International Container Shipping Costs
SDC International Shipping specializes in the export of residential and commercial goods from the United States to destinations around the world. As a licensed provider under the Federal Maritime Commission, we handle thousands of container shipments each year, helping families and businesses relocate with ease.
International Container Shipping Costs – Export
At SDC International Shipping, we specialize in exporting residential and commercial goods from the U.S. to destinations worldwide. Licensed by the Federal Maritime Commission, we ship thousands of containers annually, providing reliable services for families and businesses alike.
Our clients have a variety of reasons for sending containers. Many are families relocating for work, retirement, or family reunification. Others are moving due to employment opportunities or company relocations. Whatever the reason, shipping costs are a key concern, and it’s one of the first questions clients ask.
But how much does it cost to send a container? While it’s tempting to look for quick answers, it’s important to understand that container shipping costs are influenced by various factors. Be cautious of quick estimates you might find online, as they are often misleading and don’t reflect the true cost of your move.
How much does it cost to ship a container internationally?
The answer depends on a range of factors, which is why it’s crucial to get an accurate, detailed quote from a trusted international shipping company. While quick answers found online can be tempting, they are often misleading and don’t reflect the actual costs of your move.
It’s important to remember that container shipping costs are just one component of an international move. In fact, depending on your destination, container shipping may be one of the least expensive parts of the process. A better question to ask is: What is the most cost-effective way to send your belongings abroad?
When calculating international container shipping costs, you must factor in:
- Customs security surcharges, including common X-ray inspections
- Port congestion and sea routing fees
- Truck delivery costs to and from both the origin and destination homes, which may include tolls and distance surcharges
- Terminal handling charges at both ends
Be wary of any “too-good-to-be-true” shipping costs you find online. These often leave out hidden fees, like additional charges for passing through specific routes, such as the Panama Canal.
Modern international shipping relies on intermodal containers, which can seamlessly transition from ships to tractor-trailers or railway cars, making them a key part of efficient global logistics. These containers are essential for making international relocation affordable and timely, whether stacked two high on trains or 20 high on cargo ships.
For shipments to Canada or Mexico, however, sea containers are not used. Instead, personal belongings are transported in moving vans. These countries do not require containers for the same logistical reasons as overseas destinations.
Do you really need a container for your move?
The answer depends on two main factors: the size of your cargo and the destination. Some locations may have higher costs due to port and country fees, while others are more affordable. The logistics team at SDC International Shipping will help determine the most effective and cost-efficient way to get your shipment to its destination.
For clients moving to Australia, Europe, or the UK, we offer a groupage consolidation shipping method. This allows us to combine multiple shipments into a single container, significantly reducing costs. Our large volume of shipments to these regions enables us to negotiate favorable rates, which we pass on to our clients.
For other destinations, once your cargo exceeds around 600 cubic feet, it may become more cost-effective to send a private container instead of a Less than Container Load (LCL) shipment. However, in some countries like China, where shipping costs are lower, a container might make sense even for smaller shipments as low as 300 cubic feet.
Every SDC client is assigned a dedicated relocation agent who will work with them throughout the process. Once the logistics team takes over, your agent will remain involved to ensure everything runs smoothly and efficiently.
A Container for Your Move
If you and your relocation agent decide that a private container is the best option for your move, your container will be delivered to your home on the scheduled moving day. Containers are typically picked up from the shipping yard early in the morning, and for some clients, they may be delivered to railway yards or inland ports for transportation.
We strongly recommend opting for door-to-door delivery service when using private containers. Professional movers should handle the loading process, as the container floor sits over four feet off the ground, and the trucks used for transport do not have ramps or lifts. The only exception to this is if your origin is a storage facility with a truck loading dock. Attempting to load your own container is generally not advised.
Once the container is fully loaded, it will be sealed. In most cases, the seal will remain intact until the container reaches your destination. Exceptions include shipments with licensed vehicles, which are loaded last for easier inspection at the destination. Additionally, some countries require containers to be unloaded onto moving vans, and manual inspections may occasionally occur—though you’ll be notified in advance if this happens.
The shipping process is largely automatic. Once your container is loaded, it will be transported from the truck to the ship, processed for discharge at the destination port, and moved through customs clearance. From there, it will be delivered by truck to your new home.
Automated Container Moving Process
Once your container is loaded and sealed, the shipping process is largely automatic. Your container will be transferred from the truck to the ship, and once it reaches your destination port, it will be discharged, processed through customs clearance, and then transferred onto trucks for final delivery to your new home.
Throughout this automated process, SDC International Shipping ensures that every step, from loading to delivery, follows the highest standards of care, so your belongings arrive safely and securely.
Final Delivery and Unloading
Once your container has been processed at your destination port, it will move through customs clearance and be transferred onto trucks for the final leg of its journey. When it arrives at your new home, our professional movers will handle the unloading and ensure your belongings are delivered safely and securely.
In some cases, your container may need to be unloaded and its contents transferred to moving vans for delivery. This is often required by certain countries due to local regulations or narrow road access. Rest assured that SDC International Shipping’s team will manage every detail, ensuring that your move is smooth from start to finish.
From the moment your container is sealed until it arrives at your new home, SDC is committed to providing a seamless relocation experience with professional handling every step of the way.
