Container shipping to North America is a reliable and cost-effective solution for transporting vehicles, household goods, heavy machinery, and commercial cargo internationally. Whether you need to ship a container to North America for personal relocation or business purposes, international container shipping offers secure handling and flexible options, including 20ft, 40ft, open top, and flat rack containers—making it suitable for nearly all cargo types.

At All Transport Depot, we provide professional container shipping to North America with complete end-to-end logistics support. The cost of container shipping to North America typically ranges from $2,000–$3,800 for a 20ft container and $3,800–$6,800 for a 40ft container, depending on the origin country, cargo type, and shipping method. With transparent pricing and expert coordination, we ensure your shipment arrives safely and on time.

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Container Shipping Methods

Our Container shipping offers flexible solutions for shipping vehicles, household goods, and commercial cargo. Depending on your shipment size and budget, you can choose between Full Container Load (FCL) for exclusive use or Less than Container Load (LCL) for shared, cost-effective shipping, along with specialized containers for oversized cargo.

Full Container Load

Full Container Load (FCL) Shipping

Best for large or exclusive shipments

  • Dedicated 20ft or 40ft container
  • Maximum security and privacy
  • Faster transit with no shared cargo
less than container load shipping

Less than Container Load (LCL)

Good for smaller shipments

  • Cost-effective for low-volume shipments
  • Suitable for boxes, pallets and goods
  • Easy shipping without full container cost
Specialized Container Shipping

Specialized Container

For oversized or heavy cargo

  • Open Top containers for tall cargo
  • Flat Rack containers for heavy machinery
  • Secure loading with professional handling

Container Sizes Available for Shipping

When planning container shipping, selecting the right container size is essential for ensuring cargo safety, cost efficiency, and smooth transit. Different container sizes are designed to accommodate everything from personal belongings and vehicles to heavy machinery and oversized cargo. Below are the most commonly used container options available for shipping to destination country.

20ft Shipping Container

The 20ft container is one of the most popular choices for international container shipping to XXX. It is ideal for small to medium-sized shipments and offers a cost-effective solution for transporting cargo securely.

Best suited for:

  • One vehicle or SUV
  • Household goods and personal effects
  • Small commercial shipments

40ft Shipping Container

A 40ft container provides nearly double the space of a 20ft container, making it suitable for large shipments or multiple items. It is commonly used for business cargo, relocation shipments, and multiple vehicles.

Best suited for:

  • Multiple vehicles
  • Large household relocations
  • Bulk commercial cargo

Open Top Container

Open top containers are designed for cargo that cannot be loaded through standard container doors due to height or shape. Cargo is loaded from the top using cranes and secured properly for ocean transport.

Best suited for:

  • Tall or oversized machinery
  • Construction equipment
  • Industrial cargo

Flat Rack Container

Flat rack containers are used for heavy, wide, or irregularly shaped cargo that does not fit inside standard containers. These containers have open sides and are specially designed for oversized and heavy loads.

Best suited for:

  • Heavy machinery
  • Construction and mining equipment
  • Large industrial components


What Can Be Shipped in a Container

Container shipping allows a wide range of cargo types to be transported safely and efficiently. Whether you are shipping personal belongings or commercial freight, containers provide secure, weather-protected space suitable for almost all types of goods. Below are the most common items shipped in containers.

Vehicles (Cars, SUVs & Motorcycles)

Cars, SUVs, and motorcycles can be safely shipped in 20ft or 40ft containers, offering maximum protection during transit. Container shipping is especially preferred for luxury, classic, or non-running vehicles.

Household Goods & Personal Effects

Container shipping is ideal for relocating household items such as furniture, appliances, electronics, and personal belongings. Both FCL and LCL shipping options are available depending on shipment size.

Commercial Cargo & General Freight

Businesses commonly use container shipping to XXX for transporting retail goods, inventory, raw materials, and packaged commercial products in bulk.

Heavy Machinery & Industrial Equipment

Construction equipment, agricultural machinery, and industrial tools can be shipped using standard containers, open top containers, or flat rack containers, depending on size and weight.

Oversized & Project Cargo

Large or irregularly shaped cargo that exceeds standard container dimensions can be shipped using flat rack or open top containers, ensuring secure handling for specialized shipments.

Safe & Secure Shipping for All Cargo Types

Container shipping to XXX provides excellent protection against weather, handling damage, and theft, making it a reliable solution for both personal and commercial shipments.

Container Shipping Process (Step-by-Step)

Container shipping follows a simple and structured process to ensure safe and timely delivery.

Step 1: Request a shipping quote by sharing cargo details and destination.
Step 2: Book the container and confirm the sailing schedule.
Step 3: Load and secure cargo inside the container.
Step 4: Prepare documents and complete export clearance.
Step 5: Ocean freight transit to the destination country.
Step 6: Customs clearance at the destination port.
Step 7: Final delivery or port pickup.

Required Documents for Container Shipping

To ensure smooth and compliant container shipping, certain documents are required for export and import clearance. Having accurate paperwork helps avoid delays, penalties, and customs issues.

Commonly Required Documents

  • Bill of Lading (B/L) – Proof of shipment and ownership

  • Commercial Invoice – Details of cargo value and description

  • Packing List – Itemized list of goods inside the container

  • Passport or Company ID – For personal or commercial shipments

  • Import Permit (if required) – Based on cargo type and destination regulations

Additional documents may be needed depending on the nature of the cargo and local customs requirements in the destination country.

