Published by Chris Townsend
Last updated Jan, 04 2026
How Much Does It Cost To Ship A Container To Tanzania?
There are various factors to consider before shipping a container abroad. And these factors have a significant impact on costs.
Three Movers is ready to assist you, and all you need to do is get a free quote from us.
We are top rated international relocator that hauls full container loads to Tanzania. We specialize in container shipment, relocating cars, courier services, Tanzania shipping lines and small packages to Tanzania or household items. Our new shipments schedules are updated daily for fast arrival date to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Factors That Affect the Cost of Hauling
The cost of relocating a container internationally is determined by several factors, including container size, load size, loading and delivery options, and shipping method. We'll go through each category in detail to assist you in planning and budgeting for overseas hauling costs.
Container Size
When exporting items internationally, you'll need to figure out what size of shifting container you'll need. Shipping containers are available in a variety of sizes and prices. The larger alternatives are more expensive, but they provide additional packing and shipping volume.
Load Size
The size of your load can also affect the price of transporting your container internationally. "Full container load (FCL)" and "less than a container load (LCL)" are the two categories used to describe load sizes.
Loading and Delivery Options
The way you load and deliver your items has an impact on the total cost. When it comes to loading and delivery methods, there are typically three options to consider. Port-to-port, door-to-door, and drop-and-fill are the three options.
As the name implies, "port to port" entails transporting your goods from one port to another. It's the most cost-effective option. The "door to door" option is the most straightforward and comprehensive option. The hauler will load the products from your house or office, then unload and unpack them when they arrive at their destination. Door-to-door moving is often the most expensive choice.
Finally, in a drop and fill move, the freight company will deliver a shipping container to you, which you will be responsible for filling and unloading when it arrives at its destination.
Relocating Method
There are various options for shipping a container internationally, each with its own cost, benefits, and cons. There are three types of freight: land, sea, and air.
Average Container Hauling Rates Estimates
FCL is best for transporting lots of boxes, pallets and anything which will require a full container shipping to Tanzania of up to 45,000lbs.
Full Container Load (FCL) Shipping Rates | |
|---|---|
| 20 ft Container | $1335 |
| 40 ft Container | $1590 |
LCL is more affordable way to transport less than container load shipments to Tanzania.
Less Than Container (LCL) Shipping Rates | |
|---|---|
| LCL | $69/CBM |
| Personal Effects | $695 |
| Household Goods | $795 |
International house moving to Tanzania services - quick, easy and cheap.
International House Moving Costs | |
|---|---|
| Partial House (2000Lbs & Less) | $590 |
| 1 Bedroom (3850 Lbs) | $1510 |
| 2 Bedroom (4500 Lbs) | $2410 |
| 3+ Bedroom (8750 Lbs) | $3395 |
International auto transport services to Tanzania via RoRo and container ships. Ship cars, trucks, suvs, atv's, boats, RV's, heavy equipment and more.
Container Car Shipping | |
|---|---|
| Sedan (Container) | $980 |
| SUV (Container) | $1050 |
| Sedan via RORO | $1485 |
| SUV via RORO | $1560 |
Understanding the Different Types of Freight Transportation
- Land Freight: Trucks and railroads are frequently utilized for domestic and transcontinental shipping. Land transportation has the advantage of being inexpensive and generally efficient, but it has the disadvantage of being limited to areas that can be reached by road or rail.
- Sea Freight: This is the most cost-effective but also the most time-consuming method of exporting internationally. Sea freight delivery times range from a few days to several weeks, depending on the route and destination.
- Air Freight: This isn't used often to send a container internationally because of its exorbitant cost. When compared to sea freight, air freight is more expensive and the fastest means.
Difference Between FCL And LCL
The term "less container load" (LCL) implies your stuff will most likely be shipped in the same container as someone else's. LCL is a wonderful choice for transporting small items or shipping on a tight budget. A full container load (FCL) implies your things are not mixed in with those of another party, it is a much easier alternative for both the sender and the relocation provider.
Additional Hauling Costs
You may incur additional hauling expenses, which include the following:
- Insurance
- Import duties
- Storage fee (if the shipping company has to provide a temporary store for your goods
- Value-added-tax (Tanzania's regular VAT rate is 18% in mainland Tanzania and 15% in Tanzania Zanzibar)
- General Rate Increase
What's Next?
Whether you're transferring personal items or consumer products overseas, Three Movers can assist you in keeping your items safe during the shipment procedure. Simply fill out our web form or give us a call at (888) 202-0036.
Find Cargo Containers For Freight Transport & Relocation
Frequently Asked Questions
The affordable cost of shipping a container to Tanzania typically ranges from $2,800 to $5,500 for a 20ft container and $4,200 to $8,000 for a 40ft container. Pricing is driven by container size, origin port, fuel surcharges, seasonal demand, and whether you ship FCL or LCL. Inland transport, port handling, insurance, and customs fees in Tanzania also affect the final landed cost. Many shippers compare options using international shipping cost benchmarks from an international moving costs guide.
Shipping container prices are calculated using ocean freight rates plus origin and destination charges. Core factors include container type, cargo weight, port of loading, Dar es Salaam port fees, documentation, and fuel adjustments. Most quotes are based on CIF value, meaning cost, insurance, and freight are bundled. Additional costs may apply for inspections, storage, or peak-season congestion common on East Africa trade lanes.
Transit time to Tanzania averages 25 to 40 days from major U.S., European, or Asian ports. The timeline includes ocean sailing time, port congestion, customs clearance, and inland delivery. Delays are more common during peak shipping months or if documents are incomplete. Longer routes from Asia often cost less but take more time, while shorter routes usually cost more per container.
Required documents include a bill of lading, commercial invoice, packing list, and PVoC certificate for regulated goods over USD 5,000. Missing or inaccurate paperwork can trigger inspections, storage fees, or demurrage charges at the port. Using a provider experienced in overseas compliance helps control costs tied to documentation errors and clearance delays during moving overseas shipping costs.
Tanzania applies import duties based on the EAC Common External Tariff, ranging from 0% to 25%, plus 18% VAT on most non-exempt goods. Some items face higher rates up to 100%. Duties are calculated on the CIF value, not just freight cost. Exemptions may apply for investors or special programs, but incorrect valuation increases total shipping costs quickly.
Prohibited items include narcotics, counterfeit goods, and hazardous materials. Restricted items such as firearms, plants, animals, and certain chemicals require permits. Tanzania also enforces a strict ban on plastic bags. Shipping restricted cargo without approval leads to fines, seizure, or forced re-export, significantly increasing container shipping costs and delays.
Yes. Cargo insurance is strongly recommended and usually costs 1% to 3% of declared value. Ocean carriers have limited liability, so uninsured loss or damage can result in major financial exposure. Insurance is typically required for CIF shipments and protects against theft, water damage, handling incidents, and port delays common in long-distance container shipping.
Affordability depends on container size, shared versus full container, origin distance, fuel prices, and port efficiency at Dar es Salaam. Flexible sailing dates, off-peak seasons, and accurate packing reduce costs. Comparing providers that specialize in Africa routes and international moving and storage options helps control total shipping expenses.
