Published by Chris Townsend
Last updated Jan, 05 2026
How Much Does It Cost To Ship A Container To Palau?
Many people spend more than they should on shipping containers overseas. If you want to keep your expenses to a minimum, hire a reputable international dispatching and logistics services company like us, Three Movers.
We are offering services that streamline your logistics needs. We can move your cargo anywhere in the world, including Palau.
But how much does it cost to dispatch receptacles abroad? There's no clear answer to this because different factors affect the hauling cost.
Factors That Affect the Expenditure of Delivery
Several things are influencing the overall expense of hauling. Some of them are the following:
- Insurance
- Packing
- Taxes and Custom fees
- Inspections
- General Rate Increase
- Storage
Those factors affect your expenses. However, your costs are primarily determined by the ship items like personal belongings and household items of your cargo, its destination, and mode of transit.
In addition to that, the time you send your cargo will also have an impact on the entire charge.
Ports in Palau are going to be busy between July and December because these are the months when people are visiting this country. Expect a small rise in the shipping fee if you're shifting a container during these months.
Which Size Of Delivery Receptacle Works Best For Me?
You can use a 20-foot or 40-foot receptacle to send your items to Palau.
The correct option depends on the characteristics of your cargo. For example, a 20-foot crate can store 200 full-sized beds or 50 refrigerators, whereas a 40-foot box has twice the capacity.
Despite having more capacity, it doesn't mean that the expense of a 40-foot unit is more expensive.
The reason for that is that the fee varies depending on your freight mode. Also, you have the option of choosing between FCL (Full Crate Loads) and LCL (Less Than Unit Load) payloads.
In FCL, you will pay for the entire receptacle. The moving company will transport it even if it's not full. In LCL (less container load), you're going to share the storage space and cost of using the receptacle.
Instant Rates For Shipping Containers To Palau
Average Units Shifting Charges Estimates
FCL hauling is best for transporting lots of boxes, pallets, and anything that will require a full receptacle shipping to an area of up to 45,000 lbs.
| Full Container Load (FCL) Shipping Rates | |
|---|---|
| 20 ft Unit | $375 |
| 40 ft Unit | $445 |
LCL dispatching is a more affordable way to transport less than crate load freight to Palau.
| Less Than Container (LCL) Shipping Rates | |
|---|---|
| LCL | $45/CBM |
| Personal Effects | $460 |
| Household Goods | $655 |
International house moving to Palau services - quick, easy, and cheap.
| International House Moving Costs | |
|---|---|
| Partial House (2000Lbs & Less) | $450 |
| 1 Bedroom (3850 Lbs) | $1585 |
| 2 Bedroom (4500 Lbs) | $1785 |
| 3+ Bedroom (8750 Lbs) | $2185 |
International auto transport services to the area via RoRo and receptacle crafts. Ship cars, trucks, SUVs, ATVs, boats, RV's, heavy equipment, and more.
| Container Car Shifting | |
|---|---|
| Sedan | $1160 |
| SUV | $1285 |
| Sedan via RORO | $690 |
| SUV via RORO | $740 |
Different Types Of Freight Transportation
Different types of freight transportation include air freight, sea freight, road (truck) freight, and rail freight transit.
Land freight is the most cost-effective option. It transports your receptacle to a new location by using roads and rails. Despite its low fee, this is not usually the best choice because it is confined to locations accessible by road or train.
With that said, choose between air and sea freight to move your cargo to the area. There are advantages and disadvantages to each of them, so make sure to choose one that suits your needs.
Air cargo freight is an option if you need the receptacle sent quickly. It would just take a few days for delivery, but it would cost a lot of money.
Meanwhile, sea freight would be the best option if you want to save money. But take note that this mode of load is slower than air freight. Your belongings may reach their destination within a few days or weeks.
What's Next?
Now that you know the factors that could affect the expenditure of shipping a container to the area, 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 Palau typically ranges from 8,500–15,000 for a 20ft container and 12,000–22,000 for a 40ft container from the U.S. West Coast. Pricing reflects container size, origin port, ocean carrier availability, fuel surcharges, and island port handling fees. Palau shipments are classified as international ocean freight, with limited sailings affecting rates. For broader overseas pricing context, see international moving costs.
Shipping a container to Palau from the USA generally costs 9,000–18,000, depending on whether the container departs from California, Washington, or Hawaii. West Coast ports offer lower base rates due to shorter transit distances. Final pricing is influenced by customs documentation, destination port fees in Koror, container availability, and seasonal demand. Transit time and consolidation choices also affect overall cost.
Container transit to Palau usually takes 25–45 days from the U.S. West Coast, including port handling and transshipment. Direct sailings are limited, so containers often route through Guam or Asia Pacific hubs, adding time. Delivery timelines depend on carrier schedules, customs clearance, weather conditions, and port congestion at Malakal Harbor.
Key cost drivers include container size (20ft vs 40ft), origin port, fuel and bunker surcharges, limited carrier routes, Palau port fees, and customs clearance requirements. Additional costs apply for packing services, insurance, inland transport to port, and special cargo handling. Island destinations like Palau typically have higher per container costs due to lower shipping volume.
FCL (Full Container Load) is usually more cost efficient for Palau when shipping household goods or commercial cargo over 1,000 cubic feet. LCL (Less Than Container Load) may appear cheaper upfront but often carries higher per cubic foot rates, longer transit times, and extra handling fees at transshipment ports. Most Palau moves favor FCL to reduce delays and damage risk.
Palau import duties typically range from 0–15%, depending on the goods, with luxury items reaching up to 120%. Duties are calculated on declared value plus freight costs. Importers must account for customs processing fees, inspection charges, and documentation accuracy, which can affect clearance speed and storage costs at port.
Prohibited items include firearms, ammunition, narcotics, explosives, and counterfeit goods. Restricted items such as plants, food products, chemicals, and medical supplies may require permits. Non-compliance can result in seizure, fines, or return shipping costs. Accurate manifests and advance customs review help prevent unexpected charges.
Yes, shipping a container to Palau requires coordination with an international moving company experienced in island and Pacific routes. These moves involve ocean freight booking, export documentation, customs coordination, and port delivery logistics. Working with specialists reduces delays, misrouting, and compliance issues common with remote destinations. Learn more at international moving and storage.
