If you searched “ship a container to US Virgin Islands,” USA to US Virgin Islands Container Shipping, or just need to get Ocean Freight to US Virgin Islands or just need to get Overall International Container Shipping US Virgin Islands information, you’re in the right place.

This guide explains how container shipping from the USA to US Virgin Islands works, including service options, container types, cargo compatibility, transit times, costs, and documentation requirements.

In general, container shipping is one of the most flexible and widely used methods for exporting cargo to US Virgin Islands. Specifically, it supports personal shipments, commercial exports, vehicles, boats, palletized freight, machinery, and oversized cargo, with multiple loading and handling options available.

Meanwhile, All Transport Depot Inc. operates as a licensed and bonded FMC NVOCC (#021693) and coordinates container shipments from anywhere in the USA to major ports in US Virgin Islands through established global ocean carriers.

🚢 Ship with Confidence. Partner with world-renowned NVOCCs and leading global ocean carriers.

👉 Get a Rate:
https://alltransportdepot.com/roro-shipping-cost/

👉 Place Your Order:
https://alltransportdepot.com/place-order/

📲 WhatsApp: +1 (470) 791-4497
📞 Call: +1 (678) 528-5794
đź“§ Email: ship@alltransportdepot.com

All TransportDepot Inc.
FMC Licensed & Bonded NVOCC #021693

Get Ocean Freight to US Virgin Islands

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8 Container Shipping Methods

Container Shipping Services to US Virgin Islands

Container shipping services to US Virgin Islands are structured to support both private and commercial exporters, while also offering flexibility based on cargo type, loading preference, and location.

🚪 Door-to-Port Shipping

In this case, Door-to-Port shipping includes pickup of cargo from a residential address, business, dealership, or warehouse anywhere in the USA, followed by export handling and ocean transport to US Virgin Islands.

Accordingly, this option is commonly used for:

International relocations -Ocean Freight to US Virgin Islands

Household goods and personal effects

Boats and vehicles

Commercial exports shipped directly from origin


🏠 Container Delivered to Your Location for Loading (Self-Load Option)

Door-to-Port Container Delivery for Client-Managed Loading

As part of Door-to-Port service, a container may be delivered directly to a residence or business for client-managed loading. In practice, this option is selected by shippers who want direct oversight of packing and loading.

In this scenario:

  • First, an empty container is delivered on a chassis

  • Then, the container remains on the chassis throughout loading

  • Next, the client completes loading

  • Finally, the container is returned to the terminal for export to US Virgin Islands

Accordingly, this option is commonly used for:

  • Household goods

  • Furniture

  • Mixed cargo

  • Palletized items


Access & Loading Considerations

  • In addition, appropriate loading equipment must be available where required

  • Likewise, vehicles or machinery typically require ramps, docks, or lifting equipment

  • However, if loading extends beyond the scheduled window, additional charges may apply

  • Furthermore, residential or HOA-managed properties may require advance approval

  • Moreover, any third-party costs (property access restrictions, extended truck time, or local fees) are passed through to the shipment account


🏢 Warehouse-to-Port Shipping

Warehouse-to-Port service is ideal for shippers who prefer professional handling and loading. In this case, cargo is delivered to a U.S. export warehouse, where containers are loaded, secured, and prepared for ocean transport.

Accordingly, this option is commonly used for:

  • Vehicles

  • Boats and marine equipment

  • Palletized commercial freight

  • Machinery and crated cargo

  • High-value or complex shipments


đź”’ Professional Warehouse Loading

Warehouse loading allows trained personnel to handle:

  • Blocking and bracing

  • Weight distribution

  • Cargo separation

  • Compliance with ocean carrier and terminal standards

As a result, this approach reduces risk and is recommended for:

  • Boats

  • Machinery

  • Oversized cargo

  • Mixed loads


📦 Shipper-Owned Containers (SOC)

Shipper-Owned Containers (SOC) may be used provided the equipment meets port and carrier acceptance requirements. In this case, SOC shipments typically include:

  • Trucking

  • Export filing

  • Ocean booking

  • Terminal coordination

SOC containers generally must:

  • Be seaworthy and watertight- Before you buy a container, be sure to ask for the seaworthy and watertight certificate 

  • Be neutralized (no shipping-line branding or prefixes)

  • Pass terminal inspection prior to acceptance

However, containers that do not meet acceptance standards may be subject to:

  • Additional handling

  • Repositioning

  • Rebooking charges

     

    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

What Can Be Shipped in a Container to US Virgin Islands?


