Shipping lies at the center of international trade. It’s essential for getting consumer and industrial goods from one part of the earth to another. Goods can move by road, air, and sea to meet various human needs. The average shipping costs for 2022 vary based on trips between the ports. However, you need to confirm with your preferred shipping company to get the exact shipping cost.

It’s also necessary to compare shipping prices from available international movers around you. However, you need to distinguish between international movers and freight forwarders, aka non-vessel operating common carriers (NVOCCs). International movers arrange for clients’ full moving, including pick-up, delivery, and shipping.

Generally, NVOCCs and freight forwarders provide similar services to international movers. However, they usually work more with commercial container shipment for businesses instead of one-time moving customers.

So, what determines the rates for international container shipping? Remain with this post to understand some of the leading factors that affect international shipping costs. Remain onboard to learn more and enjoy the best rates for international container shipping in Canada.

Four Main Factors Determining International Shipping Costs

Different factors determine the final price you will pay to ship a container overseas. This section examines the four leading ones plus other minor contributors.

• Container Size – 20ft and 40ft

An intermodal shipping container’s size directly affects its shipping rates. We have two popularly used container sizes: 20ft and 40ft. Their slight variations include the 40ft high-cube containers and the 45ft high-cube containers. Others are refrigerated containers and tankers for shipping liquids. Because of the first two containers’ popularity, we shall focus our attention on them.

• 20ft shipping containers

These boxes are ideal for shipping one to two-bedroom furnishings or a car with a few other boxes. Their typical LWH dimensions are 19′ 10.5″by 8′ 0″ by 8′ 6″ (6.1m by 2.4m by 2.6m). Their internal volume capacity is 1,169 ft³ (33.1 m³), and their net shipping load is 61,289 lb (28,200 kg)

• 40ft shipping containers

This container is ideal for shipping household items for a three to five-bedroom house or a car plus a typical two-bedroom house’s furnishings. Its typical dimensions in LWH are 40′ 0″ by 8′ 0″ by 8′ 6″ (12.2m by 2.4m by 2.6m). Its internal volume is 2,385 ft³ (67.5 m³), and it has a net load capacity of 57,759 lb (26,600 kg).

Theoretically, a 40ft container can carry double the weight of a 20ft box. However, its height makes it carry less weight because of the container’s weight.

•  Loading Capacity 

Loading capacity is another factor that affects the overall cost of shipping containers overseas. Loading capacity can either be less container loading (LCL) or full container loading (FCL). Let’s look at these terms more deeply below.

• LCL

This weight refers to a move or shipment that requires less than a container’s full capacity. Most shipping companies usually impose minimum shipment volumes for this loading option. This minimum weight makes it an affordable alternative for small shipments.

• FCL

This load capacity refers to a shipment or move price you pay for a full container. That means no other person’s goods will be in that container. Most international shipping firms prefer this option because it simplifies loading and unloading logistics on both sides. 

• Shipping Mode 

We have three main international shipping modes: land, sea, and air. Some goods will require all of these modes or two of them.

• Land 

Land transportation uses trains and trucks.

• Road

Almost all container shipments involve trucks. Many local and regional international shipments usually require trucks in the entire process.  Trucks have fast-moving speeds if road conditions are optimal. Trucks are indispensable in international moving, and their cost is moderate.

• Railroad

Shipping containers by train is one of the most common and ancient modes. Depending on a train’s origin and destination, it is also the most cost-effective mode with a slower speed than trucks.

• Sea 

Container shipment by sea is one of the most ancient modes of international trade. It’s also the cheapest shipping mode, although it’s also the slowest of the three. It takes a few days to several weeks to ship containers overseas using ships. However, you have no choice but to use sea freight if you need to transport bulk goods between continents.

• Air 

Shipping containers by air is ideal for full household container moves because it’s very costly. Its cost can be as high as ten times more than water transportation. However, it’s ideal if you want to ship a few items. Thus, this option is suitable if you have goods you want to arrive in another nation as soon as you arrive there. Airfreight is the fastest because it takes only a few hours to arrive.

• Loading and Delivery Mode

Your container’s loading and delivery mode will also affect its international shipping cost. If you intend to ship your goods using FCL, you can have up to three alternatives based on the mover or forwarder you use. These choices are:

• Port-to-port 

This choice is primary and significantly determines international shipping rates. Here, you get your goods to the harbor of origin, allow the shipper to ship them to their destination harbor, and get them to your desired destination.

• Drop-and-fill

With this arrangement, a shipper brings a shipping box to your home, and you fill it yourself. You may also utilize local moving and packing companies from your shipping company to assist you. The same thing may also happen at your destination, where a shipping firm can drop a container at your home, and you unload it yourself.

• Door-to-door moving

This last option is ideal for people relocating overseas. Here, your chosen mover drops a container at your home, packs move it to the port, ships it, moves it to your new home, and unpacks it for you. With this alternative, you do nothing in the entire process because the mover does everything for you. This option is ideal for people without experience in international moving or shipping LCL loads.

Additional International Shipping Costs

The above factors are the main cost and rate determinants. However, other issues also affect the overall cost of getting your containers to their desired overseas destinations. Here are the other determining factors:

• Insurance

It’s essential to insure your goods if you plan to move all your home items abroad. Therefore, ensure your shipping company has sufficient maritime insurance to protect your valuables. Working this way gives you peace of mind, knowing that the shipper’s insurer will compensate you for any loss or damage.

• Packing costs

Many international movers require you to allow them to pack your items. Why is this requirement necessary? Because in most cases, it prevents fraudulent insurance claims that raise overall shipping costs. It can also be a statutory requirement for duty and taxation purposes.

• Taxes/duty/customs charges

Taxes in your destination country also affect your container’s overall shipping rates. Therefore, it’s beneficial to find out how that nation treats incoming containers. Some governments impose duties and/or taxes on the value of incoming items. Therefore, do your homework well to avoid last-minute surprises.

• Storage

Storage fees also determine your container’s overall shipping cost. If your overseas move won’t be permanent, it’s prudent to determine how much storage costs in your home nation. This step can make it cheaper than shipping items abroad and back again, particularly if your country will impose taxes and duties on the same goods.

• Fuel 

All land, air, and water-moving machines use fuel. Thus, fuel costs will still arise in your shipment’s overall costs. Any fluctuation in oil prices eventually passes on to the consumer. So, you will get better rates when international fuel prices are stable and vice versa. Unfortunately, retailers have nothing to do about fuel cost changes.

• Weather

Weather conditions also significantly affect shipping prices and logistics. Inclement weather at your origin, en-route, or destination points can mess up and delay logistics. Unfortunately, harbors and transportation hubs will still charge the end-user irrespective of the delays unfavorable weather conditions cause.

• Distance

Distance is another issue that affects a container’s shipping rates. Farther international destinations will cost you more and vice versa.

• Shipment speed

Lastly, shipment speed affects container rates for international shipping. If you want to ship your goods overnight or within two days, you might most likely use a plane. This speedy option means paying more than using a ship, train, or truck.

Parting Shot on Rates for Shipping Containers Overseas

The costs and rates for shipping containers internationally affect trade and consumers in many ways. Additionally, many factors determine the overall cost of shipping your containers abroad. For example, your transportation mode and cargo weight significantly affect your final rates.

It’s vital to consider all these factors before transporting your container using a specific mode or moving company. Do you want to ship your containers abroad more conveniently and affordably? Don’t hesitate to contact us here today for a free quote. Our team is waiting to get you on the move.