Published by Chris Townsend
Last updated Feb, 25 2026
How Much Does It Cost Of Shipping A Container To Tuvalu?
Tuvalu Container Shipping Cost
Three Movers is the company you need if you want to ship to Tuvalu. Shipping internationally is a daunting task, but your friends at Three Movers are willing to make it easy and smooth for you. Our services include freight forwarding services, logistics services, and shipping services.
Factors That Affect the Cost Of Shipping A Container To Tuvalu
There are a lot of variables to be considered when thinking about the cost of international shipping, but we will focus on the five most important ones: the volume/weight of the items to be shipped, the distance, the mode of transportation, the destination port, and when you’ll be shipping your items.
You are aware that distance and cargo volume are major contributors to overall costs. So let us go into greater detail about the other considerations. Whether you choose to travel by land sea or air your transportation costs will vary. One of the most common and inexpensive choices is shipping via sea whereas shipping via air is both quicker and more expensive. Whether or not you can reach your final port via land depends on where you are starting from.
There is one major port in Tuvalu: Funafuti. All overseas shipments arrive at this port and will be passed on to the inter-island cargo service for distribution.
The peak season for shipments is between August to October. It is during this season that people are gearing up for the holidays.
Which Size of Shipping Container Works Best for Me?
We could go over the 16 different types of containers available for use, but you will most likely be using two: the 20ft container and the 40ft container.
If you are shipping around the equivalent of 3 bedrooms worth of stuff, the 20ft container is the best choice. You can also ship a car using this container, but it won’t be able to hold anything else. If you’re shipping a vehicle along with other items, the 40ft container is for you.
If you’re worried about not being able to fill a container, the Less Than Cargo Load (LCL) option is your friend. With this option, you’ll be sharing with other customers who availed of this type of loading. If you need to fill a container, the Full Cargo Load (FCL) is the choice for you since it is cost-efficient and ensures that your items are safe and secure.
Instant Rates For Shipping Containers To Tuvalu
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 Tuvalu of up to 45,000lbs.
Full Container Load (FCL) Shipping Rates | |
|---|---|
| 20 ft Container | $895 |
| 40 ft Container | $1240 |
LCL shipping is more affordable way to transport less than container load shipments to Tuvalu.
Less Than Container (LCL) Shipping Rates | |
|---|---|
| LCL | $53/CBM |
| Personal Effects | $510 |
| Household Goods | $740 |
International house moving to Tuvalu services - quick, easy and cheap.
International House Moving Costs | |
|---|---|
| Partial House (2000Lbs & Less) | $740 |
| 1 Bedroom (3850 Lbs) | $1370 |
| 2 Bedroom (4500 Lbs) | $1855 |
| 3+ Bedroom (8750 Lbs) | $2265 |
International auto transport services to Tuvalu via RoRo and container ships. Ship cars, trucks, suvs, atv's, boats, RV's, heavy equipment and more.
Container Car Shipping | |
|---|---|
| Sedan via RORO | $795 |
| SUV via RORO | $855 |
| Sedan (Container) | $1160 |
| SUV (Container) | $1230 |
Understanding the Different Types of Freight Transportation
You can choose between land, sea, or air as your preferred mode of transportation. However, land transport is only available to destinations reachable by roads. As a beautiful island country in the Pacific, your best choices are either sea or air.
Sea freight transportation is five times cheaper than air freight transportation, but it takes a longer time to reach the port of destination compared to the latter, which can reach the port of destination in a few days.
Additional Shipping Costs
There will be additional shipping costs when shipping internationally. It is normal and expected, but it can differ for each country. They are:
- Custom duties
- Container inspection fees
- VAT
- Inland delivery charges
- Insurance
- Quarantine Fees
Getting insurance for your shipment is highly recommended because it ensures that you are protected in case damages or accidents occur.
What’s Next?
Now that you’re well-informed about the inner workings of shipping internationally especially to countries like Tuvalu, the next step to take will be to contact Three Movers. We will gladly give you a free quote. You can fill the web form or call us at (888) 202-0036.
Find Cargo Containers For Freight Transport & Relocation
Frequently Asked Questions
Shipping A Container To Tuvalu typically costs $4,000 to $9,500 for a 20-foot container and $7,500 to $14,000+ for a 40-foot container, depending on origin port and season. Final pricing reflects container size, port handling fees, fuel surcharges, customs clearance, inland trucking, and whether you ship FCL or LCL. Tuvalu’s remote Pacific location increases ocean freight rates and transit time. For detailed breakdowns, see international moving costs.
Transit time for shipping a container to Tuvalu averages 25 to 45 days, depending on departure country and transshipment routes through Australia or New Zealand. Tuvalu has limited direct service, so most containers move via consolidation hubs. Delivery timing also depends on port congestion, customs processing, vessel schedules, and weather conditions in the Pacific. Door to door shipments require added inland trucking coordination at origin and destination.
FCL means your goods fill an entire container, while LCL means your shipment shares space with other cargo. FCL is usually faster and reduces handling risk because the container remains sealed from origin to arrival. LCL is more economical for smaller loads but may add 7 to 14 days due to consolidation and deconsolidation. Shipment size, packaging quality, fragile items, and delivery urgency determine which option works best. Learn more about moving overseas shipping costs.
Tuvalu applies import duties and customs processing fees based on declared value and product type. Rates vary, but most consumer goods are assessed using CIF value, which includes cost, insurance, and freight. You must provide a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading. Customs clearance delays occur if documents are incomplete or values are understated. For regulated interstate freight rules from the U.S., refer to the interstate moving service guidelines.
Prohibited imports generally include counterfeit currency, narcotics, indecent materials, certain weapons, imitation firearms, and hazardous chemicals. Agricultural products, food, and wooden items may require inspection to prevent biosecurity risks common in Pacific nations. Incorrect labeling or undeclared goods can result in seizure or fines. Shipment inspections increase if documentation is unclear or cargo is poorly packed. Accurate packing and declaration reduce customs delays.
A standard 20-foot container typically allows a payload up to 28,000 to 30,000 kg, while a 40-foot container averages 26,000 to 29,000 kg, depending on carrier and equipment rating. Exceeding limits can trigger overweight penalties or port refusal. Final allowed weight depends on road restrictions at origin, crane capacity at destination, and vessel limits. Proper load distribution prevents structural stress and inspection delays during export processing
You can lower shipping a container to Tuvalu price by booking 30 to 60 days in advance, choosing standard container sizes, and avoiding peak summer export months. Consolidating freight, minimizing storage days at port, and submitting complete customs paperwork prevent added fees. Flexible delivery windows often reduce premium surcharges. Comparing routing options through major Pacific hubs also improves rate efficiency. For planning tools, review the moving cost estimator.
