Los Angeles California USA North America

Los Angeles | Air & Sea Freight

CargoMaster’s Los Angeles logistics gateway, your reliable link for air and sea freight between Australia and Southern California. We combine over 35 years of freight forwarding to deliver your cargo safely, promptly, and affordably. Whether it’s personal household goods, retail inventory, or industrial equipment, we tailor our service from start to finish so you don’t have to worry about the details.

Los Angeles is one of the world’s busiest trade hubs. Its proximity to major ports, rail networks and airports makes it a strategic destination for goods entering or leaving the United States. For suppliers in Australia, it represents a key entry point into the West Coast marketplace, making freight services to LA vital for businesses large and small.

At CargoMaster we understand the balance between speed, cost, and compliance. Our approach is to combine personal service with advanced tracking, customs-savvy planning, and flexible freight options so you always know where your goods are and when they’ll arrive. Whether you’re shipping once-off or as part of an ongoing supply chain, we adapt our solutions to your rhythm.

Every shipment we handle destined for Los Angeles is backed by our network across Australia, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Hobart, Darwin, and Canberra. That means you can trust us whether you’re exporting goods to the U.S. or importing back to Australia. CargoMaster becomes an extension of your logistics team.

We’re committed to giving you transparency, accountability and smooth coordination all the way to the Port of Los Angeles or Los Angeles area delivery. Our goal is simple: remove friction from international shipping so you can focus on growing your business or relocating with confidence.

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Import & Export

Managing import and export between Australia and Los Angeles requires more than getting cargo on a ship or plane. CargoMaster oversees the full lifecycle, export approvals, packing standards, certificates of origin, importing permits and duties, to keep your freight moving without regulatory hiccups.

If you’re exporting goods from Australia to California, CargoMaster helps you arrange pickup, export documentation, booking, and transit planning. We work with airlines, shipping lines, and port authorities to ensure your freight clears export controls before it even leaves Australian shores.

On the import side, we coordinate compliance with U.S. Customs, required inspections, duty payments and arrange local delivery once your goods arrive in or near Los Angeles. We tie together the inbound ocean or air leg with trucking or warehousing in California as needed, so your goods reach their destination smoothly.

For businesses shipping regularly between Australia and the U.S., we build import-export frameworks: pricing forecasts, recurring route planning, optimizing consolidation or full-container loads, and advising on tariff or regulatory changes that might affect cost or timing.

Our client base includes private individuals relocating, retailers replenishing stock, equipment suppliers, and industrial exporters. Regardless of your cargo, we treat import/export as a managed process rather than just a transit, aiming to reduce delays, control costs, and maintain full compliance with international trade regulations.

Air Freight

When your shipment can’t wait, air freight to Los Angeles is the fast lane. CargoMaster provides air freight services that move larger consignments (150 kg and upward) from Australia to LA under urgent or deferred scheduling. Speed, transparency, and security are built in.

Our air freight service includes options for consolidation (sharing cargo space with others) or dedicated shipments depending on how fast you need delivery, how much you’re shipping, and how much flexibility you want in cost versus timing. Typical transit times from Australia to the U.S. West Coast are three to five days, but we’ll help you determine the most efficient route for your cargo.

To ensure safety and compliance, we manage all required documentation, export permits, hazardous-goods classification, packaging and labelling, insurance, and customs-ready forms. Our team monitors each stage of your freight’s journey and provides updates so you always know where it is in transit.

We support different cargo types: commercial inventory, valuables, perishables, or personal effects. Whether you’re replenishing stock or relocating household goods, air freight offers reliability with speed. CargoMaster’s relationships with airlines and freight hubs help you access competitive rates and dependable scheduling into Los Angeles-area airports.

Our commitment is to offer both responsiveness and accountability. You’ll receive support from logistics specialists who understand air cargo rules, handle weight/dimension constraints, and coordinate onward delivery once your shipment lands in Los Angeles.

Air Freight Charter

Some shipments don’t fit neatly into scheduled airline slots, oversized items, last-minute deadlines or high-value goods may require chartered air transport. CargoMaster provides air freight charter services for freight that demands complete flexibility bound for Los Angeles or nearby airports.

