Shipping Container Moving Cost
Moving household goods in a shipping container costs $3,500–$8,000 for a domestic move (1,000+ miles) using a 20-ft container. A 40-ft container costs $5,000–$12,000. International container moves cost $8,000–$25,000+ depending on destination. Container moving is 15–30% cheaper than full-service movers for long-distance and overseas relocations.
Container Moving Cost = Container Rental + Loading/Unloading + Transport + Delivery + Insurance
Shipping containers — the same steel boxes used for global freight — are increasingly popular for household moves. They offer secure, weatherproof transport at lower costs than traditional movers, with the flexibility to ship by truck, rail, or ocean. Our shipping container moving cost calculator helps you estimate the total expense of a containerized move, whether you're relocating across the country or overseas.
Unlike PODS-style portable containers, freight shipping containers are larger (20-ft and 40-ft standard sizes), more durable, and can be loaded at ground level or via dock. They're particularly cost-effective for large households and international moves.
What This Means
Your estimate includes the container rental, ground transportation (truck), and delivery. For international moves, ocean freight, customs clearance, and destination delivery are additional. Container moving requires you to handle packing and loading yourself (or hire local labor). The container stays at your location for 2–5 days for loading, then is picked up and transported. This method works best for moves of 500+ miles where the logistics infrastructure supports container shipping.
Shipping Container Sizes and Capacity
Freight shipping containers come in two standard sizes, both built to ISO specifications:
| Feature | 20-Foot Container | 40-Foot Container |
|---|---|---|
| External Dimensions | 20' × 8' × 8'6" | 40' × 8' × 8'6" |
| Internal Dimensions | 19'4" × 7'8" × 7'10" | 39'5" × 7'8" × 7'10" |
| Cubic Capacity | 1,170 cu ft | 2,385 cu ft |
| Max Payload | 47,900 lbs | 59,000 lbs |
| Fits | 1–3 bedroom home | 3–5 bedroom home |
| Equivalent truck size | ~15–17 ft truck | ~26+ ft truck |
A 20-ft container holds roughly the same volume as a PODS 16-ft container but is more robust and better suited for long-distance and intermodal (truck + rail) transport. High-cube containers (9'6" tall) are also available, adding approximately 10% more volume.
Shipping Container Moving Costs (2026)
Domestic Container Moves
| Distance | 20-ft Container | 40-ft Container |
|---|---|---|
| 500 miles | $2,500–$4,500 | $3,500–$6,500 |
| 1,000 miles | $3,500–$6,000 | $5,000–$9,000 |
| 2,000 miles | $4,500–$7,500 | $6,500–$11,000 |
| Coast to coast (2,800 mi) | $5,000–$8,500 | $7,500–$13,000 |
International Container Moves (from U.S.)
| Destination | 20-ft Container | 40-ft Container |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | $5,000–$9,000 | $8,000–$14,000 |
| Germany / Western Europe | $5,500–$10,000 | $8,500–$15,000 |
| Japan / East Asia | $6,000–$12,000 | $9,000–$18,000 |
| Australia | $7,000–$14,000 | $10,000–$22,000 |
International costs include ocean freight, origin and destination port charges, and customs clearance. Inland trucking at origin and destination, packing, and insurance are additional. See our international moving calculator for complete door-to-door estimates.
Worked Example: Container Move from Portland to Miami
The Baker family is relocating their 3-bedroom home from Portland, OR to Miami, FL — approximately 3,300 miles. They're using a 20-ft shipping container via intermodal (truck + rail) transport.
| Cost Component | Details | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Container delivery to home | Flatbed delivers empty container | $250 |
| Container rental | 3 weeks (loading + transit) | $400 |
| Loading labor (hired) | 3 laborers × 5 hours × $35/hr | $525 |
| Packing materials | 70 boxes, pads, straps, tape | $300 |
| Transport (Portland → Miami) | Intermodal: truck to rail yard, rail, truck to destination | $5,200 |
| Unloading labor (hired) | 3 laborers × 4 hours × $35/hr | $420 |
| Container pickup | Flatbed removes empty container | $250 |
| Transit insurance | $60,000 declared value × 2% | $1,200 |
| Total Container Move | $8,545 | |
For comparison, full-service movers quoted $11,500–$15,000 for the same move. The container approach saved the Baker family $2,955–$6,455 (26–43%). The tradeoff was coordinating loading labor and managing packing themselves.
