Published by Chris Townsend
Last updated Feb, 25 2026
How Much Does It Cost To Ship A Container To Timor-Leste?
Timor-Leste Container Shipping Cost
Are you considering shipping your cargo to Timor-Leste? You will need a shipping company that you can trust. That is where we come in. We have a reputation for assisting our clients in shipping their cargo without problems. We can make your shipping process easier by guiding you through it. Whether you want your items container delivered to a port, airport, or home, at competitive prices we can make it possible.
Factors Affecting the Cost of Shipping
International shipping requires a lot of research and calculations before deciding an affordable price. These are the main factors affecting shipping rates and estimates to Timor-Leste.
The Volume/Weight of the Goods
Understandably, we don't want to leave an item behind while relocating or shipping your goods. It is important to note that the inclusion of more items increases the volume and price for transportation. However, you can choose a freight plan whether air freight or ocean freight, at cost effective price for high-volume cargo.
Type of Transport
Choosing a freight plan can help you save costs and determine the speed of delivering your cargo. Cargoes sent through air deliver quickly and are not often affected by infrastructure. Cargoes sent by sea are slow to arrive but sea freight offers a cheap price for transporting high-volume cargo. Trucks can only be used for items coming from Timor-Leste. Trucks can also carry your items from the ports or airport to your home. Railway freight is not possible as the country does not have an established railway system. Each of these freight has different prices and can affect the time of delivering your cargo.
The Distance of the Journey
Everyday transportation makes us understand that long-distance journeys cost more than short distance journeys. Location differences also impact your cost of shipping to any location.
The Destination Port
Custom charges by your destination port can increase the cost of shipping your cargo. Custom regulations can also impact the time of delivering your cargo. It is important to be aware of customs regulations to Timor-Leste and get information on their charges and regulations. You can access the official customs site of Timor-Leste by clicking here.
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 Timor-Leste of up to 45,000lbs.
Full Container Load (FCL) Shipping Rates | |
|---|---|
| 20 ft Container | $445 |
| 40 ft Container | $575 |
LCL shipping is more affordable way to transport less than container load shipments to Timor-Leste.
Less Than Container (LCL) Shipping Rates | |
|---|---|
| LCL | $44/CBM |
| Personal Effects | $500 |
| Household Goods | $625 |
International house moving to Timor-Leste services - quick, easy and cheap.
International House Moving Costs | |
|---|---|
| Partial House (2000Lbs & Less) | $610 |
| 1 Bedroom (3850 Lbs) | $1360 |
| 2 Bedroom (4500 Lbs) | $2165 |
| 3+ Bedroom (8750 Lbs) | $3025 |
International auto transport services to Timor-Leste via RoRo and container ships. Ship cars, trucks, suvs, atv's, boats, RV's, heavy equipment and more.
Container Car Shipping | |
|---|---|
| Sedan via RORO | $740 |
| SUV via RORO | $795 |
| Sedan (Container) | $895 |
| SUV (Container) | $940 |
What Size of Shipping Container Works Best for Me?
Container sizes vary and are chosen based on the need and size of your cargo. If your cargo is small, the 20ft container is your best choice. Cargoes of high volume and number require the use of a 40ft container.
How Big is a 20Ft Container?
Containers of 20ft can accommodate volumes of about thirty cartons of items. It can carry volumes of over 20000kg but not more than 25000kg. It can carry a car easily or two small or standard-sized cars, but it cannot fit more items. Items of more volume will require a 40ft container.
How Big is a 40ft Container?
It has more length than a 20ft container and provides more space for the transportation of your cargo. Using a 40ft container with space makes it easy for the loading and unloading of your cargo. This saves us time in delivering your cargo to your home or port.
The Difference Between FCL and LCL
You will decide between using full container loads or a less than container load service. The full container load service will give you the privacy of using a container for your cargo. It also ensures that you can carry up to the full volume of the container. The less than container load service does not have the privacy advantage. You will use the container with other users and share the cost as well. This option is cheaper but is easily applicable to clients with a small volume of cargo.
Additional Shipping Costs
Other required charges on international shipping are listed below:
- Customs duties
- General Rate Increase (GRI)
- Container inspection fees
- Inland delivery charges
- Quarantine fees
- Insurance cover
What’s Next?
You will need a shipping quote. Fill the web form or call us at (888) 202-0036 to get a free quote.
Find Cargo Containers For Freight Transport & Relocation
Frequently Asked Questions
The cost of shipping a container to Timor-Leste typically ranges from 3,000 to 7,500 for a 20ft container and 4,500 to 9,000 for a 40ft container, depending on origin port and season. Rates are influenced by FCL rate levels, fuel surcharges, port handling fees in Dili, customs duties, and inland delivery charges. LCL shipments are billed per cubic meter and cost more per unit. You can compare broader international moving costs to benchmark pricing expectations.
Required documents include the Bill of Lading, commercial invoice, packing list, and certificate of origin. Businesses must provide a Tax Identification Number and commercial registration. Declarations are filed through ASYCUDA World under Timor-Leste Customs. Incomplete paperwork leads to inspections, storage fees, and clearance delays. Accurate documentation directly impacts container release timing, delivery scheduling, and overall shipping costs.
Transit time generally ranges from 25 to 45 days depending on departure country and transshipment routing, commonly through Singapore or Darwin. LCL shipments take longer because cargo must be consolidated and separated at destination. Total delivery timing depends on port congestion in Dili, weather in the Timor Sea, customs inspections, and inland trucking coordination. Reviewing standard moving overseas shipping costs can also help align transit expectations with pricing structures.
FCL means one shipper uses the entire container, while LCL combines cargo from multiple shippers. FCL typically clears faster, reduces handling risk, and offers more predictable scheduling. LCL lowers upfront cost but involves warehouse consolidation, additional documentation checks, and longer destination handling time. The shipment type directly affects total cost of shipping a container and customs processing speed.
Timor-Leste restricts firearms, ammunition, narcotics, hazardous materials, and certain agricultural goods without permits. Used vehicles may face age and emissions controls. Food, plants, and animal products require phytosanitary or veterinary certification. Customs authorities may inspect high risk shipments, increasing storage time and port fees. Verifying compliance before booking with an international moving company helps prevent seizure, penalties, or costly re export.
Consolidating goods, selecting the correct container size, and booking outside peak months can reduce rising shipping costs. Compare multiple carrier quotes and confirm whether destination charges in Dili are included. Flexible loading schedules reduce storage and demurrage fees. Using a transparent freight provider that explains surcharge breakdowns and port handling costs helps prevent unexpected final invoices.