Charter flights are arranged end-to-end: selecting an appropriate aircraft, organising loading, planning flight routes, securing landing permits, handling customs clearance, and coordinating ground transport once landed. It’s ideal for urgent projects or oversized equipment that can’t wait for standard flights.

Whether you’re delivering machinery components, emergency supplies, or valuable commercial inventory on a tight deadline, CargoMaster can plan a dedicated air-charter that meets your timeline. Our charter services enable you to bypass normal schedules in favour of speed and direct routing.

We also manage all regulatory, safety, and insurance obligations as part of that charter service. You won’t need to worry about coordination with multiple service providers, we do that for you. From Australia origin airports to Los Angeles arrival and beyond, charter service depends on precision and experience.

When deadlines matter most, or when freight is too large, too sensitive, or too urgent, air freight charter becomes the optimal solution. CargoMaster’s experience makes sure your chartered shipment arrives securely and on time, with full accountability along the way.

Sea Freight

Sea freight remains one of the most cost-efficient ways to move large volumes from Australia to Los Angeles. CargoMaster provides container shipping, break-bulk and project-cargo options for clients shipping commercial goods, personal effects, machinery or industrial equipment.

Because Los Angeles is served by major ports (including the Port of Los Angeles / Long Beach complex), we coordinate ocean freight from Australian ports through standard carrier networks on regular vessel rotations. You ship from Australia and CargoMaster tracks, books and handles the export side as well as port arrival and onward logistics in California.

We support both full container loads (FCL) and less-than-container loads (LCL), so whether you have a few crates or dozens of pallets, there’s an ocean-freight option suited to your shipping needs. For large or irregular items, we can arrange flat-rack or open-top container options to accommodate height or shape restrictions.

Our sea freight service includes export customs clearance in Australia, coordination with shipping lines, ocean transit, arrival at Los Angeles ports, and then onward inland transport if required, either by truck or rail. CargoMaster can organise delivery from port to your warehouse, business or home address in the LA region.

Clients benefit from our global partnerships and volume-based freight planning. We provide realistic transit estimates, transparent pricing, and handle contingencies should weather delays, carrier changes or customs hold-ups occur. With sea freight to Los Angeles, you get affordability plus freight-forwarding reliability built in.

20ft & 40ft Sea Containers

CargoMaster offers standard 20-foot and 40-foot containers for shipping goods from Australia to Los Angeles. These container types accommodate varying volumes of cargo: smaller loads or compact household and commercial items fit well into 20-foot containers, while larger volumes of inventory, bulky goods or machinery are suited to 40-foot containers.

Our logistics experts help you choose container size based on your volume, weight, and handling constraints. We also advise on container type (standard, high-cube, flat-rack or open-top) depending on height, weight or special packaging needs. This ensures your cargo fits safely and uses space efficiently.

We handle all coordination: container delivery in Australia, packing advice, export documentation, sealing, ocean transit, port arrival in Los Angeles, and optional inland trucking to your final destination in California. Our tracking system and status updates give you visibility at every stage.

Both 20ft and 40ft container services are available as full-container-load or groupage where applicable. CargoMaster negotiates favorable rates with shipping lines based on cargo volume and frequency, helping reduce your cost per unit while maintaining reliability and compliance.

Whether you’re sending business inventory, household goods, or industrial stock, our container services to Los Angeles are flexible, robust, and designed for clear accountability at every step of the journey.

Self-Pack Containers

If you want control over your packing and want to reduce costs, CargoMaster’s self-pack container option is ideal for international moves or business shipments to Los Angeles. We deliver an empty container to your address in Australia, you pack it at your own pace, and once sealed, we manage the transport for you.

This solution allows you to save on labour costs and schedule your packing to suit your calendar. It’s a popular option for relocations, business inventory shipments, or personal effects that require careful organisation before leaving Australia.

CargoMaster assists you with packing recommendations, weight distribution tips, securing loose items, and ensuring compliance with international standards. Once packed and sealed, we handle export clearance, shipping, port handling in Los Angeles, and either port-to-door or port-to-storage delivery options.

