A comprehensive guide to shipping costs to America from the UK includes getting a good quote if you’re moving to the United States.

Considering a move to the USA? If you’re wondering about shipping costs or seeking the most affordable options, this guide covers you. Whether you’re a Brit chasing the American dream or a US expat heading back home, we understand that sending your belongings is an integral part of your journey.

This guide estimates the cost of shipping everything from parcels, packages,  large boxes, personal effects, household goods and furniture, full or partial containers and even vehicles to the USA. It also sheds light on other charges such as customs fees and duties that might not be included in your initial quote. For those sending smaller quantities, we’ll delve into shipping boxes and excess baggage costs. For a broader overview, refer to our dedicated shipping to USA guide.

Given the vastness of the USA, shipping costs can significantly vary. Thus, we recommend contacting our team for a more precise quote suited to your needs.

The additional charges and exclusions outlined below are industry standard and typical to whichever shipping company you use, not just PSS International. It is essential that you discuss these with your Account Manager so you have a clear idea of what applies to your shipment.

NB: Due to current exchange rate volatility and other cost fluctuations, these costs are meant as a rough guide only. Please use our online shipping cost calculators for a more accurate quote tailored to your circumstances.

Free Shipping Cost Calculator
The costs listed below are just guideline estimates. To get an accurate and up-to-date cost for shipping to USA, we recommend you use are free online shipping cost calculator.

FREE Online Shipping Cost Calculator for USA

Jump To USA Shipping Costs 2023 Table

International Removal Costs and Prices to USA in 2024

Contents

Household Container Shipping Rates to the USA From the UK

20 ft shipping container fullThe container prices listed here are based on the contents of an average UK property and include delivery to the specified city or location.

The cost of shipping a container to the West Coast and central locations in the United States can differ significantly from the East Coast due to the extra distances involved.

Average International Shipping Costs and Prices to USA for 2024

Move Size
(Shipment Volume)
Average Cost UK to USA
2 kg Parcel £28.90**
2-3 Large Boxes* £327 – £397
5 Large Boxes* £391 – £528
10 Large Boxes* £547 – £733
Student Move £1148 – £1281
Studio Flat £1203  – £1357
1 Bed Flat £1485 – £1952
2 Bed Flat £2658 – £3357
3 Bed House
(20 ft container)
£8031 – £9699
4+ Bed House
(40 ft container)
£10591 – £14637

*Box shipping prices are based on self-pack
** Royal Mail Parcel service

All quotes are estimates, including door-to-door delivery. Actual rates will depend on such factors as packing materials required, actual volume and current exchange rates.

Move costs include full export standard pack and wrap service for household belongings, including furniture.

Online International Shipping Cost Calculators

Please use the online shipping costs calculators below for a more accurate personal estimate.

The box shipping calculator is only designed for shipping boxes or suitcases/bags and is based on self-packing.

If you are shipping furniture and larger quantities, please use the International Removals Cost Calculator.

Box Shipping / Excess Baggage Cost Calculator

International Removals Cost Calculator

Many websites list port-to-port costs for shipping containers to the USA. These can significantly underestimate the actual costs for non-commercial users. The prices listed here are for a full door-to-door removal service aimed at people shipping their personal effects.

Free Cost Calculator For Shipping Boxes

Get the latest rates for 2024 – this cost calculator can give you an immediate personal estimate for your shipment of packages, boxes, and other items:

How long does shipping take from the UK to the USA?

Average Sea Freight Shipping Times From the UK to the USA

Destination Full Container* Shared Container**
New York / East Coast 2-4 weeks 5-9 weeks
Los Angeles / West Coast 4-6 weeks 6-10 weeks
Chicago, Illinois 2-4 weeks   5-9 weeks
Orlando, Florida 2-4 weeks   5-9 weeks

*These are approximate shipping times based on FCL (Full Container Loads); groupage shipments or shared container** (LCL) will likely be longer.

Sea Freight Prices to Ship to Specific Destinations in the United States

Shipping Costs From UK to New York, East Coast 2024

Move Size
(Shipment Volume)
Average Cost UK to New York City**
2-3 Large Boxes £260
5 Large Boxes £308
10 Large Boxes £436
Student Move £916
Student Flat £964
1 Bed Flat £1,184
2 Bed Flat £2,125
3 Bed House
(20 ft container)
£5,620
4+ Bed House
(40 ft container)
£7,415

**New York City – Based on delivery to Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Staten Island or Queens.

*Box shipping prices are based on self-pack

All quotes are estimates, including door-to-door delivery. Actual rates will depend on such factors as packing materials required, actual volume and current exchange rates.

Move costs include full export standard pack and wrap service for household belongings, including furniture.

