Published by Chris Townsend
Last updated Jan, 05 2026
How Much Does It Cost To Ship A Container To Serbia?
Serbia Container Shipping Cost
You want to ship items to another country and you wonder what sort of things will affect the cost. For a start, the size or volume of the shipment and the distance the destination country is from you, are factors that will affect it. While you consider this, know that Three Movers is a reliable ocean shipping services company ships items to Serbia. Let us help you understand things you need to know while shipping cargo.
Factors That Affect the Cost of Shipping to Serbia
Five main factors would affect the cost of shipping a container, and they are:
- The volume and weight of the items to be shipped: The volume and weight of the item directly affect the cost of shipping, The a few boxes is cheaper compared to items like car.
- The type of transportation used: The method of transportation picked affects the cost of shipping. Air freight services is generally more expensive than sea transportation.
- Distance: The distance between the country of origin and the destination country will increase or reduce the cost of shipping.
- The destination port: Different ports have different fees and this can influence the cost of shipping.
- The peak period for shipping items to Serbia is between July and October. Shipping during this period can influence the cost of shipping because of high demand.
Which Size of Shipping Container Works Best for Me?
If you don’t have experience in shipping containers, you might not know what size is appropriate for your items. Let us help you do the math. A 20ft shipping container will contain the contents of a three-bedroom flat. Alternatively, it will contain a single car with no space. If you know that your cargo is more than these estimates, a 40ft container will be a better option.
If your items fill up a container and you don’t want to share the container with another client, then your load is called a Full Container Load (FCL). Not every shipment requires a container to itself. For such items, loading them with other items from different clients is done. This kind of load is called Less Than Container Load (LCL). Both are measured in cubic meters.
Instant Rates For Shipping Containers To Serbia
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 Serbia of up to 45,000lbs.
Full Container Loads (FCL) Shipping Rates | |
|---|---|
| 20 ft Container | $655 |
| 40 ft Container | $855 |
LCL shipping is more affordable way to transport less than container load shipments to Serbia.
Less Than Container (LCL) Shipping Rates | |
|---|---|
| LCL | $65/CBM |
| Personal Effects | $885 |
| Household Goods | $1280 |
International house moving to Serbia services - quick, easy and cheap.
International House Moving Costs | |
|---|---|
| Partial House (2000Lbs & Less) | $555 |
| 1 Bedroom (3850 Lbs) | $1265 |
| 2 Bedroom (4500 Lbs) | $2665 |
| 3+ Bedroom (8750 Lbs) | $3225 |
International auto transport services to Serbia via RoRo and container ships. Ship cars, trucks, suvs, atv's, boats, RV's, heavy equipment and more.
Container Car Shipping | |
|---|---|
| Sedan via RORO | $1050 |
| SUV via RORO | $1150 |
| Sedan (Container) | $1350 |
| SUV (Container) | $1555 |
Understanding The Different Types of Freight Transportation
The primary methods of freight transportation are sea, air, ground, and rail. For Serbia, all methods of transportation are used because it is landlocked.
Shipping containers to the country by sea is suitable for large cargo because it is more cost-effective. Cars, household items, and food are usually shipped by the sea. Since this country is landlocked, ocean freight shipments will still involve land transportation because the containers will be docked at another country’s port and then transported inland by vehicles or train.
You could also consider air freight shipping services. In this case, it is important to note that costs might be higher than sea freight. It is usually suitable for smaller volume items and items of a time-sensitive nature.
Additional Shipping Costs
The previously mentioned primary factors that affect cost aren’t the only things to consider when shipping a container. Sometimes there are added costs like:
- Insurance: You might have to pay a premium for your shipment.
- Custom fees: Serbia has a free duty tax on shipments less than $50 in value. If it is above $50 then you will have to pay a 20% fee on the shipment.
- Inspection: Shipping to the country is bound to incur inspection fees. It is worth noting.
- General Rate Increase (GRI): This is the increase or reduction of shipping rates determined by the high demand of shipments through a route. For Serbia, the GRI might add to the shipping cost as they don’t own a seaport.
- Delivery Times: If you desire quicker shipping, you might pay a higher price.
What’s Next?
The next step is simple, call us at (888) 202-0036. Why? Three Movers aim to give you the best service possible at the most affordable price. We mean this and that is why if you call us, you will get a free quote for your shipment.
Find Cargo Containers For Freight Transport & Relocation
Frequently Asked Questions
The cheap cost of shipping a container to Serbia typically ranges from $2,200–$4,800 for a 20-foot container and $3,800–$7,200 for a 40-foot container. Pricing is influenced by container size, origin port, FCL vs LCL, fuel surcharges, and inland delivery distance in Serbia. Rates are lower from major ports and during off-peak seasons. Most international shipments fall under overseas household or commercial freight handled through an international moving cost guide.
Shipping a container to Serbia requires a Bill of Lading, commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, and Serbian customs import declaration. Personal shipments may also need proof of residence. Commercial cargo requires VAT and importer registration. Documentation must match cargo details exactly to avoid delays. Serbia aligns many procedures with EU customs standards, making accuracy critical for smooth clearance through international shipping and moving overseas processes.
Transit times to Serbia typically range from 20–35 days from Europe and 35–50 days from Asia or North America. Timing depends on origin port, carrier routing, transshipment frequency, and congestion at Adriatic ports like Bar or Rijeka, followed by inland transport. FCL shipments move faster than LCL due to reduced handling. Seasonal demand and customs processing can extend delivery timelines for international container moves.
Yes, containers shipped to Serbia can be tracked using the carrier’s tracking or booking number. Tracking shows vessel location, port milestones, and arrival status. Updates are most accurate between port departures and arrivals, with fewer updates during inland rail or truck moves. Real-time visibility improves planning for customs clearance and final delivery scheduling once the container reaches the regional port or terminal.
FCL means you rent the entire container, offering faster transit, lower damage risk, and predictable pricing. LCL combines shipments from multiple customers, lowering upfront costs but increasing handling time and delays. LCL is best for small volumes, while FCL is more cost-effective for full households or commercial loads. Choice impacts total cost, transit speed, and reliability for Serbia bound container shipments
Presence is not always required, but someone must be authorized to accept delivery and customs release. Door deliveries are scheduled within defined time windows, while port pickups require customs clearance first. Missed appointments can result in storage or redelivery fees. Coordinating delivery through a provider offering international moving and storage helps manage timing, access restrictions, and final placement.
Customs clearance in Serbia usually takes 1–3 business days when documents are complete. Delays occur with inspections, valuation questions, or restricted goods. Personal effects may clear faster than commercial cargo. Serbia continues aligning customs procedures with EU standards, but accuracy in paperwork and declared values remains the biggest factor affecting clearance speed for container shipments.
Serbia restricts or prohibits weapons, narcotics, counterfeit goods, certain food products, plants, and hazardous materials without permits. Alcohol, pharmaceuticals, and electronics may require special approval. Regulations differ for personal versus commercial imports. Reviewing cargo details in advance and using a provider experienced with international moving pods and containers reduces seizure and delay risks.