Your self-packed container receives exactly the same freight-forwarding support as any full-service container: documentation handling, transit tracking, customs clearance, cargo insurance options, and real-time updates on its route. That gives you the best of both worlds, control over packing, with professional logistics oversight.

For customers seeking flexibility and value, self-pack containers represent an intelligent choice. CargoMaster’s experience means you benefit from DIY packing without sacrificing the reliability and accountability of a full freight forwarding service to Los Angeles.

Vehicle Shipping

Need to ship your car, motorbike, truck or heavy equipment to Los Angeles? CargoMaster offers specialized vehicle shipping services via container or roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) methods, tailored to your preferences, budget, and destination within the Los Angeles region.

Vehicle shipping via container gives you extra protection and the ability to include personal items inside the same container. Roll-on/roll-off is sometimes cost-effective for standard vehicles. CargoMaster can advise you which approach makes sense for your situation and manage all the logistics accordingly.

We take care of export requirements in Australia, vehicle cleaning, inspections and documentation, as well as ensuring you meet U.S. import regulations such as emissions or safety compliance for California. We coordinate with local trucking or storage at the destination, helping you get your vehicle from the port to your destination around Los Angeles.

Our service suits private relocations, business fleet imports, or even classic or specialty vehicles. CargoMaster offers insurance options, transparent quotes, and full support through the customs process and inland transport, so you aren’t left waiting at the dock.

If your transport involves more than one vehicle, or you’re managing a dealership load, CargoMaster can consolidate schedules, optimise cost-per-unit, or manage bulk vehicle logistics. We aim to deliver every vehicle safely, on time, and ready for its next journey in California.

Specialized & Heavy Freight

When freight is bulky, heavy or non-standard in shape, CargoMaster steps in with tailored logistics solutions for Los Angeles. Whether it’s machinery, construction equipment, industrial components or oversized project cargo, we plan and execute every detail to move it safely from Australia to Los Angeles.

We provide flat-rack shipping, open-top containers, break-bulk coordination and project management that anticipates weight distribution, lashing, bracing, crane usage, and marine surveys. Our team works with your specifications to ensure oversized loads are accommodated without surprise charges or logistical hold-ups.

Freight that doesn’t conform to ordinary container dimensions or weight restrictions needs expert handling and CargoMaster has the experience. Each shipment is reviewed during planning for shipping method (sea or charter air if needed), insurance, timeline, and destination access to ensure compliance with U.S. port regulations and inland transport logistics in California.

For large or critical shipments, we coordinate with carriers and equipment providers to ensure smooth loading, safe transport on vessel or aircraft, and secure ground-handling once your cargo touches U.S. soil. Project deadlines matter. We support you with planning, risk assessment, documentation, and execution so that your heavy items arrive unharmed and on schedule.

Our commitment is to deliver complex freight with the same accountability as smaller parcels. CargoMaster’s heavy-freight experience means you can ship ambitious, oversized, or irregular cargo to Los Angeles without compromise on safety, compliance or performance.

Customs Clearance

Importing goods into the United States or exporting them from Australia involves detailed regulatory checks, and CargoMaster simplifies that process for you. Our customs clearance service includes preparing all necessary import permits, export documentation, duty declarations, and coordinating inspections required by U.S. Customs and Border Protection or Australian export authorities.

We manage compliance around restricted items, tariff classifications, valuation, proof-of-origin, certifications, and quotas. Our team stays up-to-date with changing regulations, which helps reduce the risk of hold-ups or penalties on your shipment to Los Angeles or back to Australia.

For shipments requiring temporary storage or multi-staged deliveries, CargoMaster offers bonded warehousing or coordination with third-party facilities. We also provide regular status updates and work seamlessly with customs agents, carriers, and inland transport teams.

Whether you’re moving commercial stock, personal effects, or sensitive goods, CargoMaster handles customs with the same level of professionalism and accuracy you expect from a leading freight forwarder. You’ll receive guidance every step of the way to ensure compliance and speed through customs checkpoints.