Shipping Costs From UK to Los Angeles, West Coast 2024

Move Size
(Shipment Volume)
Average Cost UK to Los Angeles
2-3 Large Boxes £316
5 Large Boxes £416
10 Large Boxes £580
Student Move £936
Studio Flat £994
1 Bed Flat £1,259
2 Bed Flat £2,278
3 Bed House
(20 ft container)
£6,788
4+ Bed House
(40 ft container)
£10,237

*Box shipping prices are based on self-pack

All quotes are estimates, including door-to-door delivery. Actual rates will depend on such factors as packing materials required, actual volume and current exchange rates.

Move costs include full export standard pack and wrap service for household belongings, including furniture.

Shipping Costs From the UK to Chicago, Illinois, 2024

Move Size
(Shipment Volume)
Average Cost UK to Chicago
5 Large Boxes £316
10 Large Boxes £416
Student Move £580
Studio Flat £1,074
1 Bed Flat £1558
2 Bed Flat £2,681
3 Bed House
(20 ft container)
£6,437
4+ Bed House
(40 ft container)
£8,909

*Box shipping prices are based on self-pack

All quotes are estimates, including door-to-door delivery. Actual rates will depend on such factors as packing materials required, actual volume and current exchange rates.

Move costs include full export standard pack and wrap service for household belongings, including furniture.

Shipping Costs From the UK to Orlando, Florida, 2024

Move Size
(Shipment Volume)
Average Cost UK to Orlando
2-3 Large Boxes £316
5 Large Boxes £416
10 Large Boxes £580
Student Move £1,017
Studio Flat £1,074
1 Bed Flat £1,558
2 Bed Flat £2,681
3 Bed House
£6,527
4+ Bed House
£8,867

*Box shipping prices are based on self-pack

All quotes are estimates, including door-to-door delivery. Actual rates will depend on such factors as packing materials required, actual volume and current exchange rates.

Move costs include full export standard pack and wrap service for household belongings, including furniture.

Get A Quote For Shipping Boxes / Excess Baggage To USA

Get A Removals Quote For USA

The Essential Guide to Shipping Costs from the UK to the United States of America

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Shipping to the United States

International shipping to the USA can be complicated. There are a lot of factors you need to consider.

We have, therefore, compiled the detailed guide below, which answers all your questions about shipping to the USA.

Cost of Sending Boxes / Excess Baggage to the USA From the UK

Excess Baggage and box shipping services are ideal for shipping smaller quantities of items/luggage. Large items, such as furniture, will require a removal service.
The prices below include self-packing, although professional packing services are available.

Costs per box decline as the quantity or volume shipped increases.

tea carton boxBoxes are based on standard shipping tea cartons, measuring 46 x 46 x 51 cm (3.4 cubic feet), and weighing up to 25 kg each.

Box shipping times are based on groupage shipping / LCL (Less than Container Load), allowing more time for consolidating shipment before departure.

Luggage can be shipped by air freight for urgent Excess Baggage Shipping or by sea freight.

Sea Freight Shipping Prices 2024 – From UK to USA

These prices differ depending on which region of America you are shipping to. Shipping to the main ports is naturally cheaper than outlying areas.

Get A Quote For Shipping Boxes / Excess Baggage To USA

Is the Cost of Air Freight to the USA Cheaper Than Sea Freight?

Because of the unique nature of shipping to some destinations in the USA, it is often more cost-effective to ship smaller quantities by air to the nearest city (the cost of railroad or trucking fees from the seaport to your final destination may outweigh any savings from sea freight).

Our advisers can give you the best quote based on your circumstances. Even if airfreight is not the cheapest shipping method, the cost difference compared to how much time you save may make it worthwhile.

What is the Cost of Sending Parcels to the USA?

Shipping small parcels to the USA can be done cheaply via Royal Mail. For example, a small 2 kg parcel can be posted for around £30.45 by air mail. But 2 kg is the maximum size. For larger parcels, you can use Parcel Force or other courier companies, but the costs quickly become too high. Therefore, if you are moving to the USA or plan to stay for a more extended period, specialist box shipping services to USA, such as those offered by PSS International, are a very attractive alternative.

USA Major Container Terminals and Ports

The following are some of the main container shipping ports in the USA. The delivery cost may increase if your final destination is more than 30 miles from the port/container terminal. Costs can vary between ports. In the United States, goods can be shipped to inland container terminals rather than a coastal seaport.

