Key Takeaways
- The cost to ship a 20ft container overseas from the UK ranges from £1,800 to £15,700, while a 40ft container can range from £2,700 to £25,000.
- Factors like container size, mode of transport, seasonal demand, and destination affect total costs.
- LCL is cheaper for small moves, while FCL is better for large shipments.
- Request up to 5 quotes from container moving companies with Sirelo to ensure competitive pricing.
How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Container from the UK?
International
container shipping costs range
from £1,100 to £5,700 for
European moves and
from £4,800 to £25,000 for
overseas shipments.
The final cost depends on volume, destination, and transport method. If you’re researching how much it costs to send a shipping container, this section provides detailed estimates for common destinations.
| Destination | 20ft Container | 40ft Container |
| USA | £4,660 – £5,750 | £5,905 – £8,545 |
| Canada | £4,975 – £8,390 | £7,770 – £8,855 |
| Australia | £7,770 – £15,695 | £15,230 – £24,865 |
| New Zealand | £3,110 – £4,660 | £11,655 – £15,540 |
| South Africa | £3,110 – £4,660 | £11,655 – £15,540 |
| Japan | £2,795 – £4,660 | £3,230 – £3,575 |
| Dubai | £1,865 – £2,100 | £2,795 – £3,110 |
Note: Prices are estimates and updated as of August 2025.
Related article
Read everything you need to know about international moving costs.
Container Sizes and What They Fit
What Can You Fit in a 20ft Container?
- Contents of a small household (1-2 bedrooms).
- Bikes, fridges, beds, tables, and closets.
- Volume: 33 m³ | Max Load: 24,850 kg.
![What you can fit in a 20 ft container]()
What Can You Fit in a 40ft Container?
- Contents of a large family home.
- Option to ship a car with your items.
- Volume: 76 m³ | Max Load: 30,200 kg.
Many choose a large shipping container such as this for complete household moves or overseas relocations.
![What you can fit in a 40 ft container]()
What’s the Difference Between FCL and LCL Shipping?
FCL means you pay for the entire container, which is ideal for large moves. LCL lets you share container space and only pay for the volume you use, making it a more cost-effective option for smaller shipments (up to 25–33% cheaper).
Choosing between FCL and LCL depends on your shipment size and budget.
FCL (Full Container Load):
- Flat rate for a full container
- Faster delivery times
- Higher cost
LCL (Less than Container Load):
- Pay only for space used
- Ideal for small or partial moves (<15m³)
- Cheaper freight rates, but longer wait times
| Feature | FCL | LCL |
| Price Range | Higher – Fixed rate | Lower – Pay per m³ |
| Best For | Large household/full move | Small or partial move |
| Delivery Time | Faster | Slower (consolidation needed) |
| Flexibility | High (entire container) | Shared container – less control |
For a complete overview of container shipping services, visit our main container shipping guide.
Should I Choose Sea Freight or Air Freight?
Sea freight is the better choice for large, non-urgent shipments due to lower costs, while air freight suits smaller, time-sensitive moves despite being more expensive.
Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of each option:
| Method | Pros | Cons |
| Air Freight | Fast, accessible, reliable | Expensive, limited space |
| Sea Freight | Affordable for bulk items & cars | Slower delivery |
What Affects the Cost of Shipping a Container from the UK?
The cost of shipping a container from the UK depends on several key factors, such as the destination, season, shipment size, and freight method. Understanding these can help you plan and reduce costs effectively.
- Distance: Longer routes = higher freight charges.
- Time of Year: Prices spike in summer.
- Port Accessibility: Major ports offer lower rates.
- Mode of Transport: Sea freight is cheaper than air.
- Container Size & Type: Larger or custom containers cost more.
- Volume & Weight: Heavier or oversized items add to the cost. Use our volume calculator.
- FCL vs. LCL: Sharing space (LCL) cuts expenses.
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How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car Overseas?
Shipping a car abroad costs between £589 and £8,372, depending on the destination and container type.
Related article
Everything you need to know about moving overseas with your car.
How Much Does It Cost to Ship Furniture Internationally?
The average cost to
ship furniture internationally ranges
from £1,000 to £14,000, influenced by volume, destination, and shipping method.
Request Container Shipping Quotes
Get a tailored quote using our container shipping cost calculator. Simply input your origin, destination, and estimated volume to receive an accurate price.
Or, compare 5 free quotes instantly by submitting a request through our quote form below.
Tips to Save on Container Shipping
- Book early to avoid seasonal surcharges.
- Use LCL for small shipments.
- Pack household items efficiently.
- Compare quotes from at least 3 container moving companies.
- Choose nearby major ports if possible.
Ready to Move from the UK?
Now that you know everything about shipping container costs, you are settled. If you still have doubts, you can check out our FAQ section and our related articles.
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