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Container Shipping Costs 2024

Overseas shipping prices and information

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Find out the average container shipping prices depending on the size of your move and detailed information on other costs such as moving furniture, vehicles or pets abroad.

Shipping costs from to
20ft Container
40ft Container

International Shipping Container Cost

The average costs to ship a container overseas can range from $1,865 to $13,080 for a 20ft shipping container and $3435 to $23,505 for a 40ft container.

😲Looking for a small shipping container? You can also hire 10-foot shipping containers. Their price is cheaper, ranging from $4,300 and $5,000.

Read on the average international moving costs and its main price factors.

20ft Container Shipping Prices

We have put together the average cost to popular locations across the world to help you start planning and budgeting for your relocation.

Destination Cost
Canada$11,280 – $13,080
France$9,260 – $10,480
Ireland$5,205 – $6,215
New Zealand$1,865 – $2,095
Singapore$2,220 – $2,875
UK$8,185 – $9,195
USA$8,730 – $11,475

The best way to gauge the cost of shipping a container is to request quotes from removalists. Click below and up to 5 free quotes tailored to your needs.

20ft Shipping Container Free Quotes

40ft Container Shipping Prices

Destination Cost
Canada$20,865 – $23,505
France$17,160 – $19,080
Ireland$9,945 – $11,030
New Zealand$3,435 – $4,100
Singapore$4,040 – $4,585
UK$15,675 – $17,495
USA$16,405 – $19,435
40ft Shipping Container Free Quotes

These are merely price estimates based on the port-to-port transportation of a full container load of household items worth $75,000 on the average value of the contents of a three-bedroom house in Australia, all being shipped from Sydney to major ports in each country listed.

How to Ship a Container Cheaply

To save money on your move you can share a container, paying only for the space you’ll use. This is an affordable alternative when hiring a shipping container, and most removalists will offer this service. However, this will only work out cheaper if you’re transporting a few pieces of furniture, as it’s a little more expensive per m3.

Compare Overseas Removalists to Save Money

Requesting quotes from different removalists will ensure you find the best deal and quality.

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Select the size of your household to receive free quotes for your move!

Cost of Moving Furniture Overseas

Expect to pay between $2,000 and $15,000 to send a shipping container with furniture overseas.

The costs to ship household goods overseas, as logical as it is, the price will stay at the low end if you’re moving small furniture such as chairs, lamps or tables. Shipping larger furniture like beds or couches or even more fragile like pianos, can significantly increase the cost, as a bigger container may be needed.

Moving to the UK? Find all the costs and options to ship your belongings.

Taking Pets Overseas From Australia Cost

The cost to ship a dog or cat overseas can vary from $1,500 to $5,000, according to the pet’s size and weight.

Be aware that every country has different regulations on pet importation. However, there are a few things most of them require:

  • Have a pet passport
  • They must be microchipped
  • Go through a health check (blood tests, vaccinations, etc.)
  • Have a health certificate
  • Be vaccinated against rabies

Relying on specialized pet transport companies can be a great option to ensure that your furry friend has a stress-free move, as their priority will be to ensure your pet’s wellness.

Cost of Shipping a Vehicle

The average price to ship a vehicle can go from $500 to $7,500.
Vehicle TypeAverage Cost
Car$1,000 – $7,500
Bike$500 – $2,000
Motorcycle$500 – $2,000

Disclaimer: The prices above are estimates which can change according to factors such as seasonality, distance and size.

When shipping a car overseas, you can encounter some requirements. They will change depending on the country, but usually they include:

  • Vehicle ownership certification
  • Vehicle registration
  • Insurance coverage
  • Sales details (purchase price and seller’s, buyers and vehicle information)

5 Main Influences on the Price

As we previously mentioned, several factors influence international container shipping costs. Below, we highlight and explain the main five influences so you can get the best container shipping costs for your move:

  1. Volume – If you bring a lot of furniture and personal items, then the cost will be much higher as you’ll need to take up more space in a container or a larger container.

Understand container costs and pick a container with our volume calculator.

  1. Distance – Even though there’s not much to do, it’s still worth bearing in mind that distance will impact the cost.
  2. Destination Port – Due to the popularity of different routes, competition and frequency will drive the costs down. Beware you may expect some custom duties and taxes.
  3. Time of the year – Summer is peak season, so shipping in winter may be cheaper.
  4. Method of transport – Two main ways are available; by air is the fastest option, however, the price will be higher. Shipping by sea is the cheapest and most common way if you’re not in a hurry.

Another additional factor is the size of the container, let’s look at the different options:

Dimensions of 20ft Shipping Container

  • Size: 6.1m x 2.4m x 2.6m
  • Total volume: 33.0 m³
  • Total shipping load: 24,850 kg

A 20ft container holds around 33 cubic metres, which is about a three-bedroom household:

Container Shipping Cost

Dimensions 40ft shipping container

  • Size: 12.2m x 2.4m x 2.6m
  • Total volume: 76.0 m³
  • Total shipping load: 30,200 kg

A 40ft container fits almost twice the volume of belongings and holds a volume of 76 cubic metres. If you want to transport a house with four or more bedrooms and perhaps a car, then a 40ft container will be a better value for you:

Container Shipping Cost

Loading and Delivery Options

  • Port to port: You’ll have to bring your items to the port, load them and once at the destination port, collect them.
  • Drop and fill: Your container will be dropped at the location of your choice. The cost will be a bit more expensive, but it’s more convenient.
  • Door-to-door: Removalists will bring the container to your home and help you load and unload the container. A pretty great option, although it is more expensive.

Prepare Your Overseas Move

That was a lot to take in. However, now you’re well versed in the costs of shipping a container overseas. In case you’re still in need of some advice, we recommend reading the articles and the FAQs section below.

Find the top moving companies and request free quotes.

Frequently asked questions

What affordable options for shipping containers are available?

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Are there small shipping containers?

How much does it cost to move a car overseas?

How much does it cost to move a dog overseas?

How much does it cost to move furniture overseas?