Published by Chris Townsend
Last updated Feb, 25 2026
How Much Does It Cost Of Shipping A Container To Kiribati?
Kiribati Container Shipping Cost
There are several stumbling blocks when it comes to international shipping, especially if you have no prior experience. Each country has its own set of rules. You don't have to be concerned, though, since Three Movers is here to make things simple for you.
We help ship containers to countries all across the world, including Kiribati. You'll need to receive a quote, which is entirely free, to figure out how much this procedure will cost. However, there are a few things to grasp first.
Factors That Affect The Cost Of Shipping
When moving a container internationally, there are numerous issues to consider. However, there are five key factors to consider in general. The following are the details:
- Your cargo's volume and weight
- The mode of transportation
- The amount of time it will take to deliver your package/
- Charges that must be paid at the destination port
- The season (the time of the year)
Which Size of Shipping Containers Works Best for Me?
The 20-foot and 40-foot shipping containers are the most common sizes. A three-bedroom apartment's worth of belongings can fit in a 20-foot container, while those of a four- or five-bedroom home require a 40-foot one. The 40-foot container has double the storage space of the 20-foot container but costs only about as much.
Instant Rates For Shipping Containers To Kiribati
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 Kiribati of up to 45,000lbs.
Full Container Load (FCL) Shipping Rates | |
|---|---|
| 20 ft Container | $735 |
| 40 ft Container | $855 |
LCL shipping is more affordable way to transport less than container load shipments to Kiribati.
Less Than Container (LCL) Shipping Rates | |
|---|---|
| LCL | $50/CBM |
| Personal Effects | $290 |
| Household Goods | $385 |
International house moving to Kiribati services - quick, easy and cheap.
International House Moving Costs | |
|---|---|
| Partial House (2000Lbs & Less) | $330 |
| 1 Bedroom (3850 Lbs) | $1640 |
| 2 Bedroom (4500 Lbs) | $2160 |
| 3+ Bedroom (8750 Lbs) | $2545 |
International auto transport services to Kiribati via RoRo and container ships. Ship cars, trucks, suvs, atv's, boats, RV's, heavy equipment and more.
Container Car Shipping | |
|---|---|
| Sedan (Container) | $1360 |
| SUV (Container) | $1450 |
| Sedan via RORO | $940 |
| SUV via RORO | $1075 |
Difference Between FCL and LCL
If you have enough stuff to fill a shipping container, the shipping process will be accelerated because your items will be loaded into the container rapidly. As a result, unlike groupage, you won't have to wait until it's completely full before using it.
If you have a little load and aren't in a hurry, groupage (sharing a container) can be a better option. This is the most affordable means of transit, but it is also the slowest. "Less than a container load" is the term for this kind of partial cargo (LCL).
In contrast, a volume greater than this will need the usage of the entire container. This is referred to as a "full container load" (FCL).
Understanding The Different Types of Freight Transportation
Depending on your products, suppliers, and trading practices, you may need one or a combination of freight transportation (air cargo and ocean freight) to get your cargo to the right place.
Kiribati is a small island republic in the Pacific Ocean. It is difficult to get to and from Kiribati, and there is restricted access. Due to the island's isolation, regular flight or ocean freight services are the main methods to get to Kiribati. Kiribati has two international airports, one each on the islands of Tarawa and Kiritimati. Shipping products through air freight is usually costly in Kiribati so you may want to use sea freight. Sea freight services are frequently used since they are less expensive. However, the lack of enforcement of the Maritime Act, which has an impact on safety, is a problem with inter-island shipping services in Kiribati.
Additional Shipping Costs
You may incur additional delivery expenses, such as:
- Insurance
- Container inspection fees
- Inland delivery charges
- Custom duties
- General rate increase
- Quarantine fees
What's Next?
To get started, all you need is a quote now that you have all of the information. As a shipping company, we can offer you an accurate, no-obligation quote. Simply fill out our web form or give us a call at (888) 202-0036 for cost effective Kiribati shipping.
Find Cargo Containers For Freight Transport & Relocation
Frequently Asked Questions
The cost of Shipping A Container To Kiribati typically ranges from $4,000 to $12,000+ depending on route and container size. Key factors include 20ft vs 40ft containers, origin port, fuel surcharges, ocean freight rates, and port handling in Tarawa. Costs also change based on FCL vs LCL, customs clearance, marine insurance, packing needs, and seasonal congestion. Island service schedules are limited, so transit time and routing significantly influence pricing. See international moving costs for breakdown guidance.
Kiribati applies import duties based on product classification, typically ranging from 0% to 30%, with higher rates on alcohol, tobacco, and luxury goods. You may also pay customs processing and port service fees. Duties are calculated on CIF value, meaning cost + insurance + freight. Documentation accuracy is critical to avoid delays at Betio Port. Charges vary by shipment type, declared value, and whether the move is personal household goods or commercial cargo.
Kiribati restricts hazardous and controlled goods. Prohibited items commonly include firearms, explosives, illegal drugs, counterfeit goods, and obscene materials. Restricted goods may require permits, including certain medicines, chemicals, vehicles with fluids, and large commercial quantities of food. Used household goods are generally allowed but must be declared accurately. Misdeclared cargo can result in seizure or fines. Always confirm regulations before crating specialty or high-value items.
A standard 20-foot container holds up to approximately 67,000 lbs gross weight, with a typical maximum payload around 48,000–55,000 lbs depending on the container specification. A 40-foot container has a similar gross limit but lower payload due to heavier container tare weight. Road weight limits at origin port and transshipment hubs can reduce allowable cargo weight. Overweight containers may face surcharges or refusal at loading terminals.
Ocean transit to Kiribati generally takes 25 to 45+ days, depending on origin and transshipment routing through hubs such as Honolulu, Fiji, or Australia. Kiribati has limited direct service, so most shipments require at least one transfer. Total timeline also depends on port congestion, customs clearance, documentation accuracy, and weather conditions in the Pacific. Door-to-door timelines extend further if inland trucking or packing services are required.
Yes. Most carriers provide container tracking using the container number or bill of lading. Tracking shows port departures, transshipment stops, and estimated arrival at Betio Port. Updates may be less frequent during Pacific transits due to limited vessel calls. If your move includes household goods, coordination with an experienced international moving company improves communication, documentation accuracy, and shipment visibility throughout the process.
