Published by Chris Townsend
Last updated Feb, 25 2026
How Much Does It Cost Of Shipping A Container To Maldives?
Maldives Container Shipping Cost
How wonderful would it be to have everything packed and loaded into cargo in a single day, ready to be shipped overseas?
You may believe this is only feasible in a magical land, but Three Movers is here to prove you wrong. We are a holistic moving company with a national reputation for long-distance and local moves, as well as international relocations. We can ship your belongings anywhere in the world, including the Republic of Maldives.
What Are the Factors That Affect the Cost of Shipping?
What are the things to keep an eye out for to manage your final budget effectively? Are there any red signs that you should be aware of?
Let’s see the answers to some of these questions:
- The weight of your goods is directly linked to the container you select and, as a result, also affects the charge. You can choose from sizes such as 20', 20' cube, 40', 40' cube, and others. The Maldives' government has established licensing procedures for restricted items such as alcoholic items, all products made in "Israel," religious materials that offend Islam, and so on.
- The distance between the Maldives and the United States is 9562.89 miles, which is a substantial distance that affects the cost of fuel per mile. You should also be wary of unanticipated increases in fuel prices for both aviation and sea freights, and insure yourself against them.
- The peak season for container shipping from the United States to Asia is from June to October. Despite our best efforts to provide you with the cheapest deal, we don’t recommend shipping during these due to resource shortages and high demand.

Instant Rates For Shipping Containers To Maldives
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 Maldives of up to 45,000lbs.
Full Container Load (FCL) Shipping Rates | |
|---|---|
| 20 ft Container | $645 |
| 40 ft Container | $685 |

LCL shipping is more affordable way to transport less than container load shipments to Maldives.
Less Than Container (LCL) Shipping Rates | |
|---|---|
| LCL | $65/CBM |
| Personal Effects | $535 |
| Household Goods | $595 |

International house moving to Maldives services - quick, easy and cheap.
International House Moving Costs | |
|---|---|
| Partial House (2000Lbs & Less) | $470 |
| 1 Bedroom (3850 Lbs) | $1640 |
| 2 Bedroom (4500 Lbs) | $2050 |
| 3+ Bedroom (8750 Lbs) | $2755 |

International auto transport services to Maldives 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 |
What Size of Container Works Best for You?
You may only need a modest space to move your household goods, or you may demand an entire container to transport automobiles and electrical equipment. Our experts can assist you in making an informed pick among the many containers.
Some of the types are:
- High Cube Containers
- Open Top Container
- Thermal Container
- Refrigerated ISO Container
- Half-Height Container
There are two categories based on ownership, such as:
- Customers that prefer solo occupancy book Full Container Loads (FCL). These require less time to deliver and are completely within the control of the client.
- Less Than A Container Load (LCL) is a term that refers to a container that can be used for multiple occupancies. This type may cause a delay in reaching the destination due to the preferences of other occupants.
What Are the Types of Transport for Relocating Containers?
From the United States to the Maldives, we offer air and ocean freight shipping services.
Plane travel is more expensive and requires significantly less time (two to four days compared to weeks). You can only load a maximum of 20,000 pounds, so plan accordingly.
Shipping by sea is less expensive and can accommodate heavier loads. But, they can take up to 47 or 56 days to arrive, so you should avoid them if you're in a hurry. Their prices could begin at around $920.00 (USD) for a trip from New York to Malé.
What Other Costs Can Add Up to Your Shipping?
Fill out our quotation form and let us know what you need, and we'll get you a custom quote straight away.
The following are some examples of generic added charges that may appear on your bill:
- Custom duties
- Container inspection fees
- General Rate Increase
- Inland delivery charges
- Quarantine fees
- Insurance
What to Do Next?
Choose us for world-class shipping services and to sit back and relax while we handle the difficult moving process.
Mail us at - [email protected] or drop a call at our toll-free number (888) 202-0036 right now.

Find Cargo Containers For Freight Transport & Relocation
Frequently Asked Questions
Shipping A Container To Maldives typically costs between $2,800 and $7,500 for a 20 foot container from major U.S. ports, and $4,500 to $10,000+ for a 40 foot container. Final pricing depends on container size, origin port, fuel surcharges, seasonal demand, and delivery island access. Additional costs include customs duties, port handling, inland trucking, and marine insurance. Rates are higher during peak global shipping cycles and when transshipment through Colombo or Dubai is required.
You must provide a Bill of Lading, commercial invoice, detailed packing list, and Maldives Customs declaration forms. A certificate of origin is required if claiming preferential duty rates. Restricted goods require import permits from Maldivian authorities. Accurate declared values are critical because Maldives Customs assesses duties based on invoice totals and freight costs. Errors can delay clearance. For regulated overseas shipments, documentation standards align with international freight compliance practices
Transit time averages 25 to 45 days from major U.S. ports, depending on routing and transshipment schedules. Most containers move via Colombo, Sri Lanka, before final transfer to Malé. Weather in the Indian Ocean, port congestion, and customs inspections affect delivery windows. Once the vessel arrives, clearance typically takes 3 to 10 business days if paperwork is complete. Delivery to outer islands may add additional barge scheduling time.
The Maldives strictly prohibits narcotics, alcohol, pork products, religious materials offensive to Islam, and pornographic content. Firearms, communication equipment, medicines, and certain chemicals require special permits. Maldives Customs enforces inspections, and undeclared restricted goods may be confiscated or destroyed. Import rules apply whether the shipment is household goods or commercial cargo. Always verify current import controls before booking ocean freight to avoid fines or clearance delays.
Yes. Ocean carriers limit liability under international maritime conventions, often to a few dollars per pound. Full-value marine cargo coverage protects against water damage, container loss, port theft, and rough handling during transshipment. Insurance cost is typically 1 to 3 percent of declared cargo value. High-value household goods, electronics, and commercial inventory especially benefit from coverage arranged through an experienced international moving and storage provider.
The Maldives applies import duties based on declared CIF value, meaning cost of goods plus insurance and freight. Duty rates vary by product category and are assessed by Maldives Customs Service. Payment must be made within the designated clearance window to avoid penalties or cancellation of the declaration. Additional port handling and storage charges apply if cargo is not cleared promptly. Commercial imports may also require business registration documentation.
For household goods, working with a licensed international moving company simplifies packing, export documentation, and destination coordination. Freight forwarders primarily arrange ocean transport, while NVOCCs issue their own Bills of Lading. Interstate shipments from the U.S. fall under FMCSA oversight before export. Choice depends on move size, packing needs, origin pickup distance, container loading logistics, and whether door to port or door to door service is required.