Key Takeaways:- Typical costs: 20‑ft: $6,400–$7,500; 40‑ft: $11,750–$13,500. Total door‑to‑door moves often land $7,025–$21,855, depending on volume, route, and services.
- Typical transit time: 1–3 weeks by sea, 1–4 days by air for small shipments.
- Cheapest way: Shared/LCL or groupage when you don’t fill a 20‑ft container. With Sirelo, you can request up to 5 free quotes.
- Vehicles: Cars can be imported with transfer‑of‑residence exemptions.
How Much Does a Container to Germany Cost?
In 2026, the average cost of shipping a container to Germany from the USA is between $7,000 and $13,500 with the full door‑to‑door range often between $7,025 and $21,855. Most moves take 1-3 weeks, and prices vary on volume, distance, season, and add‑ons.
Container Shipping Rates to Germany from USA 2026
| Container size | Typical price range |
| 20‑ft container | $6,400 – $7,500 |
| 40‑ft container | $11,750 – $13,500 |
Disclaimer: These prices are updated as of January 2026.
Sirelo Tip: Would you like the lowest shipping container moving price? If you can’t fill a 20‑ft box, ask for
LCL/groupage so you only pay for the space you use.
For a complete overview of container types, processes, and costs worldwide, see our Container Shipping Guide.
Container Shipping Rates by Origin
Shipping rates vary by origin city, with East Coast routes generally cheaper than West Coast. Here is a breakdown of costs from the most common cities in the US to Berlin:
| Origin (to Berlin) | 20‑ft container | 40‑ft container |
| New York | $4,500 – $5,000 | $8,500 – $10,000 |
| Chicago | $8,500 – $10,000 | $16,000 – $18,000 |
| Los Angeles | $6,000 – $7,000 | $11,000 – $12,000 |
| Houston | $7,000 – $7,500 | $13,000 – $14,000 |
| Seattle | $6,500 – $7,000 | $12,000 – $13,500 |
| Miami | $6,000 – $6,500 | $11,000 – $12,500 |
What Influences Container Shipping Prices?
Several factors can influence international shipping costs:
- Route & distance: East Coast to Hamburg/Bremerhaven is faster/cheaper than West Coast
- Seasonality: summer peaks and equipment availability
- Volume & services: packing, insurance, stairs, crating
- Accessories: elevator fees, long carries, customs inspection
Disclaimer: Rates fluctuate by carrier and season. Use these as estimates.
Request Shipping Container Quotes Now
With Sirelo, you can request up to 5 free, no-obligation quotes from trusted international moving companies. Comparing quotes side-by-side helps you find the best shipping container price from Germany to USA, while saving time and avoiding hidden fees.
20ft vs 40ft Container from US to Germany
A 20ft container (~33 m³) fits most 1–2 bedrooms; a 40ft (~66–76 m³) fits 3–4+ bedrooms.
Here is an overview of the average 2025 door-to-door shipping rates from the USA to Hamburg:
| Home size | 20‑ft estimate | 40‑ft estimate |
| 1–2 bedrooms | ~$5,250 | ~$9,250 |
| 3 bedrooms | ~$7,000 | ~$11,000 |
| 4+ bedrooms | ~$9,000 | ~$13,000+ |
Disclaimer: These prices are updated as of January 2026.
What is the Cheapest Shipping From US to Germany?
The cheapest way to ship your goods to Germany for small moves is
LCL (less‑than‑container load) , also known as shared container or groupage. Your items share a container, so you pay by cubic meter.
When to Choose LCL / Shared Container:
- You’re moving studio/1‑bedroom volume
- You want a lower upfront cost
- You can tolerate slightly longer transit/consolidation windows
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Door‑to‑Door vs Port‑to‑Port Freight to Germany
Container shipping services are typically offered as door-to-door or port-to-port. Port‑to‑port usually shows a lower base rate, but many families prefer door‑to‑door for predictable timelines and fewer surprises.
- Door‑to‑door: Full service move from US home all the way to new address in Germany
- Port‑to‑port: You manage customs, port fees and the final delivery to your house
Not sure which container size you need for your move to Germany? Use our free volume calculator below to estimate your volume before requesting your quotes.
How to Pack for a Shipping Container Move to Germany?
Pack for minimal handling and moisture control; document everything for smooth customs clearance.
Checklist:
- Inventory & values: Create a room‑by‑room list; note serial numbers for high‑value items
- Protective packing: Double‑wall cartons, corner guards, bubble wrap
- Moisture & shock: Desiccants, furniture blankets, custom crating for fragile/large art
- Labeling: Owner’s name, destination, and box contents on two sides
- Insurance: All‑risk marine insurance on declared value
- Timing: Aim for 4–6 weeks lead time in peak months
- Storage: Book origin/destination storage if your German home isn’t ready
Related article
Want more details on moving to Germany? Read our comprehensive guide with movers and tips.
How Much Does it Cost to Ship a Car to Germany?
Typical
car‑shipping costs are
between $7,500 and $16,000, depending on port pair and service.
Most personal vehicles owned for longer than 6 months can be imported VAT/duty free. Otherwise you can expect ~10% duty + 19% VAT. German registration (TÜV) is required for all imported cars.
What to Prepare:
- Proof of relocation to Germany
- Title & registration (6+ months)
- Insurance and vehicle tax are payable on entry
- TÜV/HU inspection
What is Not Allowed to be Shipped to Germany?
Germany does not allow everything to enter the country for security reasons. The following are banned or controlled:
- Weapons & fireworks
- Certain medications & narcotics (documentation required)
- Food/animal products
- Extremist content, protected species
Check further on the Official Website of the German Government.
Ready to Ship Your Container to Germany?
Now you should know everything about shipping a container to Germany. If you still have doubts, check our related articles and our FAQ section.
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