Container shipping supports nearly all cargo types. In general, if cargo can be safely secured and complies with export regulations, it can typically be shipped by container.

Accordingly, common containerized cargo includes:

  • Vehicles (cars, SUVs, vans, motorcycles)

  • Boats & marine equipment (trailered boats, jet skis, small vessels)

  • Household goods & personal effects

  • Furniture and mixed cargo

  • Palletized freight (commercial or wholesale)

  • Machinery & industrial equipment

  • Construction materials

  • Crated or boxed shipments

  • Oversized and non-standard cargo (open-gauge)

Furthermore, if your cargo fits in — or on — a container, it can typically be shipped to US Virgin Islands with the correct equipment and documentation.


All Container Types Available for Shipping to US Virgin Islands

Different cargo types require different container configurations. Accordingly, available container options include:

  • 20-Foot Standard Containers

  • 40-Foot Standard Containers

  • 40-Foot High Cube Containers

  • Open-Top Containers

  • Flat Rack Containers

  • Open-Gauge Containers

  • Refrigerated (Reefer) Containers

  • Hazmat-Approved Containers

  • Shipper-Owned Containers (SOC)

In particular, open-top, flat rack, and open-gauge containers are commonly used for boats, machinery, industrial cargo, and oversized freight that exceed standard container dimensions.


How Cargo Is Loaded Into Containers

Loading methods vary based on cargo type, size, and origin location. Accordingly, common methods include:

  • Warehouse loading using forklifts and professional bracing

  • Client-managed loading at a residence or business

  • Crane-assisted loading for boats, machinery, or SOC containers

  • Ramp or dock loading for rolling cargo

  • Palletized loading for boxed or commercial freight

Furthermore, selecting the correct loading method helps ensure port acceptance, cargo safety, and smooth customs processing.


Who Typically Ships Containers to US Virgin Islands?

Container shipping to US Virgin Islands is commonly used by a wide range of customers. In particular, this includes:

  • Families relocating internationally

  • Auto exporters and dealerships

  • Boat owners and marine businesses

  • Furniture and mixed-cargo shippers

  • Commercial exporters and wholesalers

  • Contractors shipping equipment into the EU

🚢 Ship with Confidence. Partner with world-renowned NVOCCs and leading global ocean carriers.

👉 Get a Rate:
https://alltransportdepot.com/roro-shipping-cost/

👉 Place Your Order:
https://alltransportdepot.com/place-order/

📲 WhatsApp: +1 (470) 791-4497
📞 Call: +1 (678) 528-5794
đź“§ Email: ship@alltransportdepot.com

All TransportDepot Inc.
FMC Licensed & Bonded NVOCC #021693


Why Ship a Container to US Virgin Islands?

US Virgin Islands is a key logistics gateway to Southern Europe, supported by modern port infrastructure and efficient customs procedures. Consequently, shipping a container to US Virgin Islands provides direct access not only to the Portuguese market but also to the broader European Union. Moreover, its strategic Atlantic location strengthens trade routes between North America and Europe. Therefore, many exporters and private shippers select US Virgin Islands as their primary EU entry point.

Accordingly, container shipping to US Virgin Islands proves particularly well-suited for:

  • First, international relocations

  • Next, vehicle and boat exports

  • Additionally, commercial and wholesale cargo

  • Likewise, furniture and personal effects

  • Finally, machinery and industrial equipment


Transit Times When Shipping a Container to the U.S. Virgin Islands

Transit times depend largely on the U.S. departure port. Generally speaking, estimated ocean transit durations are as follows:

  • East Coast (Miami, Charleston): 5–8 days

  • Gulf Coast (Houston): 7–10 days

  • West Coast (Los Angeles, Seattle): 18–24 days

Nevertheless, transit times can vary due to carrier schedules, port congestion, vessel routing, weather, and seasonal demand. Consequently, booking early and maintaining flexible schedules can ensure the best sailing options.


