International Shipping Containers

Shipping containers are a highly effective and safe method of shipping goods and products overseas. A shipping container is made of steel and built to withstand the heavy forces exerted upon it during travel across vast distances overseas. Because containers are incredibly heavy, they must be lifted on and off a boat via cranes. Standard containers come in 20 foot and 40 foot varieties. Twenty foot containers may be suitable for most household goods, though forty foot containers can carry both a vehicle and household goods at the same time. Customers who are shipping containers internationally should know that they have several options besides size when choosing a container. You may decide to rent a container from the cargo ship or dock. Always ask for a CSC (Convention for Safe Containers) when renting to certify that the container has been properly inspected and assured that it is safe for shipment. On the other hand, customers can buy containers outright for shipment, which does not require obtaining a CSC. However, buying a container means that the customer must secure it oneself, generally by using padlocks - most are designed specifically for shipping containers.

Shipping Container Rates

Shipping container rates are, as one might expect, not cheap. Most likely, an international shipping company will quote a rate of between $2,000 and $3,000 for a full-container-load (FCL), though less-than-container loads (LCL) may cost less depending on its volume. On top of this rate, loading a container may be an additional fee, and customers must decide whether to purchase or rent a shipping container. The shipping container cost varies depending on whether a new or used container is purchased. New containers may cost over $3,000, while a used container often goes for half that price. The prices of 40 foot containers are quite a bit more expensive.

Where Are You Shipping?

Where are you shipping your household goods or cars? Read some of the pages below to research sending shipping containers to countries around the world.