Volume comes first
The assessed volume of your belongings helps establish suitable options. List furniture, approximate dimensions and estimated boxes; packing and loading also affect the space needed. Bedroom count alone cannot establish the container size. Ask which volume the quotation uses and whether any minimum charge applies.
Shared or sole use
A dedicated container carries one shipment; shared shipping combines separate consignments. Compare the available arrangements for the same inventory and route. Check the complete cost, minimum charges, handling stages and collection-to-delivery window. The smaller load or dedicated container should not be assumed to win every comparison.
The route and the destination
Give the actual collection and delivery locations, including any island or inland destination. Ask whether the quotation includes origin and destination handling, delivery to the property and any inspection charges that may arise. Read the relevant country guide and official import information alongside the proposal; charges and responsibilities should be clear before you agree.
Packing and protection
Choose full packing, fragile-item packing or materials for packing yourself, then check the labour and materials included. Describe delicate finishes, glass and unusually shaped pieces so the method can be assessed. Ask separately about any crating or shipment protection being considered, including availability, scope, exclusions and the basis of any charge.
Each end of the journey
Record floors, stairs, lifts, unloading distance and vehicle access at both properties. Ask who checks parking permissions and whether a smaller vehicle or additional handling is needed. Include unpacking, room placement or assembly in the discussion if required, then check which tasks and charges appear in the proposal.
Customs and paperwork
Check the official customs guidance for the origin, destination and your circumstances. Any household-goods relief has its own conditions and document requirements. Agree who prepares, checks and submits each document, and which clearance fees, duties or taxes are included or payable separately. Keep travel documents accessible.
Reading a quotation
Compare quotations on the same inventory and the same scope. A lower figure may leave out destination charges or delivery to the door. Compare complete costs for the same work. Our guide to comparing moving quotations goes through this in more detail. Check that each proposal covers the following.
- Volume, and whether the container is shared or sole use.
- Packing, materials and any crating.
- Collection, shipping, destination handling and delivery.
- Clearance, port and inspection charges, and which are excluded.
- Transit protection and how it is valued.
- What happens if your inventory or dates change.
Your questions answered
Can you give me a price for a 20 foot container?
You can request an assessment using your route, inventory and the services required. The proposed container size and quotation should follow that assessment. Check packing, collection, document handling and destination delivery alongside the freight charge.
Is a shared container always cheaper?
Compare the complete proposals for your load and route. Minimum charges, packing, consolidation, destination handling and delivery can affect the result. Ask for the differences in scope and expected timing as well as the totals.
What is not included in a container shipping quotation?
Ask for a written list covering customs duties or taxes, port or inspection charges, parking permissions and any extra handling. Explain a delayed property handover early and agree what happens if the receiving address or dates change. Any additional arrangement needs its own confirmed scope and charge.