Published by Chris Townsend
Last updated Jan, 04 2026
How Much Does It Cost To Ship A Container To Thailand?
Thailand is a Southeast Asian country that is known for its beautiful royal palaces, tropical beaches, and impressive Buddhist traditions. The country, which was formerly known as Siam, is now officially known as the Kingdom of Thailand.
As expert movers, our crew at Three Movers is one of the top international companies that engages in the hauling of containers to the Kingdom of Thailand among other regions in the world. We're aware that a significant amount of people faces difficulties regarding the relocating. Hence, we've put up a guide that'll aid concerned individuals to understand how to calculate the cost of moving.
Factors that Affect the Cost
The cost of shipping a container across international borders is influenced by certain vital circumstances. For instance, an increase in the weight or volume of the goods will cause an increase in the cost of relocating just as an increase in the hauling distance will do the same. In addition to that, making use of a privately owned port instead of a public port will require you to pay a higher cost of shipping. Employing air cargo transportation rather than sea cargo transportation will also considerably increase the cost of shipping.
Similarly, relocating between August and September will substantially rain up the cost of international moving due to higher demand for shipments. Thus, this period is referred to as the "peak season".
Therefore, the primary factors that affect the cost of hauling are the weight or volume of the goods, distance, freight, international service, freight forwarders, destination port, medium of transportation, and season.
Which Size of Container is Most Suitable for Me?
Depending on size, there are two types. These include the 20 ft and the 40 ft container. The 20 ft is roughly the size of three bedrooms. This fact indicates that it can contain 4000 shoeboxes. On the other hand, the 40 ft container can contain 8000 shoeboxes, which is twice the amount of shoeboxes that can be moved by the 20 ft container.
You should choose a relocating based on the weight or volume of your goods rather than the price of the container. It's also noteworthy that a 40ft container doesn't always evoke a cost that is twice that of a 20ft container.
Average Moving Rates Estimates
FCL shipping is best for transporting lots of boxes, pallets and anything which will require a full container of up to 45,000lbs.
Full Container Load (FCL) Shipping Rates | |
|---|---|
| 20 ft Container | $575 |
| 40 ft Container | $795 |
LCL shipping is more affordable way to transport less than container load shipments to Thailand.
Less Than Container (LCL) Shipping Rates | |
|---|---|
| LCL | $54/CBM |
| Personal Effects | $520 |
| Household Goods | $655 |
International house moving to Thailand services - quick, easy and cheap.
International House Moving Costs | |
|---|---|
| Partial House (2000Lbs & Less) | $690 |
| 1 Bedroom (3850 Lbs) | $1560 |
| 2 Bedroom (4500 Lbs) | $2565 |
| 3+ Bedroom (8750 Lbs) | $3525 |
International auto transport services to Thailand via RoRo and container ships. Ship cars, trucks, suvs, atv's, boats, RV's, heavy equipment and more.
Container Car Shipping | |
|---|---|
| Sedan via RORO | $895 |
| SUV via RORO | $1040 |
| Sedan (Container) | $1370 |
| SUV (Container) | $1460 |
Understanding the Different Types of Cargo Transportation
Similar to the four major means of transportation, the common types of cargo transportation are air freight shipping, ocean freight, land freight, sea freight, and rail/train transportation. Moving goods to the Kingdom of Thailand from regions outside Asia commonly involves all four of the major means of cargo transportation.
Air cargo transportation is no doubt the fastest means of moving cargo. On the negative side, it's the most expensive means of cargo transportation. Although sea cargo transportation is relatively slower than air cargo transportation, it has a reputation of being cheaper and is capable of conveying more shipments. In all considerations, rail/train cargo transportation takes a middle stand.
Thus, it's essential to choose your means of cargo transportation based on your priorities.
Additional Costs
The average rate of customs duty in Thailand is 7.2%. About one-third of Thailand’s MFN tariff schedule requires the payment of duties of less than 5%. Meanwhile, 30% of tariff lines are MFN duty-free, including, electronics, industrial machinery, and paper. Shipping a container to Thailand may require the payment of the following charges:
- Thai custom fees
- Container inspection fees
- General rate increase
- Inland delivery charges
- Quarantine fees
- Insurance fees
- Thai Import Tax
What's Next?
Since you've been apprised of how the rates of shipping a container to Thailand are evaluated, you require a quote to begin your shipping endeavor. You can obtain a well-detailed quote free of charge by filling out our web form or calling us on (888) 202-0036.
Find Cargo Containers For Freight Transport & Relocation
Frequently Asked Questions
The cost of shipping a container to Thailand typically falls between $3,000–$6,500 for a 20-foot container and $4,800–$9,500 for a 40-foot container. Rates are driven by container size, U.S. departure port, fuel surcharges, destination port fees, and delivery method. Door-to-door service costs more than port-to-port. Seasonal demand and congestion at Laem Chabang or Bangkok ports can increase container shipping rates. Broader benchmarks are outlined in international moving costs.
Container shipping rates to Thailand are influenced by shipment volume, container type, port distance, fuel costs, and customs handling. Optional services such as packing, insurance, and inland trucking also affect pricing. Peak shipping seasons, weather disruptions, and port congestion can raise rates. Shared containers lower costs but extend delivery timelines. These pricing mechanics are similar to other overseas moves detailed in long distance moving service.
A 40 foot container price to Thailand typically ranges from $4,800 to $9,500, depending on origin port, cargo volume, and destination services. Larger containers are commonly used for 3–5 bedroom households, vehicles, or commercial freight. Costs increase with specialty handling, stairs, long-carry delivery, or restricted access locations. Planning container size accurately avoids paying for unused space, a topic also covered in average cost of moving containers.
Shipping a container from the U.S. to Thailand usually takes 25–45 days port-to-port. West Coast departures are faster, while East Coast routes often require transshipment. Customs clearance, inspections, and holiday port closures can add delays. Door delivery extends timelines due to inland transport and scheduling. Transit expectations align with international timelines explained in moving overseas shipping costs.
Required documents include a bill of lading, commercial invoice, packing list, passport copy, and visa or work permit if applicable. Thai Customs may also request a residence certificate or import declaration. Certain items need special permits. Missing or inaccurate paperwork commonly leads to port storage fees and clearance delays. Documentation requirements are similar to other overseas relocations outlined in moving internationally checklist.
Thailand restricts or prohibits items such as used motorcycles, firearms, ammunition, certain electronics, gaming machines, and regulated medical devices. Agricultural products and alcohol often require permits or face high duties. Shipping prohibited goods can result in seizure or fines. Reviewing restrictions before packing prevents costly delays, similar to compliance steps used in international moving agencies.
Household goods and personal belongings can be shipped to Thailand in a 20-foot or 40-foot container, depending on home size. Used personal items may qualify for duty relief if residency conditions are met. Proper packing, labeling, and inventory lists are mandatory. Shared containers reduce costs but increase transit time. Packing standards mirror those used by packing and unpacking service.
Cargo insurance is strongly recommended for shipments to Thailand. Ocean carrier liability is limited and based on weight, not item value. Insurance protects against loss, water damage, theft, and handling incidents during long transit periods. Premiums are typically a small percentage of declared value and provide essential coverage for overseas moves. Coverage expectations align with guidance from international moving and storage.