Shipping Rates to the U.S. Virgin Islands (USA → USVI)

Shipping costs vary depending on container size and departure port. Typically, estimated rate ranges include:


20-Foot Container, For Example

  • East Coast: $1,800 – $2,600

  • Gulf Coast: $2,000 – $2,800

  • West Coast: $3,500 – $4,500


40-Foot Container, For Example

  • East Coast: $3,200 – $4,200

  • Gulf Coast: $3,400 – $4,500

  • West Coast: $5,000 – $6,200


However, rates fluctuate based on container type, cargo specifics, port of loading, and carrier fees.


Main Ports in the U.S. Virgin Islands for Container Shipping

The U.S. Virgin Islands feature a well-developed seaport and maritime logistics infrastructure that supports international container shipments, RoRo cargo, project freight, heavy equipment transport, bulk goods, breakbulk cargo, and oversized shipments. Therefore, choosing the appropriate USVI destination port is essential for ocean transit efficiency, inland trucking, intermodal connections, U.S. customs processing, import clearance, and last-mile delivery when shipping containers from the USA to the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Below are the two primary international container ports in the U.S. Virgin Islands commonly used for U.S.–USVI ocean freight, full-container-load (FCL) shipments, consolidated cargo, commercial exports, household goods moves, and vehicle imports.


⚓ Port of Charlotte Amalie — St. Thomas

Best for: Containers, vehicles, household goods, commercial cargo, international relocations, RoRo shipments, palletized freight, project cargo, personal effects, import/export shipments

The Port of Charlotte Amalie is the largest and most active seaport in the U.S. Virgin Islands, serving as the primary gateway for containerized cargo, RoRo vessel operations, vehicle imports, and commercial ocean freight. Situated on St. Thomas, it offers direct access to the island’s metropolitan area and facilitates distribution throughout the USVI, making it a preferred destination port for U.S.–USVI container shipping, inland delivery, and regional distribution.

Accordingly, key advantages include:

  • Comprehensive container terminal facilities and cargo handling equipment

  • Robust road connectivity for efficient inland freight movement

  • Streamlined U.S. customs clearance and port processing

  • Regular ocean sailings from major U.S. container ports

  • Excellent access for trucking across St. Thomas and neighboring islands

In practice, shippers frequently use the Port of Charlotte Amalie for:

  • Household goods and personal effects shipments

  • Vehicle and motorcycle imports to the USVI

  • Commercial and palletized export cargo

  • Mixed, consolidated, and full-container-load (FCL) shipments

đź”— Port of Charlotte Amalie Authority:
https://dpw.vi.gov/ports


⚓ Port of Cruz Bay — St. John

Best for: Containers, vehicles, bulk cargo, industrial freight

The Port of Cruz Bay, located on St. John, serves as a vital deep-water port in the USVI. Specifically, it handles containerized cargo, vehicles, industrial equipment, and bulk shipments destined for St. John and nearby islands. Furthermore, its strategic position enhances regional inland connectivity.

Therefore, key advantages include:

  • First, modern container handling facilities

  • Next, efficient handling of commercial and industrial cargo

  • Additionally, strong logistics links to St. John and surrounding islands

  • Furthermore, reduced inland transit times for local deliveries

  • Finally, reliable handling of oversized and project cargo

For these reasons, shippers often choose Cruz Bay for:

  • In particular, commercial and wholesale imports

  • Likewise, industrial machinery and equipment

  • Also, vehicles and rolling cargo

  • As well, oversized or non-standard container shipments

đź”— Virgin Islands Port Authority:
https://dpw.vi.gov/ports


Choosing the Right Port in the U.S. Virgin Islands

When shipping a container to the U.S. Virgin Islands, generally, the decision between Charlotte Amalie and Cruz Bay depends on several important factors. Specifically, these include:

  • First, the final delivery destination

  • Next, cargo type and size

  • Additionally, inland transport needs

  • Finally, customs and clearance preferences

Furthermore, both ports accommodate standard containers, high-cube units, open-top containers, flat racks, and oversized cargo, depending on shipment requirements.


