Shipping container freight (international 20 and 40 foot) cost in 2026
Shipping container freight (international 20 and 40 foot) costs $3,200 to $7,400 per 40 foot container from Asia to the US in 2026, and most people pay about $5,300.
What moves the price
- The route matters most, and Asia to the US East Coast costs more than the West Coast.
- Rates swing with demand, and August to October is the peak.
- A 40 foot container costs more than a 20 foot, but less per unit of cargo.
- Surcharges, port fees and customs add to the base freight.
- Spot rates are often higher than contract rates.
- Where you live. Prices in big cities usually run higher than in small towns.
What is included
The base rate covers the ocean leg from port to port. Terminal handling, peak season surcharges, documents, customs, insurance and trucking at each end are often extra. One guide says extras add roughly $800 to $2,500 per container.
Container freight by route, September 2026
| Route | 40 foot | 20 foot |
|---|---|---|
| Shanghai to Los Angeles | $7,352 | $4,400 to $5,200 |
| Shanghai to New York | $9,726 | $5,800 to $6,800 |
| Ho Chi Minh City to Los Angeles | $6,200 to $7,000 | $3,700 to $4,900 |
| Rotterdam to New York | $2,200 to $4,200 | $1,200 to $2,000 |
| Santos to Miami | $2,800 to $4,200 | $1,400 to $2,200 |
Average prices in US dollars. Source: Suaid Global.
Ways to pay less
- Compare at least three forwarder quotes, since they can differ by 15 to 30 percent.
- Ship off peak, because early year rates can run well below August to October.
- Ask for an itemized quote so port fees and surcharges are clear.
What price guides say
We checked 3 price guides and read every number on their pages. They do not all measure the same thing, so the ranges on this page come from putting them side by side.
- Suaid Global: FCL Container Rates 2026: 20ft & 40ft Costs by Route
- Sino Shipping: Average shipping price per container
- Drewry: World Container Index
Common questions
How much does this cost in 2026?
Shipping container freight (international 20 and 40 foot) costs $3,200 to $7,400 per 40 foot container from Asia to the US in 2026, and most people pay about $5,300. Most people pay about $5,300 per 40 foot container from Asia to the US. The low end is $3,200 and the high end is $7,400.
What changes the price the most?
The biggest factors are: The route matters most, and Asia to the US East Coast costs more than the West Coast; Rates swing with demand, and August to October is the peak; A 40 foot container costs more than a 20 foot, but less per unit of cargo.
How can I pay less?
Compare at least three forwarder quotes, since they can differ by 15 to 30 percent. Ship off peak, because early year rates can run well below August to October. Ask for an itemized quote so port fees and surcharges are clear.
Where do these numbers come from?
From 3 named price guides: Suaid Global, Sino Shipping, Drewry. Each one is linked on this page with the date we read it.
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