Get a cost for shipping containers to Italy from the UK – best rates for 20ft & 40ft containers
Moving to Italy and need to ship your belongings? Our container shipping service to Italy combines competitive pricing with reliable customer service for both expats returning to Europe and new migrants starting a new chapter abroad. Whether you’re shipping to Rome, Milan or Florence, our door-to-door international removals service is here to make your move straightforward and stress free.
The cost of shipping a container from the UK to Italy typically starts at around £750 for a shared container (LCL). A full container load (FCL) usually costs approximately £2,028 for a 20ft container and £3,170 for a 40ft container, depending on your destination within Italy and access at the delivery address. As with any house move to Italy, overall costs depend on the volume of your belongings and the level of service you choose.
Transit times are generally 1-4 weeks for a full container load, while shared container (groupage) services take around 4–8 weeks. If you need essential items quickly, air freight is also available, with delivery times of approximately 3–7 days, although this is best suited to smaller shipments. Timings can vary due to port congestion, regional delivery locations, seasonal demand, weather conditions and Italian public holidays.
Other important considerations include professional packing, a detailed inventory, customs clearance and delivery to your Italian home. Experienced international removal companies to Italy, such as PSS International Removals, take care of the entire process on your behalf, helping ensure your belongings arrive safely, on time and fully compliant with Italian import regulations.
Get a quote in 60 seconds
Costs of Shipping a Container from the UK to Italy
Containers to Italy from £750*
The cost of shipping a container from the UK to Italy will vary depending on a few factors, such as the container size you need and the exact location you’re shipping to. For example, a remote address may cost more than major areas due to extended shipping time, and a 20ft container will be cheaper to ship than a 40ft container.
You can view an estimation of the pricing below or get in touch with our team for an exact quote.
Shipping a Container to Italy Cost 2025
In as little as 1-4 weeks
(Costs last updated February 2026)
Don’t Just Take Our Word For It – Check Out Our Container Shipping To Italy Reviews
Shipping your container to Italy is easy with PSS
STEP 1
Home Survey or Quote
Get an online quote in 60 seconds or book a FREE home survey.
STEP 2
Help and Advice
Your dedicated Account Manager can help answer your questions and tailor your shipping requirements.
STEP 3
Quick and easy collection and shipping
Whether you are shipping your house contents boxes or furniture you will have our professional packing service.
STEP 4
Customs clearance & delivery to your new home
On arrival our agents will take care of customs clearance and deliver to your door.
What Does Our Shipping Container to Germany Service Include?
- Door-to-door container shipping to Germany
- Both part and full load services are available
- A dedicated Move Manager
- Assistance with any required documentation
- Export-quality packing materials
- Choice between self-pack or a professional packing service
- Advice on customs requirements
- Customs clearance on arrival
- Storage in the UK or Germany if required
Full or Shared Shipping Container UK to Italy
At PSS, we offer two different ways of shipping containers to Italy from the UK, alongside the two shipping container size options (20ft and 40ft). We’ve explained the differences below and offered some advice on how to choose the best option for your circumstances
For smaller shipments, we provide a shared part load shipping container service, also referred to as LCL (less than container load). Your belongings will be arranged together with those of other customers shipping to Italy, and the pricing will be split depending on the volume of the belongings.
For customers shipping a larger amount, e.g. a full household removal, we offer a full container load (FCL) shipping to Italy service. We’ll provide a full container for your use only and we’ll deliver it to your home where our expert packers will load it and custom seal it before it’s sent off to Italy.
Our shipping container to Italy service is designed for household goods, e.g. furniture and other personal items of those moving to Italy. If you’re looking to ship commercial goods, we recommend contacting a commercial freight forwarder.
"Why choose PSS International in February 2026?"
- Free home survey
- Family run business for over 40 years!
- We only handle Overseas Removals
- Members of BAR Overseas Group
- BAR Advance Payment Guarantee Scheme
- FIDI Global Alliance (Worldwide Moving Association)
- FAIM Accredited (Removal Quality Assurance Standard)
Container Shipping to Italy cost calculator
Want to know how it will cost to send your belongings to Italy? Our free online Cost Calculator will help you estimate of the cost.
FAQ Guide for shipping containers from UK to Italy
Below are answers to the most Frequently Asked Questions about overseas container shipping to Italy. There is a lot to consider with international moving which is why we allocate you a Move Manager to guide you through the whole shipping process.
How long does shipping a container to Italy from the UK take?
Shipping times to Italy can vary depending on the shipping option used and the end destination. Shared (part load) container shipping takes longer than a sole-use container load as different customers shipments need to be consolidated to fill one container.
| Dedicated Load (FCL) | Part Load (Groupage) | Air Freight |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 7 days | Up to 3 weeks | Up to 10 days |
NB: These are approximate sea freight shipping times. You will need to allow additional time for customs clearance and final delivery to your destination.
How much does container shipping to Italy cost?
