Bob van Rens
Special & Project Cargo
+31 (0)6 43 41 26 30
sales@seaconlogistics.com
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New Zealand
Transport New Zealand with Seacon Logistics
Seacon Logistics is your logistics service provider and central point of contact for transport to and from New Zealand. From strategic locations and together with our worldwide network of agents and partners, we quickly, smoothly and cost-effectively take care of your transport. From full loads (FTL), part loads (LTL), pallets, intermodal to special transport.
The island nation of New Zealand, located in the South Pacific Ocean, is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations. The country is considered one of the most competitive in the world, ranking in the top 20 countries in the Global Competitiveness Index (2022). Additionally, New Zealand ranks fourth in the Index of Economic Freedom (2022), making it one of the most liberal locations for goods handling in the world. Furthermore, it tops the World Bank's 'Ease of Doing Business Index' (2022). This ensures that New Zealand provides an excellent business climate and a solid base for logistics activities.
The services sector dominates the New Zealand economy, accounting for 72.8% of its GDP. However, the country's economic performance is diversified across various sectors. New Zealand is internationally renowned for its agriculture, industry, financial sector and tourism. This diversification contributes to the country's resilience, as evidenced by a marginal decline of only -1.3% during the COVID-19 pandemic and a rapid recovery of nearly 4%.
It is not only these factors that make New Zealand an attractive location. The favourable geographical position of New Zealand makes it an interesting logistics hub for goods transportation in the Asian region. China, its geographic neighbour Australia, and the United States are New Zealand's largest trading partners for both imports and exports. If your company aims to take advantage of these benefits and expand into the Asian or American market, Seacon Logistics can provide the necessary services such as warehousing and sea freight.
New Zealand's foreign trade takes place within a contractually secured framework. Free trade agreements like the Pacific Act between the United States, Australia and New Zealand or the free trade agreement between the EU and New Zealand eliminate customs barriers or trade impediments. Since 2019, New Zealand has also abolished trade barriers with the world's second-largest economy, China, as part of the New Zealand-China Free Trade Agreement, aimed at stimulating economic growth in both countries.
For New Zealand transport, it is only logical for you as a company – together with Seacon as your professional partner – to take your logistics to a higher level. On this page, you can read more about our transport solutions for New Zealand.
Important transport routes New Zealand and your benefits
New Zealand has various transport routes for the transportation of goods, albeit somewhat limited due to the geographical circumstances of being an island with no land connections to the mainland. Therefore, all import and export activities are handled through air freight or sea freight.
However, the country is well prepared and equipped for this, boasting the highest number of airports per capita, serving both goods and passenger transport. Air transport thus plays a crucial role in New Zealand. Auckland Airport, the largest airport, is a significant driver of tourism with an annual passenger volume of 11 million.
Auckland is also home to an internationally important port, namely Waitemata Harbour, which receives over 1,600 merchant ships annually. With this volume, the port accounts for about half of the country's import and export activities, making it an indispensable location for the transit of goods. The Port of Auckland establishes New Zealand as an international logistics hub, a fact affirmed by the World Bank's Logistics Performance Index, which ranks New Zealand among the top 15 countries in terms of infrastructure quality (2018).
Domestic freight transport is primarily handled by road transport. The major cities (including the capital Wellington) are easily accessible thanks to an extensive highway network. Additionally, there is a rail transport network on both the North Island and the South Island of New Zealand. However, this is not primarily used.
Important cities for freight transport in New Zealand
In New Zealand, freight transport is primarily concentrated in the capital city of Wellington. Auckland also plays a significant role in the country. The North Island has a much larger role in logistics compared to the South Island since all major logistics centres and transshipment hubs are located there.
Wellington is located in the south of the North Island and has an internationally important airport. This port is primarily used for passenger traffic and benefits the tourism sector. Additionally, the port of Wellington plays a role in freight transport. The New Zealand Stock Exchange is located near this port and is used by container ships, among others. With its excellent connections and the presence of large international companies, the capital city has become the financial centre of New Zealand.
Auckland is located in the north of the North Island. The Port of Auckland is New Zealand's main transhipment hub, with a turnover of over 11 billion euros. The port provides direct and indirect employment for 170,000 people (2007). Therefore, the port is not only a transshipment hub but also an economic hub for the entire region.
Transport solutions New Zealand
We offer different types of transport to and from New Zealand. Whether it concerns general cargo, less-than-truckload or full-truckload shipping, air freight, sea freight or freight transport – we will ensure that your goods arrive at their destination safely and on time. Below you will find our transport solutions to and from New Zealand:
- Groupage transport to New Zealand
- Pallet shipment
- Partial loads (LTL / LCL)
- Full loads (FCL / FTL)
- Rail transport
- Deliveries in the city centre
- Delivery with tailboard
- Express delivery to New Zealand
Groupage New Zealand - LCL and LTL
The term LTL (Less Than Truck Load) is used in freight transport to indicate that only part of the available cargo space of the truck is filled. In the logistics industry, it is therefore common to combine several partial loads at one loading point or to add a partial load. In short, groupage or LTL is therefore the merging of several smaller loads into one larger load. This optimises the use of the freight container during road freight.
The abbreviation LCL stands for Less than Container Load and in sea freight refers to shipments that do not fill an entire container and are combined with other general cargo in a consolidated container. LCL transport mainly offers price advantages and some benefits in practical handling and stowage. For general cargo, only proportionate transport costs are incurred for the use of the container volume.
