Published by Chris Townsend
Last updated Dec, 08 2025
Ocean Shipping to Afghanistan has always been our challenge, and people are always looking for ways to make it easy. However, many reliable Ocean shipping services are available at the cheapest shipping rates. But it is still going to take several days to ship the average Ocean freight to Afghanistan.
How Much Does It Cost Of Shipping A Container To Afghanistan?
Afghanistan Container Shipping Cost
Calculating the shipping cost to Afghanistan involved in shipping a container to another country is considerably complex. You have to consider the transportation method, size of the container, distance, customs fees, and many more variables. Three Movers has teams of experts knowledgeable in all the logistics involved, and we ship to Afghanistan. Let us give you an idea of how the whole process works.
Factors That Affect The Cost Of Shipping A Container To Afghanistan
There are 5 main factors when it comes to the cost of shipping a container: weight or volume of cargo, the transportation method to use, the distance to travel, the destination port, and the time of the year.
Whether weight or volume is more important to cost will depend on the transportation method you use. For air shipping weight is more important while for sea volume is a bigger factor. In both cases, the number of items will affect the final cost directly.
The time of the year is important because International shipping has seasons. The months between August and October are traditionally considered the peak season. This means prices will be higher, and capacity more limited. If you want a lower price, you should consider shipping at other times.
Which Size Of Shipping Container Works Best For Me?
While there is a wide variety of shipping containers you can use, the standard sizes are 20ft and 40ft. A 20ft shipping container traditionally can hold the contents of a three-bedroom house while the 40ft one can handle double of that. You should use a container that better matches the size of your home.
If you have a smaller home you could opt for “Less than Container” (LCL) option. This allows people to share container space to save on costs when they don’t have that many items to ship. On the other hand, if you plan to take your whole house, you can hire Full Container Loads (FCL). Therefore, people who want to take their all belongings can opt full container load/ full container shipping,
Understanding The Different Types Of Freight Shipping
Shipping goods to Afghanistan can be done via ocean freight, air freight, truck, or train. When relocating internationally without crossing an ocean, you can employ the latter two options. You can choose between air freight and sea freight for shipping containers to Afghanistan. The primary distinctions between them are in terms of timing and price. The cost of transporting goods by sea is roughly 5 times less than that of transporting them by air.
But, there is a major drawback to shipping through sea: it takes a lot longer. Choose sea transport if you can spare the time. Choose air travel if you need to go somewhere quickly and can afford the added expense.
Additional Shipping Costs
There are a few additional shipping costs that you need to consider:
- Custom duties
- Container inspection fees
- General Rate Increase
- Inland delivery charges
- Quarantine fees
- Insurance
Custom duties are inescapable. You will have to pay taxes based on your destination country. The fees for traditional and quarantine-related inspections will depend on the country you are shipping to.
Since Afghanistan is a landlocked country, your container cargo will have to be delivered inland. You could opt for port-to-port, but then you would have to move your belongings from the point of delivery. Door-to-door might be more expensive but it’s far more convenient.
Typical Shipping Prices – What is its price?
The standard shipping rates to Afghanistan from USA is running from 1,100-5,000 dollars.
Since there aren't any ports of Afghanistan; therefore, the vehicles that get shipped there go by Pakistan using containerized or RORO, i.e., roll-on, roll-off
Time and price get estimated. They vary and depend upon the vehicle's type along with the season
Price and delivery
Ground transport price saves due to the vehicle's delivery on the nearby port
Enable ten more days for processing the documents
The price is for a car in an attached container of 20 ft; such a way is the most reliable and secured way of transporting international vehicles. Other things can include in the container for helping you with saving money while moving.
By the roll-on, roll-off technique, it is cheap, along with shipments getting completed in fewer days. You can contact us to get a free RoRo quote
If your intentions are for an extension of your stay in Afghanistan, then you might be considering taking your car along with you. Whether as a student or as an employee because it is a place where having your can proves to be worthy
With all the things happening in Afghanistan, going there for a stay can be challenging. Having a vehicle of your own makes it better to travel freely along with avoiding language barriers and some other issues that people face when they move abroad.
