Affordable 20 Foot Container Shipping Cost | Three Movers

The movers at Three Movers have been efficiently hauling containers around the world for more than two decades. We are known for affordable shipping costs. From 20-foot containers to 40-foot containers to containers of all sizes, we’ve done it all. Whether you’re a small business, a major corporation, or just a private citizen looking to use a container to transport your household goods, you’re likely wondering how much this service costs. We'll provide all the information you need in this guide.

In fact, the delivery cost for 20-foot shipping containers can be rather substantial. Not to mention, the complicated hauling process can present a number of logistical challenges in the course of things. This may quickly become a nightmare if you’re unfamiliar with the trends. So, how much does it cost to ship a 20ft container in 2022?

The cost to move 20-foot containers depends on several factors, including size, distance, and market forces. The average cost is around $3,000, or between $1 and $4 a mile. Let’s look deeper at what you can expect regarding cost estimates.

Understanding Container Sizes and Dimensions

While several intermodal sizes are in use across the globe, only two are considered the standard: 20 ft. and 40 ft. You’ll most likely need one or the other for international container relocations. Let’s explore the key stats of each:

20 ft.

Ideal for: 1 to 2-bedroom home or a car with a couple of boxes.

Standard Measurements:

Size (LxWxH): 19’ 10.5” x 8’ 0” x 8’6”

Total internal volume: 1,169 cubic feet

Net shipping load: 61,289 lb capacity.

40 ft.

Ideal for: 3 to 4 bedroom home or a car plus a standard two bedroom home.

Standard Measurements:

Size (LxWxH): 40’ 0” x 8’ 0” x 8’6”

Total internal volume: 2,385 cubic feet

Net shipping load: 57,759 lb.

Although a 40 foot container can generally hold about twice as much as a 20 foot in terms of volume, it actually holds less total cargo weight. But, shipping a 40 foot container still costs more. So, if you need to relocate an entire household and your car, you may need to look into securing more than one container for international shipping.

How Much Does It Cost To Relocate?

The average cost to relocate a 20-foot container is roughly $3,000, but your final price will vary considerably based on where you’re headed and how much stuff you need to move. Even things like the time of year and the moving company you choose can make a huge difference in the overall cost.

When it comes to distance, the expense to haul a container is typically between $1 and $4 per mile. Shorter moves are typically more affordable overall but have a higher rate per mile. However, every container relocating company has unique rates, so the best way to know exactly how much it will cost is to request an estimate.

In order to fully understand average costs, it’s crucial that you know what factors contribute to the final cost of your move.

Factors Affecting The Price?

Numerous factors affect the total cost. Let’s examine some of the more common factors affecting relocating rates in great detail to understand how moving companies calculate these types of quotes.

Distance

Generally speaking, distance contributes the most to the cost of shipping a 20 ft. container. As you might expect, the further that you need to transport, the more you’ll have to pay. The distance includes road distance to the nearest port, between ports, and from the port to the final destination for door-to-door shipping. Most moving companies increase rates to compensate for vehicle maintenance, fuel charges, environmental taxes, and other factors.

Regardless, a local move will always be cheaper than a long-distance one, especially an international/ overseas relocation.

Less Container Load (LCL) vs. Full Container Load (FCL)

Will you be able to fill up the entire 20-foot container with your belongings? Or do you only plan to ship it partially full? LCL refers to shipments that require less than a whole container. However, most companies will levy a minimum shipment volume, which may be as low as 35.3 cubic feet. This is the most affordable option for small shipments, as you’ll be distributing costs between those you are sharing with.

Depending on your situation, it may make the most sense and be cheaper than just paying for a full container. Full Container Load, or FCL, describes shipments where you pay to fill the entire container. This means that only your belongings will move together in the same container.

Benefits of air freight and reasons to use it

Hauling Method's Effects On Prices

There are three main relocating methods, some being more expensive than others.

• Truck: Nearly all types of moves involve a car. This is the most expensive method, as haulers must consider maintenance and fuel costs for the journey.
• Trains: Shipping via rail offers lower container shipping rates and is common for moving within a continent.
• Ocean Freight: Ocean freight or moving via a container ship is the cheapest way to transport a 20-foot container, but also the slowest compared to other methods like air freight. However, remember that you would not use this method if you’re not transporting the container internationally.

Depending on the conditions surrounding your move, you may need to use a combination of these hauling methods. Shipping containers are all about logistics, and while rail is generally cheaper than trucking, it may not always be the case for you. There are other factors at play.

Time Of Year Also Affects Shipping Rates

The time of year also greatly impacts hauling rates. If you relocate at a time of year when moving services are in high demand, the shipping costs will be higher. Summer and spring are peak seasons for this industry, meaning you’ll likely pay more during these times than in the winter. There is also generally a much higher demand on weekends, holidays, and at the beginning and end of the month. To save money, try to be flexible and avoid busy seasons.

