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Planning a move to New Zealand? In this complete guide to shipping to New Zealand from the USA, you’ll learn about the best moving companies, container types, transport time, and the cost of shipping furniture and vehicles to New Zealand.
The final price for shipping from the US to NZ will depend on the international moving company, volume, season, included services, and type of container. Transporting a shipping container from the US to NZ usually takes 21 to 30 days.
Here’s how much sea freight to New Zealand from different US cities costs, on average.
| Origin | 20-foot container | 40-foot container |
| New York | $ 14,000 – $ 15,500 | $ 25,000 – $ 30,000 |
| Chicago | $ 18,000 – $ 20,000 | $ 34,000 – $ 37,000 |
| Los Angeles | $ 6,500 – $ 7,500 | $ 12,000 – $ 13,000 |
| Houston | $ 13,000 – $ 15,000 | $ 25,000 – $ 28,000 |
| Seattle | $ 6,500 – $ 7,500 | $ 12,000 – $ 13,500 |
| Miami | $ 14,000 – $ 16,000 | $ 26,000 – $ 30,000 |
*Disclaimer: The cost of a 20/40-foot container to New Zealand varies, and the ranges above are estimates. How much it costs to ship to New Zealand depends on the carrier, season, volume, and included services.
Using a 20ft shipping container is a popular solution for cheap shipping to NZ, as you’re sharing the space with someone else’s boxes and saving money. A shared 20ft container is called Less than Container Load (LCL), while a 40ft container is Full Container Load (FCL). If you wWant to save money in your total shipping volume?
Downsizing when moving is an effective way to save money because it reduces volume and, subsequently, overall costs.
A 20ft container has a volume of 33 m3 (1,179 ft3). 40ft containers range from 66 m3 to 76 m3 (2,330 ft3 to 2684 ft3), depending on the height. High-cube shipping containers are taller and offer an extra foot in height. A 20ft container easily fits the volume of a 1-bedroom household, while a 40ft container is perfect for shipping 3 to 4-bedroom family homes.
You’re looking for companies that ship to New Zealand from the USA, but where do you begin?
A great place to start is Sirelo’s New Zealand shipping companies list. Our extensive database contains renowned international shipping companies to New Zealand, including their profiles, location, services, and certificates. You can also browse trusted reviews from other customers. Here are the top companies that ship to New Zealand from USA.
You can find the cheapest way to ship to New Zealand by comparing quotes from international moving companies. At Sirelo, we made this super easy. Fill out the form and receive up to five free quotes in your inbox, no strings attached.
Unsure of the volume of your international move to NZ? Calculate it below:
Preparing for your move overseas? Shipping your furniture to New Zealand can feel overwhelming, but with this quick checklist, you’ll set yourself up for a smooth journey.
When shipping a car to New Zealand from the US, there will be shipping costs, import fees, and documentation to fill out. In New Zealand, people drive on the left side, so while you can ship your vehicle to NZ, also consider selling your car and buying a new one after arriving.
Most cars are shipped in a 20ft container. The cost to ship a vehicle to New Zealand ranges, depending on the transportation distance.
| City of Origin | 20ft Container Cost |
| New York | $ 16,000 – $ 22,000 |
| Chicago | $ 20,000 – $ 26,000 |
| Los Angeles | $ 9,000 – $ 13,000 |
| Houston | $ 15,000 – $ 21,000 |
| Seattle | $ 9,000 – $ 14,000 |
| Miami | $ 16,000 – $ 22,000 |
*Disclaimer: These ranges are estimates. Rates for a shipping container to New Zealand regularly fluctuate per season and carrier.
The cost to ship a motorcycle to New Zealand from the US ranges between $750 and $4,250, depending on the shipping method, bike size, and destination fees. These price ranges do not include pickup, import duties, and cargo damage protection.
New Zealand charges Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 15% on the purchase price and shipping cost, plus potential MPI/NZTA inspection and compliance costs. Import fees are around $350. You’ll also need a Temporary Registration and Warrant of Fitness (WoF).
By now we hope that you feel like an international logistics mastermind as you go about securing your move to New Zealand. With a strong understanding of the cost factors and preparations, we know you will make short work of the task. Need further assistance with your move? Then check out the articles linked below and FAQs for further reading. Good luck!
