Published by Chris Townsend
Last updated Jan, 04 2026
How Much Does It Cost Of Shipping A Container To Bahamas?
Several factors influence the cost of hauling a container to the Bahamas. There are obvious factors to consider, such as the size of your cargo and the distance to travel, but there are additional factors to consider. Three Movers can assist you in navigating this complicated process, and you will be glad you chose us.
Factors That Affect The Cost Of Relocation
There are a lot of things to think about but five of them stand out as the most important. In addition to the obvious factors of distance and cargo size you should also think about the mode of transportation the time of year and the final destination. You should verify all costs and levies before traveling to the Bahamas.
Furthermore, the time of the year also plays a role due to the peak relocating season. The peak season of the Bahamas is between August and October. During these times, there may be a spike in demand for services, which may impact your costs.
Which Size Of Shipping Container Works Best For Me?
A total of 16 different types of transporting containers are available today. There are just two types of containers to be aware of: the 20ft container and the 40ft container. This is the case since the rest are primarily for business or industrial moves. In most cases, a 20-foot container can hold the contents of three bedrooms, while a 40-foot container can hold twice as much. Even though 40-foot containers are double the size of 20-foot containers, they rarely cost twice as much. A 20-foot container can accommodate roughly 200 mattresses or 100 washing machines (though not at the same time).
In addition, a 40-foot container is a better value for money if you have a lot of items to transport. A 20-foot container, for example, will be insufficient for your other items if you have a car that you cannot leave behind. As a result, you'll almost probably need a 40-foot shipping container if you plan to transfer your car as well as other home items.
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 Bahamas of up to 45,000lbs.
Full Container Load (FCL) Rates | |
|---|---|
| 20 ft Container | $1250 |
| 40 ft Container | $1850 |
LCL is more affordable way to transport less than container load shipments to Bahamas.
Less Than Container (LCL) Rates | |
|---|---|
| LCL | $70/CBM |
| Household Goods | $580 |
| Personal Effects | $400 |
International house moving to Bahamas services - quick, easy and cheap.
International House Moving Costs | |
|---|---|
| Partial House (2000Lbs & Less) | $500 |
| 1 Bedroom (3850 Lbs) | $2350 |
| 2 Bedroom (4500 Lbs) | $2880 |
| 3+ Bedroom (8750 Lbs) | $3870 |
International auto transport services to Bahamas via RoRo and container ships. Haul cars, trucks, suvs, atv's, boats, RV's, heavy equipment and more.
Container Car Shipping | |
|---|---|
| Sedan (Container) | $2340 |
| SUV (Container) | $2400 |
| Sedan via RORO | $1225 |
| SUV via RORO | $1290 |
Understanding The Different Types Of Freight Transportation
You have two alternatives when it comes to Bahamas shipping: air freight or ocean freight. You should expect a substantially longer trip time with a lower cost if you relocate via sea freight. To be exact, it’s 5 times lower than air freight. Therefore, go for the sea if you want cost-effective shipping and don’t mind the duration your goods will take to arrive.
Additional Shipping Costs
After you've chosen your preferred mode of transportation, you'll need to factor in some additional costs. Here are a few services costs that you need to consider:
- Customs duties
- Container inspection fees
- General Rate Increase
- Inland delivery charges
- Quarantine fees
- Insurance
When cargo is shipped to the Bahamas, it can be picked up quite easily at the port or airport, at least in terms of distance. If you don’t have a way to transport your belongings to the final destination, you should consider using a door-to-door service.
What’s Next?
You now have all of the necessary information; all you need is a quote to get started. We can provide you with a free and precise quote for your new shipments. Fill out our web form or give us a call at (888) 202-0036.
Find Cargo Containers For Freight Transport & Relocation
Frequently Asked Questions
The cost of shipping a container to the Bahamas typically ranges from $3,500–$6,800 for a 20-foot container and $5,800–$9,500 for a 40-foot container. Pricing is driven by container size, departure port (most often Miami), destination port such as Nassau or Freeport, cargo weight, customs duties, and delivery method. Island handling fees, fuel surcharges, and port congestion can add several hundred dollars. For broader pricing context, see international moving costs.
Shipping to Nassau costs more due to island port fees, limited vessel schedules, and additional handling at Bahamian ports. Containers often route through Miami, then transfer to feeder vessels, adding time and cost. Nassau also enforces strict customs inspections, which can increase storage and clearance fees. Compared to mainland shipping, island logistics require more coordination, specialized carriers, and buffer time for weather-related delays common in the Caribbean.
Container shipping from Miami to the Bahamas usually takes 5–10 days port-to-port, with most delays occurring during customs clearance and final delivery scheduling. Sailing time itself is short, often under two days, but inspections, documentation review, and port handling in Nassau or Freeport extend timelines. Weather conditions and peak shipping seasons can push total transit closer to two weeks.
Costs increase when shipping vehicles, appliances, construction materials, or commercial goods requiring permits or duty assessments. Overweight containers, hazardous materials, and poorly packed cargo that triggers inspections also raise fees. Storage charges apply if customs clearance is delayed. Using professional packing and documentation support through international moving and storage helps avoid avoidable cost overruns.
No. Shipping quotes typically exclude Bahamas customs duties, VAT, and processing fees. Duties are assessed based on declared value, item category, and use type (personal vs commercial). Most household goods are dutiable unless exemptions apply. Importers should budget several hundred to several thousand dollars separately, depending on cargo value and classification.
Yes. Container shipments to the Bahamas must be handled by licensed ocean freight carriers and customs-compliant logistics providers. Using unlicensed operators risks delays, fines, or cargo holds at Nassau or Freeport ports. Reputable shipping companies in Nassau Bahamas coordinate with U.S. exporters, port authorities, and Bahamian Customs to ensure compliant entry and release of containers.
Shipping a container to the Bahamas is an international move, regulated under U.S. export rules and Bahamian import laws. It is not interstate. Documentation includes export filings, Bills of Lading, and customs declarations. Unlike domestic moves, delivery timelines and costs are affected by port schedules, inspections, and maritime regulations. Learn more about regulated moves through interstate movers
You can reduce costs by shipping from Miami, choosing shared or consolidated containers, packing efficiently, and avoiding peak hurricane and holiday seasons. Accurate inventories prevent inspection delays, while flexible delivery options lower port storage fees. Comparing container sizes carefully also helps, since underfilled 40-foot containers often cost more than properly packed 20-foot units.