By trusting CargoMaster with customs clearance, you gain both expertise and peace of mind, leaving you free to focus on your business, relocation, or international supply chain rather than bureaucratic complexity.

Why CargoMaster

You choose CargoMaster because you want more than a shipping company, you want a logistics partner with global reach and local understanding. With more than 35 years in freight forwarding, we combine deep industry experience with customer-focused service that adapts to your needs.

We offer end-to-end support for air freight, sea freight, specialized shipping, vehicle transport, and customs management, all tailored to your destination such as Los Angeles and surrounding areas. Our network of trusted partners, real-time tracking, and responsive customer care means your shipment is treated with priority and integrity.

Our pricing approach is designed to be competitive and transparent. You won’t find hidden charges when you ship with CargoMaster. Instead you’ll work with a dedicated account manager who understands your freight volume, frequency, and budget and helps optimise your logistics accordingly.

Above all, CargoMaster puts you first. Whether you’re relocating abroad, expanding your business into the U.S. market, or sending equipment overseas, our goal is always the same: make your international shipping journey as seamless, efficient and stress-free as possible.

Get in touch today to discuss your next shipment to Los Angeles. Let us plan a freight solution that aligns with your timeline, your cargo, and your cost-targets.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to ship goods from Australia to Los Angeles, California, USA?
Typically, shipping from Australia to Los Angeles takes about 43 days, although transit times can vary depending on the route and specific schedules. CargoMaster offers reliable, frequent sailings from all major Australian ports, including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide, ensuring timely delivery to California.

How much does it cost to ship a container from Australia to Los Angeles, California?
The cost of shipping a container from Australia to Los Angeles depends on various factors, including the departure city in Australia, the type of cargo, and the size of the container. CargoMaster offers a range of container options, such as 20-foot, 40-foot, and 40-foot high-cube containers. For accurate, competitive rates tailored to your specific shipment, contact CargoMaster for customized solutions to California.

Does CargoMaster provide self-pack containers to Los Angeles?
Yes, CargoMaster offers self-pack international shipping containers to Los Angeles from a variety of Australian cities, including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Darwin, and Townsville. With over 35 years of experience in the logistics industry, CargoMaster is a trusted provider for self-pack container services to California.

Can CargoMaster help with shipping vehicles to Los Angeles?
Yes, CargoMaster specializes in securely shipping vehicles from Australia to Los Angeles. Using professional techniques such as blocking and bracing, CargoMaster ensures that vehicles are safely packed into containers, minimizing the risk of damage during transport.

What are the dimensions of a 20-foot shipping container?
A standard 20-foot shipping container typically measures about 5.9 meters in length, 2.3 meters in width, and 2.3 meters in height. With a capacity of approximately 30 cubic meters, it is well-suited for transporting the contents of a typical three-bedroom home.

What is the best way to ship furniture to Los Angeles?
The most efficient way to ship furniture to Los Angeles is by using shipping containers. CargoMaster offers a variety of container types, including standard, high-cube, flat racks, and open-top containers for specialized cargo. Contact CargoMaster to find the most appropriate shipping solution for your furniture, ensuring it arrives safely and on time.

What are the dimensions of a 40-foot shipping container?
A 40-foot shipping container measures approximately 11.9 meters long, 2.35 meters wide, and 2.35 meters high. It offers a cargo capacity of about 60 cubic meters, making it ideal for larger shipments, such as furniture, vehicles, or industrial goods.

Does CargoMaster offer international moving services to Los Angeles?
CargoMaster specializes in international freight forwarding and self-pack container services for relocations to Los Angeles. While CargoMaster does not provide traditional removalist services, we can connect you with trusted removalists in Australia. Additionally, CargoMaster offers expert services for shipping heavy machinery, equipment, and complex cargo to California.

How should I pack a container for international shipping?
Proper packing is crucial for ensuring the safe transport of your goods. CargoMaster recommends evenly distributing the weight of items, securing them with ratchet straps, and wrapping furniture in protective blankets or plastic. To avoid spills when opening the container, ensure that goods are packed securely away from the doors. CargoMaster also offers expert packing advice to ensure your shipment arrives safely.

