How much does it cost to ship a container overseas? Get tips and advice on shipping container charges – and what you can do to reduce or avoid them.
Chances are that you just searched for ‘shipping container charges’ in your browser. Then you got hit with a ton of search results. Covering everything from freight rates, what it costs to buy a container to the latest industry news. And now, you’re here.
We know, it can be overwhelming.
As overwhelming as your Google page might feel right now, equally overwhelming can the shipping industry be. The jargon, regulations, culture, and the many surcharges.
But fear no more. We’re here to make your life a little easier. With this overview of the different shipping container charges, we’ll give you a rundown of the charges you’re most likely to run into. And if you want to learn more about the specific charges and how you can minimize or avoid them, we’ve gathered tips on that too. So, why don’t we just get started? Let’s go👇
Table of Contents
The many types of shipping container charges
These are the shipping container charges we’ll go over:
- Port charges
- Demurrage and detention
- Carrier and shipping lines charges
- Terminal handling charges
Port charges
Port charges are just one type of charge you’ll face. And when we talk about port charges there are also many different fees here. So, let’s have a look at some of the most common ones.
One port charge you won’t be able to get around is the Terminal handling charge – also known as THC. The Terminal handling charge is a fee you have to pay to get your container loaded on the ship and discharged again. That’s also why THC is charged at both the port of load and discharge.
Goods dues are another surcharge you have to pay. It’s a fee that’s put on all goods loaded and unloaded from a ship.
On the other hand, a surcharge you can do something against is the container storage fee. At the ports, you have a certain number of free days, for you to get your container off the premises. Once you’ve surpassed those free days, and the container is still in the container yard or terminal grounds, you’ll have to pay for storage. Now you might be thinking ‘how exactly do I avoid that?’
Planning plays a major factor. It’s important that you plan buffers, so you have extra time in case something happens. If you already have that in mind, you can use that when you negotiate the rates of surcharges with the container owners. Something you’ll do in advance.
Another crucial aspect is having real-time information on your shipments. In case the container is delayed or ahead of time, you’ll be able to take action and re-negotiate fees, reach out to truckers, and so on.
Want to know more about other port charges? Find a list of the other port charges you may run into – and how to avoid them in this blog article.
Demurrage and detention
Demurrage and detention also fit under the category of port charges. But demurrage and detention charges are some of those very pricey surcharges that can easily cost you more than the container is worth.
You have to worry about demurrage and detention when a carrier or shipping line’s container isn’t delivered back within the set free days. When that happens, demurrage and detention are usually calculated daily.
Demurrage charges always relate to the time a container is inside a terminal. Where detention, on the other hand, is a charge for extended use of the container until it’s returned empty to the shipping line.
Want to learn more about demurrage and detention? You can find all you need to know right here.
How to avoid demurrage and detention
Just as with the container storage fees, planning and tracking are important if you want to avoid demurrage and detention. Because these are surcharges you have to pay when something unexpected happens and you can’t move your containers as you thought. That can be trouble with customs, cargo being rolled, or even port congestion. In situations like those, it’s vital to be prepared. If you know, in advance, where your shipments are, the ETAWhat is estimated time of arrival? Estimated time of arrival, commonly known as ETA, is a frequently used term globally to denote the time of coming. In the shipping & logistics industry, it is ... and if something is off track you can go to the carrier or shipping line and renegotiate the level of the fees.
But demurrage and detention are pretty much unavoidable if you use containers from carriers – also known as COC containers.
If you want to avoid demurrage and detention charges you should consider if SOC containers could be something for you instead. SOC containers are owned by shippers who want their empty containers moved without paying for the repositioning. That’s why the per diem fees are very low. And depending on the stretch, you might even get paid to move the container.
On xChange, can you not only find SOC containers from trustworthy partners. You’ll also have all your shipments, in and out of xChange, automatically tracked. That way you always know where the containers are, if everything is going according to plans, and if you need to take action. Making planning, tracking, and transparency easy for you. Sounds convenient, right? Then click on the banner below and book a call with our team – they’ll show you how the platform can help you and your business.