Popular Shipping Destinations
Some of the major cities for container load shipments to Afghanistan are
- Kabul, Afghanistan
- Jalalabad
- Kandahar
- Herat
Vehicles that We Transport To Afghanistan
Vehicles we transport to Afghanistan are often cars, but other than that, we also transport motorcycles.
Ship Your Car Afghanistan
There are various ways for shipping available
After you contact the Embassy of Afghanistan for the recent information regarding the shipment of the vehicle from the U.S., consider various exporting/shipping procedures available for you.
The most inexpensive among these is RoRo shipping; this exporting/shipping method requires the vehicle to remain vacant with some exceptions. Just spare tires, a car jack, and floor mats can be inside the car while shipping. The car rolls onto and off the ship.
The different well-known way is the container method; this method allows you, fill the container and vehicle along with other goods and belongings. The container is mainly in two different sizes. They can get shared with others too. In this case, the cost gets splitter.
While air shipping also serves for the shipment of vehicles, this method is more preferable for the landlocked countries, yet it is known to be expensive; therefore, most people don't afford such shipment.
You are keeping in view that all the ports don't accept the RoRo method. Ensure that one accomplishes somewhere nearby; therefore, you can retrieve the vehicle when it gets imported or arrives. A port does not hold the car for the rightful owner. You should be present on the day of the vehicle's arrival.
Process for registering vehicles in Afghanistan
- Documents needed to ship a vehicle in Afghanistan
- Reasonable vehicle shipping company Afghanistan
- Customs clearance
- Proof of purchase
- Valid visa
- Copy of invoice
- Packing waybill & list
Shipping heavy and oversized cargo and equipment to Afghanistan
Shipping these materials to other countries is not an easy task with nothing; you might want appropriate equipment and materials and haulers. Not forgetting, you have to abide by foreign substance policies that are usually sole for an individual without previous knowledge and understanding. Fortunately, we are here to help.
Most likely, cargo can't fit in a full container loads of 40ft as it considers to be oversized. Nevertheless, if the load works in a container yet exceed the weight limits for standard size, it is also regarded as heavy equipment. Following are a few examples of oversized and heavy equipment shipped overseas.
- Agricultural & engineering equipment
- Heavy vehicles and large trucks
- Cranes
- Pile drivers
- Oversized engines
- Hydraulic equipment
- Forklifts, dump trucks, and bulldozers
- Industrial equipment
- Motorhomes and RVs
- Excavators and backhoes
- Other farm equipment, combines, and tractors
Over here, it gets ensured a secured transport of heavy material from the U.S. to Afghanistan. We also comply with the foreign policies; therefore, cargo is not refuted accessible intonation. Throughout the shipping process, you benefit from guidance to monitor the shipment's whereabouts by satellite tracking service.
Auto Transport Afghanistan
Depending upon the cargo and the path for carrying out the deliveries, many other shipping options are available. A few among them are safer than the others, while a few are cheaper than others. Our experts help you in deciding but here is more insight.
The shipping options we have are:
Lift on, lift-off
With the help of a crane, we can safely lift the cargo onto ships. Once they reach a nearby port in Afghanistan, it gets similarly lifted off the tanker; this service applies mainly to the crated heavy materials and non-op vehicles.
Roll On/Roll Off
Though all the seaports don't work except shipping cargo with this method, it's the most inexpensive way of transportation; this shipping method helps the motorized equipment pieces or the vehicle rolls off and onto the ships' by a ramp.
Container loads Shipping
This way works to charge a little more, but it isn't accessible for shipping heavy equipment. If the heavy cargo fits in a container, you can request this transportation method. The ceilings and walls of the container give ultimate protection between the cargo's travels.
