Published by Chris Townsend
Last updated Dec, 25 2025
How Much Does Hauling a Container to Mexico Cost?
When shipping a container internationally you should know what to expect. For instance, there are many factors that affect the cost of shipping. The size of your cargo and the distance between the originating country and the destination country are just some of the factors that affect this cost.
Three Movers is here to help you make sense of this situation. We will explain everything involved in this type of project in detail.
Factors that Affect the Expenses of Shipping to Mexico
These are the main factors to consider when shipping a container:
- The volume and weight of the items to be shipped: The more you intend to ship, the higher the cost. The same goes for weight.
- The type of transportation used: Cargo transportation by air is faster, but the price will be higher than shipping by sea.
- Distance: The distance between the two countries will affect the shipping cost. For example, shipping from the United States will be cheaper than shipping from Italy.
- The destination port: The port affects the shipping charges because port fees can vary. The largest port in Mexico is the port of Manzanillo.
- The peak period for shipping items to Mexico is between August and October. This can extend to December due to Thanksgiving in the United States. Shipping during this period affects the cost.
Which Size Works Best for Me?
Depending on the nature and quantity of your cargo, you can choose from roughly 16 distinct container types. However, most people opt for 20- or 40ft containers. The needs of the vast majority of people can be met by these two sizes.
A 20-foot container offers useful space similar to an average garage or roughly 100 washing machines. A 40-foot container offers double that space while not being double the cost. The 40-foot container is the best choice to ship a car and household goods.
Instant Rates For Shipping Containers To Mexico
Average Container Moving Rates
FCL shipping is best for transporting lots of boxes, pallets, and anything that requires a full container shipping to Mexico of up to 45,000 lbs.
Full Container Load (FCL) Shipping Rates | |
|---|---|
| 20 ft Container | $1070 |
| 40 ft Container | $1550 |
LCL shipping is a more affordable way to transport less than container load shipments to Mexico.
Less Than Container (LCL) Shipping Rates | |
|---|---|
| LCL | $40/CBM |
| Household Goods | $330 |
| Personal Effects | $380 |
International house moving to Mexico services are quick, easy, and cheap.
International House Moving Costs | |
|---|---|
| Partial House (2000Lbs & Less) | $350 |
| 1 Bedroom (3850 Lbs) | $2250 |
| 2 Bedroom (4500 Lbs) | $2450 |
| 3+ Bedroom (8750 Lbs) | $2900 |
International auto transport services to Mexico via RoRo and container ships. Ship cars, trucks, SUVs, ATVs, boats, RVs, heavy equipment, and more.
Container Car Shipping | |
|---|---|
| Sedan (Container) | $1950 |
| SUV (Container) | $2020 |
| Sedan via RORO | $750 |
| SUV via RORO | $815 |
Different Types of Freight Transportation
The primary freight transportation methods are air, land, and sea freight. While land isn’t an option in some cases, if you are shipping to Mexico from the United States, you can use truck freight transportation.
Relocating by truck is the cheapest option and has a reasonable speed. The only concerns are that trucks are not very flexible when it comes to schedule and are subject to traffic issues.
Using a cargo plane is a fast and reliable option, but it will be significantly expensive if you want to ship high volumes of goods. The weight of your cargo can quickly add up to the cost when shipping by air.
Lastly, you can also use Mexico ocean freight shipping. This option is great if you don’t mind the time it takes. It is also about five times cheaper than using a cargo plane.
Additional Charges
There are usually additional shipping costs when shipping a container anywhere. The extra shipping charges to expect are:
- Insurance: Although insuring items adds to the overall cost of shipping, it is vital in providing much-needed cover for your cargo.
- Custom fees: Mexico has a flat import tariff of 16%. Essentials like food, however, are exempt from this tariff.
- Inspection: You might be charged for inspecting the shipped items, which will add to the overall cost.
- General Rate Increase (GRI): This is an adjustment of freight rates across specific trade routes. If the demand for shipping on a route increases, shipping expenses might also increase.
What’s Next?
Now, you are all set to start your shipping venture. The next step is to contact Three Movers for a free quote. You can fill out the online form or call us at (888) 202-0036.
Find Cargo Containers For Freight Transport & Relocation
Frequently Asked Questions
The average cost of shipping a container to Mexico ranges from $2,800 to $6,500 for a 20 ft container and $4,500 to $9,500 for a 40 ft container. Pricing depends on container size, origin port, distance, fuel surcharges, customs handling, and inland delivery. West Coast and Gulf ports are usually cheaper than East Coast routes. Door-to-door delivery and peak seasons increase costs. Broader international benchmarks are covered in international moving costs.
Container shipping costs to Mexico are influenced by container size (20 ft vs 40 ft), cargo weight and volume, shipping route, port congestion, customs clearance, and inland trucking distance. Fuel price volatility and seasonal demand also affect rates. Special handling, packing, or long-carry delivery locations increase pricing. These cost drivers align closely with other cross-border moves explained in moving overseas shipping costs.
A 20 ft container has a lower upfront cost, but a 40 ft container is often more cost-efficient per cubic foot. A 20 ft container typically costs $2,800–$6,500, while a 40 ft container ranges from $4,500–$9,500. Shipments exceeding 1,000 cubic feet usually benefit from a 40 ft container. Similar container-size tradeoffs are outlined in average cost of moving containers.
Shipping a container to Mexico generally takes 7–21 days, depending on the origin port, customs inspections, and inland delivery distance. Gulf and West Coast routes are usually faster than East Coast departures. Documentation issues or secondary inspections can extend timelines. Door-to-door service adds extra transit days compared to port-to-port shipping.
Most quotes include ocean freight, container usage, standard port fees, and basic documentation. They often exclude customs duties, taxes, inland trucking, packing labor, and storage. Door-to-door quotes bundle more services at a higher price. Understanding what is bundled is critical, similar to other services detailed under global moving services.
Yes, all container shipments to Mexico require customs clearance through Mexican authorities. Clearance costs depend on cargo type, declared value, importer registration, and whether the shipment is personal or commercial. Errors can trigger inspections, delays, or storage fees. These procedures mirror requirements seen across other international overseas moving tips.
Yes, household goods can be shipped to Mexico in a container if customs requirements are met. Used items require a detailed inventory, proof of residency, and accurate valuation. Container size, packing quality, insurance, and final delivery location affect total cost. Many households use shared or 20 ft containers, similar to options discussed in moving belongings overseas.