Additional Costs For Shifting

You’ll want to consider additional expenses such as insurance, packing, and sitting costs when shifting.

• Insurance: Your belongings must be properly insured if you plan to ship your entire household across the ocean or to a neighboring town. Fortunately, most moving companies offer insurance and factor it into your estimate. However, you may want to choose a more comprehensive option if the insurance offered does not cover everything. Insurance can get complicated, so don’t hesitate to contact your hauling company.
• Packing: When moving internationally, some companies require that you pack the container for them. While this may sound like a way for them to charge you extra, it helps prevent fraudulent insurance claims and may even be required for taxes and duty.
• Cost of Siting: Siting refers to unloading the delivery truck and positioning the container on the foundation. Overall, the more equipment needed to move your container to the intended destination, the more it’ll cost you. Siting tends to cost quite a bit less if the truck can easily pick it up at one place and drop it off at another. When you need things like cranes and forklifts, the price to get the container onsite goes up.

Shipping a 40ft container to Southeast Asia on budget

How To Transport A 20 ft Container?

You must put your stuff in a container when moving household goods internationally. In most cases, it is enough for household goods. You can bring it straight into your home or move your belongings to where it is stationed using a moving truck. If you are using the whole container yourself, it's best to bring the container straight to your home. You will not have to load and unload multiple times when you do so.

Once your stuff is loaded, it will be transported to the nearest port using a freight trailer. Make sure that you have not kept anything that is deemed illegal on the ship. Before loading onto the ship, you need three copies of the paperwork stating the list of items. One is the language of the country of origin, and the second is the destination country's language. The freight forwarder will create a bill of lading using the first copy to determine the customs duty you must pay. The second copy will be handed to the agent in the overseas customs office. The third copy can be in any language, and you will keep it. You'll also need a document proving you are legally entering the destination country. If you are moving goods for commercial purposes, you need more documents. Click here to find out what types of documents you'll need.

It is then loaded onto the ship using a crane. You'll have to wait for it to arrive at the destination.

What Are The Charges To Move?

You can get a used 20 ft container for as low as $1,500. You can get a new container for anywhere between $4,000 & $6,000. If you are a multinational company transporting large amounts of goods frequently, it may make more sense to buy your own container rather than keep paying shipping receptacle movers.

Shipping 40ft containers through sea freights

Cheap Movers

Not only can the movers at Three Movers relocate 20-foot shipping containers around your own property, but we can also provide container pick-up and delivery services across the globe. Whether you want to have your own shipping container transported somewhere else, or you need it for an upcoming move, we’ve got you covered!

Do you need a container or a 20-foot shipping container mover? Look no further than Three Movers! Call us today or fill out our convenient online request form to receive your free, no-obligation moving quote, and we’ll show you how simple and cost-effective it can be to transport these enormous containers anywhere in the world! You will get your shipping costs calculated in no time. You can find more competitive prices anywhere else.

Relevant Statistics

• The average cost internationally is approximately $2,800.
• Around 75% of the total shipping costs for a 20-foot container are attributed to fuel charges.
• The average time from Asia to North America is 28 days.
• Roughly 90% of the world's manufactured goods are transported via containers, including 20-foot containers.
• The size and weight limit for a 20-foot container is around 33 cubic meters and up to 27 tons, respectively.

General Facts

• The charges of shipping depends on various factors, such as the distance, destination, and mode of transportation.
• Its costs can vary significantly between different hauling companies and routes.
• Additional fees such as customs duties, taxes, and handling charges may also apply to the overall cost.
• Seasonal fluctuations can influence costs for a 20-foot container in demand and supply.
• Obtaining quotes from multiple shipping providers to compare prices and services before finalizing shipment arrangements is advisable.

List Of Routes

While you can contact us to ship a container to/from almost any country, we mostly ship to/from the USA. Here are some popular routes for our 20-foot shipping container movers:

To the USA

India To USA
China To USA
UK to USA
Germany To USA
France To USA
Japan to USA
South Korea To USA
Spain To USA
Finland To USA
Brazil To USA
Argentina To USA
South Africa To USA
Egypt To USA
Qatar To USA
Saudi Arabia To USA
UAE to USA
Taiwan To USA
Australia To USA
New Zealand To USA
Italy To USA
Portugal To USA
Jamaica To USA
Vietnam To USA
Ireland To USA
Switzerland To USA
Netherlands To USA

From the USA

USA To India
USA To China
USA to UK
USA To Germany
USA To France
USA To Japan
USA To South Korea
USA To Spain
USA To Finland
USA To Brazil
USA To Argentina
USA To South Africa
USA To Egypt
USA To Qatar
USA To Saudi Arabia
USA To UAE
USA To Taiwan
USA To Australia
USA To New Zealand
USA To Italy
USA To Portugal
USA To Jamaica
USA To Vietnam
USA To Ireland
USA To Switzerland
USA To Netherlands