Published by Chris Townsend
Last updated Dec, 29 2025
How Much Does It Cost To Ship A Container To France?
France Container Shipping Cost
Several factors influence the cost of transporting a container to France. There are obvious things to consider, such as the distance to go and the amount of your cargo, but there are also other things to think about. Three Movers can assist you with this difficult task, and you will be glad you chose us. We can assist you in understanding all of the aspects that go into these projects so that you can make an informed decision. France is one of the nations to which we transport containers and requesting a quote is the first step in determining the cost of this procedure. However, there are a few factors you need to know to better comprehend the price.
Factors That Affects The Cost Of Shipping
Of all factors affecting the cost of shipping a container, five factors are considered the most important. The distance to be traveled, the weight or volume of your goods, the mode of transportation, the destination port's fees, and the time of year are all factors to consider.
- The distance to be traveled: A quick trip across the Mediterranean will cost you more than shipping your belongings halfway around the world. Whether you're moving from port to port or door to door will also affect the cost of your move.
- The weight or volume of your goods: it's not technically one or the other because it depends on the type of delivery you choose. In sea freight, the dimensions of your items are most important, whereas in air freight, the weight of your goods is more vital. The more items you have, the more it will cost to ship them to your new residence.
- The mode of transportation: Will your cargo be flown or shipped? The mode of transportation affects the price as well as the time it takes for your belongings to arrive. Air freight is usually faster and more expensive than sea freight, so if you have the time, go with the sea. When compared to air freight, sea freight is frequently five times cheaper.
- The destination port's fees: Every country has to charge customs taxes and service fees. They do, however, vary per country. An import tax of 20% of the entire value of your item is charged on shipments to France as at 2020.
- The time of the year: Peak seasons exist in international shipping, just as they do in every other industry. Because demand is higher during the peak season, delivery prices are usually higher.
Instant Rates For Shipping Containers To France
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 France of up to 45,000lbs.
Full Container Load (FCL) Shipping Rates | |
|---|---|
| 20 ft Container | $185 |
| 40 ft Container | $220 |
LCL shipping is more affordable way to transport less than container load shipments to France.
Less Than Container (LCL) Shipping Rates | |
|---|---|
| LCL | $27/CBM |
| Household Goods | $260 |
| Personal Effects | $220 |
International house moving to France services - quick, easy and cheap.
International House Moving Costs | |
|---|---|
| Partial House (2000Lbs & Less) | $310 |
| 1 Bedroom (3850 Lbs) | $1225 |
| 2 Bedroom (4500 Lbs) | $1752 |
| 3+ Bedroom (8750 Lbs) | $2156 |
International auto transport services to France via RoRo and container ships. Ship cars, trucks, suvs, atv's, boats, RV's, heavy equipment and more.
Container Car Shipping | |
|---|---|
| Sedan (Container) | $1075 |
| SUV (Container) | $940 |
| Sedan via RORO | $735 |
| SUV via RORO | $795 |
Which Size Of Shipping A Container Works Best For Me?
The 20ft and 40ft shipping containers are the only two types of shipping containers to be aware of. This is the case since the rest (of which there are many) are largely for corporate or industrial moves.
A 20-foot container can usually hold three bedrooms' worth of belongings, whereas a 40-foot container can hold twice as much. A 40-foot container is a better value for money if you have a lot of goods to transport.
FCL And LCL shipment
If the volume of items you want to carry is little, you may not need to pay for the full container. For those who only have a little amount of cargo, Three Movers has created a mechanism that allows numerous clients to share the space of a single container for people with modest amounts of cargo. This is known as an LCL (Less Than Container Load) or part-load shipment.
The contents of a one-bedroom flat may usually be moved in an LCL, but amounts greater than that will almost always require the use of a full container. This is known as an FCL (Full Container Load) or sole-use shipment.
Additional Shipping Costs
- Custom duties
- Container inspection fees
- General Rate Increase
- Quarantine fees
- Inland delivery charges
- Insurance
What's Next
If you're planning to ship anything and are having problems. Three Movers shipping company is standing by to assist you. Simply fill out our web form to receive a free personalized quote in minutes.
Find Cargo Containers For Freight Transport & Relocation
Frequently Asked Questions
The cost of shipping a container to France typically ranges from $2,800–$6,500 for a 20ft container and $4,800–$9,500 for a 40ft container. Pricing is influenced by container size, origin port, FCL vs LCL, fuel surcharges, customs clearance, inland delivery, seasonal demand, and port congestion at Le Havre or Marseille. Door-to-door service and insurance also increase total cost. See related international shipping cost factors on our international moving costs guide.
Shipping a 40ft container to France usually costs between $4,800 and $9,500. Rates vary based on origin country, transit route, carrier availability, and whether the shipment is port-to-port or door-to-door. Heavier household goods, specialty items, customs exams, and destination handling fees in France can raise pricing. Peak summer demand and fuel volatility also affect 40ft container shipping rates to France.
Container shipping rates to France are driven by origin port distance, container size, FCL or LCL selection, fuel prices, carrier capacity, and seasonal demand. French port fees, customs documentation, VAT processing, and inland trucking costs also impact totals. Congestion at major ports like Le Havre can add delays and surcharges, especially during peak international shipping seasons.
FCL is usually cheaper per cubic foot when shipping larger volumes to France, while LCL costs less upfront for small shipments. FCL avoids consolidation delays and handling risks, while LCL includes shared container fees, deconsolidation charges, and longer transit times. For households over 15–18 cubic meters, FCL is typically more cost-efficient and predictable.
Container transit times to France average 18–35 days depending on origin and service type. U.S. East Coast ports typically take 18–25 days, while West Coast or Asia routes can take 30–45 days. Customs clearance, port congestion, inland delivery, and inspections can add several days. Door-to-door shipments usually require additional time beyond port arrival.
No. Customs duties and French VAT, typically 20%, are not included in standard container shipping quotes. Charges depend on shipment value, residency status, and declared goods. Household moves may qualify for exemptions under specific conditions, but documentation is required. Customs brokerage, inspections, and storage fees are billed separately if applicable during clearance.
A container shipping cost calculator can provide a rough estimate, but final pricing requires cargo volume, origin, service type, and delivery address. Calculators do not account for customs fees, port handling, inspections, or inland transport in France. For accurate budgeting, use calculator estimates alongside a full international quote from a licensed provider such as our moving overseas shipping costs resource.
