High-volume shippers land sealed 20', 40', 40'HC (and reefers) into North-Europe gateways—Rotterdam, Antwerp-Bruges, Hamburg, Felixstowe/London Gateway—or into the Med hubs of Valencia, Barcelona and Algeciras. Ideal for machinery, auto parts, chemicals and retail replenishment.
SMEs and e-commerce brands move < 15 m³ on weekly LCL consolidations that devan in bonded depots at Rotterdam, Hamburg, Valencia and Le Havre—typically 40–60 % cheaper than paying for unused FCL space.
Popular mode: FCL dominates heavy industry & automotive; LCL is booming for Amazon-EU and Shopify sellers.
Major ports / airports served: Rotterdam, Antwerp-Bruges, Hamburg, Valencia, Barcelona, Felixstowe/London Gateway; urgent air via FRA, AMS, CDG, LGG.
Typical cargo: Machinery, vehicles & parts, consumer electronics, pharmaceuticals, wine & spirits.
Transit-time snapshots:
• Shanghai → Rotterdam: ≈ 51–66 days FCL range
• New York → Rotterdam: ≈ 30–43 days FCL range.
Regional challenge: New ICS2 security filings now mandatory pre-loading—submit data 24 h before departure to avoid roll-overs. (taxation-customs.ec.europa.eu)
Alternative option: Air freight trims door-to-door to 3–7 days for pharma, fashion launches and AOG spares.
Container shipping rates to Europe
Common commodities
Restricted / Prohibited
Counterfeit brands, sanctioned dual-use items, hazardous waste without Basel permits.
Most goods clear at 0–5 % customs duty plus VAT (17–27 % depending on country); our quote tool estimates both.
Yes—below 15 m³ it typically saves 40–60 % versus FCL.
Not mandatory, but strongly advised—add door-to-door cover at checkout.
Reserve space 6–8 weeks ahead to avoid roll-overs and rate surcharges.