Sole-Use Container Shipping for International Moves

Dedicated shipping containers for your international relocation. No sharing, no delays, complete control.

What Is a Sole-Use Shipping Container?

A sole-use container, also known as an FCL (Full Container Load), is a dedicated shipping container reserved for one customer's goods. You don't share space with other shipments.

Direct Loading

Load directly at your residence (where permitted)

No Delays

Avoid waiting for other shipments to consolidate

Greater Control

You have control over your shipping timeline

Cost-Effective

Most economical for shipments over 8 cubic meters

What Size Container Do You Need?

Based on household size

Household Size	Recommended Container	Approx. Volume Needed	Vehicle Included?
Studio / 1 Bedroom	20ft	10-15 m³	Yes
2 Bedroom Home	20ft	15-25 m³	Yes
3 Bedroom Home	40ft	30-50 m³	Optional
4 Bedroom Home	40ft High Cube	50-65 m³	Yes
5+ Bedroom Home	40ft High Cube	65-75 m³	Yes

Container Sizes & Usable Volume

20ft Container

Standard

Internal Dimensions: 5.9m × 2.35m × 2.39m
Total Volume: ~33.2 m³
Usable Volume: ~29-30 m³

40ft Container

Standard

Internal Dimensions: 12.03m × 2.35m × 2.39m
Total Volume: ~67.7 m³
Usable Volume: ~60-61 m³

POPULAR

40ft High Cube

Extra Height

Internal Dimensions: 12.03m × 2.35m × 2.69m
Total Volume: ~76.4 m³
Usable Volume: ~68-70 m³

Customs Clearance & Documentation

Key Documents Required

Packing List
Bill of Lading
Passport & Visa
Customs Forms (e.g., B534, NZCS 218)
Vehicle Documentation

Country-Specific Notes

Australia / New Zealand

Strict quarantine requirements, no residence delivery available

UK / US / EU

Streamlined process but documentation still required

Common Mistakes to Avoid

✗Underestimating shipment volume
✗Shipping prohibited items
✗Assuming residence delivery is always possible
✗Poor packing or labeling
✗Missing deadlines or required forms

Best Practices for Packing

Use professional movers
Disassemble bulky items
Label everything clearly
Load by weight distribution
Secure vehicle properly (if applicable)

Alternatives to Sole-Use Container Shipping

Shared Container

Volume:: <8 m³
Cost:: Cheaper
Speed:: Slower

LCL

Volume:: 4-12 m³
Privacy:: Semi-private
Speed:: Faster

Air Freight

Volume:: <3 m³
Speed:: Very Fast
Cost:: Expensive

Delivery Capabilities by Country

Country	Residence Delivery	Quarantine Required
Australia	No	Yes
New Zealand	No	Yes
USA	Yes	No
UK	Yes	No
EU	Yes	No

Shipping Timeline: When to Book & Prepare

8-10 weeks before

Request quote & volume survey

6-8 weeks before

Book container space

4-6 weeks before

Start packing process

2-3 weeks before

Finalize all documents

3-5 days before

Container loading

Upon arrival

Customs clearance (2-10 business days)

Insurance Options

Total Loss

Cheapest option with basic coverage

BASIC

All-Risk

Full protection with itemized list

RECOMMENDED

Not Covered

• Pre-existing damage
• Poor packing
• Wear and tear

Pro Tip: Get insurance through your mover for seamless claims processing and better coverage options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pack my own container?▼

Yes, but professional movers are recommended for optimal space usage and safety.

How much does it cost?▼

Costs vary based on destination, volume, and services. Request a quote for accurate pricing.

Is a 40ft container enough for a house + car?▼

Usually yes, a 40ft High Cube can accommodate most 4-bedroom homes plus a vehicle.

What items are banned?▼

Perishables, flammables, plants, and hazardous materials are typically prohibited.

How long does customs clearance take?▼

Typically 2-10 business days, depending on the destination country and documentation.

Ready to Move Internationally with Confidence?

Get transparent pricing for 20ft, 40ft & High Cube containers with customs support & expert packing services.