If you’re planning a big move, it can be stressful and costly figuring out how to get your belongings to your new home, especially if you’re moving overseas. But how much does it really cost to ship a container overseas?
The cost to ship a container overseas is between $2,000-$3,000, but this varies greatly. The cost depends on the cargo volume, if you’re shipping by air or sea, the distance shipped, the destination port, and the time of year.
How Shipping Costs Are Calculated
Shipping companies use five factors to calculate the cost to ship a container:
Factor
Description
Volume and Weight of the Goods
The volume and weight of the items you're planning to move.
Sea or Air Freight
Whether you're shipping by sea or air.
Distance of the Journey
The distance your items need to travel.
Destination Port
The specific port your items will arrive at in the destination country.
Time of Year
The time of year you plan to ship your items.
The volume and weight of your goods depend on how much you’re planning on moving. There are typically two container sizes that dominate the market: 20’ (6.10 m) and 40’ (12.19 m). If you’re planning a smaller move, it’s most cost-effective to try and fit everything into a 20’ (6.10 m) container. These containers can generally hold the contents of a three-room property, whereas a 40’ (12.19 m) container can hold the contents of a four-bedroom property.
Container Size
Typical Contents
20’ (6.10 m)
Contents of a three-room property
40’ (12.19 m)
Contents of a four-bedroom property
If you’re shipping heavier items, something to consider is the weight of the container itself. A 20’ (6.10 m) container can actually hold more weight, approximately 63,500 lbs (28,803.12 kg), than a 40’ (12.19 m) container, which can hold approximately 57,600 lbs (26,126.92 kg). This is because the 40’ (12.19 m) container is heavier.
Eric Chandler is a versatile entrepreneur with expertise in both writing and the moving industry. With years of experience as a writer, he has a talent for crafting engaging content on various subjects for major publications and online platforms. Eric also owns a successful moving company that provides reliable and efficient services to clients across the country. His extensive knowledge of the moving process, from packing to delivery, has earned him a reputation as a trustworthy moving expert.