Flat Rack Shipping
This procedure uses shown to frame shipping containers. Low and walls, the container cargo is safe for the frame to transport structure with the cargo safe located on the ship to get delivered. Depending on the weather condition, the shipment can get protected and wrapped by plastic sheeting or shrink wrap.
Average Container Shipping Rates Estimates
FCL shipping is best for transporting lots of boxes, pallets and anything which will require a full container shipping to Afghanistan of up to 45,000lbs.
Full Container Load (FCL) Shipping Rates | |
|---|---|
| 20 ft Container | $1590 |
| 40 ft Container | $1750 |
LCL shipping is more affordable way to transport less than container load shipments to Afghanistan.
Less Than Container (LCL) Shipping Rates | |
|---|---|
| LCL | $72/CBM |
| Personal Effects | $755 |
| Household Goods | $850 |
International house moving to Afghanistan services - quick, easy and cheap.
International House Moving Costs | |
|---|---|
| Partial House (2000Lbs & Less) | $745 |
| 1 Bedroom (3850 Lbs) | $2290 |
| 2 Bedroom (4500 Lbs) | $2860 |
| 3+ Bedroom (8750 Lbs) | $3450 |
International auto transport services to Afghanistan via RoRo and container ships. Ship cars, trucks, suvs, atv's, boats, RV's, heavy equipment and more.
Container Car Shipping | |
|---|---|
| Sedan (Container) | $1730 |
| SUV (Container) | $1810 |
| Sedan via RORO | $1050 |
| SUV via RORO | $1080 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Shipping a 20 ft or 40 ft container to Afghanistan generally ranges from $4,000–$9,500, depending on origin port, carrier availability, transit time, and inland delivery needs. Factors include container size, freight class, season, hazardous declarations, customs charges, and whether final delivery is to Kabul or another inland location. Remote-area trucking, security escorts, and limited port access also influence pricing. A moving cost estimator can help approximate your total door-to-door cost.
The final rate is shaped by container size, shipment weight, route, handling requirements, and local restrictions. For Afghanistan, costs rise when inland trucking requires long-haul corridors, security approvals, or congestion-related wait times. Packing quality, lift-gate service, and whether the shipment includes fragile or regulated goods also matter. You can compare ranges using Three Movers’ international moving costs resources.
Transit typically runs 32–55 days, depending on the port of origin and required inland delivery. Sea freight to a regional port, followed by cross-border trucking, adds variability. Delays can occur due to customs processing, documentation checks, or weather-related road closures. Larger loads or containers requiring special handling may add extra time. Delivery to major cities tends to be faster, while remote-area transport extends timelines.
Common documents include the Bill of Lading, commercial invoice, packing list, and certificate of origin. Some commodity categories need import permits or security authorizations. Costs can rise if documentation is incorrect, leading to storage fees or inspection delays. Listing clear item descriptions, accurate weights, and declared values minimizes customs review time.
Afghanistan restricts dangerous goods, specific chemicals, explosives, military-grade items, and goods considered sensitive under local regulations. Some electronics, medical items, and communications equipment may require pre-approval. Shipment cost may increase if specialized declarations or carrier restrictions apply. Proper classification and advance notice prevent detention or re-routing fees.
Duties generally follow the CIF method, using shipment value, freight cost, and insurance as the base. Duty rates vary by product type. Additional charges can arise if customs performs physical inspection or requests verification of declared value. Preparing a clear invoice and labeling each item reduces hold times and storage fees.
Yes. Heavier loads raise handling and trucking charges, especially for long inland routes. A full 20 ft or 40 ft container nearing gross weight limits may require reinforced loading, additional labor, or specialized equipment. Professional packing reduces damage risk and minimizes volumetric surcharges. For fragile shipments, consider a full service mover for safer preparation.
Insurance is strongly recommended because long transit distances, multi-leg transport, and inland trucking can increase exposure to weather or handling damage. Coverage cost depends on declared value and commodity type. Insurers may require detailed packing lists before underwriting. Proper insurance helps avoid large out-of-pocket replacement costs if issues occur in transit.
