Published by Chris Townsend
Last updated Dec, 24 2025
How Much Does It Cost Of Shipping A Container To Ireland?
So you are thinking of sending some packages to Ireland but you are not sure how much it will cost. One of the primary factors in determining transportation costs is the distance between the country of origin and the country of destination. Three Movers is an international moving company that offers shipment to Ireland among other services. We will explain everything in detail so you know what to expect.
Factors That Affect The Cost
Many factors can and possibly will affect the cost of hauling, but there are five main factors that are a certainty:
The volume and weight of the items to be shipped: The bigger or heavier the cargo to be shipped, the higher the cost.
The type of transportation used: Transportation of cargo by air is faster but will increase the cost when compared to shifting by sea.
Distance: The distance between the two countries will affect the cost.
The destination port: The destination port affects the cost of shipping cargo because port fees can vary.
The peak period for relocating items to Ireland is between July and October, and in hectic years can stretch to December. During this period affects the cost of shipping.
Which Size Of Container Works Best For Me?
Without experience, it won't be easy to estimate the right size for your cargo. Don't worry; we have simplified the math. The contents of a three-bedroom house can fit into a 20ft container, assuming the house occupants weren't hoarders. Alternatively, a 20ft container can contain 100 washing machines or a single car. If you know your intended cargo is more than this estimation, it would be a good idea to look into using a 40ft container.
These estimations assume your items will fill the container. This kind of hauling is called Full Container Load (FCL). There are situations where a person's cargo doesn't supply a container. Three Movers has provisions for that, and it is called Less Than Container Load (LCL). In LCL, shipments from different clients are aggregated into a single container and exported. The cost of shipping in LCL is calculated by cubic meters.
Average Relocating Rates Estimates
Full Container Load (FCL) Rates
It is best for transporting lots of boxes, pallets, and anything which will require a total hauling up to 45,000lbs.
- 20 ft Container $795
- 40 ft Container $855
Less Than Container (LCL) Rates
It is a more affordable way to transport less than container load shipments to Ireland.
- LCL $67/CBM
- Household Goods $480
- Personal Effects $385
International House Hauling Costs
International house moving to Ireland services – quick, easy, and cheap.
- Partial House (2000Lbs & Less) $430
- 1 Bedroom (3850 Lbs) $1768
- 2 Bedroom (4500 Lbs) $2203
- 3+ Bedroom (8750 Lbs) $2804
Container Car Shipping
International auto transport services to Ireland shipping via RoRo and container ship. Ship cars, trucks, SUVs, ATVs, boats, RV's, heavy equipment, and more.
- Sedan (Container) $1553
- SUV (Container) $1634
- Sedan via RORO $855
- SUV via RORO $895
Understanding The Different Types Of Freight Transportation
The primary freight transportation methods are ground or ocean freight, rail, or air freight. The first three methods are the most popular in bringing cargo into Ireland. Rail freight transportation is used inland to transport cargo within the country.
The choice of method depends on the kind of item being shipped. If the cargo comprises household items or a car, shipping by sea is a more suitable option. The shipment is packed and loaded into the container. Then the container is transported by sea, and it arrives at the seaport where it is offloaded, cleared by the authorities, and then sent to the intended destination.
There is also the option of freight transportation by air. It can be quicker than sea transportation, but it is usually more expensive. Smaller, fragile, or time-sensitive items will benefit from freight by air.
Additional Shifting Costs
There are usually additional hauling costs when relocating anywhere. The additional costs to expect are:
Insurance: Insuring items add to the overall cost. They are vital in providing much-needed cover for your cargo.
Customs process fees: Ireland has import fees ranging from 0% for items below €135 to 2.5% for items above €135 in value.
Inspection: You might be charged for the assessment of the shipped items.
General Rate Increase (GRI): This is an adjustment of freight rates across specific trade routes. If the demand increases, costs might also increase.
Delivery Times: The delivery times can add to shipping costs. If a client requires express shipping, there will be additional costs.
What is the cost of shipping?
According to the website of Bertram International, you can ship a 40-foot container from Ireland for $2,400. A 20-foot container will cost about $1,700. The price may vary depending on the origin and destination of your shipment. You can ship a 40-foot container from Ireland for $2,400. A 20-foot container will cost about $1,700. The price may vary depending on the origin and destination of your shipment; gaining knowledge is something that can never be enough.
Average Shifting Rates Estimates
FCL shipping is best for transporting lots of boxes, pallets and anything which will require a full container shipping to Ireland of up to 45,000lbs.
Full Container Load (FCL) Shipping Rates | |
|---|---|
| 20 ft Container | $795 |
| 40 ft Container | $855 |
LCL shipping is more affordable way to transport less than container load shipments to Ireland.
Less Than Container (LCL) Shipping Rates | |
|---|---|
| LCL | $67/CBM |
| Household Goods | $480 |
| Personal Effects | $385 |
International house moving to Ireland services - quick, easy and cheap.
