How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Container?

On February 25, 2026 By newsroom Topic: Home Services

Shipping a moving container is a practical solution for local, long-distance, or international moves. Here's a comprehensive breakdown of costs and tips to help you budget.

1. Average Shipping Costs

| Type of Move | Average Cost | |-------------------------|------------------| | Domestic | $3,000 | | International | $4,150 |

2. Costs Per Mile (Domestic Moves)

The cost per mile decreases with longer distances.

| Mileage | Cost Per Mile |
|--------------------|---------------------|
| 100 miles | $16.50 |
| 475 miles | $5.60 |
| 1,025 miles | $3.10 |
| 1,750 miles | $1.60 |
| 2,050 miles | $1.70 |

3. Costs by Home Size

| Home Size | Average Cost (100–2,050 miles) | |--------------------|------------------------------------| | 1 Bedroom | $2,000 | | 2 Bedrooms | $2,600 | | 3 Bedrooms | $3,200 | | 4 Bedrooms | $3,900 | | 5 Bedrooms | $5,000 |

4. Container Size Costs

Domestic Shipping

Small Containers (7–12 ft): $1.00–$4.00 per mile.
Larger Containers (16–27 ft): Typically used for 3–4 bedrooms or larger homes.

International Shipping

20-ft Container: $13,500–$15,000 (e.g., Shanghai to the U.S.).
40-ft Container: $18,500–$22,000.

5. Factors Affecting Costs

Distance: Longer moves cost more overall but less per mile.
Weight: Heavier cargo increases costs.
Container Size: Larger containers cost more.
Season: Summer moves typically cost more.
Insurance: Additional protection may raise prices.

6. Ways to Save Money

Purge Items Before the Move: Reduce container size by donating or selling unused items.
Move Off-Season: Opt for winter or other less busy periods for discounts.
Choose Less-Than-Container Load (LCL): Share a container for smaller shipments.
Compare Quotes: Obtain at least three quotes from top-rated companies.

7. Recommended Shipping Container Companies

PODS: Ideal for local and long-distance moves.
U-Haul: Budget-friendly options for DIY movers.
U-Pack: Great for long-distance moves.
Zippy Shell: Combines storage and moving services.
1-800-PACK-RAT: Offers secure and durable container options.

Shipping a container is a flexible and efficient way to move. Whether you're going across town or across the globe, planning and comparing options can help you save money and ensure a smooth transition!