Does CargoMaster collaborate with shipping companies in the USA?
CargoMaster partners with AAA-rated, reliable shipping lines to ensure the highest quality services for shipments to Los Angeles and across California. Our trusted network guarantees safe and timely transport of your goods, and we provide expert guidance and personalized solutions for each shipment.

For expert shipping solutions, contact CargoMaster today!
Whether you’re shipping personal items, machinery, or other goods to Los Angeles or California, CargoMaster makes the process smooth, cost-effective, and stress-free. Reach out to our team for competitive rates and customized solutions tailored to your needs.

Packing & Moving Tips

Before You Move

• Notify CargoMaster of any changes to your address or item list
• Share contact numbers for both pickup and delivery, keep your mobile on during container drop-off and collection
• Report access issues like stairs, long walks, narrow driveways, or restricted zones
• Consider removals insurance for added peace of mind
• Plan ahead, self-pack moves require careful preparation

Getting Ready to Pack

• Start early to avoid last-minute stress
• Bundle appliance cords and label cartons clearly
• Keep cartons light for easier lifting and stacking
• Consult CargoMaster before loading vehicles into your container
• Number your cartons and create a manifest to track contents
• Use sturdy cartons void grocery boxes
• Empty furniture & lock doors to prevent movement
• Wrap fragile items with butcher paper and bubble wrap
• Ask about our full packing service available at competitive rates
• Defrost fridges and empty drip trays the day before
• Disassemble large items like swings, sheds, and bed frames
• Drain fuel from machinery gas bottles cannot be shipped
• Clean BBQs and lawnmowers before loading
• Use picture cartons and bubble wrap for artwork and mirrors
• Protect glass with flattened cartons or padded sleeves
• Bundle loose items like garden tools and brooms
• Disconnect washing machines and secure the drum
• Tape hardware (screws, bolts) to the item they belong to
• Pack electronics with crushed paper or original packaging

Items Not Allowed in Self-Pack Containers

• Dangerous goods (prohibited by law)
• Fuels & Solvents
• Live plants (may require certification)
• Animals
• Dirty or contaminated items
• BBQ gas cylinders

Final Checks Before Uplift

• Keep your mobile on throughout the move
• Set aside essentials wallets, phones, tickets, keys, and clothes should travel with you
• Reserve parking for the truck by spacing out two or three cars in front of your home
• Disconnect utilities at your old address and reconnect at your new one
• Be present for both pickup and delivery
• Double-check everything is packed and loaded before the truck departs
• Expect possible delays due to traffic, weather, or road closures
• Avoid booking flights on the same day as your container uplift or delivery

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Addition Information

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HAZARD LABELS DANGEROUS GOODS (DG)

Hazard Labels for Dangerous Goods (DG)

The international community has established a classification system for easy identification of dangerous goods. These goods fall into nine primary classes, and some classes are further divided to address specific risks. Each class/division has a corresponding label that accurately represents the nature of the hazard. These labels must be attached to the package during transport and remain intact throughout the journey. Take a look at the illustrated examples below to understand how these labels effectively communicate the potential dangers.

Under regulations, labels must be clearly visible on the outside of the package and must stay on the package while in transit.

You can often find labels printed on most inner packages such as:

• aerosol cans
• bottles of bleach
• containers of thinners
• tins of paint
• many other products which are available at supermarkets and hardware stores.

Below are the 9 hazard labels for the 9 classes of dangerous goods.

Class 1 Explosives

Class 1 explosives

This includes items such as:

• explosive substances
• pyrotechnic devices
• ammunition
• fireworks
• detonators.

Class 2 Gases

Class 2 gases

These can be transported as:

• compressed
• liquefied
• refrigerated liquefied
• gas in solution.

This includes aerosols. Class 2 has 3 divisions:

• Division 2.1 - flammable gases such as:
  • butane
  • propane
• Division 2.2 - non-flammable, non-toxic gases such as:
  • oxygen
  • liquid nitrogen
  • compressed air
• Division 2.3 - toxic gases such as:
  • chlorine
  • hydrogen sulphide.