Shipping Containers vs. PODS: Which Is Better?
| Factor | Freight Container | PODS Container |
|---|---|---|
| Sizes | 20' and 40' standard | 8', 12', 16' |
| Construction | Steel, weatherproof, ISO-rated | Steel frame, wood/composite walls |
| Loading height | Ground level (with ramp) or dock | Ground level (PODZILLA system) |
| Security | Lock box, bolt seal capable | Standard padlock |
| Cost (1,000 mi) | $3,500–$6,000 (20') | $3,200–$5,800 (16') |
| Availability | Requires freight logistics setup | Available via PODS.com, easy booking |
| On-site storage | Possible (requires permit in many areas) | Easy (PODZILLA delivery/pickup) |
| International moves | Standard for ocean freight | Not available internationally |
Bottom line: PODS is easier to book and better for most domestic moves under 2,000 miles. Freight containers are better for very large households (3+ bedrooms), international moves, and situations where intermodal (truck + rail) transport reduces cost.
Sources and Methodology
Our shipping container cost calculator uses:
- Domestic container transport rates from intermodal freight carriers and container logistics companies.
- International ocean freight rates from major shipping lines servicing U.S. ports.
- Container rental rates from container leasing companies.
- Loading/unloading labor rates from local moving labor marketplaces.
- Insurance rates from marine and inland transit insurers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to move a shipping container across country?
Moving a 20-ft shipping container coast to coast (approximately 2,800 miles) costs $5,000–$8,500 in 2026. A 40-ft container costs $7,500–$13,000. These costs include container delivery, transport (typically via intermodal truck + rail), and pickup at the destination. You'll need to add loading/unloading labor ($400–$1,000), packing materials ($200–$400), and insurance ($500–$1,500) for the complete cost. Total all-in: $6,100–$11,400 for a 20-ft container.
Can I use a shipping container to move my household goods?
Yes, shipping containers are increasingly used for household moves. A standard 20-ft container holds the contents of a 1–3 bedroom home (1,170 cubic feet). The container is delivered to your home on a flatbed truck, you pack and load it over 2–5 days, and the truck picks it up for transport. For domestic moves, containers travel by truck or intermodal (truck + rail). For international moves, they're loaded onto container ships. The process is similar to PODS but uses larger, more robust containers.
Is a shipping container cheaper than PODS?
For most domestic moves under 2,000 miles, shipping containers and PODS cost roughly the same ($3,000–$8,000). Shipping containers become cheaper for very large moves (when you need a 40-ft container instead of two PODS 16-ft containers) and for international moves (where freight containers are the standard). PODS is generally cheaper for smaller moves and more convenient for residential neighborhoods due to their purpose-built delivery system.
How long does it take to move a shipping container?
Domestic container moves take 7–21 days depending on the distance and transport method. Truck-only transport (shorter distances) takes 5–10 days. Intermodal transport (truck + rail, for longer distances) takes 10–21 days. International container moves by ocean freight take 2–8 weeks depending on destination. Allow 2–5 days for loading and 1–2 days for unloading at each end, plus transit time.
Do I need a permit to have a shipping container at my house?
In many jurisdictions, yes. Shipping containers are classified differently from PODS containers and may require a temporary-use permit, especially if they'll be on your property for more than 24–72 hours. HOA communities often have specific rules about shipping containers. Check with your local building department and HOA before scheduling delivery. Some areas restrict container placement to driveways or require them to be off the street.