Key Takeaways:
- Average cost to ship a 20ft container US–UK: $6,500; 40ft container: $12,500
- Price range by city: $3,600 – $16,000, depending on port and container size
- Household goods shipping: $2,500 – $15,000, depending on home size
- Car shipping from US to UK: $6,000 – $15,000 depending on origin city
How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Container from US to UK?
Summary: Costs vary depending on container size, origin city, and delivery method. A 20ft container averages $6,500, while a 40ft container is closer to $12,500. Rates fluctuate seasonally.
On average, the cost of shipping a 20ft container from the USA to the UK is around $6,500 and $12,500 for a 40ft container.
The cost of shipping a container from US to UK depends on the container size, origin, and delivery method. Below are average prices for 20ft and 40ft containers from major US cities:
| Origin | 20-foot container | 40-foot container |
| New York | $ 4,500 – $ 5,000 | $ 8,750 – $ 10,000 |
| Chicago | $ 3,600 – $ 5,250 | $ 9,000 – $ 10,000 |
| Los Angeles | $ 5,750 – $ 6,500 | $ 11,000 – $ 12,000 |
| Houston | $ 7,000 – $ 7,500 | $ 13,000 – $ 15,000 |
| Seattle | $ 7,500 – $ 8,500 | $ 15,000 – $ 16,000 |
| Miami | $ 6,000 – $ 7,000 | $ 11,000 – $ 12,500 |
*Disclaimer: Estimates only. Prices updated September 2025.
For official import rules and tariffs, see the UK Government import guide.
Cheapest Shipping to the UK from the USA
LCL is...
Sharing a container with others
Pay for the volume you use
Affordable for small moves
Before choosing a container shipping option, you need to know your volume. Estimate it with our moving space calculator:
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Shipping Household Goods to the UK
Summary: Shipping household goods costs between $2,500 and $15,000, depending on the size of your home.
So, how much does it cost to ship household goods in a container from the US to the UK? Shipping household goods in a container from the US to the UK ranges from $2,500 for a 1-bedroom to $15,000 for a 4-bedroom household.
| Bedroom Size | Average Price |
| 1 bedroom | $2,500-$3,700 |
| 2 bedrooms | $4,500-$6,500 |
| 3 bedrooms | $8,000-$10,000 |
| 4 bedrooms | $11,000-$15,000 |
*Prices updated September 2025.
20ft vs 40ft Container: Which Shipping Size is Right for a Move from US to UK?
Summary: A 20ft container suits 1–2 bedrooms; a 40ft container is better for 4–5 bedrooms. Shared (LCL) shipping is ideal for smaller moves.
- 20ft container has a volume of 33 m3or 1,179 ft3 – good for 1-2 bedroom houses
- 40ft containers range from 66 m3 to 76 m3 (2,330 ft3 – 2684 ft3) – good for 4-5 bedroom houses
If you’re just in between the two choices, we can help you downsize or recommend LCL shipping if a 20ft container feels too large.
Door-to-Door vs. Port-to-Port: Container Shipping from USA to UK
Summary: Door-to-door is the most convenient but also the most expensive. Port-to-port is cheaper but requires arranging inland transport yourself.
Door-to-Door
Full service
Movers pick up and deliver to your house
High convenience
High Cost
Port-to-Port
Arrange inland transport yourself
More affordable
DIY-heavy
These delivery options impact your total shipping container US to UK cost, so it’s important to compare them carefully.
Shipping a Car from the USA to the UK – Costs by City
Summary: Car shipping costs range from $6,000 to $15,000, depending on departure city and whether you choose a container or RoRo shipping.
For import rules, see UK HMRC vehicle import regulations.
| City of Origin | Shipping Cost |
| New York | $ 7,250 – $ 12,000 |
| Chicago | $ 6,000 – $ 12,000 |
| Los Angeles | $ 8,500 – $ 13,500 |
| Houston | $ 10,000 – $ 15,000 |
| Seattle | $ 10,000 – $ 15,000 |
| Miami | $ 8,500 – $ 14,000 |
*Priced updated September 2025.
Transit Time from US to UK
Summary: Shipping containers from the US to the UK typically take 14 to 30 days, depending on port of departure and route.
- East Coast (e.g., New York to Southampton): ~14–18 days
- West Coast (e.g., Los Angeles to Felixstowe): ~25–30 days
Insurance Costs for Container Shipping
Summary: Insurance is optional but highly recommended. Expect to pay 1–3% of your shipment’s declared value.
- Covers damage, loss, or theft
- Premiums depend on goods value and shipping company policy
How to Prepare for Shipping to the UK
Summary: Proper preparation ensures smooth customs clearance and delivery. Create an inventory, pack carefully, and prepare documents in advance.
- Create a clear packing list
- Pack and wrap items carefully
- Organize your customs paperwork before departure
- Don’t leave before you ship
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