Published by Chris Townsend
Last updated Jan, 04 2026
How Much Does It Cost To Ship A Container To United Arab Emirates?
Shipping a container to another country can be daunting. Just thinking about it can overwhelm the brain. Luckily, Three Movers is here to help you with your worries. We will help you understand the complexities of this operation, from its beginning until it reaches its destination. Our team of experts is willing to assist you in planning your shipment for a worry-free process.
Three Movers is an international carrier that delivers commercial goods door-to-door. We work with some of the world's largest companies and small businesses, offering them discounted shipping rates on container hauling services and door delivery. We are a top-rated shipment company that is here to help you with all of your needs!
Factors That Affect the Cost of Shipping
There are a few main factors to consider when international shipping. Distance is the obvious one. The further away your international shipments are from the departure port, the more they’ll cost. What you’ll be using as transport is another factor. Relocators will be slow but cost less. Air freight, on the other hand, will reach the destination faster but is an expensive option.
The volume or weight of the items will vary depending on your transport mode. The price is measured directly proportional to the number of items. It is important to remember that sea freights use volume and weight for air freight.
You have to consider the destination port and the season of the year, too. For United Arab Emirates Dispatching, Jebel Ali is one of the biggest ports in the country. The peak season for shipping is between August and October, as people are gearing up for back-to-school and holiday seasons. This will affect your shipping price.
Which Size of Shipping Container Works Best for Me?
Choosing the appropriate container for your shipment understandably raises many questions. Like most people, you can start by checking out the 20-ft or 40-ft containers. The former can fit the contents of a small household (about three bedrooms), while the latter can accommodate double the amount. Another way of visualizing it is that the 20-foot receptacle can fit 50-60 fridges. More than that, the best option would be to use a 40-foot.
You have two modes to choose from to make it better for you. If you want to fill the crates up to the last square inch, a popular option, you’d want to go with the Full Container Load option (FCL). If you don’t have enough items to fill a receptacle, you can always opt for the Less Then Container Load option (LCL).
Average Container Shipping Rates Estimates
FCL is best for transporting boxes, pallets, and anything requiring full container shipping to the United Arab Emirates of up to 45,000 lbs.
Full Container Load (FCL) Shipping Rates | |
|---|---|
| 20 ft Container | $855 |
| 40 ft Container | $1040 |
LCL is a more affordable way to transport less than container load shipments to the United Arab Emirates.
Less Than Container (LCL) Shipping Rates | |
|---|---|
| LCL | $60/CBM |
| Personal Effects | $460 |
| Household Goods | $575 |
International House moving to United Arab Emirates services - quick, easy, and cheap.
International House Moving Costs | |
|---|---|
| Partial House (2000Lbs & Less) | $445 |
| 1 Bedroom (3850 Lbs) | $1855 |
| 2 Bedroom (4500 Lbs) | $2530 |
| 3+ Bedroom (8750 Lbs) | $3255 |
International auto transport services to the United Arab Emirates via RoRo and container ships. Ship cars, trucks, SUVs, ATVs, boats, RVs, heavy equipment, and more.
Container Car Shipping | |
|---|---|
| Sedan via RORO | $940 |
| SUV via RORO | $1040 |
| Sedan (Container) | $1370 |
| SUV (Container) | $1460 |
Understanding the Different Types of Freight Transportation
You can choose from three types of cargo transportation methods: land, sea, and air.
Land freight transportation is the cheapest option but it is only available for countries connected by land.
Since you are shipping to the UAE, you can choose between sea and air cargo hauling. Relocating by plane is the fastest option, but it has certain restrictions regarding your shipment’s weight. Shipping via cargo ships is more lenient regarding weight since they account for volume. They are significantly slower than planes, but they are also cheaper.
Additional Shipping Costs
There are a few more shipping costs to be considered. This is normal and something to be expected. They are:
- Custom duties
- Container inspection fees
- General Rate Increase
- Inland delivery charges
- Quarantine fees
- Insurance
Insurance is important when dispatching your items. This can ensure that whatever happens, you are well-protected. Insurance fees usually depend on the monetary value of your items rather than the weight or volume.
What’s Next?
Now that you know how to start your process, your next step is to contact Three Movers for a free quote. You can fill out the web form or call us at (888) 202-0036.
Find Cargo Containers For Freight Transport & Relocation
Frequently Asked Questions
The cost of shipping a container to the United Arab Emirates typically ranges from $2,800–$6,500 for a 20 foot container and $4,500–$9,000 for a 40 foot container. Pricing is driven by container size, origin port, fuel surcharges, seasonality, and customs clearance. Port handling at Jebel Ali, inland delivery distance, insurance, and whether the shipment is FCL or LCL also affect the final total.
A 40 foot container shipping cost to the UAE usually falls between $4,500 and $9,000. Rates vary based on origin country, carrier capacity, transit time, and port congestion. Additional costs may include destination handling, documentation, and inland transport within the UAE. For broader benchmarks, see how these figures compare with other routes on our international moving costs page.
Container shipping costs depend on container size, shipping distance, FCL versus LCL service, fuel prices, port congestion, and customs rules. Cargo weight, special handling requirements, insurance, and UAE port fees also matter. Seasonal demand spikes and vessel availability on Asia–Middle East lanes frequently influence pricing.
LCL is usually cheaper for shipments under 10–12 cubic meters, while FCL is more cost-efficient for full household or commercial loads. FCL offers faster transit and fewer handling risks. LCL pricing depends on volume, consolidation fees, and deconsolidation charges at UAE ports, which are explained further in our moving overseas shipping costs overview.
Transit times typically range from 18–35 days depending on origin, carrier routing, and port congestion. Shipments from Asia tend to arrive faster than those from North America or Europe. Customs inspections and inland delivery within the UAE can add several days after vessel arrival.
Customs duties are not included in base shipping quotes. The UAE generally applies a 5 percent duty on most goods based on CIF value, with higher rates for restricted items. Charges vary depending on cargo type, documentation accuracy, and whether delivery is to a free zone or mainland location.
A container shipping cost calculator gives a planning estimate based on container size, origin, and destination. Final pricing often changes due to fuel adjustments, port fees, inspections, and seasonal demand. Estimation tools are commonly used alongside detailed quotes, as outlined in our international moving and storage resource.
Costs can be reduced by shipping during off-peak months, selecting the correct container size, consolidating cargo efficiently, and preparing accurate documentation. Flexible sailing dates and comparing carriers also help avoid premium rates. Careful planning minimizes delays and unexpected port or storage fees.
