International Shipping
What is an LCL (Less-Than-Container) Shipment?
LCL shipments are ideal when you're sending a small number of pallets internationally—less than a full ocean container. These shipments travel by sea and typically take between 45–60 days to arrive.
While slower than air freight, LCL is usually a more affordable way to ship individual pallets overseas - especially for high-value goods.
However, LCL isn’t always the most economical option for lower-value pallets. If you're shipping multiple pallets, a full container may offer better value than sending them separately via LCL. We'll help you compare options to find the most cost-effective solution for your shipment.
What is an OCL Shipment?
Ocean container shipping is used for larger international orders and typically offers flat-rate pricing based on the origin and destination. It’s a great option when shipping large volumes outside the U.S. and nearby regions.
Containers generally take 14–60 days to arrive and come in 20’, 40’, and 45’ lengths.
To get the most out of your container, goods can be hand-loaded instead of placed on pallets. This can double or even triple how much fits—lowering your landed cost per unit. Not all goods can be hand-loaded, and some countries have special import restrictions—like bans on wooden pallets or requirements for fumigation certificates.
For soft goods like clothing or domestics, we can also bale the merchandise to fit even more into your container and further reduce shipping costs.
Make sure to communicate any special requirements to your Account Manager so we can plan your shipment accordingly.
Standard Ocean Container Sizes and Capacity
Size |
Type |
Width |
Height Center |
Approx. Cubic Capacity |
# Pallet Positions |
If Double Stackable (i.e. Pallets Height ≤ 4') |
Hand Loaded |
20' |
Ocean Container |
7.6' |
7.95' |
1,165 |
10 |
20 |
Depends |
40' |
Ocean Container |
7.6' |
7.95' |
2,377 |
20 |
40 |
Depends |
40' HC |
Ocean Container |
7.8' |
8.95' |
2,684 |
20 |
40 |
Depends |
45' HC |
Ocean Container |
7.8' |
8.7' |
3,026 |
22 |
44 |
Depends |
International Shipping Costs
Our system can’t provide real-time quotes for Container or LCL (Less than Container Load) pallet shipments. For up-to-date rates, please email or call us directly.
We do offer real-time quotes for international orders of case-packed goods, which typically ship via courier services like FedEx or USPS. For orders placed and completed online, we currently only ship to the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Ocean freight costs range from $300 to $700 per pallet, depending on the destination, and are usually not economical for low-value pallets in our industry.
For larger shipments, container loads are generally the most cost-effective method. Full containers (20’, 40’, or 45’) typically cost between $2,500 and $6,500, depending on size and destination.
CUSTOMS & VAT INFO
International shipping quotes do not include customs duties, import fees, or sales taxes (GST or VAT). These costs are the responsibility of the consignee and must be paid upon receipt or customs clearance.
Many countries have restrictions on certain types of goods or brands, often allowing only authorized importers to bring those products in. It’s the buyer’s responsibility to understand any restrictions or import rules for their destination country. Via Trading cannot be held liable for shipments seized or refused by customs.
Before placing your order, please check with your local customs office to confirm that your products can be imported without issues and to familiarize yourself with any associated fees or requirements.
It is the buyer’s responsibility to be informed of particular restrictions in the country to which products are being shipped. Via Trading cannot be held responsible for merchandise seized or refused at customs as a result of regulations or laws pertaining to that country. Please make sure you familiarize yourself with those costs & are able to successfully customs clear your goods given the information provided prior to placing orders. Please contact your local customs office prior to ordering to make sure the products purchased can be imported without restriction.
U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP) has very broad authority to inspect Export Cargo & can select any shipment to examine. The cost of such inspections, if and when so ordered by CBP, are the responsibility of the consignee. Customs clearance, duties and other related import fees and taxes are the responsibility of the consignee. When appropriate please make sure to check the Seal # matches the paperwork and is not tampered with.
Please note: We export dozens of orders on a weekly basis. In the very large majority of cases (over 98%), orders are shipped and clear customs with no problems. Any shipping quotes or product quotes provided are only for shipping costs and for the merchandise sold – they DO NOT include any additional customs charges & tariffs or sales taxes which you may or may not incur. Due to the nature of our business, in most cases we are unable to provide detailed manifests and country of origins of the items we offer. In the majority of cases that does not cause any problems at customs, however we need to inform our customers that in very rare occasions clearing customs with such goods can be problematic & that Via Trading does not and cannot control that aspect of the sale. All shipping quotes are provided with minimal insurance. If you would like to purchase additional insurance, please let your account manager know before the order is finalized.