Full loads New Zealand - FCL or FTL
The abbreviation FCL (Full Container Load) is used in sea freight for full container loads. Unlike LCL: a load that only partially fills a container. With FCL loads, the container is loaded by a shipper and unloaded at the destination by a consignee.
With an FTL delivery (Full Truck Load), the shipment fills the entire available cargo space. The truck transports this shipment to its destination without reloading. This is for one recipient. This completely utilises the truck’s transport capacity.
Fast delivery is the main advantage of FTL. This is because there is no need for transhipment or extra route planning to different recipients. The truck drives directly to one destination. It is the most effective method of transporting goods by road to a final destination.
WOULD YOU LIKE TO REQUEST A PRICE INDICATION OR DO YOU HAVE A QUESTION?
Special transport New Zealand
In our wide range of transport services, we also offer special transport to and from New Zealand. This is the worldwide transport of long, high and heavy goods that do not fit in a container or truck. We believe it is important to comply with all international regulations and guidelines in this type of transport. Especially when transporting dangerous goods, regardless of whether they are transported to or from New Zealand to abroad. Below you will find an overview of all goods that Seacon Logistics transports:
- Long goods
- Dangerous goods (ADR)
- Boxes (KTN)
- Boxes (BOX)
- Bundles
- Heavy load
- Pallets (PLT)
- Gitter boxes (GIBO)
- Barrels (FSS)
- Other loose goods
Transport options New Zealand: to and from Asia, America, Europe and Africa
At Seacon Logistics we understand that, in addition to the quality of your products, fast shipping and associated satisfied customers are of great importance. That is why we facilitate the worldwide transport of your goods in all aspects. Goods transport within Europe is usually handled via road freight, but for shipments to and from Asia, North and South-America and Africa, we of course also have sea freight and air freight at your disposal.
From our locations at strategically located terminals, we supply all major consumer markets. By outsourcing your transport to and from New Zealand to Seacon Logistics, you benefit from the advantage that you do not have to worry about complicated coordination across different continents and time zones. With us, you are guaranteed – partly thanks to the excellent cooperation with our partner network – a fast, efficient and well-organised shipment.
Transit and delivery times for transport to New Zealand
To satisfy you and meet all your requirements, reliability and speed are paramount at Seacon Logistics. That is why we work closely with a worldwide partner network and can plan, execute and organise your transport efficiently.
It is also possible to send express shipments, we arrange this in collaboration with our network. Fast transport services and our in-house customs clearance ensure that your transport from New Zealand arrives at your customer faster than usual.
For daily updated information and reliable transport planning, please contact us directly. Our specialists are always ready to help you.
Customs: the correct import and export documents
Our focus is always on the entire logistics chain. To serve you even better, our in-house customs department takes care of the necessary import and export documents and transport certificates. Our Compliance Desk checks whether your goods comply with all guidelines and sanction regulations at the place of destination. This way you will not be faced with unpleasant surprises and you can concentrate on your core business. Thanks to our status as Authorised Economic Operator (previously AEO-certified) and 'preferred supplier', we can minimise delays. An important advantage for you as a customer.
Want to know more about how we unburden you in terms of customs and customs declarations?
Incoterms®: Protect your international trade with New Zealand
As a global logistics chain director, Seacon Logistics deals a lot with Incoterms®. Although we are not involved in the commercial agreements between buyer and seller, we are often consulted about the dangers and consequences of the various Incoterms® before a transaction is concluded. In practice, many companies still underestimate the risks.
To ensure that contractual formulas in the trade of goods are interpreted equally by buyer and seller, we have created a white paper and an infographic.
Important additional information: Public holidays, driving bans and local details
As an island nation, New Zealand has some unique geographical features, as it is divided into a North Island and a South Island. They are separated by the Cook Strait, which can only be crossed by ferry. The transportation system also deviates partly from European standards. In the following overview, you will find the specific details that entrepreneurs should pay attention to:
- Currency: New Zealand uses New Zealand dollars for payment.
- Traffic: Left-hand traffic prevails on both islands. However, a rule of giving way to the right is applied (unless indicated otherwise).
- Customs: Thanks to comprehensive free trade agreements with all major trading partners, most goods traffic is tax-free. For detailed advice on customs, our team of experts is at your disposal.
- Highways: In New Zealand, tolls are only applicable on the following three routes on the North Island: Auckland Northern Gateway, Tauranga Eastern Link, and Takitimu Drive.
If you have more detailed questions about the specifics or rules in New Zealand, please feel free to contact our team. In a joint logistic analysis, we examine which aspects are relevant for your goods transport.
The strength of Seacon: logistics at its heart since 1985
Since the establishment of Seacon Logistics, we have been building our organisation as a leading logistics chain director. Today, Seacon Logistics has over 700 employees at various strategic locations throughout Europe. Yet the origins of the family business can still be felt in our organisation. And that is precisely where our strength lies. Logistic services from the heart, that's what we are all about!
With a strong we-feeling, we take on logistical challenges and work together to serve you as our customer in the best possible way. With innovative and efficient solutions, we take your logistics to a new level. Transparent communication, personal approach and entrepreneurship are the basis of our customers' trust.
Are you interested in a transport solution to a country other than New Zealand? Then take a look at one of our many other partner countries:
Would you like to receive a quote or do you have other questions?
Then please do not hesitate to contact us. We know the logistical challenges of our customers and have been optimising their logistics chains for decades. No distance is too far or challenge too great. Are you ready to take your logistics chain to the next level? Then be sure to get in touch with us.