Carrier and shipping lines charges
Next on the list, we have, what we call, carrier and shipping lines charges. These are charges imposed by the shipping lines and carriers. And this covers a broad range of surcharges. Let’s look at a few.
One is the Emergency bunker surcharge that carriers implement. This happens when there are dramatic increases in fuel prices. Making it more expensive to run the ship and move around the containers. A surcharge there isn’t anything you can do to prevent.
It’s a similar case with the low sulphur fuel surcharge. This is also an extra fee you have to pay. It’s implemented because of increased fuel prices with low sulphur levels, making it more sustainable.
On the positive side, there are extra fees, imposed by shipping lines and carriers, that you can do your best to avoid. Let’s take, for instance, the peak season surcharge. Every year carriers impose a peak season surcharge – that’s usually twice a year around Chinese New Year and between June and October. If you want to avoid paying these fees, you’ve probably guessed what our tip will be… Planning ahead.
Look at your data from previous years – do you have a recurring customer who wants shipments sent in the middle of peak season? Reach out to them, and explain the risks that come with peak season. It can be anything from rolled cargo to port congestion, chassisWhat is a chassis? Chassis, in freight & logistics, refers to a skeleton framework with wheels on it used to move containers. It is also called intermodal chassis or container chassis. Similar to ... shortage, and skyrocketing demurrage and detention fees. So plan ahead, look at your previous years, and do your best to avoid shipping during peak season. If you can’t avoid it, you should consider longer transit times and avoid transshipments. At least that way, you reduce the risk of paying even more fees. Want to know why? Read all about it here.
Terminal handling charges
The fifth and last type of shipping container charge we’ll go over in this blog is the terminal handling charges.
This covers a long range of charges such as chassisWhat is a chassis? Chassis, in freight & logistics, refers to a skeleton framework with wheels on it used to move containers. It is also called intermodal chassis or container chassis. Similar to ... usage charges, cartage charges, and port wharfageWhat is Wharfage? A wharf is a man-made, fixed structure where the vessels can dock for safe loading and unloading of cargo. Wharfage refers to the fee for using the wharf (also called quay) to store ... charges. All of which are linked to things happening in the terminals.
For instance, the chassisWhat is a chassis? Chassis, in freight & logistics, refers to a skeleton framework with wheels on it used to move containers. It is also called intermodal chassis or container chassis. Similar to ... usage charge is a fee you find at some U.S. ports. The carriers implement the fee for using their chassisWhat is a chassis? Chassis, in freight & logistics, refers to a skeleton framework with wheels on it used to move containers. It is also called intermodal chassis or container chassis. Similar to .... That to encourage shippers and truckers to come with their own chassisWhat is a chassis? Chassis, in freight & logistics, refers to a skeleton framework with wheels on it used to move containers. It is also called intermodal chassis or container chassis. Similar to ....
The above-mentioned terminal handling charges, are charges that you don’t have much choice other than to pay. So better save money on all the other charges, when you can😊
Minimize and avoid shipping container charges
Now that you’ve got the lowdown on these elusive shipping charges, let’s go over the basic tips to avoid them:
The all-consuming, overarching tip is for you to create transparency in your supply chain. I know – that sounds like an intangible concept that everyone talks about these days. But let’s make it more concrete. Why do you want transparency? Because with transparency you know what you’re paying for, the surcharges, where your container is if it’s on time and whether you need to take action. If you have transparency in your supply chain, you can move on to our second tip: Plan.
This one sounds simple, right? You already plan your shipments. However, if you want to avoid shipping container charges, thinking further ahead is important. Do you have shipments that usually happen during peak season? If so, consider if you can ship before or after – that way you save money on the pricy peak season surcharge. Is there a time where you often experience port congestion? If that’s the case, think of different ports to ship to or try to avoid that period.
But, as we all know, unexpected events tend to happen. And that’s where our third tip comes in: Tracking. Because when that happens, it’s crucial that you know, so you can take action. Whether that is booking a new slot on a vessel, calling the truck company, changing the pick-up time, or contacting your customers and letting them know the goods are delayed.
How to get transparency, automated tracking, and easy planning?
