Automotive OEMs, chemical majors and retailers land sealed 20′, 40′ & 40′HC (plus reefers) at the HHLA and Eurogate terminals, then rail or barge direct to the hinterland.
SMEs and Amazon.de sellers ship < 15 m³ on weekly LCL consolidations devanned in bonded depots at Altenwerder—usually 40–60 % cheaper than paying for unused FCL space.
Popular mode: FCL dominates auto parts & chemicals; LCL is booming for cross-border e-commerce.
Key port / airport: Port of Hamburg (DEHAM); urgent cargo via HAM.
Typical cargo: Machinery, vehicles & parts, electronics—Germany’s top three import groups.
Transit-time snapshots:
Local tip: Low-water on the Elbe and rail strikes can add 1–2 days—build a small buffer in late summer and winter.
Alternative: Air freight trims door-to-door to 3–5 days via HAM for pharma or AOG spares.
Container shipping rates to Hamburg
Air freight door-to-door: 3–5 days via HAM.
Asia-North-Europe loops (AE5/AE7) call Hamburg weekly; trans-Atlantic services link New York, Savannah and Charleston; a dense barge network runs boxes to Duisburg and Mannheim in ≤ 48 h.
Restricted / Prohibited:
Counterfeit brands, dual-use items without BAFA license, hazardous waste lacking Basel permits.
Most goods clear at 0–5 % customs duty plus 19 % VAT on the CIF value.
Yes—below 15 m³ you avoid paying for unused FCL space, typically saving 40–60 %.
Not legally required, but strongly recommended—add door-to-door cover at checkout.
Secure space 6–8 weeks ahead of Black-Friday and Christmas to avoid roll-overs and rate hikes.