Published by Chris Townsend
Last updated Jan, 07 2026
How Much Does It Cost Of Shipping A Container To Samoa?
While moving to Samoa may be a once-in-a-lifetime chance, the tedious process of packing and relocation cost management is equally tiring and frustrating.
Three Movers is an international freight forwarding services company and we are here to help you with all you require. Finding packing supplies, packing various household items or office luggage, choosing various insurance policies, planning containers, and so on are all examples of things we can do for you. From beginning to end, we’ve got you covered.
What Are the Factors That Affect the Cost Of Shipping?
There are a few factors to consider while carefully organizing your budget to save money wherever possible. This is simple to do while investigating different moving phases and consulting with our experienced staff at each step.
These can be:
- The weight of your cargo defines the size of the container you need: 20', 20' cube, 40', 40' cube, flat-racked, open-roofed, and so on. There is a 40,000-pound weight restriction, so keep that in mind. Tobacco, money orders, ice, blue (blue ice), wine, credit card blanks, acids, and other items are restricted by the Samoan government. Therefore, these items must be licensed ahead of time.
- The distance between the United States and Samoa is 6,061 miles, which will have a direct impact on the cost of fuel per mile. You must also be aware of cost variations owing to seasonal pricing changes and insurance for natural turbulence while relocating.
In the United States, the months of August through October are typically peak season. Since these are the best periods to move, customers place an excessive demand on moving companies. As a result, this is putting a strain on already limited resources and driving up prices. Companies should be avoided at these times of the year since they charge significantly more than normal.
What Size of Container Fits Your Requirements?
You can select from a wide range of containers to meet your assets' moving requirements.
Some of them are:
- High Cube Containers
- Thermal
- Refrigerated ISO Container
- Half-Height
Then there are further classifications of ownership:
- Individuals that want sole ownership of a container should book a Full Container Load (FCL). These have a low risk of being damaged and are delivered quickly according to your time. For a 20' container, the starting price is $4,554.00.
- Multiple ownership is for Less Than a Container Load, or LCL. If you need to save money, we may easily combine your luggage with that of other parties in the same container. However, you will be bound by a strict weight limit and may have delays while synchronizing with other people's schedules.
Average Shipping Rates Estimates
FCL shipping is best for transporting lots of boxes, pallets and anything which will require a full container shipping to Samoa of up to 45,000lbs.
Full Container Load (FCL) Shipping Rates | |
|---|---|
| 20 ft Container | $1040 |
| 40 ft Container | $1760 |
LCL shipping is more affordable way to transport less than container load shipments to Samoa.
Less Than Container (LCL) Shipping Rates | |
|---|---|
| LCL | $58/CBM |
| Personal Effects | $685 |
| Household Goods | $895 |
International house moving to Samoa services - quick, easy and cheap.
International House Moving Costs | |
|---|---|
| Partial House (2000Lbs & Less) | $630 |
| 1 Bedroom (3850 Lbs) | $1445 |
| 2 Bedroom (4500 Lbs) | $2530 |
| 3+ Bedroom (8750 Lbs) | $3295 |
International auto transport services to Samoa via RoRo and container ships. Ship cars, trucks, suvs, atv's, boats, RV's, heavy equipment and more.
Container Car Shipping | |
|---|---|
| Sedan via RORO | $780 |
| SUV via RORO | $885 |
| Sedan (Container) | $1260 |
| SUV (Container) | $1330 |
What Are the Types of Transport for Relocating Containers?
Three Movers provides air and sea freight shipping services from the United States to Samoa.
It takes 2-4 business days for air cargo to arrive at its destination. In an emergency, these can be used, however, they have a weight limit of 3.500 lbs. Furthermore, they can be a costly option, being around 5 times higher than shipping by sea.
Sea freight shipping, on the other hand, is more weight-tolerant and can carry up to 45,000 pounds. It takes about 30 days to go to Samoa on average. The prices can range from $8,877.00 for a 40' container to $5,140.00 for a Sedan container. We help with ocean freight shipping container and cargo transportation at the most affordable international shipping rates.
What Other Costs Can Add Up to Your Shipping?
Our professional staff will provide you with a personalized price after you fill out our quotation form. Additional expenses will be clearly shown on the bill and discussed in advance. These are the following:
- Custom duties
- Inspection fees
- General Rate Increase
- Inland delivery charges
- Quarantine fees
- Insurance
What To Do Next?
Through our exceptional services, we must assist you in making an informed decision and learning about our brand's credibility. Our crew is ready to assist you with any small needs. Simply mail us at [email protected] or drop a call at (888) 202-0036 right now.
Frequently Asked Questions
The average cost of shipping a container to Samoa typically ranges from $3,800–$7,500 for a 20-foot container and $6,200–$11,500 for a 40-foot container. Pricing is driven by container size, origin port such as California, Australia, or Asia, cargo volume, fuel surcharges, port handling fees, and customs clearance in Apia. Full-container loads are more cost-efficient for household goods and vehicles shipped together. Learn more about international moving costs at international moving costs.
Shipping a container to Samoa from the U.S. generally costs $4,500–$9,000, with West Coast ports like Los Angeles or Oakland offering the most direct routes. Costs vary based on container size, inland transport to port, loading labor, insurance, and seasonal ocean freight demand. Transit times typically range from 18–30 days depending on carrier schedules and transshipment points. For route planning, see shipping container movers Los Angeles.
Shipping a container to Samoa from Australia usually ranges from $3,800–$7,000, making it one of the most cost-efficient routes due to regional proximity. Sydney and Brisbane are common departure ports. Final pricing depends on container size, cargo weight, port fees, and whether direct or feeder vessel service is used. This route is popular for household goods and commercial cargo. Compare overseas options at moving overseas shipping costs.
The biggest cost drivers include container size (20-foot vs 40-foot), total shipment weight, origin country, port congestion, fuel surcharges, customs duties, and local delivery requirements in Samoa. Additional charges may apply for packing, crating, vehicle loading, or remote-area delivery. Weather-related delays in the South Pacific can also impact pricing during cyclone season.
Full container shipping is usually cheaper per cubic foot when moving an entire household or vehicle, while shared container or groupage shipping lowers upfront cost for smaller loads. Shared containers reduce space charges but may extend transit times by 1–3 weeks due to consolidation and deconsolidation at ports. For smaller moves, explore international moving pods.
Container shipping to Samoa typically takes 18–35 days, depending on the origin port and carrier routing. Direct routes from Australia are faster, while U.S. shipments often involve transshipment through New Zealand or Fiji. Customs processing, port congestion in Apia, and weather conditions can extend delivery timelines for both 20-foot and 40-foot containers.
Customs duties and taxes are not included in ocean freight pricing. Import fees are assessed separately by Samoan Customs based on cargo type, declared value, and eligibility for exemptions. Household goods may qualify for reduced duties under specific residency conditions. Accurate inventories and invoices help prevent delays and unexpected charges during clearance.
