US to UK Container Shipping Cost Calculator
Estimate the cost of shipping your home from the United States to the UK by container. Choose your US coast, how much you are shipping and your service level, and see a data-backed 2026 estimate.
Estimated total cost
What makes up the cost
What you can and cannot bring from the US to the UK
Used household goods you have owned and used for at least six months can usually enter the UK free of duty and VAT under Transfer of Residence (ToR) relief, as long as you apply to HMRC for a unique reference number before your container ships. Some items are restricted or banned, so always check the official GOV.UK guidance before you pack.
Usually fine to bring
- Used furniture, clothing, books, kitchenware and electronics owned and used for six months or more
- Bicycles and the tools of your trade or profession
- Sealed, shelf-stable groceries such as bread, chocolate, biscuits, pasta and tinned goods
- A limited amount of powdered infant formula or medical foods in sealed, branded packaging
Restricted: licence or certificate needed
- Firearms, ammunition and explosives
- CITES items such as ivory, some furs, exotic leather, certain wooden instruments and some medicines
- Plants, seeds, bulbs, fruit and vegetables, which may need a phytosanitary certificate
- Alcohol and tobacco: allowed, but never duty or VAT free, even under ToR relief
Cannot bring from the US
- Meat, dairy and most animal products, including cheese, milk and cured meats
- Offensive weapons such as flick knives, knuckledusters and pepper spray
- Counterfeit or pirated goods
- Indecent or obscene material
Pets and vehicles
- Pets can come on the same move but follow separate microchip, rabies and health rules
- Cars can be imported but must be declared to HMRC (NOVA) and registered with the DVLA, and may attract duty or VAT
- List any pets and vehicles on your ToR1 application
What affects your container shipping cost
Estimates are modelled from 2026 international removals and ocean-freight data and are intended for budgeting only. Actual quotes vary with exact ports, season, fuel surcharges, customs and duties, access and the mover you choose. Used household goods are duty-free in many countries if owned long enough, but rules differ by destination. Always get a home survey and compare several quotes.
Container Shipping Costs & Restrictions:
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