Now that you’ve seen how transparency can help you avoid and minimize these shipping container charges, it’s time for you to answer one simple question:
What’s the first step you’re going to take?
If you want to follow the tips we’ve described above, you’ll probably want to use a tool that’ll help you save that hard-earned money – without costing you hours on end. Because it doesn’t have to.
With Container xChange, you’ll never have to manually trace your containers again. It’s all done for you with detailed track and trace reports. You’ll also get a notification if there’s a container event. That can be anything from a changed ETAWhat is estimated time of arrival? Estimated time of arrival, commonly known as ETA, is a frequently used term globally to denote the time of coming. In the shipping & logistics industry, it is ... to a container traveling in the wrong direction. This way, you always know where your containers are and when they’re expected to arrive. Giving you the chance to make changes in case your shipments are early or running late. You can also reach out to customers and keep them happy, as well as try and renegotiate shipping fees with the container owners – saving you money.
And next time you need a container?
You can find the boxes right here on xChange – both to lease and to buy. Sounds easy and convenient, right? That’s what we thought.
If you also think Container xChange sounds interesting for you, click on the banner below and learn why more than 600 shipping companies already use xChange to increase their efficiency and save money.
Summary
Article Name
International shipping container charges | Your ultimate guide
Description
How much does it cost to ship a container overseas? Get tips and advice on shipping container charges – and what you can do to reduce or avoid them.
Author
Lotte Kragelund
Publisher Name
Container xChange
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FAQs
How much does it cost to bring a 40 foot container from India? ›
Container type | Container price (US $) |
---|---|
20ft container | Starts from 1,500 to 4,000 |
40ft container | Starts from 2,200 to 5,300 |
40ft HC container | Starts from 3,000 to 5,900 |
40ft Reefer | Starts from 5,000 to 13,000 |
Container Service Charges are fees charged by the shipping terminals for the storage and positioning of containers before they are loaded on a vessel. The charges usually consist of goods handling, unloading the container, stacking and crane service. Another name for CSC is Terminal Handling Charges (THC).
How much does it cost to ship a 20ft container? ›The container can range from $1,300 to $6,700 for 20 ft. and $1500 to $7000 for a 40 ft. Distance, type of transport, and volume will affect the final shipping cost. Extra costs include door-to-door delivery, packing and unloading, and insurance.
How much does it cost to bring a 40 foot container from China? ›Port of loading: | Container size: | Shipping price: |
---|---|---|
Ship a container from China to Providence | 40FT Container | from: $10500 |
Ship a container from China to Seattle | 40FT Container | from: $8800 |
Ship a container from China to Chicago | 40FT Container | from: $12800 |
The primary reason for this increase is the world's nemesis: COVID-19. The pandemic has destroyed the global supply chain since 2020. And the recent rise in shipping prices is a direct reflection of that.
How much does a 40ft cargo container cost? ›A new 40ft high cube container will cost you an average of US $5,318. If you're looking for a 20ft reefer container, you can get one at US $12,835. The 40ft alternative costs an average of US $18,819. A typical 20ft open top container costs US $4,013.
How are container shipping costs calculated? ›How are container shipping prices, rates & transport costs calculated? Container shipping rates and prices are determined by the form of the cargo, the mode of transport, the weight of your goods, and the distance and popularity of the delivery destination from the point of origin.
Do you pay rates on shipping containers? ›In short, it depends. If you rent your shipping container for your own business, then the tax liability falls with the owner. This is exactly the same situation with businesses that are based from self-storage containers. If you actually own the shipping container, however, you will be liable to pay them.
Are shipping containers charged by weight? ›However, according to the convention, for Less-than Container Load (LCL) shipments, if the weight of cargo exceeds 1000 kilograms (1 ton), then the weight is used for the calculation of freight charges.
How much does it cost to ship a whole container? ›On average, the cost of shipping a full-container load costs between $2,000 and $3,000. To give an idea of what to expect since we know this can be a bit vague, we compiled a few tables below listing the container shipping costs to various places in the world.