The Top American Container Sea Ports and Container Hubs include:

East Coast

  • Port Authority of New York & New Jersey (USNTC)
  • Norfolk International Terminals, Virginia (USHNV)
  • Port of Savannah, Georgia (USSAV)
  • Port Everglades, Florida (USPEF)
  • The Port of Houston Authority, Texas (USHOU)
  • Port of Charleston, South Carolina (USCHS)
  • Port of San Juan, Puerto Rico (PRSJU)

West Coast

  • Port of Los Angeles (US LAX)
  • Port of Long Beach (LA) (US LGB)
  • Port of Seattle & Tacoma (US SEA)
  • Port of Oakland (San Francisco) (US OAK)

Inland Container Terminals

  • Port of Chicago, Illinois (USCHI)
  • Port of Memphis, Tennessee (USMEM)
  • Port of Charlotte, North Carolina (USCLT)

Shipments and containers to the West Coast of America may be shipped through the Panama Canal to ports in California. However, sometimes, it is cheaper to send them to the east coast and then railroad them across the country.

Your PSS Account Manager will advise you on the cheapest and most cost-effective route for your shipping to the USA.

How do I Get an Accurate Shipping Quote or Estimate?

Your shipping costs will be based on the volume (cubic feet) you ship. It is essential, therefore, to get an accurate quote based on what you want to send.

The best way to do this is through an estimator visiting your house, although now some shipping companies like PSS offer video surveys via a mobile app or online calculators where you list what you wish to send.

Check everything you need to ship. Don’t forget hidden cupboards, attics, sheds, garages and anything stored at another site – it all adds up.

Additional Volume:

If you need to take extra items not included in your original quotation, it will likely increase your pay. However, if you reduce your volume, your shipping estimate may decrease.

Costs for Shipping Personal Effects and Household Goods

This article assumes you are moving to the USA and shipping household or personal effects. You will, therefore, be less liable to pay taxes and other charges. Household goods and personal products include everything from furniture and clothes to bicycles, golf clubs and other used personal items.

For new items and commercial goods, other conditions, duties, and costs may apply.

What’s Included in the Price for International Removals to the United States?

The price estimates quoted here are based on a full international removal service to various locations in America. This service is designed for people moving overseas or shipping personal effects and is much more comprehensive than using a freight forwarder or shipping port to port.

  • Door-to-door service (including pick up and delivery)
  • Professional export standard packing materials and cartons.
  • Use of reliable, regulated shipping lines such as Ocean Network Express (ONE), Maersk, Hapag Lloyd and Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC).
  • Packing, export wrapping and shipping of furniture.
  • Advice & assistance with completing forms, & other paperwork.
  • Customs inventory – numbering and listing of all packages.
  • UK & destination Port/Terminal handling charges.
  • Ocean freight to arrival vessel destination port.
  • Customs Clearance, haulage of container and unloading.
  • Some Storage may be included in the UK or USA.
  • Delivery of household effects to the residence, unwrapping and removal of packing materials (assumes good access and not above the first floor).

What is the Cost of Car and Vehicle Shipping to the USA?

There are two main methods for shipping cars to the US – in a shipping container or using a RORO (Roll-On-Roll-Off) service. If you are shipping other household goods, it’s worth seeing if you can save money by sending them in the same container.

Cars, bikes, motorhomes, caravans, motorbikes, and boats can all be shipped to the United States. Some vehicles, especially motor homes and caravans, maybe too wide or tall to fit in a shipping container and will need to be shipped RORO.

There are restrictions on what cars and other vehicles can be shipped to the USA from the UK. You will need to check that your vehicle meets these criteria.

For a quote and full details of the costs of shipping and importing vehicles to the US, please click here to visit our car shipping page or call our advisers on 020 8686 7733.

Get A Quote For Car & Vehicle Shipping To America

Why are Some Shipping Quotes So Cheap?

Cheapest Shipping to the USA – Warning

We have noticed that some shipping companies give misleading quotes for cheap shipping to the USA. If you receive an estimate that seems very cheap compared to other shipping company quotes, please check carefully what is included.

We have frequently encountered people given a port-to-port price rather than a door-to-door price – which is not particularly helpful considering the large inland distances in the USA!

“Why is it so expensive to ship to the USA?”

The large size of the USA means that shipping costs can be higher as goods are transferred from ship to road/rail freight.

Most reputable shipping and international removal companies will have fairly similar costs and estimates. Cheap shipping quotes may look attractive on the surface but often have hidden costs or shortcuts which could put your belongings at risk.

Main Reasons For Cheap Shipping Quotes For USA Can Include:
  • Port-to-port rather than door-to-door delivery.
  • Price only includes container shipping to USA
  • Your quote is not for a full removal service, including packing, customs clearance, delivery, etc.
  • The shipping company are using low-cost shipping lines, which may be cheaper, but your belongings are at greater risk of delays, damages or even loss.
  • Unacceptable lower-grade packing materials or not professionally packed.
  • Some charges & fees are added on as extra, so the headline quote looks cheap.
  • Removal/shipping company is not BAR or FIDI regulated.
  • The quote is cheaper as it does not include customs clearance and handling.
  • Unregulated or unreliable agents are used at the destination.
Why Do USA Shipping Estimates Vary?