International House Moving Costs | |
|---|---|
| Partial House (2000Lbs & Less) | $430 |
| 1 Bedroom (3850 Lbs) | $1768 |
| 2 Bedroom (4500 Lbs) | $2203 |
| 3+ Bedroom (8750 Lbs) | $2804 |
International auto transport services to Ireland via RoRo and container ships. Ship cars, trucks, suvs, atv's, boats, RV's, heavy equipment and more.
Container Car Shipping | |
|---|---|
| Sedan (Container) | $1553 |
| SUV (Container) | $1634 |
| Sedan via RORO | $855 |
| SUV via RORO | $895 |
How much does it cost to ship a 40ft container?
The costs associated with relocation depending on the destination and how much you want to export. For prices, we looked at costs for hauling between Ireland and Shanghai, China, two very different goals.
The cost for 40ft container is around €3100*. This assumes that you are using a reputable freight forwarder or shipping line.
How much does it cost to ship a 20ft container?
The cost of shipping a 20ft container to Ireland starts from $1080USD. To get an accurate and up-to-date quote for your shipment, use the form on the left, and our worldwide network of Shippers will respond within hours with their best quotes.
Shipping a 20ft full container to Ireland is not difficult as we can make all the necessary arrangements for you. All you need to do is provide us with some essential details about your shipment, and we'll take care of everything else. The more information you can provide, the more accurate our quotes will be.
How long does it take to ship a container?
It would take to ship from the United States to Ireland in about five days. The same shipment can be completed in 3-5 days if it originates from the west coast of the US. What is the cost of shifting to Ireland?
Shipments are usually charged per 40ft or 20ft container. The charge is anywhere from $70 - $150 per day plus the shipping price. For example, if you ship one 40-foot container with a volume of about 2100 cubic feet, they would charge you $7.35 per cubic foot multiplied by 2100 cu ft which will come out to around $15,000 - $16,000.
LCL VS. FCL Shipping – What's the Difference?
The terms LCL and FCL describe a shipping of goods. This terminology is important because you can determine which method would be best suited for your shipment once you understand the difference.
Let's start with LCL – this stands for Less Container Load. In other words, one or more containers with different shipments originating from different suppliers are grouped in the same container. While this is cheaper than FCL (Full Container Load), it also means that not all your items will arrive simultaneously, and some may even be left behind if another container with goods for the Irish market has already reached its destination.
On the other hand, FCL is the more expensive but more secure method as all your goods will be consolidated into one container and delivered together.
With LCL, you're paying for space – with FCL, you pay for the entire container, whether it's fully loaded or not. As a result, LCL is cheaper than FCL: this is because if the container has room for more goods, you're not required to pay for that space.
Door to Door Service
The most well-understood option for overseas people is a comprehensive door-to-door moving service. Depending upon the choice you pick, your mover arranges to deliver the container to your house, move to port, pack, ship, move to the new location, and lastly, unpacked.
What’s Next?
The number of variables to consider when shipping a container can bring anxiety, but there is a way to tackle this task. Contact Three Movers for a free quote. You can fill the online form or call us at (888) 202-0036.
Frequently Asked Questions
The cost of shipping a container to Ireland typically ranges from $2,000–$4,500 for a 20-foot container and $3,200–$6,800 for a 40-foot container. Pricing is driven by container size, origin port, ocean freight rates, fuel surcharges, and destination port fees. Door-to-door delivery, customs handling, insurance, and inland transport in Ireland can add $800–$2,000 to the total for international shipments.
Cost is influenced by container size (20ft vs 40ft), shipping distance, origin country, seasonal demand, and current ocean freight rates. Additional drivers include customs duties, Ireland’s 23% VAT, port congestion, and optional services like packing or storage. Comparing global routes and container pricing structures used in international moving and storage helps explain why rates fluctuate throughout the year.
Transit time to Ireland averages 10–14 days from the UK, 20–30 days from the U.S. East Coast, 30–40 days from the U.S. West Coast, and 45–60 days from Australia or Asia. These estimates include ocean transit but exclude customs delays. Weather, transshipment routing, and delivery coordination commonly impact timelines for overseas shipments.
Ireland applies customs duties based on the HS code of the goods, usually 0–8%, plus a 23% VAT calculated on the value of the goods, shipping, and insurance combined. Household goods may qualify for relief under transfer of residence rules. Understanding how VAT applies to overseas household shipments is similar to cost considerations explained in moving overseas shipping costs.
Yes. A Bill of Lading is mandatory for all international container shipments to Ireland. It serves as the legal contract, cargo receipt, and proof of ownership. Any mismatch between the Bill of Lading and the packing list can cause inspections or delays. This documentation requirement aligns with standard practices used by international moving agencies.
A 20-foot container is suitable for most studio to 2-bedroom homes, while a 40-foot container fits 3–5 bedroom households or commercial cargo. Choosing the wrong size can increase costs due to weight limits, inefficient loading, or repacking fees. Inventory volume, item weight, and stacking ability directly affect container selection and pricing.
Yes. Door-to-door service includes origin pickup, export handling, ocean freight, customs clearance, and final delivery in Ireland. While more expensive than port-to-port shipping, it reduces coordination risk. Final pricing is affected by delivery access, narrow streets, permit requirements, and unloading conditions at Irish residences.
