Key Takeaways
- Shipping a container from Australia to the USA costs $5,400–$8,200, depending on route and container size.
- A 20ft container averages around $6,300, while a 40ft container averages around $7,000–$8,000.
- Average sea transit time is 20–40 days, excluding customs clearance and inland delivery.
- LCL (shared container shipping) is the cheapest option for smaller shipments.
- Comparing at least 3-5 quotes can reduce overall moving costs.
Why Choose Container Shipping from Australia to the USA?
For most Australian households relocating to the USA, container shipping offers the best balance between cost, capacity, and reliability.
It offers:
- Secure, sealed maritime containers
- Flexible Full Container Load (FCL) and Less than Container Load (LCL) options
- Cost efficiency for furniture and full household goods
- Suitable transport for vehicles and large items
Container shipping is particularly suited for:
How Much Does Container Shipping from Australia to the USA Cost?
On average, a 20ft container costs around ~$6,300 while the cost of a 40ft container typically ranges from ~$7,000–$8,000.
Final costs depend on:- Departure city (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth)
- Arrival port (Los Angeles, New York, etc.)
- Container size
- Market demand and fuel costs
- Port handling charges
Container Shipping Cost Estimates (AUD)
| Route | 20ft Container | 40ft Container |
|---|
| Sydney – Los Angeles | $5,407 | $6,141 |
| Sydney – New York | $6,941 | $7,934 |
| Melbourne – Los Angeles | $5,500 | $6,200 |
| Melbourne – New York | $7,000 | $8,000 |
| Brisbane – Los Angeles | $5,600 | $6,300 |
| Brisbane – New York | $7,100 | $8,100 |
| Perth – Los Angeles | $5,700 | $6,400 |
| Perth – New York | $7,200 | $8,200 |
Last updated: February 2026. Prices are estimates only and may vary depending on demand, fuel costs, and port charges.
How Long Does Shipping from Australia to the USA Take?
Sea freight transit time typically ranges between 20 and 40 days at sea, depending on the route.
Estimated transit times:
- Sydney – Los Angeles: 20–25 days
- Melbourne – Los Angeles: 22–28 days
- Sydney – New York: 30–40 days
- Perth – Los Angeles: 25–30 days
Note: Many Australians moving to the West Coast choose Los Angeles due to shorter transit times and lower port fees.
Best Movers from Australia to the USA
8.5
596
Chullora
7 ratings as Friendly
7 ratings as "Friendly"
Pros
Strong international partnerships
Flexible relocation services
Helpful customer support
Cons
Availability may be limited during peak seasons
Communication can require follow-up
9.0
190
Murrumba Downs
4 ratings as Good Packing
4 ratings as "Good Packing"
Pros
Specialised in overseas shipping
Careful packing standards
Experience with customs procedures
Cons
Transit coordination can take longer on complex routes
Limited branch network compared to larger movers
7.3
226
Richlands
7 ratings as Professional
7 ratings as "Professional"
Pros
Global brand presence
Comprehensive relocation services
Visa and destination support available
Cons
Service quality may differ between locations
Pricing may be higher than smaller providers
Request Up to 5 Free Moving Quotes
Looking to find the best deal for your container shipping costs? Request free moving quotes below:
How to Reduce Container Shipping Costs
There are several practical ways to reduce your total shipping cost:
- Choosing LCL shipping if you don’t need a full container
- Avoid peak relocation periods (December–January)
- Decluttering to reduce shipment volume
- Comparing multiple international moving quotes
- Selecting port-to-port shipping instead of door-to-door
Shipping Furniture and Household Goods
Shipping furniture from Australia to the USA typically costs between $2,000 and $7,000, depending on volume and services.
Average Household Shipping Costs (AUD)
| Household Size | Full Container Load | Less than Container Load |
|---|
| 1 – 3 Bedrooms | $3,000 – $5,000 | $1,500 – $2,500 |
| 3 – 5 Bedrooms | $4,000 – $7,000 | $2,000 – $4,000 |
Last Updated: February 2026. For more accurate pricing, estimate your shipment volume first:
How to Ship a Vehicle from Australia to the USA?
Vehicles can be transported via RORO (Roll-on/Roll-off) or inside a shipping container.
Shipping a car to the USA typically costs between $1,500 and $5,000, depending on the method and port.
Vehicle Shipping Methods
RORO Shipping
- More affordable
- Vehicle exposed during transport
Container Shipping
- Higher protection
- Suitable for high-value vehicles
Related article
Learn how overseas car shipping works, compare RoRo vs. container options, and check typical costs, timelines, and required documents.
Customs and Documentation Requirements
When shipping to the United States, you will need:
Customs inspections may affect delivery timelines.
Ready to Ship Your Container to the USA?
You now have a clear overview of container shipping costs, routes, and transport options between Australia and the United States. Compare movers, understand your container options, and book the service that fits your timeline and budget.
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