Container shipping to USA from the UK is the safest way to move your household goods, personal effects, and commercial cargo across the Atlantic. With over 15 years of experience and more than 14,000 shipments handled worldwide, Ascope Shipping offers cost-effective, secure container solutions from the UK to the United States. Whether you are relocating your home, sending personal belongings, or shipping business cargo, we make sure your goods arrive safely and on time.
As one of the leading UK-based shipping companies, with a 4.6-star Trustpilot rating from 690+ reviews, we are a trusted name for container shipping to the USA. From FCL (Full Container Load) to LCL (shared container), we give you clear, honest advice on the best option for your shipment.
Why Choose Ascope Shipping for Container Shipping to USA
When choosing a shipping company for the USA, experience and transparency matter. Thousands of customers choose Ascope Shipping for:
- 15+ years of expertise, with over 14,000 shipments handled worldwide
- Both FCL (sole-use) and LCL (shared) container options
- Complete household removals and personal effects shipping
- Transparent, honest pricing with no hidden fees
- Full customs clearance handling at both the UK and US ends
- Regular sailings to all major US ports
Whether it is a few boxes of personal effects, a full household move, or a commercial consignment, we handle the whole process from UK collection to US delivery.
What You Can Ship in a Container to the USA
A container is the most secure and flexible way to ship to the USA. Our customers use container shipping for a wide range of goods:
- Household removals: complete home contents when relocating to the USA
- Personal effects: furniture, boxes, appliances, and belongings
- Commercial cargo: business goods, stock, machinery, and equipment
- Oversized items: on flat rack containers for machinery or large equipment
If you are moving home, we can pack a full house into a 20ft or 40ft container. If you also need to ship a car, we can include a vehicle alongside your household goods, or see our dedicated car shipping to USA page for RoRo and container vehicle options.
How Much Does Container Shipping to USA Cost?
The cost of container shipping to USA depends on the container size, whether you choose FCL or LCL, and the US destination port. As a guide, a shared (LCL) container starts from around £1,100, while sole-use containers cost more for the exclusive space. Below are approximate 2026 costs:
| Service | Typical Cost (from) |
|---|---|
| LCL / shared container (part load) | from £1,100 |
| 20ft container (FCL) | from £2,200 |
| 40ft container (FCL) | from £3,500 |
These are approximate figures and vary by volume, US destination, and season. Inland US destinations cost more than port cities, and a 40ft container costs more than a 20ft. For an exact price, contact us for a free quote.
Container Shipping Methods: FCL and LCL
Understanding the two main methods helps you choose the right option for your budget and cargo.
Full Container Load (FCL) Shipping UK to USA
With FCL, you get an exclusive container (20ft or 40ft) for your goods alone. It is ideal for full household moves or larger business shipments, offering maximum security and direct transport with no delays waiting for other cargo. Your container is sealed at collection and only opened at destination.
Less than Container Load (LCL) Shipping UK to USA
With LCL, you share container space with other consignments and only pay for the space you use. It is the most affordable option for boxes, part-loads, or smaller shipments.
Not sure which is right for you? See our full comparison of FCL vs LCL shipping, or read our guide to groupage shipping for more on shared container options.
Types of Containers for Shipping to the USA
Choosing the right container keeps your goods safe. The most common types are:
- Standard containers (20ft and 40ft): the most common, ideal for general cargo, furniture, and boxes
- High cube containers: extra height for taller or bulkier items
- Refrigerated containers (reefers): temperature-controlled for perishable goods
- Flat rack containers: for oversized items such as machinery or large equipment
Container Sizes and Capacity
| 20ft Container | 40ft Container | |
|---|---|---|
| Cubic capacity | approx. 1,050 cu ft (29 CBM) | approx. 2,100 cu ft (59 CBM) |
| Best for | 2 to 3 bed house | 4 to 5 bed house |
How Long Does Container Shipping to USA Take?
Transit time depends on the US destination port and whether you choose FCL or LCL. East Coast ports are fastest. As a guide:
| US Port | FCL (sole-use) | LCL (shared) |
|---|---|---|
| New York | 2 – 4 weeks | 6 – 8 weeks |
| Baltimore | 2 – 4 weeks | 6 – 8 weeks |
| Miami / Savannah | 3 – 4 weeks | 7 – 9 weeks |
| Los Angeles / West Coast | 4 – 6 weeks | 7 – 10 weeks |
FCL is faster because it goes straight to the ship once sealed, while LCL takes longer as shipments are consolidated. Add a few days for US customs clearance on arrival.
Customs and Regulations When Shipping to the USA
Shipping to the USA involves US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) rules, and getting the paperwork right prevents delays. Key points include:
- Import documentation: a detailed inventory with descriptions, values, and country of origin
- Importer Security Filing (ISF): the “10+2” filing must be submitted before the cargo arrives
- Duties and taxes: some goods attract import duty and tax, depending on type and value
- Prohibited and restricted items: certain goods cannot be shipped, so check before booking
We handle the CBP documentation, ISF filing, and clearance for you, so nothing is left to chance. You can read the official rules on the US CBP importing guide. For more on duties, see our customs duties advice.
A Trusted UK Shipping Partner
As an experienced vehicle shipping agent and cargo specialist, Ascope Shipping handles far more than containers to the USA. We ship worldwide by container, RoRo, and groupage, and manage the full journey from collection to delivery. Whatever you are sending to the United States, our team makes sure it is packed, documented, and delivered with care.
How to Get a Quote for Container Shipping to USA
Getting a quote is simple:
- Tell us your shipment details (goods, volume, US destination port)
- Our team calculates the best FCL or LCL option and sends your quote
- Once confirmed, we schedule collection and handle all the paperwork
Request a Free Quote for Container Shipping to USA
Ready to ship your goods to the USA? With 15 years of experience and over 14,000 shipments handled, Ascope Shipping takes care of everything from UK collection to US delivery, container, customs, and cargo. Call us on 01482 228366, WhatsApp +44 7717 769925, or complete our online form for a free, no-obligation quote.