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Why Choose iContainers for Shipping to Germany?


  • Europe’s northern powerhouse. Port of Hamburg lifted 7.8 million TEU in 2024, maintaining its place among Europe’s “big three.” (hafen-hamburg.de) Bremerhaven, Germany’s second-largest gateway, closed the same year at 4.45 million TEU, up sharply on 2023. (ajot.com)
  • One click, all modes. Instant FCL and LCL pricing to Hamburg (DEHAM), Bremerhaven (DEBRV) and Wilhelmshaven (DEWVN), with rail-sea options direct to Bavaria and the Ruhr.
  • Paperwork made simple. The platform pre-populates ICS2 entry summaries and applies Germany’s standard 19 % import-VAT automatically—no clearance surprises. (taxation-customs.ec.europa.eu, stripe.com)
  • Speed when you need it. Upgrade to air freight via Frankfurt (FRA) or Leipzig (LEJ) for 3- to 5-day door-to-door delivery.

Our Container Shipping Services to Germany


Full Container Load (FCL)


Automotive OEMs, chemical giants and retailers land sealed 20′, 40′ & 40′HC (plus reefers) at Hamburg or Bremerhaven, then rail direct to Leipzig, Munich and Stuttgart in <48 h.


Less-than-Container Load (LCL)


SMEs and Amazon.de sellers ship <15 m³ on weekly LCL consolidations devanned in bonded depots at Hamburg and Duisburg—typically 40–60 % cheaper than paying for unused FCL space.


Popular mode: FCL still rules high-volume auto parts and chemicals; LCL demand is soaring for e-commerce replenishment.

Major ports / airports: Hamburg, Bremerhaven & Wilhelmshaven; urgent air via FRA and LEJ.

Typical cargo: Machinery, vehicles & parts, electronics—Germany’s three largest import groups. (oec.world)
Transit-time guide:


  • Shanghai → Hamburg: ≈ 30–38 days port-to-port via AE-loop services.
  • New York → Hamburg: ≈ 12–15 days on North-Atlantic rotations.

Country specifics: Rail strikes and low-water Rhine periods can add 1–2 days—build a small buffer in peak summer and winter.

Alternative option: Air freight trims door-to-door to 3–5 days for high-value automotive or pharma spares.

Container shipping rates to Germany

How much does it cost to ship a container to Germany?

How Long Does It Take to Ship a Container to Germany?


  • East Asia → North Germany: ~30–38 days
  • North Europe short-sea → Germany: 1–3 days feeder
  • U.S. East Coast → North Germany: ~12–15 days

Air freight via FRA / LEJ reduces door-to-door to 3–5 days.


Popular Routes and Ports for Shipping to Germany


Asia-North-Europe loops (AE5, AE7) call Hamburg weekly; trans-Atlantic services link New York, Savannah and Charleston to Hamburg & Bremerhaven. A dense inland-barge network moves boxes from the North Sea to Duisburg and Mannheim within 24–48 h.


Steps to Book Your Container Shipment with iContainers


  1. Quote: Enter origin, destination and cargo specs for an instant rate.


  2. Docs: Upload commercial invoice, packing list & HS codes (ICS2 auto-filed).


  3. Book & Pay: Confirm sailing and pay securely online.


  4. Track: Monitor vessel, rail and customs milestones in real time.


  5. Clear:* Settle EU duty (typically 0–5 %) plus 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 Germany?


Common commodities


  • Cars & parts
  • Chemicals
  • Industrial machinery
  • Electronics
  • Wine & spirits

Restricted / Prohibited
Counterfeit brands, dual-use items without BAFA license, hazardous waste lacking Basel permits.

Main ports in Germany

Bremen
Hamburg

FAQs About Shipping Containers to Germany

How is German duty/VAT calculated?

Most goods enter at 0–5 % customs duty plus 19 % VAT on the CIF value; our quote tool estimates both. (stripe.com)

Is LCL cost-effective for small loads?

Yes—below 15 m³ you avoid paying for unused FCL space, usually 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 spikes.

Ready to connect your supply chain to Germany?

Get your instant iContainers quote now and lock in space.

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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.

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