Container Shipping to Germany — Get Instant Quotes
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
Quote: Enter origin, destination and cargo specs for an instant rate.
Docs: Upload commercial invoice, packing list & HS codes (ICS2 auto-filed).
Book & Pay: Confirm sailing and pay securely online.
Track: Monitor vessel, rail and customs milestones in real time.
Clear:* Settle EU duty (typically 0–5 %) plus 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 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.
FAQs About Shipping Containers to Germany
Most goods enter at 0–5 % customs duty plus 19 % VAT on the CIF value; our quote tool estimates both. (stripe.com)
Yes—below 15 m³ you avoid paying for unused FCL space, usually 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 spikes.