How many 20FT containers fit in a cargo ship? ›
They have 24 bays and carry between 18,000 and 21,000 TEUs or 9,000 to 10,500 forty-foot containers. The TEUs are a unit that indicates the number of containers the ships can carry. The Triple-E can carry between 18,000-21,000 twenty-foot containers or up to 165,000 tons.
What is 40 ft container called? ›Now, the volume of cargo and the capacity on a vessel are often measured in TEU. At the same time 40ft containers, which are the same as two TEUs, are known as the Forty-foot Equivalent Unit. Abbreviated FEU.
Are you shipping me ?!? $32000 container move from China to LA? ›One ocean carrier told a company it would cost $32,000 to ship a group of standard containers from Shanghai to Los Angeles, Craig Grossgart, senior vice president of ocean at SEKO Logistics, said during a briefing for reporters late last month.
Why are container rates from China so high? ›After the world went into global lockdown in response to COVID-19, China reopened its economy faster than the US and Europe. However, the shipping containers China needed to ship manufactured goods were stuck in those two regions. This led to a shipping container shortage for China.
How can I reduce my international shipping costs? ›- Negotiate shipping rates with carriers. ...
- Use your shipping account number. ...
- Optimize your item dimensions and weight for cheaper packaging. ...
- Use flat-rate packaging. ...
- Buy supplies in bulk. ...
- Use regional carriers. ...
- Stick to a handful of carriers.
Experts suggest they will go down, but it will take time. Inflation, especially higher labor and gas costs, is still inflicting pain on companies. But the steep decline in freight shipping rates will eventually soften pricing, Farlekas said.
Will shipping prices go down in 2022? ›Shipping cost is down in 2022. Will shipping rates go down in 2023? Shipping costs slump is expected to remain in 2023 and 2024, with an upswing around Christmas time and New Year celebrations. It is highly unlikely that the shipping rates will return to the pre-pandemic levels, especially given the higher fuel costs.
How much does a 40ft steel container cost? ›We Also Rent Steel Storage Containers
Used 40' containers start as low as $1,750, but can cost as much as $3,500 in markets where supply is scarce. One trip 40' containers, which are like new, can cost anywhere from $4,500 to $7,900, depending on availability.
The 40-foot shipping container has a greater amount of floor space for a more comfortable living area. The square footage within the interior of the container is 300 square feet with a length of 30'5”, a width of 7'8”, and a height of 7'9”.
How big is a 40 ft shipping container? ›Length: 40 feet. Width: 8 feet. Height: 9 feet, 6 inches. Weight: 8,600 pounds.
How do I reduce container shipping costs? ›
- Contract steady lane volume.
- Ship on off-peak days.
- Find a consolidation program.
- Don't be a serial rate shopper.
- Increase delivery lead times.
- Reduce dunnage.
- Be known for loading quickly.
- Offer later pick-up times.
Put more stuff into the container
A steamship line charges the same rate to ship a container that's half full as one that's stuffed to capacity. The more you fit in the box, the less you pay per unit or per pound. So, whenever you can, try to consolidate and improve container loading.
The dimensional weight in kilograms will be calculated by dividing the volume (length x width x height – given in cm) by an air freight company's divisor. This divisor is not fixed, but usually the companies are using either 5000 or 6000 to calculate the air freight rates.
Why are container rates so high? ›This mismatch between surging demand and de facto reduced supply capacity then led to record container freight rates on practically all container trade routes.
What is container detention fee? ›Container Detention Charges
To alleviate the delayed or late return of the Containers, detention charges are imposed by the shipping lines for the any containers not returned within the allowed free time period.
On average, the largest charted shipping lines netted an operating profit of US$861 per TEU, which stands for 'twenty-foot equivalent unit' - a measurement of cargo capacity based on a typical 20-foot container.
Does shipping cost go by weight or size? ›Shipping carriers like USPS, FedEx, and UPS calculate shipping charges based on whichever is greater: the actual weight of the package or its DIM weight. Whichever is higher becomes the billable weight for which your business will be charged.
How do I calculate shipping weight? ›To calculate dimensional (DIM) weight, multiply the length, width, and height of a package, using the longest point on each side. Then, divide the cubic size of the package in inches by the DIM divisor to calculate the dimensional weight in pounds.
