Container Shipping Costs UK

How Much Is Shipping a Container from the UK?

The best way to estimate the shipping container costs for moving from the UK overseas is by knowing the volume of your move. The costs fluctuate on many factors but are mainly determined by the volume of the goods you are shipping. Use our volume calculator to know what size container you need.

20 ft shipping container

*Disclaimer: The above figures for sea container shipping rates are estimates. The actual price will vary depending on the port of departure, port of arrival, availability of containers, and services.

40 ft shipping container

*Disclaimer: The above figures for sea container shipping rates are estimates. The actual price will vary depending on the port of departure, port of arrival, availability of containers, and services.

Container Shipping Cost Calculator

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40ft Container

Disclaimer: All figures shown are estimates. Actual rates may vary.

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How to Ship Cheaply Overseas

Container shipping companies offer Less Than Container Load (LCL) for those only transporting a small volume of things. You will share your container with others traveling to a similar destination.

Compare Container Shipping Quotes

Requesting removal quotes from different container shipping companies can be key to finding the best deal. Fill in our form to receive up to 5 free quotes and compare services, reviews, and prices

Factors that Influence Container Shipping Costs for Moving

Understanding how your container shipping rates for moving are calculated is the first step to cutting costs and feeling more in control of your move. Below you see what factors affect the container shipping moving costs.

1. Distance: The further, the more expensive it will be. The choice of port-to-port or door-to-door will also affect the final price.
2. Origin and Arrival Port: Popular routes will be cheaper than more obscure ones, and competition drives down prices. Also, consider customs duties and service fees that might be charged and will vary from country to country.
3. Time of the Year: Moving during summer, when demand is higher and therefore capacity lower, tends to be more expensive than other times of the year.
4. Mode of Transport: The cheapest way to transport shipping containers overseas is sea freight, but it’s also slower. Depending on your destination, you can also rely on other transport methods.
5. Volume: Your items’ volume and weight, will determine international container shipping rates. Use our volume calculator (https://sirelo.co.uk/removal-volume-calculator/) to estimate your move.

Cost of Shipping a Car Overseas

The cost of shipping a car changes based on seasonality, shipping method (Roll-on roll-off, or container shipping), distance, vehicle type, and customs costs.

There are things to consider if you plan to ship a vehicle overseas. The checklist below will give you a rough understanding.

1. Explore your shipping options – Choose whether you go for container, or Roll-on Roll-off (RoRo) shipping. Container shipping is more secure but more expensive, while RoRo is less secure but cheaper.
2. Get quotes from companies – Requesting multiple quotes from different companies is the smartest way to find the right deal for yourself.
3. Prepare your car for transport – Clean your vehicle well and drain all the liquid before transport to avoid incurring excess costs and damage.

To read more about shipping a vehicle overseas read our detailed article about shipping a car below.

Cost of Shipping Furniture Overseas

These costs can change depending on the amount of furniture shipped and the chosen shipping method.

Is it Worth Shipping Furniture Overseas?

If you have furniture pieces that are unique or investment pieces or have much personal value then it might be worth shipping them. On the other hand, instead of shipping a £150 chair or table, it might be cheaper to buy it new.

How to move with pets?

Moving with a pet isn’t the easiest task. However, with enough preparation, it can be hassle-free. There are some things to consider when shipping a pet overseas.

• Passport – Pets must have a valid pet passport to travel internationally.
• Vet check – Each pet must undergo a thorough veterinary check with a certified veterinarian. The proof of this check needs to be presented at the destination when moving internationally.
• Crate for airline – Having an airline-approved crate is crucial.
• Vaccines and documents – Pets must have the required vaccines such as rabies, next to other necessary medical documents. Check the requirements for your destination.
• Train for travel – Train your pet well for traveling in a crate, so the journey is more comfortable and stress-free for them.
• Check import regulations and quarantine – Check if you need import permissions and the quarantine regulations upon arrival to avoid surprises. These often differ by country.

Cost of Shipping a Pet

The costs change depending on your destination and the size of the pet. They are measured based on how much space the pet takes up in the cargo.

Container dimensions for overseas moves

The most common shipping container dimensions are a 20ft container and a 40ft container.

What fits in a 20ft container?

The inside of a 20-foot container easily fits the contents of a small household. You can ship bikes and household goods such as closets, beds, fridges, tables, etc. The total volume that can fit inside is around 33.0 m³, and the maximum weight is 24,850 kg.

Size: 6.1m x 2.4m x 2.6m

Total volume: 33.0 m³ (1,179 ft3)

Total shipping load: 24,850 kg (54,783 lbs)

What fits in a 40ft container?

A 40ft container fits the contents of large households such as bigger family homes, and can even fit a car next to your goods. The total volume is 76.0 m³ and the maximum weight capacity is 30,200 kg.

Size: 12.2m x 2.4m x 2.6m

Total volume: 76.0 m³ (2,714 ft3)

Total shipping load: 30,200 kg (66,577 lbs)

Additional Factors to Consider When Shipping Overseas

• Inspection fees – This isn’t common due to technical advancements and a thoroughly filled-out list of the container’s contents. But if it does occur, you can expect the fees to be passed on. The cost differs by country.
• General Rate Increase – Despite having the word increase in the name, this factor can go up or down. It’s based on demand, so the more demand for a route and with limited space, you’ll see the costs rise. The inverse is also true and can lead to lower costs.

Other International Moving Costs

• Insurance – Putting your worldly possessions into the hands of someone else is stressful. Make it a little less so by covering yourself with insurance.
• Customs charges and taxes – Check beforehand the regulations of your destination country to see if you will have any taxes or duties imposed on the value of your goods.
• Packing costs – Sometimes this will be included in your removal company costs. If not, then check out our expert packing guide.
• Storage costs – If you are not relocating permanently, it might be cheaper to put some items in storage than to lug them all with you. See our page on moving items into storage for more information.

Read more about international moving costs that you should keep in mind when planning your move in our article:

Ready for Your Overseas Move?

Now that you have a good overview of shipping container dimensions, costs, other factors to consider, etc., we hope you feel ready for your international move. If you need more questions answered, check our FAQs and linked articles.