Published by Chris Townsend
Last updated Dec, 11 2025
How Much Does It Cost To Ship A Container To Bulgaria?
Bulgaria Container Shipping Cost
The thought of shipping a container to another country can be nerve-racking. You will be dealing with another country that has different laws and guidelines regarding shipping goods and taxation. Three Movers is the solution to your worries. Our team of experts will provide you with all the information you need on shipping a container to Bulgaria. We will collect enough information to match you with the right container size and transportation method. We have years of experience in international shipping, so rest easy, and we’ll take care of everything!
Factors that affect the cost of shipping
Our quote will be based on several factors. The main factors include:
- Destination port: Charges vary based on a specific port’s regulations.
- The volume and weight of your items.
- The time of the year: Prices increase during the high season months (August, September, January, and February).
- The distance.
- The transport types. Air and sea charge differently. Air transport can be up to five times more expensive than sea transport.
Other additional factors that may affect the shipping cost include:
- Insurance: You are required to purchase insurance. The amount is based on the monetary value of your items.
- Custom fees: Bulgarian custom fees will apply on arrival.
- Inspections: If your container is selected for inspection, the cost incurred is added to your shipping price.
- General Rate Increase (GRI): The norm in international shipping is to adjust rates based on operational costs. Knowledge of this will help you in choosing the cheapest shipping date.
Instant Rates For Shipping Containers To Bulgaria
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 Bulgaria of up to 45,000lbs.
Full Container Load (FCL) Shipping Rates | |
|---|---|
| 20 ft Container | $630 |
| 40 ft Container | $780 |
LCL shipping is more affordable way to transport less than container load shipments to Bulgaria.
Less Than Container (LCL) Shipping Rates | |
|---|---|
| LCL | $75/CBM |
| Personal Effects | $530 |
| Household Goods | $685 |
International house moving to Bulgaria services - quick, easy and cheap.
International House Moving Costs | |
|---|---|
| Partial House (2000Lbs & Less) | $530 |
| 1 Bedroom (3850 Lbs) | $940 |
| 2 Bedroom (4500 Lbs) | $1296 |
| 3+ Bedroom (8750 Lbs) | $1957 |
International auto transport services to Bulgaria via RoRo and container ships. Ship cars, trucks, suvs, atv's, boats, RV's, heavy equipment and more.
Container Car Shipping | |
|---|---|
| Sedan (Container) | $735 |
| SUV (Container) | $795 |
| Sedan via RORO | $480 |
| SUV via RORO | $530 |
Which size of shipping container works best for me?
Depending on the size and number of items, you can choose between a 20ft and a 40ft container. Items from 1-bedroom, 2-bedrooms, and 3-bedrooms can fit in a 20ft container. If your home is larger than that, the 40ft container will suit you.
You have the choice to either pay for the entire container or only pay for the area your items occupy. The FCL (Full Container Load) option is your best bet if the container can be filled with your items. If there is enough space for another person’s items, go will the LCL (Less Than Container Load) option to reduce your costs.
Understanding the different types of freight transportation
When shipping a container to Bulgaria, there are two viable types of freight transportation:
- Air Transport: It is fast and efficient. Your items will arrive in Bulgaria in 2-4 business days. The downside is that air freight transport can cost up to five times the sea freight prices.
- Sea Transport (Ocean freight shipping): Low cost and environment friendly. Expect your container to arrive in Bulgaria in 2-8 weeks.
What’s next?
We have furnished you with the intricacies of calculating the cost of shipping a container to Bulgaria. Our customer service representatives are available to provide free instant quotes when you call the toll-free number (888) 202-0036. Visit our website and fill out the form to get a free quote. Feel free to ask any questions to ensure you make the right choices.
Find Cargo Containers For Freight Transport & Relocation
Frequently Asked Questions
Shipping a 20-foot container typically ranges from $2,200–$5,000, while a 40-foot container ranges from $3,800–$7,500. Prices shift with route distance, fuel rates, carrier demand, port congestion, and whether you choose door-to-door, door-to-port, or port-to-port service. Costs also vary based on freight class, Customs requirements, and seasonal ship schedules into major ports like Varna and Burgas. For broader international budgeting, compare with our international moving cost guide.
Total cost is driven by container size, shipment weight, cargo type, distance from origin port, and inland trucking on both ends. Additional variables include Customs clearance, storage, inspections, demurrage, and winter weather delays in the Black Sea region. Delivery to inland cities such as Sofia or Plovdiv may include extra drayage fees. See our moving prices resource for cost structure examples.
Ocean transit from the U.S. to Bulgaria usually takes 25–40 days, depending on departure port, vessel schedule, transshipment stops, and Customs processing. Door-to-door delivery may add several days for trucking and documentation review. Peak-season volumes and European port congestion can extend transit times. Compare with timelines used in our moving overseas guide.
A 20-foot container works for most 1–2 bedroom households, while a 40-foot container is common for 3–4 bedroom homes or high-volume cargo. Weight limits, oversized items, and packing density affect whether consolidation or a full container is more cost-effective. If you are unsure how much capacity you need, review our shipping container movers overview.
You will need a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading, along with identification documents and any certificates required for restricted goods. Bulgaria follows EU Customs rules, so accuracy is essential to avoid delays, inspections, or storage fees. Door-to-door services often help prepare and verify documentation before loading.
Bulgaria applies EU tariff schedules, meaning duties depend on commodity codes and declared value. Personal household goods may qualify for relief if properly documented. Import VAT and port handling fees may still apply. Costs rise when shipments trigger inspections, storage, or missing-document penalties.
Yes. Carriers provide online tracking using the container number or bill of lading. Tracking shows vessel location, port calls, and estimated arrival into Varna or Burgas. Updates help anticipate Customs clearance timelines and delivery scheduling at the destination.
Bulgaria restricts hazardous chemicals, flammables, certain medications, perishables, plants, and high-risk agricultural items. Items regulated under EU safety standards may need certificates or import permissions. Failure to comply can lead to seizure or additional inspections. Always confirm with your carrier before loading.
