Published by Chris Townsend
Last updated Dec, 11 2025
How Much Does It Cost To Ship A Container To Greece?
Greece Container Shipping Cost
Three Movers is the company you need if you are looking to ship a container internationally. We service a growing list of countries, including Greece. When shipping a container, you’ll want a company that’s experienced and reliable. Our track record of successful shipments speaks for ourselves. Don’t lose your mind over the documentation required, different customs duties, and all other logistical nightmares of international shipments. Let us worry about that.
Factors That Affect The Cost Of Shipping
When shipping containers internationally, you’ll have to worry about the distance to travel, the method of transportation, the volume or weight of your cargo, the destination port, and the time of the year. Distance and destination might sound like the same thing, but they are very different elements. Distance is pretty straightforward, with more travel meaning more fuel, and by extension more money. However, the destination port will have an impact on the customs duties and services fees, not to mention making sure you have the appropriate documentation.
Whether your cargo will be sized up based on volume or weight will depend on the type of transportation you choose. Cargos ships don’t have much of a problem with high weight loads, but they have limited space. Volume is their main concern, whereas shipping by air means weight will be more important.
Which Size Of Shipping Container Works Best For Me?
When shipping containers you have many options to choose from in terms of size and function. Most people go with the 20ft or 40ft versions. The 20ft container is for those who have a number of goods equivalent to about three bedrooms worth of stuff. If you are going anything higher, or want to include a car with other goods, you are better off getting a 40ft container. A 40ft container has double the size, but it isn’t twice as expensive.
Next, you’ll have to choose between two load options. These options are called Full Container Load (FCL) and Less Than Container Load (LCL). FCL is the standard option, ideal for those that have enough goods to fill up a container. This is cost-effective, and it has the additional benefit of keeping your belongings safe. A container that isn’t full could have items moving around, which could result in damages. To avoid that, you should select LCL if you can’t fill a container up. In this mode, you’ll share a container with others to ensure everything is packed up tightly.
Instant Rates For Shipping Containers To Greece
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 Greece of up to 45,000lbs.
Full Container Load (FCL) Shipping Rates | |
|---|---|
| 20 ft Container | $855 |
| 40 ft Container | $1075 |
LCL shipping is more affordable way to transport less than container load shipments to Greece.
Less Than Container (LCL) Shipping Rates | |
|---|---|
| LCL | $65/CBM |
| Household Goods | $530 |
| Personal Effects | $480 |
International house moving to Greece services - quick, easy and cheap.
International House Moving Costs | |
|---|---|
| Partial House (2000Lbs & Less) | $385 |
| 1 Bedroom (3850 Lbs) | $1868 |
| 2 Bedroom (4500 Lbs) | $2303 |
| 3+ Bedroom (8750 Lbs) | $2807 |
International auto transport services to Greece via RoRo and container ships. Ship cars, trucks, suvs, atv's, boats, RV's, heavy equipment and more.
Container Car Shipping | |
|---|---|
| Sedan (Container) | $1634 |
| SUV (Container) | $1752 |
| Sedan via RORO | $940 |
| SUV via RORO | $1075 |
Understanding The Different Types Of Freight Transportation
Shipping to Greece means choosing from air freight or sea freight.
If you ship by sea your cargo will most likely go through the port on Piraeus. An ocean freight shipment is slower than air, but about 5 times cheaper. If the duration of the voyage isn’t a concern, or you have a huge volume of goods to ship, we recommend this option.
However, if time is of the essence, you should go with air shipping. Cargo planes are significantly faster, if much more expensive. You should budget appropriately if you want to ship via this method.
Additional Shipping Costs
There are a few additional shipping costs that you need to consider:
- Greece customs clearance and duties
- Container inspection fees
- General Rate Increase
- Inland delivery charges
- Quarantine fees
- Insurance
Greece generally has low duties for industrial goods, ranging from 5% to 14%. However, many products have reduced duties or even none at all by virtue of trade agreements. Inspections aren’t always necessary, especially in cases where your container can be scanned electronically.
From all the extra possible fees, insurance is one you shouldn’t opt-out of. Getting insurance coverage for an international shipment is a smart move. While this industry becomes more effective with every technological advancement, you still don’t want to be in a position where you are liable for damages if something were to happen. The rates of insurance are based on the monetary value of your goods.
What’s Next?
We hope this information has helped you understand what goes into the process of shipping a container internationally. This is a project you should consult with a professional. To get started, you should get a quote. Contact us to get an accurate quote that’s also free of charge. Simply complete our online form or call us at (888) 202-0036.
Find Cargo Containers For Freight Transport & Relocation
Frequently Asked Questions
International shipments to Greece typically need a Bill of Lading, commercial invoice, packing list, and a customs declaration. Greece follows EU import standards, so special licenses may apply for food, chemicals, or regulated goods. Car shipments may require vehicle title copies, while commercial cargo may require certificates of origin or product compliance records. Documents help Greek Customs verify contents and duties, reducing the risk of inspection delays at Piraeus or Thessaloniki. For help with preparation, review our international moving services.
A Bill of Lading is a core transport contract, proof of shipment, and receipt issued by the carrier. It outlines the container’s contents, weight, routing, and consignee information. Greek Customs rely on it to match declarations to the container’s manifest. A clean, accurate document prevents clearance delays, especially for mixed commercial and household shipments.
Loss of an original Bill of Lading requires immediate notice to your carrier or freight forwarder. Most carriers issue multiple originals, so another may still be valid. If all originals are missing, you may need a letter of indemnity to release the container at the Greek port. Verification steps can add 1–3 days, depending on carrier rules, cargo value, and destination port procedures.
Greece enforces EU-wide restrictions on hazardous materials, controlled chemicals, counterfeit goods, certain plant/animal products, and undeclared commercial quantities. Firearms, perishables, prescription drugs, and lithium batteries may need permits or specialized packing. Accurate item descriptions help prevent port holds in Piraeus, where mixed-cargo containers undergo more frequent inspections. When unsure, consult carriers and EU import schedules before loading.
Imports from non-EU countries may incur EU common external tariffs, generally modest for raw materials and higher for electronics, textiles, and certain food products. Greece also applies VAT between 13% and 24% depending on product type. Tariffs are calculated using the HS code, declared value, and freight cost. A complete invoice and packing list support correct assessment and a smoother clearance process.
Most carriers need about 50 feet of straight clearance for 20-foot containers and 110 feet for 40-foot units. Width of roughly 10 feet allows the truck to position safely without damaging structures. Urban Greek areas often have narrow streets, making off-site delivery or chassis transfer necessary. Planning access ahead reduces redelivery fees and unloading delays.
FCL moves as a single sealed unit, transferred directly from vessel to the consignee without cargo consolidation or deconsolidation. LCL shipments must be sorted with other customers' freight, adding handling steps and potential inspection delays at Greek ports. FCL is typically 3–5 days faster on common Europe-bound routes and offers more predictable delivery windows.