 

container shipping
Container Shipping

We operate and coordinate loading through strategically located U.S. facilities, providing flexible, reliable, and nationwide coverage for a wide range of cargo, including vehicles, household goods, commercial freight, and HAZMAT-compliant shipments.

Our primary loading locations include:

  • Savannah, GA
  • Atlanta, GA
  • Los Angeles, CA
  • Elizabeth, NJ
  • Tacoma, WA
  • Chicago, IL

In addition to facility-based loading, we also offer container door-to-ocean service, allowing a container to be delivered directly to a residence or commercial property for on-site loading, subject to access, safety, and scheduling requirements.

On-Site Container Loading Guidelines

We will deliver the ordered container to your location on the scheduled date and arrange return once loading is completed.

Important Loading Conditions

  • The container will arrive on a chassis and will remain on the chassis at all times
  • The container will not be placed on the ground
  • The client is fully responsible for all loading activities
  • Two (2) hours of free loading time are included
  • Additional loading time: rate to be advised
  • Weekend option: additional surcharge applies (Friday drop-off with Sunday pick-up after 5:00 PM)
  • A 4-hour delivery window will be assigned, subject to traffic and scheduling conditions
  • Vehicles or machinery require a proper loading ramp or dock
  • Household goods may be lifted off the chassis only at the client’s cost and responsibility
  • The client must ensure all required loading equipment is available, including but not limited to:
  • Ramps
  • Loading docks
  • Forklifts
  • Cranes or lifting services
  • If the container is not ready for pickup on the scheduled date, a $250 per day delay surcharge will apply
  • These guidelines ensure safe loading, operational efficiency, and compliance with carrier and port requirements.

Transit Time for Container Shipping to North America

The transit time for container shipping to North America typically ranges from 15 to 40 days, depending on the origin port, shipping route, and carrier schedule. Shipments from Europe usually arrive within 12–25 days, while shipments from Asia may take 25–40 days under normal conditions.

Transit times can be influenced by factors such as port congestion, weather conditions, customs inspections, and whether the shipment is FCL or LCL. Additional time should also be allowed for customs clearance and inland transportation once the container arrives in North America.

Cost to Ship a 20ft Container to North America

A 20ft container is ideal for smaller household moves, personal belongings, or a single vehicle. Pricing varies based on the departure region and cargo type.

  • From Europe: $1,800 – $2,700

  • From Asia: $2,400 – $3,600

  • From Middle East: $2,100 – $3,200

Cost to Ship a 40ft Container to North America

A 40ft container is best suited for large household relocations, multiple vehicles, or commercial shipments.

  • From Europe: $3,200 – $4,800

  • From Asia: $4,200 – $6,800

  • From Middle East: $3,700 – $5,900

Major Ports Used for Container Shipping to North America

North America has an extensive network of modern seaports that efficiently handle international container cargo.

Major ports used for container shipping to North America include:

  • Port of Los Angeles & Long Beach (USA) – Primary West Coast gateways

  • Port of New York & New Jersey (USA) – Major East Coast container hub

  • Port of Savannah (USA) – Fast-growing container port

  • Port of Vancouver (Canada) – Key gateway for Asia-Pacific trade

  • Port of Montreal (Canada) – Major port for Europe-North America trade

Selecting the right port depends on cargo type, final destination, customs requirements, and inland transportation needs.

Import Duties and Taxes

Import duties and taxes in North America vary by country, cargo type, and declared value.

  • United States: Customs duties vary by HS code; merchandise processing fee and harbor maintenance fee may apply

  • Canada: Customs duty and GST/HST may apply depending on goods

  • Mexico: Import duties, VAT (IVA), and customs processing fees apply

Using a licensed customs broker is strongly recommended to ensure compliance and smooth clearance.

FAQs – Container Shipping to North America

Is container shipping to North America safe?

Yes, container shipping to North America is safe and secure. Containers are sealed, weather-resistant, and suitable for vehicles, household goods, machinery, and commercial cargo.

How much does it cost to ship a container to North America?

The cost generally ranges from $2,000–$3,800 for a 20ft container and $3,800–$6,800 for a 40ft container, depending on origin, cargo type, and destination port.

Can I ship a car in a container to North America?

Yes, cars, SUVs, and luxury vehicles can be safely shipped in 20ft or 40ft containers, offering maximum protection during transit.

What is the cheapest way to ship cargo to North America?

For small shipments, LCL (Less than Container Load) is the most economical option. For larger shipments, FCL (Full Container Load) provides better value.

How long does container shipping to North America take?

Transit times typically range from 15 to 40 days, depending on origin, route, and customs clearance.

Do I need a customs broker in North America?

Yes, using a licensed customs broker is highly recommended in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico to ensure proper documentation and avoid delays.

✈️ Get a Container Shipping Quote Today

Ready to ship your Container? Here’s what we’ll need to get started:

📧 Email: ship@alltransportdepot.com

📲 WhatsApp: +1 (470) 791-4497
📞 Phone: +1 (678) 528-5794

At All TransportDepot Inc., we ensure premium service for safe, secure, and reliable car air shipping worldwide.

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Expert Insights from Fred O, a seasoned professional in the car shipping industry, offering valuable advice and tips to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience for transporting vehicles to and from Puerto Rico. Stay informed with Fred O’s extensive knowledge and expertise in the field.