How do shipping companies charge? ›A package's weight is a major deciding factor in a shipping carrier's base rate. Typically, each new pound increases the shipping cost. While there are factors such as dimensions and shipping zones, it is usually weight that determines which shipping service to use.
How much does it cost to run a container ship per day? ›Marine fuel costs have near tripled from USD$155.5 / tonne in April 2020 to US$435.5 / tonne now. The one-day cost of operating a 4,250-box ship (a size that typically calls in Australia) has blown out from about US$30,200 per day in mid-June 2020 to about US$151,400 a day now.
What is the size of 20 foot container? ›
20 foot shipping container dimensions
The dimensions of a 20 foot storage container are – height: 8ft 6in, width: 2.9m, width metric: 8ft, length: 2.44m. It has a payload capacity of 25,000 kg / 55,126.9 lbs. And a cubic capacity of 33.2 m3 / 1,172 cu ft.
Once containers became the hottest thing in global trade, the ships that carry them started getting bigger. The early container ships were around 38 ft long with a capacity of 500 – 800 TEU (more on that later), today the smallest containers in use measure 45 ft in length.
How many CBM is 1 kg? ›EQUIVALENCE: 1 CBM = 1.000 KG.
What is the size of 1 CBM? ›A cubic metre (m3 or CBM) is a just another way of saying a block of space that measures 1m x 1m x 1m, height x width x depth.
What is 1 CBM in meters? ›Cubic Meter | Meter |
---|---|
1 | 1 |
2 | 1.2599 |
3 | 1.4422 |
4 | 1.5874 |
According to one of the professional assignment help services, a regular 20-foot container allows one or two cars or SUVs to be transported, and a 40-foot-long one allows economically to accommodate two-four mid-size vehicles. A 45-foot container will conveniently accommodate up to 5 cars.
What is the difference between 20 container and 40 container? ›a 20′ container can pack up to 1.53 m³ of cargo for every ton of weight. Up to 21.85 tons of cargo can be loaded on a 20′ container that offers only 33.50 m³ of cargo space. a 40′ container can pack up to 2.53 m³ of cargo for every ton of weight.
What does TEU mean? ›Meaning of TEU in English
abbreviation for twenty-foot equivalent unit: a standard measure for a container for transporting goods, used to calculate how many containers a ship can carry, or a port can deal with: The port development will add capacity for 1.5m TEUs. Want to learn more?
40ft container types
40-foot Standard. 40-foot High Cube. 40-foot Reefer/ Refrigerated container. 40-foot Flat Rack containers.
What's the maximum load for a 40-foot container? A 40-foot container's empty weight is 3,750kg and can be loaded to a maximum overall weight of 29 tons (26,300kg).
What is the max weight for a 40 container? ›
40' Container Max Load: 59,200 lbs.
Due to similarities in cargo capacity between a 20ft container and 40ft container, it is important to know which size to choose to meet your requirements. Below is some helpful information, to assist you in choosing the right container size.
A monitored postal service such as DHL eCommerce or EMS Parcel Post will be the cheapest option to send to China from the US. These services are delivered to the domestic leg of travel in the USA and the local postal service in China via local carriers, such as FedEx or USPS.
How can I reduce shipping costs from China? ›- Use a local freight forwarder. Like with any other business, some freight forwarders will be very good. ...
- Package and pack to reduce the volume. ...
- Plan shipping in advance. ...
- Reduce quality control costs. ...
- Improve cash flow by negotiating payment terms.
Using an international courier, also known as express freight is generally more reliable and quicker than by mail, whether it's DHL, UPS or TNT. As a rule of thumb, at about $5 per kilo, express freight is the cheapest shipping mode for packages or small shipments up to about 150 kg.
How much does it cost to ship a 40 foot container from China? ›Port of loading: | Container size: | Shipping price: |
---|---|---|
Ship a container from China to Providence | 40FT Container | from: $10500 |
Ship a container from China to Seattle | 40FT Container | from: $8800 |
Ship a container from China to Chicago | 40FT Container | from: $12800 |
Freight cost increases 2022 chart
Now two years into the supply chain crisis, rates are beginning to stabilize – although on some lanes prices are still 400% higher than they were pre-pandemic.