Class 3 Flammable liquids

Class 3 flammable liquids

This includes liquids with a boiling point of 35⁰ C or less, or a flash point of 60⁰ C or less such as:

• petrol
• alcohol
• perfumes
• essential oils
• hand sanitiser
• paints.

Class 4 Flammable solids

Class 4 flammable solids

These are substances that can spontaneously combust and substances, that when they come into contact with water or emit flammable gases. Class 4 has 3 divisions:

• Division 4.1 - flammable solids such as:
  • hexamine solid fuel tablets for camping stoves
  • self-reactive substances
  • desensitised explosives
• Division 4.2 - substances that can spontaneously combust under normal air transport conditions include:
  • camphor
  • sulphur
  • matches
• Division 4.3 - substances that emit flammable gases when they come into contact with water include:
  • sodium
  • zinc particles
  • activated carbon.

Class 5 Oxidising substances and organic peroxides

Class 5 oxidising substances organic peroxides

These substances are not necessarily combustible on their own but can react dangerously with other substances. Class 5 has 2 divisions:

• Division 5.1 - oxidising substances that may not be necessarily combustible, but they may readily yield oxygen and cause other materials to combust, such as:
  • hydrogen peroxide
  • ammonium nitrate
  • potassium chlorate
  • sodium nitrate
• Division 5.2 - organic peroxides are thermally unstable and can emit heat and give off harmful or flammable vapours. They can also be liable to explosive decomposition and react dangerously with other substances. Examples are:
  • acetyl acetone peroxide
  • benzoyl peroxide
  • peracetic acid.

Class 6 Toxic and infectious substances

Class 6 toxic infectious substances

These substances can cause sickness, injury or death if consumed. Class 6 has 2 divisions:

• Division 6.1 - toxic substances that can cause death, injury or to harm human health if swallowed, inhaled or by skin contact, such as:
  • chloroform
  • arsenics
  • cyanides
  • cytotoxic waste
  • barium compounds
  • pesticides
• Division 6.2 - infectious substances that contain or are expected to contain pathogens that can cause disease in humans or animals, including:
  • medical or clinical waste
  • patient specimens
  • genetically modified organisms
  • infectious substances
  • infected animals.

Class 7 Radioactive materials

Class 7 radioactive materials

These are substances that emit invisible ionising radiation that can be harmful to humans and animals. It can cause objects such as aircraft and equipment to become contaminated if not packaged and handled correctly, such as:

• uranium
• radioactive ores
• isotypes
• radium
• cesium
• x-ray equipment
• medical equipment or parts.

Class 8 Corrosives

Class 8 corrosives

These substances can cause irreversible damage if they come into contact with skin and could destroy other freight, or materially damage containers or aircraft. This includes:

• acids
• corrosive cleaners
• battery fluid
• formaldehyde
• hydrofluoric acid.

Class 9 Miscellaneous

Class 9 miscellaneous

These are substances and articles which, during air transport, present a danger not covered by other classes. There are 2 types of handling labels – 1 for lithium battery shipments, and another for all other miscellaneous dangerous goods. This class includes:

• lithium batteries
• battery powered vehicles
• battery powered equipment
• first aid kids
• environmentally hazardous substances
• dry ice
• magnetised materials
• asbestos.

Handling labels

In addition to hazard labels, trained staff must attach handling labels where needed. Staff must use these 4 handling labels with the appropriate hazard labels:

Cargo aircraft only

This label is used to show that the load cannot be carried on a passenger aircraft.

Cyrogenics

This label is used on liquefied gases, such as the ones in Class 2.

This way up

This label ensures a load is placed the correct way up and can be used for non-dangerous goods.

Magnetised material

This label ensures that the load is kept away from the aircraft compass detector unit while being loaded and unloaded.

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CargoMaster International Freight Forwarder Australia

At CargoMaster we strive to deliver cost effective freight forwarding services to business, government and private individuals.

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