Free Container Shipping Cost Calculator

How to Instantly Calculate Your Container Costs and Determine Your Freight Rates

Our free container shipping calculator delivers accurate container rate estimates. Just tell us about your shipment to get an estimate from the world’s largest freight rate database. Then join Freightos to compare, book, and manage your upcoming shipments using our freight rate calculator.

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Container Shipping Rates Chart and Prices

Below is a port-to-port container shipping rates chart for cost ranges of common international shipping destinations (from Shanghai, China):

You can view live international freight rates, prices, and trends, updated daily from the world’s largest freight rate index on the Freightos Baltic Index (FBX).

Week of April 20, 2025 Container Shipping Rates and Prices

Ocean Rates – Freightos Baltic Index:

• Asia-US West Coast prices (FBX01 Weekly) fell 5% to $2,343/FEU.     
• Asia-US East Coast prices (FBX03 Weekly) fell 5% to $3,467/FEU. 
• Asia-N. Europe prices (FBX11 Weekly) fell 1% to $2,340/FEU. 
• Asia-Mediterranean prices (FBX13 Weekly) increased 7% to $2,935/FEU. 

Ocean Freight Rates and Trends:

• Transpacific volumes have plummeted with vessels reportedly departing China at just half capacity as US importers cancel or pause orders due to steep tariffs
• Despite volume drops, rates have been holding surprisingly steady to the US West Coast and US East Coast as carriers implement extensive blanking programs reminiscent of early pandemic measures
• An early peak season is anticipated with Maersk announcing Peak Season Surcharges for May on non-China Asian exports while overall volumes are expected to decrease in the second half of the year
• The European Commission is monitiring for a potential flood of Chinese goods previously destined for US markets
• Revised US port call fee proposal targeting Chinese vessels (effective October) now applies per US call instead of per port call, reducing potential congestion risks

Air Cargo Trends:

•  Major disruption looms ahead of the May deadline as Chinese imports under the de minimis threshold lose eligibility for simplified customs clearance
• Carriers are implementing surcharges on China-US parcels while some are pausing service for imports in certain value ranges due to overwhelmed operations
• Hong Kong Post is halting all US-bound parcels in protest of tariff policies, creating potential service gaps for shipments routed through the hub
• China-US air rates are holding steady despite market disruptions, following significant rate increases observed through March
• E-commerce platforms have been announcing price increases due to policy changes, with recent sales spikes suggesting that US consuare mers rushing to beat the upcoming deadline

Use the cost calculator and keep up to date with container shipping pricing trends to get a better idea of what your total landed costs will be.

• China – N. America weekly prices increased 2% to $5.54/kg.
• China – N. Europe weekly prices stayed level at $3.75/kg.
• N. Europe – N. America weekly prices fell 1% to $2.11/kg.

How Much Does It Cost to Ship 20FT and 40FT Containers?

When comparing prices for container shipping and transport, the size of the container will affect the price.

While there are over a dozen different-sized containers, 20-foot (TEU) and 40-foot (FEU) containers are the most frequently used.

20-Foot Container Shipping Costs:

What fits in a TEU will determine the cost of shipping.  The cost also depends on the type of goods transported and how efficiently these can be packed and loaded into the container.

The dimensions of a TEU are as follows:

• Length: 19.4 ft (5.9 m)
• Width: 7.7 ft (2.35 m)
• Height: 7.9 ft (2.39 m)

Therefore, the total cubic capacity of a TEU is 1,172 cu ft (33.2 m3) and the payload capacity is 55,126.9 lbs (25,000 kg).

This means that a 20-ft container can generally accommodate 9-10 standard pallets.

40-Foot Container Shipping Costs:

An FEU has double the capacity of a TEU but is not charged at double the price.

If you want to ship a 20-foot container instead of a 40-foot container, it’s worth noting that the latter usually costs just 20-25% more than the former.

These are the dimensions of a FEU:

• Length: 39.5 ft (12.03 m)
• Width: 7.7 ft (2.35 m)
• Height: 7.9 ft (2.39 m)

The total cubic capacity of an FEU is 2,389 cu ft (67.7 m3) and the payload capacity is 61,200 lbs (27,600 kg).

This means you can fit between 20-21 standard pallets in an FEU.

How Are Container Shipping Prices, Rates & Transport Costs Calculated?

Container shipping rates and prices are determined by the form of the cargo, the mode of transport, the weight of your goods, and the distance and popularity of the delivery destination from the point of origin.

Understanding the total cost of importing or exporting your goods is vital to determining the total landed cost of the goods and what your bottom line will be. Check out the Container Shipping Cost Calculator to help you estimate what it will cost to ship your goods. Once booked, it’s time to see how to track your container.

How Much Does It Cost to Ship From China/Central Asia to the United States?

Currently, prices start from $2,327 in the China/Central Asia to North America West Coast route, and $3,395 in the China/Central Asia to North America East Coast route.