We Respect Your Privacy
We use cookies to operate this website, improve usability, deliver better user experience, and improve our marketing. Your privacy is important to us and we never collect any personal data.View Cookie policy
Header 8.jpg
accounting_coins_stack_5b47c57939.svg
Transparent Pricing
Pin_e4aa1f4715_9addb2138e.svg
Real-time Shipment Visibility
Personal_account_manager_c8a6fb1136_5fac54be59.svg
Personal Account Manager

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


  1. Quote — enter origin, destination and cargo specs for an instant price.
  2. Documents — upload commercial invoice, packing list & HS codes (ICS2 auto-filed).
  3. Book & Pay — confirm sailing and pay securely online.
  4. Track every vessel, rail and customs milestone in real time.
  5. Clear — settle EU duty (0–5 %) + 19 % VAT—DIY or via our broker.
  6. 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

How is German duty/VAT calculated?

Most goods clear at 0–5 % customs duty plus 19 % VAT on the CIF value.

Is LCL cost-effective for small loads?

Yes—below 15 m³ you avoid paying for unused FCL space, typically saving 40–60 %.

Do I need cargo insurance?

Not legally required, but strongly recommended—add door-to-door cover at checkout.

How early should I book before the November–December peak?

Secure space 6–8 weeks ahead of Black-Friday and Christmas to avoid roll-overs and rate hikes.

Ready to connect your supply chain to Hamburg?

Get your instant iContainers quote now and lock in space.

Icontainers color Logo

iContainers is a digital freight forwarder based in Barcelona that assists thousands of companies and families around the globe in moving their merchandise internationally.


Our online freight quoting platform has the latest technology in the sector and simplifies ocean freight, quoting and managing your bookings from the same user area.


We work side by side with Shipa Freight to fully cover the demands of our customers.

All Rights Reserved. © 2024 iContainers