Most carriers are confident that in 2023 their schedule and rates will return to pre-pandemic levels. However, in the past two years, shippers have also learned that many companies are capable of paying thousands of dollars more than they were before 2020.
How much does it cost to ship a container from India to USA? ›According to the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO), there has been an “exorbitant” rise in rates since the Covid-crisis began. “A 40ft container to the US before Covid cost $2,000, now it is between $6,200 and $6,500,” it said.
How much is the shipping cost from India to USA? ›Weight | Delivery Time (Approx) | Courier to USA Charges |
---|---|---|
1 KG | 6 - 12 Days | Rs. 2868 |
1.5 KG | 6 - 12 Days | Rs. 2884 |
2 KG | 6 - 12 Days | Rs. 3279 |
2.5 KG | 6 - 12 Days | Rs. 3718 |
...
Shipping from India to USA with FedEx.
Courier Service | Delivery Time | Cost |
---|---|---|
FedEx International Priority® | 5 business days | ₹10,841.00 |
FedEx International Economy® | 8 business days | ₹9,318.70 |
How can I get container from India to UK? ›
Ocean freight from India to the UK
Door-to-door transit between India and the UK usually takes around 5-6 weeks, depending on several factors. One thing we must keep in mind when selecting ocean freight is that we must choose between FCL and LCL transport. FCL stands for Full Container Load.
Courier | Service | Cost (Retail pricing) |
---|---|---|
USPS | First-Class Package International | $26.36 |
USPS | Priority Mail International | $51.44 |
USPS | Priority Mail Express International | $67.28 |
UPS | UPS Worldwide Expedited® | $127.05 |
While in September 2021, it cost over $20,000 to ship a container from China to the United States West Coast, in June 2022 the prices is half that at $9,500.
Can I ship furniture from India to USA? ›SHIPPING FURNITURE TO THE USA FROM INDIA
Shipping furniture to the USA can be time consuming and expensive if not done right. Universal Relocations has been shipping furniture to the USA at affordable prices for over 10 years. If you can box it, we can ship it.
Use flat-rate shipping where possible—flat-rate shipping will almost always be the best value for money, especially for domestic delivery. Flat-rate shipping means that you can predict prices more accurately. No matter what kind of parcel you have or what dimensions or weight it is, the price will always be the same.
How can I ship internationally from India? ›- Export haulage.
- Origin handling.
- Export customs clearance.
- Ocean freight.
- Import customs clearance.
- Destination handling.
- Import haulage.
Free pickup from your home or work. Door to Door Delivery Available. Parcel Protection Cover Available. Our Courier Services starts from INR 250 Per Kg.
How many days ship from India to USA? ›It takes approximately between 28 and 67 days. When choosing sea freight, one must decide on FCL or LCL transport.
Can we send clothes from India to USA? ›Yes, you can send as many clothes as you want in a package via our international courier delivery services that you can count on for fast and safe courier delivery to the US, making shipping clothes from INDIA to USA easy and efficient.
What Cannot be shipped in containers? ›Illegal Items
Weapons, drugs, ammunition, firearms and some medications are common items prohibited from shipping containers.
How much is cargo from India to UK? ›
Weight | Delivery Time (Approx) | Courier to Uk Charges |
---|---|---|
1 KG | 6 - 12 Days | Rs. 2557 |
1.5 KG | 6 - 12 Days | Rs. 2865 |
2 KG | 6 - 12 Days | Rs. 3262 |
2.5 KG | 6 - 12 Days | Rs. 3660 |
Destination Port | 20ft Container Cost | 40ft Container Cost |
---|---|---|
London, UK | $2,083 (USD) | $2,627 (USD) |
Sydney, AUS | $2,894 (USD) | $3,910 (USD) |
Melbourne, AUS | $2,894 (USD) | $3,910 (USD) |
Auckland, NZ | $2,894 (USD) | $3,910 (USD) |