by PO number, invoice number, status and more
Streamlined
Payments
- View invoice list including invoice number, date and amount
- Portal payment platform accepts credit card or ACH payments from several countries and multiple currencies
Specialist Cargo
Scrap Metal Freight Forwarding
FORE+AFT specialises in exporting ferrous and non-ferrous scrap metal from Australia and New Zealand. Because scrap is dense and often reaches weight limits before it fills the container, the right container choice and accurate documentation make a real difference to your per-tonne cost.
What does scrap metal freight forwarding cost?
Sea freight for a 20ft container of scrap metal from Melbourne to Asia typically ranges from AUD $1,200–$3,500 (indicative), depending on destination, season, and container type (standard or open-top for oversized material). You'll also need to budget for:
- Customs clearance — approx. $150–$400
- Export documentation — approx. $80–$150
- Inland haulage from your site to the port
Scrap metal is dense and often hits weight limits before volume limits, so FORE+AFT optimises container selection to reduce your per-tonne cost. Ocean rates also move with market conditions—contact us for a tailored quote based on your origin, destination, and material type.
Figures are indicative ranges only and are not a quote. Request current pricing for your specific shipment.
Container options for scrap metal
Not sure which container fits your cargo? The FORE+AFT team will recommend the right option based on your cargo's weight, dimensions, density and destination—whether ferrous, non-ferrous, or oversized structural metal.
- 20ft standard — ideal for dense scrap that hits weight limits early
- 40ft / high-cube — for higher-volume, lighter-density loads
- Open-top — for oversized or top-loaded material
- Flat rack — for oversized structural metal
Indicative Transit Times
Sea & Air Freight Routes
Indicative port-to-port transit times on key trade lanes from Australia. Actual times vary with carrier schedules, transhipment and season.
| Route | Mode | Indicative transit |
|---|---|---|
| Melbourne → Singapore | Sea (FCL) | 10–14 days |
| Sydney → Shanghai | Sea (FCL) | 14–18 days |
| Brisbane → Hong Kong | Sea (FCL) | 12–16 days |
| Melbourne → China (main ports) | Sea (FCL) | 14–20 days |
| Australia → India | Sea (FCL) | 18–24 days |
| Australia → Asia | Air freight | 3–5 days |
Transit times are indicative only and not a guarantee of delivery. Request current schedules for your shipment.
What's included in our freight forwarding service
- Carrier booking and space negotiation
- Export documentation and bills of lading
- Customs clearance
- AQIS / quarantine liaison
- Inland haulage coordination
- My F+A portal access — quotes, tracking, documents and payments
FCL vs LCL: which is right for your scrap metal shipment?
| FCL | LCL | |
|---|---|---|
| Volume | Full container | Shared / part container |
| Cost | Lower per unit at volume | Pay only for space used |
| Transit | Usually faster, direct | Extra time for consolidation |
| Best for | Dense scrap that fills a container | Smaller or trial shipments |
Customer Experience
How to use the My F+A tracking portal
The My F+A portal gives you 24/7 visibility into your shipments from desktop or mobile. To use it:
- Log in with the credentials we provide after booking.
- Enter your shipment reference or container number on the dashboard.
- View real-time AIS vessel positions, estimated arrival times, and milestone notifications (departure, customs clearance, port arrival).
- Download key documents—invoices, packing lists, bills of lading and customs paperwork—directly from the shipment.
- Set up email or SMS alerts so you're notified automatically at each key stage.
The portal is designed to eliminate back-and-forth phone calls and emails, giving you full transparency and control over your freight.
Open My F+AStep-By-Step
How to export scrap metal from Australia: your step-by-step guide
Exporting ferrous or non-ferrous scrap follows the same six stages, whether you are shipping a single container or a regular programme. FORE+AFT handles steps 2–6 on your behalf.
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1. Confirm your business and export registration
You will need an ABN, and to be registered as a client of the Australian Border Force (ABF) so export declarations can be lodged in your name. If you are exporting through an agent, we can lodge on your behalf.
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2. Classify the scrap by HS code
Ferrous and non-ferrous scrap classify differently under the Customs Tariff, and the code drives duty treatment at destination. We confirm the classification for your material before booking.
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3. Check permits and destination requirements
Most clean scrap metal moves as ordinary commercial cargo. Material that is contaminated or classed as hazardous waste may require a permit administered by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW). Many destination countries also require pre-shipment inspection or a quality certificate — we confirm what applies to your cargo and lane.
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4. Book the right container and freight
Scrap is dense and usually reaches the weight limit before it fills the box, so container choice matters. We book FCL or LCL, standard or open-top, and negotiate space with the carrier.
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5. Prepare documents and lodge the export declaration
We prepare the commercial invoice, packing list and bill of lading, arrange customs clearance and quarantine liaison, and lodge the export declaration through the ABF’s Integrated Cargo System to obtain your Export Declaration Number (EDN).
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6. Track the shipment to destination
Once the container is booked you can follow it in the My F+A portal — milestones, vessel schedule, documents and invoices in one place.
Official sources: the Australian Border Force administers export declarations and customs, and DCCEEW administers hazardous waste export permits. Requirements vary by material, destination and shipment value — our customs team confirms exactly what applies to yours before you book.
Common Questions
Scrap metal export questions
- What does a scrap metal freight forwarder do?
- A scrap metal freight forwarder arranges the end-to-end export of ferrous and non-ferrous scrap on your behalf: choosing and booking the right container, classifying the material by HS code, preparing export documentation and the bill of lading, arranging customs clearance and quarantine liaison, lodging the export declaration, and coordinating inland haulage to the port. FORE+AFT specialises in scrap metal exports from Australia and New Zealand — including container choice for dense cargo that hits weight limits before it fills the box, FCL and LCL options, and shipment tracking through the My F+A portal. See the step-by-step export guide for the full process.
- What customs clearance documents do I need for scrap metal exports?
- For a typical scrap metal export you will need:
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- Commercial invoice and packing list
- Bill of lading (or air waybill)
- Export declaration lodged with the ABF, giving you an Export Declaration Number (EDN)
- Correct HS classification for the ferrous or non-ferrous material
- Any permit required where the material is contaminated or classed as hazardous waste (DCCEEW)
- Destination-country requirements such as pre-shipment inspection or a quality certificate, where applicable
- We prepare and lodge this documentation as part of our customs clearance service. Requirements vary by material and destination — we confirm the exact set for your shipment before booking.