What a container from China to the UK costs this week
The headline price most people quote is the ocean spot rate for one 40 ft container from Shanghai to North Europe. We update it every week from the Drewry World Container Index. UK ports such as Felixstowe and Southampton price close to this North Europe benchmark.
Spot price in US dollars from the Drewry World Container Index. Turn it into a door-to-door estimate.
What the spot rate does not include
The index is the port-to-port sea freight only. A door-to-door cost also includes:
- Collection from the factory and export clearance in China (often paid by the supplier on FOB terms).
- UK port and terminal charges, and the customs entry made by your agent.
- Haulage from the port to your door or to an Amazon fulfilment centre.
- Import duty (depends on the commodity code) and import VAT, usually 20%.
- Insurance, if you take it, which we recommend.
20 ft or 40 ft?
| Container | Inside volume | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| 20 ft | About 33 m³ | Heavy goods, or loads of roughly 13 to 28 m³ |
| 40 ft | About 67 m³ | Most mixed or bulky retail stock |
| 40 ft High Cube | About 76 m³ | Light, bulky goods such as furniture and textiles |
You rarely fill a container to its full volume; plan on about 80 to 90% once cartons are stacked. A 40 ft often costs much less than twice a 20 ft, so it can be the better buy even part-full.
Why the price moves
Spot rates rise and fall with demand, fuel, peak season and disruption on the shipping routes. The change against last week in the box above shows the direction. Contract rates agreed for a year move less than spot rates.
Get an estimate for your shipment
Our freight rate comparison turns this week's index into a door-to-door estimate for your route and lists freight forwarders who can quote firm prices. Still deciding between a full and shared container? See air vs sea, LCL or FCL.
Sources
Questions people ask
How much is a 40 ft container from China to the UK?
The sea freight part follows the weekly spot rate shown on this page for Shanghai to North Europe. Add port charges, customs, UK haulage, duty and VAT for the full door-to-door cost.
Is a 20 ft container half the price of a 40 ft?
Usually not. A 40 ft often costs much less than twice a 20 ft, so compare both before booking.
How many cubic metres fit in a 40 ft container?
About 67 m³ inside, or about 76 m³ in a 40 ft High Cube. In practice plan on filling 80 to 90% of that.