Customs & Documentation (U.S. Virgin Islands – 2026)

When shipping a container to the U.S. Virgin Islands, customs clearance is a crucial step. Therefore, shippers must prepare all necessary documentation beforehand. Typically, required documents include:

  • First, the Bill of Lading

  • Next, a Commercial Invoice and Packing List

  • Additionally, a valid passport or company registration

  • If applicable, vehicle title and registration

  • Likewise, the AES Export Declaration (U.S.)


Import Duties & Taxes – International Container Shipping to the U.S. Virgin Islands

Upon arrival in the U.S. Virgin Islands, customs authorities may impose fees. As a result, importers should expect the following charges:

  • Primarily, customs duty based on Harmonized System (HS) codes

  • Furthermore, VAT, port fees, and handling charges

  • In certain cases, additional fees for restricted or special cargo


📞 U.S. Virgin Islands Customs: +1 340-774-2210


FAQs – Shipping Containers to US Virgin Islands

Can a container be delivered to a home for loading?

Yes. In many cases, Door-to-Port service delivers the container directly to a residence or business for client-managed loading, subject to access and scheduling considerations.

When a container is delivered to my door, will it be placed on the ground or remain on a chassis?

Typically, the driver keeps the container on a chassis during the loading window. Furthermore, Ground placement remains uncommon and may require special equipment, permits, or additional fees.

How long can I keep the container for loading?

In most cases, we schedule a loading window—often 1–3 days—although some locations allow only a short live-load period (such as two hours). In addition, time may result in daily charges.

Can boats and vehicles ship in containers?

Yes. In general, we ship boats, vehicles, and marine equipment using standard, open-top, flat rack, or open-gauge containers. Although this may be true Roro is a great alternative.

Do services support oversized cargo?

Yes. Accordingly, we offer open-top, flat rack, and open-gauge container options.

Do I need special equipment to load heavy cargo?

Yes.  As a matter of fact, You may need forklifts, ramps, cranes, or docks to load vehicles, boats, or machinery.

Is export documentation handled?

Yes. We typically handle U.S. export filings and coordination together with Ocean Freight to US Virgin Islands

What documents are required to ship to US Virgin Islands?

Generally, you must provide export filings, commercial invoices, packing lists, vehicle titles (if applicable), and consignee identification.  Above all

Generally, this includes export filings, commercial invoices, packing lists, vehicle titles (if applicable), and consignee identification.

Will I need to pay duties or taxes in US Virgin Islands? USA to US Virgin Islands Container Shipping

Yes. Depending on the shipment and Ocean Freight to US Virgin Islands. Moreover, Portuguese customs may assess import duties, VAT, or clearance fees.

Can customs clearance be arranged in US Virgin Islands?

Yes. Additionally, local agents can assist with destination customs processing to help with International Container Shipping US Virgin Islands

Is marine insurance available?

Yes. Additionally, we can arrange marine cargo insurance upon request. this is not part of Ocean Freight to US Virgin Islands.

Can I track my container during transit? USA to US Virgin Islands Container Shipping

Yes. Once the container is booked, we typically provide shipment tracking.

Is door-to-Port service available in US Virgin Islands?

Yes. Moreover, we can arrange inland delivery from the port to the final Port destination.  All things considered, when considering  USA to US Virgin Islands Container Shipping


Start Your 2026 Shipment to US Virgin Islands- International Container Shipping US Virgin Islands

All Transport Depot Inc.  All in All  actively provides Door-to-Port, Warehouse-to-Port, and SOC container shipping services from anywhere in the USA. From pickup through export documentation and ocean transport,  For instance our team manages every shipment with precision, professionalism, and care.

👉Place Your Order:
https://alltransportdepot.com/place-order/

📧 Email: ship@alltransportdepot.com 
📞 Call: +1 (678) 528-5794
📲 WhatsApp: +1 (470) 791-4497

Maria is the operations manager at SoCal Auto Movers, where she oversees the daily operations of their car shipping services. Her efficiency and problem-solving skills ensure that each shipment, whether local or long-distance, goes off without a hitch.