shipping pod

Shipping Container Transport Cost 2025 | 20-Foot Container Moving Calculator

A. Tilt-Bed or Flatbed Truck Transport

A truck picks up your container from ground level and delivers it to your new location.

B. Rail + Truck Combo

For long-distance moves, containers are loaded onto trains, then transferred to trucks for final delivery.

C. Sea Freight (International Moves)

If you’re moving overseas, the container travels by ship.

1. Distance and Route

Longer routes cost more. A local move from Brooklyn to Jersey City might be under $1,000, while a coast-to-coast trip can easily exceed $5,000.

2. Container Weight

Shipping costs increase with total weight. A fully loaded container can cost up to 40% more to move than one that’s half full.

3. Delivery Type

Do you need door-to-door service or terminal-to-terminal? Door-to-door is convenient but more expensive because it requires specialized trucks and handling.

4. Location Access

Urban deliveries in NYC, Brooklyn, or Manhattan often cost more due to parking restrictions, narrow streets, and crane assistance.

5. Permits and Equipment

If cranes, forklifts, or escorts are required to load or unload, those services add to your total.

6. Timing and Season

Peak moving months (May to September) and high fuel seasons can drive up prices. Planning your move in fall or winter can reduce rates by 10–20%.

1. Ship During Off-Peak Months

Avoid late spring and summer when rates spike. Moving in fall or winter can save up to 20%.

2. Pack Efficiently

Every inch of unused space costs you money. Use uniform boxes and heavy-duty straps to secure furniture.

3. Use Terminal Pickup

Instead of door-to-door service, pick up or drop off your container at the carrier’s terminal to save delivery fees.

4. Compare Quotes

Get at least three written estimates. Many companies offer bundled rates for transport + storage.

5. Avoid Overweight Fees

Don’t exceed the 20-foot container’s weight limit. Overloaded units can incur fines or additional equipment charges.