⚡ Quick Answer: What Does It Cost and How Long Does Container Shipping to Malta Take?
For planning, container shipping from the USA to Malta may cost about $2,500–$4,500 for a 20ft container and $4,000–$6,500 for a 40ft or 40ft High Cube. A practical ocean-planning window is commonly 18–35 days, depending on U.S. origin, Mediterranean routing and transshipment. Most containerized commercial cargo is routed through Malta Freeport at Marsaxlokk, one of the Mediterranean’s major container terminals. As Malta is part of the EU customs territory, non-Union goods require the appropriate import declaration and applicable customs/VAT processing. Destination charges, duties, VAT, inspections, storage and inland delivery are additional unless included in writing.
USA → MALTA CONTAINER SHIPPING: FCL, LCL, 20FT, 40FT & HIGH CUBE
AllTransportDepot Inc. coordinates container exports from the United States to Malta for businesses, importers, relocation customers, contractors, vehicle shippers and project-cargo clients. Services can include nationwide pickup, warehouse receiving, professional loading, AES export filing and ocean booking to Malta Freeport.
FMC Licensed NVOCC #021693 • Nationwide U.S. Pickup • EU Customs Planning
Container Shipping Calculator
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Container Shipping Services to Malta
Full Container Load
Dedicated 20ft, 40ft or High Cube equipment for commercial freight, household goods, vehicles, machinery and mixed eligible cargo.
LCL Consolidation
Selected smaller shipments can be consolidated where a suitable USA-to-Malta service is available.
Special Equipment
Open-top, flat-rack and reefer equipment can be reviewed for project, oversized or temperature-controlled cargo.
20ft, 40ft and High Cube Containers
20ft Standard
Useful for dense commercial freight, machinery, parts and smaller relocation shipments.
40ft Standard
Suitable for larger household, commercial and mixed cargo loads.
40ft High Cube
Best for bulky or tall cargo needing extra internal height.
Common Cargo Shipped to Malta
- Commercial and wholesale inventory
- Industrial and construction equipment
- Generators, engines and spare parts
- Household goods and personal effects
- Furniture and office equipment
- Vehicles where import and registration requirements are met
- Crated and palletized freight
- Marine and project equipment
Nationwide U.S. Pickup and Loading
Warehouse Loading
We can collect cargo from suppliers, businesses, residences, auctions and dealerships and coordinate receiving, blocking, bracing, sealing and export dispatch.
Client-Managed Loading
Where suitable, a container can be positioned at a residence or business for self-loading. Access, chassis, labor and loading-window requirements must be confirmed first.
How Container Shipping to Malta Works
1. Define Cargo
Send the cargo list, value, dimensions, weight, pickup ZIP code and final Maltese destination.
2. Confirm EU Import Requirements
The Malta importer or customs representative checks tariff classification, permits, EORI requirements and tax treatment.
3. Select Equipment
Choose 20ft, 40ft, High Cube or special equipment.
4. Pickup & Load
We coordinate inland pickup and loading or issue warehouse/self-load instructions.
5. U.S. Export & Ocean Booking
Carrier documents and AES/EEI are completed where required.
6. Freeport Arrival & Customs
The importer or agent submits the Malta/EU import declaration, customs control is completed, and the released container can move through the terminal gate process.
Common U.S. Departure Gateways
Typical gateways include New York/New Jersey, Norfolk, Savannah, Charleston, Houston, Los Angeles and Long Beach. The best route depends on cargo origin, Mediterranean transshipment, equipment availability and carrier schedules.
Malta Freeport — Malta’s Main Container Terminal
Malta Freeport at Marsaxlokk is a fully developed container terminal and the principal planning gateway for USA-to-Malta container freight. The terminal has approximately 2,463 metres of deep-water operational quays, around 771,000 m² of container storage area, more than 15,000 ground slots, over 2,000 reefer slots and mainline berths with depths reaching about 17 metres. It can accommodate the latest generation of very large container vessels.
For ordinary containerized imports, Malta Freeport should be treated as the primary container terminal. Other Maltese ports may handle different cargo types, but should not be presented as equivalent mainstream container gateways unless the carrier booking specifically uses them.
Transit Time from the USA to Malta
A broad planning window is 18–35 days. Exact transit depends on U.S. origin, Mediterranean routing, transshipment, vessel rotation and port conditions.
Container Shipping Cost to Malta
Planning ranges are approximately $2,500–$4,500 for a 20ft and $4,000–$6,500 for a 40ft or High Cube. U.S. pickup, loading, special equipment, terminal charges, customs duty, VAT, inspections, storage and local delivery may be additional.
Documents for Container Imports to Malta
- Bill of Lading
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- AES/EEI and ITN where required
- EORI number for economic operators where applicable
- National Import System declaration data
- Import permits or product certificates for controlled goods
- Proof of origin where relevant to tariff treatment
- Vehicle ownership/registration documents where applicable
Malta Customs, EORI and the National Import System
Malta is part of the EU customs territory. Non-Union goods entering Malta are declared through Malta Customs’ National Import System (NIS). For import declarations, the IM declaration type applies to non-Union goods imported into the EU customs territory. Economic operators generally require an EORI number to act as importer or declarant, subject to the rules and exceptions published by Malta Customs.
For containers leaving Malta Freeport, the gate-pass process is linked to the National Import System. Customs indicates that the relevant declaration must have the required status—such as goods released or selected for control—before the container exit process can proceed.
Customs duty and VAT depend on EU tariff classification, customs value, origin and any available preference or relief. Regulated goods may require additional EU or Malta authorizations before shipment.
Related Mediterranean Container Shipping Services
Compare nearby routes: container shipping to Italy · container shipping to Greece · container shipping to Cyprus · container shipping to Spain · Europe container shipping hub.
Frequently Asked Questions About Container Shipping to Malta
What is the main container port in Malta?
Malta Freeport at Marsaxlokk is the primary container terminal for mainstream international container traffic.
How much is a 20ft container?
A broad planning range is $2,500–$4,500.
How much is a 40ft container?
A broad planning range is $4,000–$6,500 for a 40ft or High Cube.
Do I need an EORI number?
Economic operators generally need an EORI number for EU customs declarations, subject to Malta Customs rules and any applicable exceptions.
How are imports declared in Malta?
Non-Union imports are processed through Malta Customs’ National Import System using the appropriate import declaration.
Request a Container Quote to Malta
Send cargo details, dimensions, weight, value, pickup ZIP code, loading preference and final delivery location in Malta.
Ruth Kendi serves as International Logistics Coordinator with All TransportDepot Inc., an FMC-licensed and bonded NVOCC (License No. 021693). She supports commercial machinery, RoRo, container shipping, export coordination, port planning, and destination logistics, helping organize the documentation, carrier requirements, cargo specifications, and delivery details involved in international shipments. All TransportDepot Inc. provides ocean freight and export logistics services from the United States to destinations worldwide.