Shipping Container from India to Australia Cost: Complete Guide 2025
Shipping goods from India to Australia is a growing trend, whether for businesses exporting products or individuals relocating. One of the most common methods is using shipping containers, which are cost-effective and reliable for long-distance freight. If you’re planning to ship, understanding the container shipping cost from India to Australia is essential.
Factors That Affect Shipping Container Costs
The cost of shipping containers depends on several factors:
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Container Size – The most common are:
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20ft Container (ideal for small shipments)
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40ft Container (for larger loads or commercial shipments)
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Shipping Method
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FCL (Full Container Load): You book the entire container.
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LCL (Less than Container Load): You share space with other shipments, cheaper but slower.
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Port-to-Port Distance
Popular routes include Mumbai to Sydney, Chennai to Melbourne, and Nhava Sheva to Brisbane. Costs may vary depending on departure and destination ports. -
Type of Cargo
General goods, machinery, furniture, or perishable items (which may require refrigerated containers). -
Freight Market Fluctuations
Global fuel prices, seasonal demand, and port congestion can impact final pricing.
Average Shipping Container Cost: India to Australia
As of 2025, here are the approximate container shipping costs:
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20ft Container (FCL): USD $1,100 – $1,600 (₹90,000 – ₹1.3 lakh)
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40ft Container (FCL): USD $1,700 – $2,400 (₹1.4 – ₹2 lakh)
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LCL Shipping (per CBM): USD $50 – $90 per cubic meter
📦 Example:
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If you’re sending personal goods (1 BHK household items) in a 20ft container, expect around $1,200.
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For large commercial shipments in a 40ft container, the cost may reach $2,200+.
Transit Time from India to Australia
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Sea Freight (Container Shipping): 22–32 days depending on route and port.
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Air Freight (for urgent goods): 3–7 days, but much more expensive than container shipping.
Additional Charges to Consider
Apart from basic freight cost, you may have to pay:
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Port Handling Charges (origin & destination)
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Customs Duties & GST (in Australia)
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Insurance Fee (recommended for valuable shipments)
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Door-to-Door Delivery Charges (if not port-to-port)
Tips to Reduce Shipping Cost
✅ Book in Advance: Rates are lower when booked early.
✅ Choose LCL for Small Shipments: Share space to save cost.
✅ Compare Multiple Freight Forwarders: Prices vary across providers.
✅ Avoid Peak Seasons: Shipping is expensive during holidays and year-end.
✅ Use Professional Freight Agents: They handle customs and avoid delays.
Best Shipping Companies for India–Australia Route
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Maersk
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MSC (Mediterranean Shipping Company)
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CMA CGM
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Hapag-Lloyd
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Evergreen
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Freight forwarders like DHL Global Forwarding, DB Schenker, and Blue Dart also assist with container bookings.
Conclusion
The shipping container cost from India to Australia typically ranges between $1,100 – $2,400, depending on container size, type of cargo, and service provider. While sea freight is economical, it’s important to factor in customs, handling charges, and delivery timelines.
Whether you’re a business exporting goods or a family relocating, choosing the right shipping partner can make your logistics smooth and cost-effective.

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