Container shipping costs to Italy will vary considerably according to a number of factors such as exactly when and where you are from and too. Also the amount of packing required for your shipment.
To get a quick estimate you can use the container shipping cost calculator on this page.
Our shipping quotes are for a full international removal shipping service including packing, door to door delivery and customs clearance. Beware of cheap shipping rates that are only a basic port to port service which will mean additional packing costs and other fees.
Cheap container shipping rates from UK to Italy
We are also members of MTC (the Movers Traders Club) which provides us with economies of scale and allows us to negotiate the best sea freight rates with leading international shipping companies.
We are confident that we can offer you the cheapest rate to ship your container to Italy from the UK.
To get an accurate cost we suggest you book a free home or video survey.
How much is shipping insurance or shipment protection?
We highly recommend that you purchase shipment protection coverage or a marine insurance policy for your container.
We provide a very flexible shipment protection cover through Basil Fry & Company – the UK’s leading insurance broker for international removals and shipping:
- Our policy is quick and easy to set up. Complete our Shipment Protection valuation form with the items you would like to cover and their values.
- Removal (we pack) consignments cover costs 3% of the total insurable value you declare.
- Vehicle shipments cover costs 2% of the vehicle’s declared value.
- Self-Pack (you pack) consignments cover costs 5% of the total insurable value you declare.
- Baggage/Airfreight consignments, which are owner packed, will cost 5% of the total insurable value you declare.
What size or volume shipping containers do you provide?
Shipping containers come in two standard sizes 20ft and 40ft.
Our consultants will be able to advise you on what size meets your requirements.
We also have various shipping options to meet your needs including part load or shared containers.
If your belongings are shipped by road freight the dimensions of the lorry/van can vary considerably.
| Size | 20ft Container | 40ft Container |
| Cubic Capacity (Volume) | 1050 cu ft (29.73 CBM) | 2100 cu ft (59.47 CBM) |
| Internal Length | 19′ 3 (5.87m) | 39’5 (12m) |
| Internal Dimensions | Width 7’8 (2.33m) Height 7’9 (2.35m) | |
| Door Dimensions | Width 7’8 (2.28m) Height 7’5 (2.26m) | |
| Weight | 2225kg | 3950 kg |
| Cargo Weight | 21700 kg | 26500 kg |
*Exact container dimensions and available volume may vary.
Shared or part load (LCL) shipping containers to Italy
For smaller shipments we provide a shared or part load shipping container service. Your goods will be grouped together with those of other customers shipping to Italy so the costs can be shared based on how much you send.
This is sometimes referred to as groupage or LCL (Less than Container Load).
This method of shipping is very economical, but you may need to allow for increased shipping time as the contents of the container will need to be consolidated from different customers.
Sole use or full container load (FCL) to Italy
For shipping larger amounts, such as a full household removal to Italy, we can provide a container for your sole use.
We will arrange for the container to be delivered to your home, where we will pack it and it will be customs sealed before heading to the port to embark for Italy.
This shipping method offers several advantages, as you can fill your container with all your belongings.
With a full container for your sole use, you have secure, cost-effective shipping with no delays. Once it is full, it can go directly to the ship for loading.
For dedicated road freight to Europe, you may use the same crew for packing and unloading, which can be an advantage.
Which container shipping company do you use for sea freight to Italy?
PSS International Removals are accredited by BAR and FIDI. We therefore use only accredited container shipping companies, such as Maersk, MSC, Hapag-Lloyd, and One, to transport your belongings. This ensures the highest level of service.
By using leading international shipping companies for your move to Italy, you can be assured your belongings will be handled with care.
For European road transport, our team will handle your belongings at every step of the process.
Customs clearance when importing your container into Italy
As part of our Italy shipping service, we will handle everything from door to door. This includes exporting your container from the United Kingdom and importing it into Italy.
Our shipping quote includes basic customs clearance but not taxes, import duties, or other customs charges, such as quarantine fees.
If we pack your container for you then we will compile a customs inventory on your behalf and we will also advise you of what other shipping documents are required.
With the UK leaving the European Union, customs requirements including customs documentation, customs charges, processes, duties and taxes are subject to change.
They will also depend on whether you are a UK citizen, have residential status or are an expat/citizen from Italy.
We recommend you check the FIDI Customs Guide for Italy which details the customs requirements for non-EU citizens.
We, therefore, recommend you check the latest customs requirements for importing your belongings in our FIDI Customs Guide for Italy.
Your PSS Move Manager will also be able to advise on the latest customs requirements for Italy.
Shipping container services for goods or personal effects to Italy
Our container shipping service to Italy is designed for household goods, furniture and other personal effects for people moving to Italy.
If you need to ship commercial goods to Italy from UK we recommend you contact a commercial freight forwarder.
Container Shipping Ports in Italy
We ship to all ports and onward destinations in Italy from the UK.
Get a quote in 60 seconds
