LCL shared container
For smaller packed shipments.
For your quote: Volume, gross weight and stackability.
Ocean Freight to France: Costs and Transit Times
Ocean freight to and from France: compare FCL and LCL, plan the gateway and assess delivery to Paris and Lyon.
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COSTS AT A GLANCE
How much does ocean freight to France cost?
For planning, the examples below allow USD 1,900–3,700 for a 20-foot container from New York to Le Havre, and USD 600–1,200 for 5 m³ of LCL cargo from Montreal. These are main-freight allowances, not a delivered price. Northern France and Mediterranean destinations may favour different gateways. Give the warehouse postcode before choosing the port; changing coasts can add a substantial land leg. Include handling, customs and the final delivery when comparing proposals.
Read the route, currency and service scope together. An estimate is not a confirmed booking.
ROUTES AND SERVICE SCOPE
Ocean freight to France: price examples
Editorial planning ranges in USD for standard dry cargo, not current carrier offers. Main sea freight only: terminal handling, surcharges, customs, taxes, insurance and inland transport are additional unless stated. Examples do not confirm direct services or availability.
| Volume or container | Example route | Transit estimate | Transport type | Indicative price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20-foot dry container | New York → Le Havre | 15–30 days · planning estimate | FCL · main sea freight planning allowance | USD 1,900–3,700 |
| 40-foot dry container | Savannah → Fos-sur-Mer | 15–30 days · planning estimate | FCL · main sea freight planning allowance | USD 2,800–5,200 |
| 5 m³ packed cargo | Montreal → Le Havre | 15–30 days plus consolidation | LCL · main sea freight planning allowance | USD 600–1,200 |
| 20-foot dry container | Melbourne → Fos-sur-Mer | 38–58 days · planning estimate | FCL · main sea freight planning allowance | USD 2,300–4,500 |
| 40-foot high cube | Sydney → Le Havre | 38–58 days · planning estimate | FCL · main sea freight planning allowance | USD 3,100–5,800 |
Planning guidance, September 2026. Collection, delivery, terminal handling, clearance, taxes and insurance are included only when explicitly stated in your quote. Routing and acceptance are checked before booking.
A quote for your shipment
Tell us your origin, destination and cargo. We will reply within 24 hours.
Request a quoteSPACE AND SERVICE
Which shipping option suits your shipment to France?
20-foot container
Exclusive space for your cargo.
For your quote: Payload, dimensions and loading facilities.
40-foot / high cube
For larger or taller loads.
For your quote: Door clearance, volume and unloading.
PREPARE YOUR SHIPMENT
Shipping container sizes and capacities
Compare 20-foot, 40-foot and high-cube containers: internal dimensions, volume, door openings and payload.
Read the guide →MEASURE BEFORE YOU BOOK
The space your shipment needs
| Option | Suitable for | Details needed |
|---|---|---|
| LCL shared container | For smaller packed shipments. | Volume, gross weight and stackability. |
| 20-foot container | Exclusive space for your cargo. | Payload, dimensions and loading facilities. |
| 40-foot / high cube | For larger or taller loads. | Door clearance, volume and unloading. |
GATEWAYS AND DELIVERY
Ports and delivery areas in France
Northern France and Mediterranean destinations may favour different gateways. Give the warehouse postcode before choosing the port; changing coasts can add a substantial land leg. Prepare the commercial invoice, packing list, packed dimensions and gross weights. Confirm commodity-specific documents with the receiving broker and agree free time, container return and responsibility for storage.
Le Havre
Plan the final handoverUse Le Havre as the gateway in your request and include the final address. The quote must separate terminal handover from delivery to Paris and Lyon.
Fos-sur-Mer
Plan the final handoverCompare Fos-sur-Mer against Le Havre using the actual delivery address. Inland distance, terminal release and empty return arrangements can outweigh a lower sea-freight rate.
Paris and Lyon
Plan the final handoverNorthern France and Mediterranean destinations may favour different gateways. Give the warehouse postcode before choosing the port; changing coasts can add a substantial land leg.
