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Shipping Container from to the US to the UK

Costs, Container Options & Free Moving Quotes

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Planning to ship a container from the US to the UK? Whether you’re relocating to England, Scotland, or Wales, understanding the shipping container US to UK cost is essential. In this guide, you’ll discover how much it costs to ship a container from the USA to the UK, compare options like shared containers (LCL) or full containers (FCL), and request up to 5 free quotes to kick-start your international move.

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:

Origin20-foot container40-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.

Shipping costs from to
20ft Container
40ft Container

Cheapest Shipping to the UK from the USA

Summary: Shared container shipping (LCL) is the most affordable option, ideal for smaller moves where you only pay for the space you use.

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:

Calculate My Volume Now

Container Shipping Companies to the UK

Request Quotes for Shipping from the USA to the UK

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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 SizeAverage 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 OriginShipping 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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Ready to Ship a Container from the US to the UK?

Request up to 5 personalized quotes and compare the shipping cost from US to UK based on your volume and location. Need further assistance? Then check out the useful article linked below and FAQs for further reading.

Frequently asked questions

How long does shipping by sea from the USA to the UK take?

Will I have to pay import taxes?

What Items are prohibited to import?

Will my electronics and appliances work in the UK?

How much does it cost to ship a container from the USA to the UK?

How much to ship a 20ft container to the UK?

How much is a 40ft container from the USA to the UK?

What is the cheapest container shipping company to the UK?

How much does it cost to ship a container from the US to the UK?

How much does it cost to ship household goods from the US to the UK?

What is the best container size for moving from USA to UK?

Can I ship a car in a container from the USA to the UK?