Frequently Asked Questions

Getting started is straightforward. Send us an enquiry via our online quote form, email us at support@levaointernational.com.au, or call 0451 290 119. Let us know what you're shipping, where it's coming from (or going to), approximate dimensions or weight, and your preferred timeline. We'll respond with an itemised quote within one business day.

We aim to provide a detailed, itemised quote within one business day of receiving your enquiry. For complex shipments involving multiple origins, hazardous goods, or project cargo, it may take up to two business days while we confirm carrier availability and pricing.

No strict minimum. We handle everything from single cartons via LCL (Less than Container Load) consolidation through to multiple full containers. For very small parcels under 30 kg, a courier service may be more cost-effective — we can advise on the best option for your situation.

Our team is fluent in English and Mandarin Chinese, allowing us to communicate directly with suppliers, factories, and shipping agents across China and the broader Asia-Pacific region. This bilingual capability reduces miscommunication and speeds up coordination at origin.

We specialise in Australia–Asia trade, covering China (Shanghai, Ningbo, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Xiamen, Qingdao), Southeast Asia (Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore), and Northeast Asia (Japan, South Korea, Taiwan). Within Australia, we provide coverage across Melbourne metropolitan, regional Victoria, and interstate connections to Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, and Perth.

FCL (Full Container Load) means you book an entire container exclusively for your cargo — typically a 20' or 40' unit. This is ideal when you have enough volume to fill (or nearly fill) a container, and it generally offers faster transit since there's no consolidation or deconsolidation involved.

LCL (Less than Container Load) means your cargo shares container space with other shippers. This is cost-effective for smaller volumes (typically under 15 CBM) but adds a few days to transit due to consolidation at origin and devanning at destination.

Transit times vary by origin port. As a general guide: Shanghai/Ningbo to Melbourne is approximately 14–18 days, Shenzhen/Guangzhou is 12–16 days, Ho Chi Minh City is 10–14 days, Bangkok is 14–18 days, and Jakarta is 10–12 days. These are port-to-port estimates; total door-to-door time includes customs clearance and local delivery (typically an additional 3– business days).

We can arrange a range of container equipment depending on your cargo requirements:

• 20' GP / 40' GP — Standard dry containers for general cargo
• 40' HC (High Cube) — Extra height for voluminous goods
• 20' / 40' Reefer — Temperature-controlled for perishables
• Flat Rack / Open Top — Over-dimensional or heavy machinery

Yes. Once your container is on the water, we provide you with the vessel name, voyage number, and container number so you can track via the shipping line's portal. We also send proactive milestone updates — vessel departure, transhipment (if applicable), estimated arrival, and customs clearance status — so you always know where your cargo is.

Express air freight travels on the first available direct flight and typically arrives within 2–3 days. It's best for urgent, time-critical shipments where speed outweighs cost considerations.

Economy air freight may be routed via connecting flights or consolidated with other cargo, with transit times of 4–3 days. It offers significant cost savings (often 30–10% less than express) and suits shipments that need to arrive faster than sea freight but aren't critically urgent.

Air freight can accommodate a wide range of cargo sizes. Standard commercial flights handle individual pieces up to approximately 150 cm x 200 cm x 160 cm and up to 2,000 kg per piece on widebody aircraft. For oversized or exceptionally heavy items, charter options are available. We assess each shipment individually and advise on the most suitable aircraft type and routing.

Yes, we handle IATA-classified dangerous goods including lithium batteries, flammable liquids, compressed gases, and other regulated materials. DG shipments require proper classification, UN-certified packaging, correct labelling, and a Shipper's Declaration for Dangerous Goods. Our team manages the documentation and compliance to ensure your DG cargo is accepted by airlines and meets all regulatory requirements.

For a standard import into Australia, you'll typically need:

• Commercial Invoice (from your supplier)
• Packing List (with weights and dimensions)
• Bill of Lading (sea) or Air Waybill (air)
• Certificate of Origin (if claiming FTA preferential rates)
• Any product-specific permits (e.g. food safety, electrical compliance, therapeutic goods)

We review all documentation before lodging your customs entry and will advise if anything is missing or needs correction.

Import duty is calculated on the customs value of your goods (generally the purchase price plus freight and insurance to Australia). Duty rates vary by product classification under the Australian Harmonised Tariff — common goods attract 0% to 5%, though some items (textiles, footwear, certain consumer goods) may be higher. GST of 10% is then applied on top of the customs value plus duty. We provide tariff advice and duty estimates as part of our quoting process.

Australia has strict biosecurity controls managed by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF). If your shipment is flagged for inspection, it will be directed to a quarantine-approved premises for examination. Common triggers include timber packaging (ISPM-15 compliance), food products, plant-based materials, and certain animal-derived goods. We manage the inspection process on your behalf, including booking inspections, arranging treatment if required, and coordinating release once cleared.

Australia has FTAs with China (ChAFTA), Japan (JAEPA), South Korea (KAFTA), and ASEAN nations (AANZFTA), among others. If your goods qualify under these agreements and you hold a valid Certificate of Origin, you may pay reduced or zero duty. We assess FTA eligibility for your products and ensure the correct preferential tariff code is applied in your customs entry to maximise savings.

We offer flexible storage periods from short-term staging (a few days while awaiting delivery scheduling) through to longer-term warehousing for ongoing inventory management. Storage is charged on a per-pallet or per-CBM basis depending on volume. There's no maximum duration — we work with clients who rotate stock weekly and others who store seasonal inventory for several months.

Our Mount Waverley warehouse provides a full range of value-added services:

• Container devanning (unloading FCL containers)
• Palletisation and shrink-wrapping
• Sorting and segregation by SKU or destination
• Repacking, labelling, and quality inspection
• Pick-and-pack for e-commerce orders
• Dispatch scheduling and carrier coordination

We provide direct delivery across the Melbourne metropolitan area and regional Victoria. For interstate deliveries to Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, and other capital cities, we coordinate through our national carrier network. Delivery to regional and remote areas is also available — we'll confirm transit times and any surcharges at the quoting stage.

Yes. For Melbourne metro deliveries, we offer flexible scheduling including AM (before 12pm), PM (12pm — pm), and all-day windows. For time-critical deliveries, we can arrange specific time slots subject to availability. We also accommodate after-hours and weekend deliveries for commercial premises where standard business hours don't suit. Residential deliveries include advance notification so someone is available to receive the goods.

Our pricing is based on the specifics of each shipment — origin, destination, cargo type, weight/volume, and service level (sea vs air, express vs economy). We provide a fully itemised quote that breaks down every cost component: freight charges, origin handling, customs brokerage fees, port charges, delivery, and any applicable surcharges. This way you know exactly what you're paying for before committing.

No. Transparency is a core part of how we operate. Our quotes include all known charges at the time of quotation. If any additional charges arise during transit (such as port congestion surcharges imposed by shipping lines, or quarantine inspection fees), we notify you immediately with a clear explanation before any cost is incurred. We don't add undisclosed margins or administrative fees after the fact.

For new clients, payment is typically required before cargo release (pre-paid). Once a working relationship is established, we offer 7–14 day credit terms for qualifying businesses. We accept bank transfer (EFT), and can provide tax invoices for all services. Customs duties and GST are payable to us on your behalf at the time of clearance, and itemised on your invoice.