Ocean Freight to Germany

Shipping ocean freight to Germany offers businesses access to Europe's largest economy and one of the world's most advanced logistics and industrial hubs. With major ports such as Hamburg, Bremerhaven, and Wilhelmshaven, Germany serves as a prime gateway for cargo entering Central and Western Europe. iContainers enables you to compare quotes, evaluate schedules, and manage shipments efficiently into Germany's well-connected port network.

Why Ship to Germany with iContainers?

Germany offers one of the strongest trade infrastructures in the world, combining deep-water ports, multimodal transport, and efficient customs procedures. With iContainers, you gain seamless digital booking and on-ground expertise.

EU-Integrated Trade Corridor Expertise

Germany is part of the EU customs union, providing standardized import regulations and simplified customs clearance for international shipments.

We offer experience across major trade corridors connecting North America, Asia, and the Middle East into Germany.

Our tools help you understand port choices, inland connectivity, and documentation requirements.

Competitive Freight Rates from Key Global Origins

Whether shipping from the U.S., China, Southeast Asia, Latin America, or the Middle East, iContainers allows you to compare competitive FCL and LCL options across Germany's port system.

You benefit from transparent pricing, route visibility, and multiple carrier schedules.

End-to-End Service with Local German Support

From origin pick-up to ocean transit and final European delivery, we support:

• Door-to-door, port-to-port, and door-to-port shipments
• Guidance on EU customs, VAT requirements, import rules
• Real-time tracking and coordination with German logistics partners

Ocean Freight Services to Germany

Choosing the right service type ensures your cargo moves efficiently through Germany's port and inland distribution network.

FCL Shipping to Germany

Full Container Load is ideal when you require:

• Dedicated container use for security and faster handling
• Regular shipments or large production volumes
• Direct distribution into Germany or across neighboring EU markets

LCL Shipping to Germany

Less than Container Load is well-suited when:

• Your cargo volume doesn't justify a full container
• You want to reduce upfront logistics costs
• You plan gradual distribution across Germany or the wider EU

Shipping Costs to Germany

Understanding the key pricing variables helps avoid unexpected costs and plan accurately.

What Influences Your Ocean Freight Cost?

(distance, mode, container type, surcharges, seasonality)

Major factors include:

• Origin-destination distance and routing efficiency
• Container size/type: 20', 40', 40' HC, reefer, or special equipment
• Cargo weight & density
• Port-specific handling charges in Hamburg, Bremerhaven, or Wilhelmshaven
• Seasonal demand, capacity constraints, fuel costs

iContainers provides cost transparency, showing all charges before booking.

Transit Times to Germany

Transit time is critical for supply chain planning, especially when distributing across Europe.

Average Transit Times from the U.

• U.S. East Coast → Germany: typically 12-20 days
• U.S. Gulf & West Coast → Germany: longer, depending on routing and transshipment

Transit Times from Europe & Asia

• Intra-Europe routes: 4-10 days depending on origin
• Asia → Germany: 25-40+ days, depending on carrier and transshipment
• Middle East → Germany: 15-25 days

Factors That Affect Delivery Speed

• Number of transshipments and route complexity
• Terminal congestion at German ports
• Rail/road availability for inland delivery
• Customs checks and documentation accuracy

Main Ports in Germany

Germany's port system provides access to both North Sea and Baltic trade routes.

Port of Hamburg

Germany's largest and busiest container port with extensive global connections, advanced terminals, and direct rail links into Central Europe. Ideal for imports heading into Germany's industrial regions.

Port of Bremerhaven

A major deep-water container port on the North Sea with strong transatlantic routes and efficient handling for large volumes.

Port of Wilhelmshaven (JadeWeserPort)

Germany's only deep-water port capable of receiving the world's largest container vessels, offering congestion-resistant operations.

Which Port Should You Choose?

Your choice depends on:

• Final inland destination within Germany or the EU
• Cargo type and container size
• Route, carrier options, and transit time

iContainers helps compare port-specific routing and total landed cost.

How to Book Your Shipment to Germany

Required Documents

Common documentation for importing into Germany/EU includes:

• Commercial Invoice & Packing List
• Bill of Lading / Sea Waybill
• Importer's VAT & EORI number (mandatory for EU importers)
• Certificates of origin, health/safety compliance, product certificates
• EU labeling & packaging conformity documents

Customs & Regulations Overview

As part of the EU, Germany follows unified customs regulations:

• Standardised tariff & VAT rules
• Product-specific requirements (CE marking, safety standards)
• Faster clearance when documentation is correct and consistent

Step-by-Step Booking Process

• Request an online quote with origin, Germany destination, and cargo details.
• Compare prices, transit times, ports, and carriers.
• Select your preferred service and confirm booking.
• Upload export documentation and coordinate pick-up.
• Track your shipment through sea transit, port arrival, customs, and final delivery.