Published by Chris Townsend
Last updated Jan, 05 2026
How Much Does Shipping a Container To Micronesia Cost?
Shipping a container anywhere in the world is a complex process that requires extensive documentation. For those unaware of how the process works, it can quickly become a logistics nightmare. Whether you are shipping household items or commercial goods, Three Movers can help you with this process. We ship to multiple countries, including Micronesia. Please consult our team of experts when planning your next international shipment.
Factors That Affect the Cost of Hauling
The main factors to consider when transporting a container to another country are:
- The volume and weight of the items to be shipped: Weight is the factor by which the cost of cargo is measured when transporting by air, while volume is used for sea shipments.
- The type of transportation used: Shipping to Micronesia means you will choose between sea or air freight transportation.
- Distance: The distance between the two countries will affect the cost of the move. For example, relocating from Australia to Micronesia will be cheaper than shipping from Nigeria.
- The destination port: The port affects the cost because port fees can vary. Micronesia has 4 shipping ports spread within 4 states. These are located at Pohnpei, Chuuk, Yap, and Kosrae.
- The peak period for shipping items to Micronesia is between August and October. This can extend to February due to Christmas and the Chinese New Year, and shipping during this period affects the cost.
Which Size of Container Works Best for Me?
We could go over all 16 varieties of containers, but chances are you'll only use two daily. Here, we have both 20-foot and 40-foot containers. The usable volume ranges from 25 to 28 cubic feet in the former. A standard garage is about this size. Just to give you an idea, think of it as 100 washing machines.
The 40-foot container has around double the available space (54-58cbm). This is the size you’ll need if you are transporting a vehicle plus additional items. The 20-foot container can fit a vehicle, but it won’t have much space left.
A shipment that uses all the space available in a container is known as a Full Container Load (FCL). This is the best and most cost-effective option for most people. However, there are situations where a person’s cargo doesn't fill a container.
If you find yourself in such a place, consider the Less Than Container Load option (LCL). In LCL, the container is shared among many clients to ensure the totality of the space is used. This helps keep your items safer during the voyage.
Average Container Shipping Rates
FCL shipping is best for transporting lots of boxes, pallets, and anything that requires a full container shipping to Micronesia of up to 45,000 lbs.
Full Container Load (FCL) Rates | |
|---|---|
| 20 ft | $1360 |
| 40 ft | $1640 |
LCL shipping is a more affordable way to transport less than container load shipments to Micronesia.
Less Than Container (LCL) Rates | |
|---|---|
| LCL | $50/CBM |
| Personal Effects | $330 |
| Household Goods | $430 |
International House moving to Micronesia services - quick, easy, and cheap.
International House Moving Costs | |
|---|---|
| Partial House (2000Lbs & Less) | $480 |
| 1 Bedroom (3850 Lbs) | $2450 |
| 2 Bedroom (4500 Lbs) | $2755 |
| 3+ Bedroom (8750 Lbs) | $3805 |
International auto transport services to Micronesia via RoRo and container ships. Ship cars, trucks, SUVs, ATVs, boats, RVs, heavy equipment, and more.
Container Car Shipping | |
|---|---|
| Sedan (Container) | $1640 |
| SUV (Container) | $1750 |
| Sedan via RORO | $685 |
| SUV via RORO | $735 |
Understanding The Different Types of Freight Transportation
As a country comprised of more than 600 islands, Micronesia's only available methods of freight transportation are sea and air.
If you are shipping high cargo volumes, you should use sea freight shipping. It is slower than air transport, but it is less concerned with weight. It is also around five times cheaper.
However, if time is of the essence or the weight of your items isn’t too large, you can opt for air cargo. It will arrive much faster than a ship but also be much more expensive.
Additional Costs
There are usually additional costs when relocating a container anywhere. The extra costs 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: Micronesia has an average import tariff of 6.2%.
- 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 costs might also increase.
What’s Next?
The next step is contacting Three Movers for a free quote. You can complete the online form or call us at (888) 202-0036.
Frequently Asked Questions
The cost of shipping a container to Micronesia typically ranges from $4,500–$9,500 for a 20-foot container and $7,500–$14,000 for a 40-foot container. Pricing is driven by origin port, container size, fuel surcharges, island destination, and carrier availability, with Matson shipping routes commonly used from the U.S. West Coast. Additional costs may include port handling, customs clearance, and inland transport between islands. Broader international cost factors are outlined in our international moving costs guide.
Micronesia prohibits or restricts hazardous materials, firearms, ammunition, illegal drugs, radioactive items, soil, and certain agricultural or bio products. Alcohol and controlled goods may require permits and inspections. Restrictions are enforced by local customs authorities and port officials, and non-compliant cargo may be seized or returned at the shipper’s expense. Proper documentation and accurate cargo declarations reduce delays, especially for consolidated container shipments and multi-island deliveries.
A Bill of Lading is the primary legal document for container shipping to Micronesia. It confirms ownership, cargo description, weight, and destination port, and is required for customs release. Errors can delay clearance on arrival islands such as Pohnpei or Chuuk. Original or telex-released Bills of Lading are commonly required due to limited port infrastructure, making accuracy critical for smooth delivery and transfer between carriers.
If a Bill of Lading is lost, the cargo may be held at the Micronesia port until a letter of indemnity, bond, or carrier-issued replacement is approved. This process can take days or weeks, increasing storage and demurrage fees. Electronic releases are sometimes accepted, but availability varies by carrier and island port. Keeping secure digital copies and working with experienced international coordinators reduces disruption risk.
Micronesia generally applies an import tax of about 5% on the declared cargo value, with additional customs duties depending on the product category. Duties are calculated separately from freight charges and insurance. Accurate valuation is essential, as under-declared shipments can trigger inspections and penalties. Import costs should be planned alongside ocean freight when budgeting total container shipping expenses.
Cargo insurance is strongly recommended due to long ocean transit times, multiple port transfers, and weather exposure in the Pacific region. Standard carrier liability is limited and rarely covers full replacement value. All-risk marine cargo insurance typically protects against loss, damage, and handling incidents. Insurance costs are modest compared to potential losses and are commonly bundled with full international shipping arrangements. Learn more about coverage options in our international moving and storage overview.
Most carriers offer container tracking using container numbers and vessel tracking systems. Tracking visibility may be limited once ships enter Pacific island routes, with updates tied to port arrivals rather than real-time GPS. Transit times typically range 18–35 days depending on origin and island destination. Tracking remains useful for customs planning and coordinating local port handling on arrival.
Yes, the consignee or an authorized agent must be available to sign delivery documents, clear customs, and address inspections. Absence can delay release and increase port storage fees. Local agents are often used for off-island consignees or business shipments. Planning representation in advance is especially important due to limited customs office hours and island-specific procedures.
