Published by Chris Townsend
Last updated Feb, 25 2026
How Much Does It Cost To Ship A Container To Laos?
Laos Container Shipping Charge
Before you know the price of cargo a container to Laos, you must first find a moving firm that will help you.
There's a lot of transporting companies available in your place or online. However, we can assure you that Three Movers will be the best option since our services cover different locations worldwide, such as these regions.
But how much does moving a container internationally cost?
What Is A Price to Transport A Container to Laos?
The typical price of delivery an overseas is around $2000 to $3000. However, keep in mind that this price is just an estimate because many factors can affect the overall shipping cost.
To give you an idea about it, here are the main factors that determine the cost of shipment your cargo:
- Dimensions and weight of your items: Transit can be expensive if you have a large shipment.
- Type of transportation: The method of transporting your cargo will have a huge bearing on your delivery expenses.
- Distance: The distance traveled by your container will affect the transporting charge.
- Destination port: The type of customs duties and taxes you have to pay will depend on the conveying port and country of your destination.
- Season: Just like every other industry, international shipment has peak seasons. Summer and the days after Chinese New Year are the busiest seasons. During these months, shipping prices will be greater than usual.
If you are shipping a container to Laos, avoid doing it anytime from October to April. These are the months when ports in the country are receiving a large number of tourists and shipments.
Although not quite as important as the first five factors listed above, the following can also affect delivery costs:
- Insurance
- Packing
- Taxes and Custom fees
- Inspections
- General Rate Increase
- Storage
Instant Rates For Shipping Containers To Laos
Average Container Shipping Rates Estimates
FCL transit is best for transporting lots of boxes, pallets and anything which will require a full container delivering to Laos of up to 45,000lbs.
Full Container Load (FCL) Delivery Charges | |
|---|---|
| 20 ft Container | $645 |
| 40 ft Container | $795 |
LCL shipping is more affordable way to transport less than container load shipments to Laos.
Less Than Container (LCL) Delivery Charges | |
|---|---|
| LCL | $65/CBM |
| Personal Effects | $595 |
| Household Goods | $645 |
International house moving services - quick, easy and cheap.
Aboard House Hauling Prices | |
|---|---|
| Partial House (2000Lbs & Less) | $530 |
| 1 Bedroom (3850 Lbs) | $1535 |
| 2 Bedroom (4500 Lbs) | $1865 |
| 3+ Bedroom (8750 Lbs) | $2255 |
International auto transport services via Ro Ro and container ships. Ship cars, trucks, suvs, atv's, boats, RV's, heavy equipment and more.
Container Car Shipment | |
|---|---|
| Sedan (Container) | $1290 |
| SUV (Container) | $1360 |
| Sedan via RORO | $895 |
| SUV via RORO | $940 |
Which Size of Shifting Container Is Best for Me?
The size depends on your items and budget. Although if you are moving residential or commercial stuff, a 20ft or 40ft container is enough.
Ten pallets or the contents of a two-bedroom house can fit inside a 20ft container. Of course, the 40ft container will double the storage.
Speaking of storage, you can split it with another person. If you do that, you and the other will also share the cost of using the container. This shipping method is called LCL or Less Than Container Load.
But if you want to use the entire container, you're going to ship it through FCL or Full Container Load.
Different Types of Freight Transportation
You have three options to move your container to Laos:
- Land
- Air freight
- Sea freight
But let’s assume you're shipping from the United States, your option is either air or sea freight.
Moving your container through ocean freight is slower than air transport. The entire travel time could take a couple of days or weeks. But despite that, it's a lot cheaper and easier to process. You can save a lot of money even if you are relocating during the peak season.
What Is the Next Step?
Now that you know the factors that could affect the cost of shifting a container, your next move is to contact us! We'll give you a free quote then we can start packing your things.
You can call us at (888) 202-0036 or send us an email at [email protected].
Find Cargo Containers For Freight Transport & Relocation
Frequently Asked Questions
The cost of shipping a container to Laos typically ranges from $2,500 to $6,500 for a 20 foot container and $4,000 to $9,000 for a 40 foot container, depending on origin port, fuel rates, and inland delivery. Laos is landlocked, so ocean freight moves to Thailand or Vietnam before trucking inland. Pricing varies by container size, season, customs fees, inland transport distance, and port congestion. For planning comparisons, review current international moving costs.
Shipping a 20 foot container from the USA to Laos generally costs $3,000 to $7,000, depending on departure port such as Los Angeles or Houston. Freight usually sails to Laem Chabang, Thailand, then moves by truck across the border. Final cost depends on cargo weight, inland mileage to Vientiane, customs clearance fees, insurance, and peak season demand. Door to door coordination through an experienced international overseas moving service improves scheduling accuracy.
Standard documents include a Bill of Lading, Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Certificate of Origin, and Import Permit when applicable. U.S. exports over $2,500 require AES filing through the Automated Export System. Laos customs may request translated invoices and detailed cargo descriptions. Missing paperwork can delay border transfer from Thailand. Documentation accuracy is critical for valuation, duties, and inspection scheduling. Professional coordination through an international moving and storage provider reduces clearance delays.
Laos restricts or regulates firearms, ammunition, narcotics, hazardous chemicals, certain electronics, counterfeit goods, and cultural artifacts. Used household goods may require inspection and declared value statements. Lithium batteries and flammable materials must follow IMDG or IATA regulations. Violations can result in seizure or fines at the Thai Laos border. Always verify cargo classification before loading. For regulated freight handling, consult experienced global moving services.
Cargo insurance is not legally required but strongly recommended. Ocean carrier liability is typically limited to $500 per package under COGSA rules, which rarely reflects true value. Inland trucking across Thailand adds additional exposure. Insurance cost is usually 1 to 3 percent of declared value, depending on commodity and route risk. Protection becomes critical for high value household or commercial freight. Coverage options are commonly arranged with international household moves through moving belongings overseas.
Transit time averages 30 to 45 days from major U.S. ports. Ocean freight to Thailand typically takes 20 to 30 days, followed by inland trucking and customs processing into Laos. Weather, port congestion in Southeast Asia, and border inspections can extend timelines. Air freight is faster but significantly more expensive. Delivery scheduling also depends on container availability, cargo inspection, and inland destination access conditions.
A standard 20 foot container holds about 33 cubic meters with a payload near 48,000 pounds gross weight, while a 40 foot container holds about 67 cubic meters. Actual cargo limits depend on road weight regulations in Thailand and Laos. Overweight containers can face border delays or repacking fees. Final capacity depends on household size, pallet configuration, packing density, and special items such as safes or machinery. Proper load planning prevents costly adjustments
