Container Shipping to Hamburg — Get Instant Quotes
Why Choose iContainers for Shipping to Hamburg?
- Europe’s “Big-Three” hub keeps growing. The Port of Hamburg lifted 7.8 million TEU in 2024, a 0.9 % year-on-year increase (worldcargonews.com, hafen-hamburg.de) , and early-2025 figures show container volumes still edging upward.
- Integrated rail reach. Five on-dock rail terminals move boxes to Leipzig, Munich and the Ruhr in < 48 h, keeping inland trucking to a minimum.
- Paperwork made simple. Our platform auto-files the EU’s ICS2 Entry Summary Declaration—required 24 h before loading (ups.com, taxation-customs.ec.europa.eu)—and applies Germany’s standard 19 % import-VAT up-front, so clearance never stalls.
- Speed when it matters. Upgrade to air freight via Hamburg Airport (HAM), which has resumed pre-pandemic cargo levels as of 2024 (hamburg-airport.de).
Our Container Shipping Services to Hamburg
Full Container Load (FCL)
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.
Less-than-Container Load (LCL)
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:
- Shanghai → Hamburg: ≈ 30–38 days port-to-port (AE-loop services).
- New York → Hamburg: ≈ 12–15 days on North-Atlantic rotations.
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
How much does it cost to ship a container to Hamburg?
How Long Does It Take to Ship a Container to Hamburg?
- East Asia → Hamburg: 30–38 days
- North-Europe short-sea → Hamburg: 1–3 days feeder
- U.S. East Coast → Hamburg: 12–15 days
Air freight door-to-door: 3–5 days via HAM.
Popular Routes and Ports Feeding Hamburg
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.
Steps to Book Your Container Shipment with iContainers
- Quote — enter origin, destination and cargo specs for an instant price.
- Documents — upload commercial invoice, packing list & HS codes (ICS2 auto-filed).
- Book & Pay — confirm sailing and pay securely online.
- Track every vessel, rail and customs milestone in real time.
- Clear — settle EU duty (0–5 %) + 19 % VAT—DIY or via our broker.
- Deliver — arrange final-mile truck, rail or barge to factory, FTZ or Amazon DE warehouse.
What Can You Ship in a Container to Hamburg?
- Cars & parts
- Chemicals
- Industrial machinery
- Electronics
- Wine & spirits
Restricted / Prohibited:
Counterfeit brands, dual-use items without BAFA license, hazardous waste lacking Basel permits.
FAQs About Shipping Containers to Hamburg
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.