Published by Chris Townsend
Last updated Dec, 21 2025
How Much Does It Cost To Ship A Container To United Kingdom?
There’s a need for you to ship a container overseas but you have no idea how. We, your friends from Three Movers, are willing to assist you. We will guide you in understanding this complex operation from start to finish. Our freight forwarder available to assist you in your shipment process to ensure a smooth and worry-free transaction.
Factors That Affect the Cost
When relocating internationally, there are a few main factors to consider, such as:
- The volume/weight of the items to be shipped: This refers to the number of items you will be hauled. The more items you want to ship, the more it’ll cost. This is also applicable to the weight.
- The type of transport: Sea freight cost cheaper but take time to reach the destination. Air freights are faster but will be more expensive. Land transport is significantly cheaper than the previous two options but is only available to countries connected by land.
- Distance: This is one of the obvious factors. The farther it will be from the point of departure, the higher it will cost.
- The destination port: UK Port fees can vary depending on the port you choose. In the UK, there are 5 major ports you can ship to. There is Felixstowe, Southampton, London, Immingham, and Liverpool.
- Peak season: The peak season for 2021 in most countries is August to October as people are getting ready for back-to-school and the holiday seasons. Relocating within this season will affect the total cost of your shipment.
Which Size of Shifting Container Works Best for Me?
There are two types of load modes to choose from. If you want to fill the whole container, you can opt for the Full Cargo Load option (FCL). If your items aren’t enough to use the full size of the container, you can share with other customers and opt for the Less Than Cargo Load option (LCL).
If you decided that the Full Cargo Load is for you, you can choose between the 20ft and the 40ft containers. The 20ft can fit approximately 3 bedrooms’ worth of items. The 40ft will fit double that amount.
Average Shipping Rates
FCL is best for transporting lots of boxes, pallets and anything which will require a full container up to 45,000lbs.
Full Container Load (FCL) Rates | |
|---|---|
| 20 ft Container | $245 |
| 40 ft Container | $295 |
LCL is more affordable way to transport.
Less Than Container (LCL) Rates | |
|---|---|
| LCL | $40/CBM |
| Personal Effects | $335 |
| Household Goods | $445 |
International house moving to United Kingdom services - quick, easy and cheap.
International House Moving Costs | |
|---|---|
| Partial House (2000Lbs & Less) | $325 |
| 1 Bedroom (3850 Lbs) | $1370 |
| 2 Bedroom (4500 Lbs) | $1985 |
| 3+ Bedroom (8750 Lbs) | $2330 |
International auto transport services to United Kingdom 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 | $940 |
| Sedan (Container) | $1250 |
| SUV (Container) | $1320 |
Understanding the Different Types of Freight Transportation
You have a variety of freight transportation modes to choose from. You can use the land freight option since this is the cheapest option available. However, this is only available for countries connected by land.
Since you are shipping to the UK, your best options will be either via sea or air. If your shipment isn’t urgent, sea freight transportation is about five times cheaper than air freight transportation.
However, if you want your shipment to arrive faster, air freight transportation can guarantee that. With that in mind, the air freight transportation option can be expensive.
Additional Shipping Costs
When hauling internationally, there are additional costs to be considered. This is normal and to be expected. They are:
- Custom duties: You can be charged Customs Duty on all goods sent from outside of the UK if your shipment is either excise goods or worth more than £135.
- Container inspection fees: The container inspection fee for the UK is approximately £10.
- VAT: VAT is charged on items sent from outside the UK except for gifts worth £39 or less.
- Inland delivery charges: It depends if you availed a courier to deliver the shipment to your doorstep. If not, this might not apply to you.
- Insurance: Insurance is to ensure that you are well-protected when shipping a container. This will cover whatever damages and/or unexpected accidents your shipment will incur.
What’s Next?
You are now well-informed about the basics of shipping to the UK. Now, you can contact Three Movers for a free quote. You can fill the web form or call us at (888) 202-0036.
Frequently Asked Questions
Shipping a container to the United Kingdom typically costs $2,800–$6,500 for a 20-foot container and $4,800–$9,500 for a 40-foot container from the U.S. Pricing is driven by container size, origin port, ocean freight rates, fuel surcharges, destination port fees, and customs clearance. Door-to-door service, packing, insurance, and seasonal demand can raise totals. Cost estimates align with current international freight averages. Learn more about international moving costs.
Shipping a container to the United Kingdom usually takes 18–35 days by sea freight. East Coast U.S. ports average 18–25 days, while West Coast departures take 28–35 days. Transit time is influenced by port congestion, customs processing, weather delays, and whether the shipment is direct or transshipped. Door-to-door deliveries may add several days beyond port arrival depending on inland transport.
Most shipments to the United Kingdom use 20-foot or 40-foot containers. A 20-foot container fits a 1–2 bedroom home, while a 40-foot container handles a 3–5 bedroom household or commercial cargo. Choice depends on cargo volume, weight limits, budget, and UK delivery access. Shared containers are sometimes used for smaller shipments but have longer delivery windows.
Shipping a container to the United Kingdom requires a bill of lading, commercial or packing inventory, passport copy, and customs declaration. Household goods may also need a Transfer of Residence form. Additional paperwork applies for vehicles, restricted goods, or commercial cargo. Incomplete documentation is the most common cause of customs delays, so accuracy is critical.
Yes. Goods shipped to the United Kingdom may be subject to customs duty and VAT, typically 20 percent VAT on applicable items. Used household goods may qualify for duty-free entry if ownership and residency requirements are met. Charges depend on item type, declared value, and eligibility exemptions set by HMRC. Customs fees are assessed before final delivery.
Yes. Personal belongings and furniture are commonly shipped in containers to the United Kingdom. Items must be clean, used, and properly inventoried. Prohibited items include certain foods, plants, weapons, and restricted materials. Packing quality, wood treatment compliance, and container loading method affect inspection outcomes and delivery speed. Many customers choose professional packing to reduce customs risk.
Yes. Cargo insurance is strongly recommended when shipping a container to the United Kingdom. Ocean carriers provide limited liability, often far below replacement value. Insurance costs are typically 1–3 percent of declared value and protect against loss, damage, and weather-related incidents. Coverage is especially important for long-distance overseas moves. Insurance options are commonly bundled with moving overseas shipping costs.