Collection and final delivery
Plan the final handoverFor France, identify who loads and unloads, the access restrictions and the receiving contact. Local collection or delivery is available only where confirmed in the written proposal.
PLAN YOUR CONNECTION
Routes to and from France
These connections illustrate requests. They do not confirm a direct service, timetable or acceptance.
New York ↔ Le Havre
Provide the actual collection and delivery addresses. We check the main transport, any connecting legs and handling requirements for your direction of travel.
Savannah ↔ Fos-sur-Mer
Provide the actual collection and delivery addresses. We check the main transport, any connecting legs and handling requirements for your direction of travel.
Montreal ↔ Le Havre
Provide the actual collection and delivery addresses. We check the main transport, any connecting legs and handling requirements for your direction of travel.
Melbourne ↔ Fos-sur-Mer
Provide the actual collection and delivery addresses. We check the main transport, any connecting legs and handling requirements for your direction of travel.
Sydney ↔ Le Havre
Provide the actual collection and delivery addresses. We check the main transport, any connecting legs and handling requirements for your direction of travel.
Le Havre ↔ Houston
Provide the actual collection and delivery addresses. We check the main transport, any connecting legs and handling requirements for your direction of travel.
PREPARATION
Prepare your shipment in four steps
List and measure
Describe the commodity, package count, packed dimensions and gross weight. Include loading and lifting requirements.
Check access
Give collection and delivery addresses, unloading facilities and any access restrictions.
Agree the scope
Check included services, exclusions, currency and the transport direction before accepting the quote.
Confirm handover
Prepare documents and packing for the agreed carrier and confirm collection and receiving arrangements.
YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED
Ocean freight to France: FAQs
What affects the price?
For planning, the examples below allow USD 1,900–3,700 for a 20-foot container from New York to Le Havre, and USD 600–1,200 for 5 m³ of LCL cargo from Montreal. These are main-freight allowances, not a delivered price. Northern France and Mediterranean destinations may favour different gateways. Give the warehouse postcode before choosing the port; changing coasts can add a substantial land leg. Include handling, customs and the final delivery when comparing proposals.
Which transport option should I choose?
The choice depends on dimensions, weight, contents and handling requirements. The options above describe different service scopes, not interchangeable prices. Provide accurate measurements and your preferred date so we can assess the suitable equipment. Acceptance is confirmed before booking.
How long does transport take?
For France, the main transport time must be distinguished from collection, consolidation, clearance and delivery. Use the route-specific planning windows below; consolidation and clearance add time. We will confirm the itinerary and expected handover window with the proposal. Do not schedule a final delivery solely from a vessel or flight arrival estimate.
Can I arrange collection and delivery?
Yes, request the legs you need and provide complete addresses. For Le Havre, tell us whether handover is at a terminal, depot or private address. Access and unloading requirements affect the scope. The quote will say which legs are included.
What documents and preparation are needed?
Northern France and Mediterranean destinations may favour different gateways. Give the warehouse postcode before choosing the port; changing coasts can add a substantial land leg. Prepare the commercial invoice, packing list, packed dimensions and gross weights. Confirm commodity-specific documents with the receiving broker and agree free time, container return and responsibility for storage.
What is excluded from the example prices?
Editorial planning ranges in USD for standard dry cargo, not current carrier offers. Main sea freight only: terminal handling, surcharges, customs, taxes, insurance and inland transport are additional unless stated. Examples do not confirm direct services or availability. Terminal costs, taxes, insurance and local transport must be checked separately against the written quote.
Can I ship in the opposite direction?
Yes, you can request either direction. The receiving country, contents and handover requirements determine the documentation and available service. An outward price does not automatically apply to the return journey. Swap the origin and destination in the form for a separate assessment.
Does my request confirm a booking?
No. Your request lets us check cargo, routing and services. We will respond within 24 hours, but a booking requires an accepted proposal and confirmed availability. Do not deliver cargo to a terminal until the handover instructions are confirmed.
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