The shipping quotation you are given is an estimate and your final invoice may be different for several reasons.

This is the case with all shipping companies, as much can change between receiving your quote and your actual moving or shipping day.

Final shipping costs can change due to:

  • Exchange rate fluctuations.
  • Extra items were added that were not included in the original quotation.
  • Increases in port/shipping fees and other charges between receiving your estimate and your actual departure.
  • Varying costs and charges for different ports and shipping lines.
  • Seasonal variations (time of year).
How to Get a Discount On Your Shipping to the United States

Being flexible or planning your move date can help you get a lower price on your shipping/move costs. During peak season, costs are likely to be higher, and in quieter periods, shipping companies may offer discounts and promotions to help fill containers.

Quantity discounts are also available, so it could well be cheaper for you to ship more of your belongings rather than buy everything new in the USA where they may be expensive to replace.

What’s Not Included In Your Quote – Additional Charges and Fees

There are several additional charges and fees that are the responsibility of you as the owner rather than the removals/shipping company and these are not included in standard quotes. Some fees and charges will need to be paid separately at your destination.

This is the case with international shipping to all countries. However, the USA has a tendency to add more additional charges than most so it is important you find out which of these may apply to your shipment.

  • Delivery
  • Customs fees, duties, quarantine fees and other charges payable to Government bodies (see below).
  • Wooden crates and antique wrapping for delicate items if required.
  • In the USA, you may be subject to extra charges if the delivery is to above the first floor or for complex access if, for example, a shuttle service is needed to transport belongings from the container to your house.
  • Storage time in the UK or at the destination before delivery.
  • Shipment protection cover/insurance.
  • Parking permits, charges or associated fees for suspension /dispensation to facilitate removal in the UK or delivery in America.

What Customs Duties, Taxes and Other Fees Do I Need to Pay?

US customs duties and import taxes are the responsibility of the person shipping and must be paid separately to U.S. Customs. However, the local shipping agent at your destination port may handle these.

Fortunately, many people, including immigrants, returning US citizens, students and even people on work and visitor visas, can ship household goods and personal effects to America duty-free. However, some restrictions apply and customs regulations are subject to change, so we suggest you check that you have the most up-to-date information.

A FIDI Guide to US Customs is available here.
If you don’t meet the criteria for household effects or your goods are deemed commercial imports, customs duties and tax may apply. The U.S. Government website provides more details here.

Costs and Fees for U.S. Customs Holds and Exams

Unfortunately, in the unlikely event that your container is selected for the examination, then, according to US law, you are responsible for the ensuing costs, not U.S. CustomsThere is also nothing you can do to guarantee that your shipment won’t be liable because U.S. Customs selects shipments at random or if something looks suspicious. Costs may include exam fees, service fees, transportation costs, and storage costs and can range from $80 – $1000 depending on the type of inspection.

Shipment Protection and Maritime Insurance

How Much Does Shipment Protection or Insurance Cost to the USA?

Shipping companies, like PSS, who are members of BAR, are covered by the Advance Payment Guarantee scheme. Although this guarantees the payment and cost of removal in the rare event that your removal company cannot complete your move, you should also consider protection for your belongings.

Shipment protection and insurance costs vary between companies and depending on whether it is self-packed or packed by the shipping/removals company.

Self-packed tends to be higher as it is not packed by professional packers.

Expect to pay anything from 3% to 7% of the total value of your goods.

(Some removal companies will allow you to select which particular items you wish to cover so this can save you significantly on your insurance costs).

Shipping Costs to Other Countries

You may wish to check out our shipping cost guides to other countries such as Australia, Canada, Cyprus, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, and UAE/Dubai.

Shipping to USA? Get a Quote For Shipping Or Removals To USA From the UK

PSS International Removals will be happy to help if you are moving to the USA. Over 40 years, we have helped thousands of people and families to move or ship belongings to America.

No matter whether you are a UK expat, first-time migrant or an American returning home, PSS can offer you the best prices on shipping for household removals, boxes of personal effects and also cars.

As USA is one of our top shipping destinations, it enables us to offer you the best service at the lowest negotiated prices.

To get an estimate or quote call the PSS team on 020 8686 7733.

For more information or to get an online quote:

Get A House Removals Quote For USA Get A Quote For Shipping Boxes / Excess Baggage To USA Get A Quote For Car & Vehicle Shipping To USA
 Long Beach Container Port, California

Container Ship Arriving In New York