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 free quotes.
- Vehicles: Cars can be imported with transfer‑of‑residence exemptions.
How Much Does a Container to Germany Cost?
Most
U.S. to Germany container moves
cost between $7,000 and $13,500, with the
full door‑to‑door range often between
$7,025 and $21,855 depending on volume, distance, season, and add‑ons.
Shipping rates to Germany
| 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 August 2025.
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 |
Why Prices Vary
Several factors can influence international shipping costs. Here is a typical breakdown:
- Route & distance: for example, East Coast to Hamburg/Bremerhaven is faster/cheaper than West Coast.
- Seasonality: summer peaks and equipment availability.
- Volume & services such as packing, insurance, stairs, and crating.
- Accessorials such as elevator fees, long carries, and 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 five free, no-obligation quotes from vetted international moving companies. Sirelo will connect you with trusted movers who match your needs. Comparing quotes side-by-side helps you find the best shipping container moving price while saving time and avoiding hidden fees.
20‑ft vs 40‑ft Container from US to Germany
A 20‑ft container (~33 m³) fits most 1–2 bedrooms; a 40‑ft (~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 August 2025.
Cheapest Options: LCL & Shared Containers
The
cheapest way to ship to Germany for small moves is
LCL (less‑than‑container load) or
shared/groupage. Your items share a container, so you
pay by cubic meter instead of renting the whole 20‑ft.
When to Choose LCL / Shared:
- You’re moving studio/1‑bedroom volume.
- You want a lower upfront cost.
- You can tolerate slightly longer transit/consolidation windows.
Sign up and receive our tips for moving house internationally & other guides
Sirelo uses the information you provide to us to contact you about our relevant content and services. You may unsubscribe at any time. For more information check our
privacy policyThank you for subscribing
Door‑to‑door vs port‑to‑port
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: The mover packs, collects at your U.S. home, ships, clears, and delivers to your new address in Germany.
- Port‑to‑port: You drop at the origin port/warehouse and pick up at the destination port/terminal (you’ll handle customs, port fees, and final‑mile delivery).
Not sure which container size you need for your move to Germany? Use our free volume calculator below to find out exactly how many cubic meters your move requires before requesting your quote.
Packing Checklist for Germany
Pack for minimal handling and moisture control; document everything for smooth customs clearance.
If you follow these guidelines, you will ensure a stress-free move:
- 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.
Importing a Car to Germany
Typical
car‑shipping costs are
between $7,500 and $16,000, depending on port pair and service.
You can usually import your personally‑owned vehicle, used for less than 6 months, duty and VAT‑free as part of your household goods; otherwise, expect to pay ~10% duty + 19% VAT. You’ll register locally and pass TÜV roadworthiness.
What to Prepare to Ship Your Car
- Proof you’re establishing residence in Germany and leaving the U.S.
- Title/registration showing >6 months in your name.
- Insurance and vehicle tax are payable on entry.
- TÜV/HU inspection for registration; emissions compliance.
Restricted Items to Germany
Germany does not allow everything to enter the country for security reasons. Here is a list of the restricted items:
- Weapons & ammunition.
- Explosives/fireworks.
- Certain medications & narcotics (documentation required).
- Food/animal products (limits, certificates).
- Media harmful to minors; extremist materials.
- Protected species & cultural goods.
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.
Back
Network of 500+ movers
150,000 moves annually
