Key Takeaways
- Shipping time: 21–35 days by sea; 2–5 days by air
- Container costs: 20ft container: $4,400–$18,000 | 40ft container: $8,000–$34,000
- Save money: Opt for shared container shipping if moving fewer items, and compare at least 3 quotes to avoid overpaying.
- Extras: Car shipping starts at $7,000, and pet relocation ranges from $1,000–$5,000 depending on size and services.
How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Container from the USA to Australia?
Average
container shipping costs to Australia range from
$16,950 to $19,880, depending on container size, route, and services included.
20ft Shipping Container Prices to Australia
- Cost: $4,400 to $18,000
- Dimensions: 1,179 ft³ | Max Gross Weight: 52,910 lbs
A 20ft container is ideal for smaller household moves or partial relocations. It typically fits:
- Contents of a 1–2 bedroom apartment
- Around 100–130 medium-sized moving boxes
- Small furniture: 1 sofa, 1 queen bed, dining table & chairs, dresser
- Appliances: washer, dryer, and a refrigerator (if tightly packed)
40ft Shipping Container Price to Australia
- Cost: $8,000 to $34,000
- Dimensions: 2,330–2,684 ft³ | Max Gross Weight: 67,200 lbs
A 40ft container is suitable for full family relocations or large-volume shipments. It can typically hold:
- Contents of a 3–5 bedroom house
- Around 200–250 medium-sized moving boxes
- Large furniture: multiple beds, sofa sets, dining sets, wardrobes
- Full-size appliances: fridge, freezer, washer/dryer, oven
- Small vehicle or motorcycle, if partially loaded with household items
Container Shipping Rates from Major US Cities to Australia (Sea Freight)
| Origin | 20ft Container | 40ft Container |
| New York | $12,000 – $13,500 | $24,000 – $26,000 |
| Chicago | $16,000 – $18,000 | $30,000 – $34,000 |
| Los Angeles | $4,400 – $4,700 | $8,000 – $9,000 |
| Houston | $11,000 – $13,000 | $22,000 – $25,000 |
| Seattle | $6,000 – $7,000 | $12,000 – $13,000 |
| Miami | $12,000 – $14,000 | $23,000 – $25,000 |
Note: Prices fluctuate based on seasonality and availability. These are updated as of August 2025.
Request Quotes for Shipping Container to Australia
Get accurate, obligation-free pricing tailored to your specific move. By requesting multiple quotes from verified international movers, you can compare services, find the best value, and avoid hidden fees. It’s the fastest way to plan your relocation with confidence.
Cost of Shipping Furniture to Australia
The cost of
shipping furniture depends on volume. Prices typically range from
$2,000 to $10,000+.
| Bedroom Size | Estimated Cost |
| 1 Bedroom | $3,000 – $4,000 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $4,000 – $6,000 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $6,000 – $8,000 |
Disclaimer: These prices are updated as of August 2025
How to Ship Furniture from the US to Australia
Furniture shipping requires careful planning and documentation. Here’s a quick checklist to ensure a stress-free international move.
- Calculate your shipment volume using a moving space calculator.
- Decide between LCL or FCL depending on how much you’re moving.
- Use protective packaging (bubble wrap, blankets, corner protectors).
- Create a detailed packing list for customs and inventory purposes.
- Insure valuable items against loss or damage in transit.
- Hire a licensed international mover with experience in Australia-bound shipments.
How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car from the US to Australia?
Shipping a car can cost between
$7,000 and $25,000, depending on the origin city and regulations.
Vehicle Shipping Costs by City
| Origin | Cost Range |
| New York | $15,000 – $20,000 |
| Chicago | $19,000 – $25,000 |
| Los Angeles | $7,000 – $11,000 |
| Miami | $15,000 – $20,000 |
Disclaimer: These prices are updated as of August 2025
Requirements:
- Must meet criteria by DITRDCA
- The car must be over 25 years old or meet import approval guidelines
Cheap Ways to Ship a Container to Australia
Cost-saving tips:
- Use a moving space calculator to avoid overpacking
- Get multiple quotes to compare offers
- Opt for port-to-port service if you can handle drop-off/pick-up logistics
- Self-pack if you’re moving non-fragile items
Our choice depends on your budget, time availability, and level of involvement in the logistics process. Below is a comparison to help you decide which suits your move best.
| Feature | Door-to-Door | Port-to-Port |
| Time-saving | Yes | No |
| Effort required | Low | High |
| Cost | Higher | Lower |
Container Shipping Cost Calculator
Use our container shipping cost calculator to estimate the cost of shipping from the United States to Australia. It helps you compare container sizes, routes, and services to make informed, cost-effective decisions for your move.
What is the Average Container Shipping Time from the USA to Australia?
Shipping a container
from the USA to Australia by sea typically takes
21 to 35 days, depending on the origin and destination ports. Air freight takes
2 to 5 days.
Factors influencing shipping duration:
- Port congestion
- Weather and customs inspections
- Type of shipping (LCL vs. FCL)
What Items Can You Ship to Australia?
Personal items, furniture, and vehicles can be shipped, but you must follow Australian Border Force regulations.
What Are the Prohibited Items for Shipping to Australia?
- Raw/unprocessed foodstuffs
- Live animals
- Alcohol/Cigarettes above allowance
- Currency > $10,000 AUD
- Specific cat/dog breeds
- Automatic/Butterfly knives
- Counterfeit goods
- Soil and plants
- Pet treats
- Pepper spray
- Firearms
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How to Ship Pets to Australia
Requirements for Dogs and Cats:
- Microchip with documentation
- Rabies vaccination 180 days in advance
- Health certificate
Everything Ready for Your Container Shipping to Australia?
If you still have doubts you can check our related articles and the FAQ section here below.
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