Published by Chris Townsend
Last updated Jan, 05 2026
How Much Does It Cost To Ship A Container To Singapore?
You might wonder what will influence the cost of the items you want to ship. The two everyday things that affect the price of cargo are the volume or weight of your shipment and the distance it will have to travel to its destination. Many more factors influence the price and we will help you understand it all. Three Movers is a container shipping service company that ships containers overseas to Singapore, and we are in the best position to walk you through the process.
Factors That Affect the Cost
Some factors will affect receptacle hauling expenses because they are the metrics by which shipping is calculated. They are:
- The volume and weight of the items to be shipped: The heavier or bigger the shipment, the higher the price. Relocating a car and pencil can’t charge the same.
- The type of transportation used: In human transportation, air travel is more expensive than other means of transportation. This is also true in freight transportation.
- Distance: The distance the cargo has to travel to reach its destination affects the price of the shipment.
- The destination port: It would’ve been easier if all ports had uniform tariffs, but that isn’t the reality. The port at which your item arrives will influence the cost of freight.
- The peak period: The first peak period for international shipping to Singapore is between June and August. The second peak period is December to February, which is the mass load movement before the Chinese New Year. You might be billed at higher rates if you ship during this period.
Which Size of Container Works Best for Me?
You look at the items you intend to ship and don’t know if they will fit into a container or if you need two or more crates. Well, if your cargo consists of the contents of a three-bedroom flat or the equivalent of 48,000 bananas, then you should order a 20-foot receptacle. Anything more than this, like your car and your wife’s car, will need a 40ft crate.
What if your payload isn’t that much and it comprises a few suitcases? Well, there is a loading system for that. It is called Less Than Container Load (LCL). The payment rates for LCL are measured in cubic meters. If you fill a receptacle, your cargo will be categorized as FCL.
Instant Rates For Shipping Containers To Singapore
Average Container Shipping Rates Estimates
FCL is best for transporting large boxes, pallets, and anything requiring a full container haulage to Singapore of up to 45,000 lbs.
Full Container Load (FCL) Shipping Rates | |
|---|---|
| 20 ft Container | $665 |
| 40 ft Container | $795 |
LCL is a more affordable way to transport less than container load shipments to Singapore.
Less Than Container (LCL) Shipping Rates | |
|---|---|
| LCL | $62/CBM |
| Personal Effects | $895 |
| Household Goods | $1290 |
International House moving to Singapore services - quick, easy, and cheap.
International House Moving Costs | |
|---|---|
| Partial House (2000Lbs & Less) | $595 |
| 1 Bedroom (3850 Lbs) | $1295 |
| 2 Bedroom (4500 Lbs) | $2965 |
| 3+ Bedroom (8750 Lbs) | $3925 |
International auto transport services to Singapore via RoRo and container ships. Ship cars, trucks, SUVs, ATVs, boats, RV's, heavy equipment, and more.
Container Car Shipping | |
|---|---|
| Sedan via RORO | $895 |
| SUV via RORO | $940 |
| Sedan (Container) | $1360 |
| SUV (Container) | $1565 |
Understanding The Different Types of Freight Transportation
International shipping involves air and sea transport, which are the most common methods of transporting goods into a country. Land transportation is used when cargo comes from a neighboring country with a land border. In this case, cargo can enter Singapore by land through Malaysia.
Goods transported by sea are the most common means of transporting high-volume cargo into the country. This is because large items up to 10,000kg can be shipped by ocean freight. It is also cost-effective. If you have many things to ship, consider using sea freight.
If your items are fragile, time-sensitive, or very small, air freight is a suitable choice. Note, that freight by air is usually more expensive than sea transportation.
Additional Charges
Sometimes, costs are added to the estimate that you are given. If you want to know where these costs come from, look below:
- Insurance: You might have to pay extra for peace of mind, which insurance gives.
- Custom fees: Singapore has an import fee of 7% based on the value of imported goods.
- Inspection: If your shipment is inspected, you might have to pay extra for that inspection.
- General Rate Increase (GRI): Certain moving routes incur higher rates due to the high traffic that passes that route. Security also affects the GRI.
- Delivery Times: The faster you need your items delivered, the higher the shipping cost will be.
What’s Next?
Your next step is to get help from Three Movers. Call us at (888) 202-0036 or fill out our online form for a free quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
The cost of shipping a container to Singapore usually ranges from $1,800–$3,800 for a 20 ft container and $3,200–$6,500 for a 40 ft container. Pricing reflects container size, origin port, fuel surcharges, cargo type, and seasonal demand. Port handling, documentation, and destination delivery can add to the final amount. These figures align with typical international freight pricing outlined under international moving costs.
Container shipping rates to Singapore are driven by container size, shipping distance, origin country, fuel costs, and port congestion. Cargo volume, packing method, and documentation accuracy also influence pricing. Rates often increase during peak global shipping seasons due to limited vessel capacity. Understanding these variables helps explain why international container quotes can vary significantly between similar shipments.
Shipping a container to Singapore generally takes 18–35 days depending on origin and routing. Asia-Pacific shipments are often faster, while U.S. or European routes take longer due to distance and transshipment. Customs clearance and port handling can extend timelines. These transit ranges are consistent with typical moving overseas shipping costs and delivery schedules.
Required documents include a bill of lading, commercial invoice, detailed packing list, and importer identification. Household goods shipments may require a full inventory for customs review. Certain items need permits or additional certificates. Errors or omissions can delay clearance and increase storage charges, making accurate documentation essential when shipping containers internationally.
Singapore applies Goods and Services Tax (GST) at 8 percent on the CIF value, which includes cost, insurance, and freight. Used household goods are typically duty-free, but GST usually still applies unless exemptions are approved. Commercial cargo may incur additional duties depending on classification. These charges should be factored into total landed costs when budgeting an overseas move.
Yes, household goods can be shipped to Singapore in a dedicated container, usually as a full container load. Items must be used, non-commercial, and accurately declared. Proper packing, detailed inventories, and sealed containers help avoid customs delays. Many customers use this option as part of broader international moving and storage arrangements.
A 20 ft container suits small apartments or partial household moves, while a 40 ft container is better for larger homes or consolidated shipments. Although a 40 ft container costs about 40–60 percent more, it offers significantly better cost per cubic foot. Choosing the right size reduces unused space or the need for shared shipping options.
Cargo insurance is strongly recommended because carrier liability is limited under international shipping regulations. Insurance typically costs 1–3 percent of the declared cargo value and protects against loss, damage, or transit delays. This coverage is especially important for household goods, electronics, and fragile items shipped overseas as part of global moving services.
