Real-Time Online Freight Calculator for Shipping Goods from the USA

Select the destination country to begin calculating your affordable international shipping costs.

The online freight calculator above is a quick and easy way to estimate international shipping costs when sending goods, such as boxes, crates, and pallets, from the United States to destinations worldwide.

This platform is designed to simplify global cargo transportation, whether you're handling commercial loads or sending personal belongings overseas. This service is for those who ship from the USA utilizing LCL (Less Than Container Load). LCL allows multiple shippers to share space in a single container, making it a reliable and cost-efficient method supported by trusted U.S. freight forwarders.

To get started, select your destination, go through a few simple steps, and you'll receive an instant quote. There’s no need to wait or commit. This calculator eliminates the guesswork and helps you plan with confidence when transporting mid-sized loads from the United States abroad.

If you're unsure of your cargo’s exact weight or dimensions, that’s not a problem. You can estimate for now, and once your goods reach the ocean terminal, the final international shipping cost will be updated based on the actual measurements.

Understanding how your load is handled gives you more control. Once you're ready to proceed, just book online and follow these steps:

• You'll receive our instructions within 24 business hours.
• Submit your commercial invoice or a Valued Packing List.
• Receive your Express Release Bill of Lading in PDF format.

This tool is designed for everyone, from individuals sending personal goods and e-commerce shippers to businesses involved in worldwide trade. It allows you to quote, book, and ship with a dependable international shipping company, all from the convenience of your computer.

With this system, you can ship medium to large-sized cargo from the USA quickly and affordably. A brief 3-minute YouTube video explains exactly how it works, making it perfect for those moving goods overseas.

Helpful tips:

• To find the nearest Container Freight Station (CFS) in the United States, select your destination country and city, then filter by state. You can then check distances using Google Maps. For ZIP codes, the USPS ZIP Code Lookup can help.
• The most affordable way to ship goods from the USA is to deliver them directly to a CFS (highlighted in uppercase in the online freight calculator, like PHILADELPHIA, PA).
• If you need pickup from your location, select a pickup option during the quote request and enter your ZIP code at the final step.

As a trusted freight forwarder, we believe in transparent, up-front pricing.

What is LCL, and Why Is It a Cost-Effective Option?

LCL stands for “Less than Container Load,” which refers to shipments that don’t require a full container. Instead, your goods, typically packed in boxes, crates, or on pallets, share space with the loads of other shippers. This method is widely used in international shipping due to its affordability and flexibility.

If your total cargo volume is under 15–20 cubic meters (about 500–800 cubic feet), LCL is more economical than booking a full container (FCL). It's one of the best ways to reduce your transnational shipping expenses while still enjoying the reliability and structure that a professional international cargo transportation company offers.

LCL also works well for personal shipments. If you’re moving household goods or personal effects packed in crates or boxes on pallets, using LCL often makes more financial sense than hiring a full-service international moving company. You don’t need to be a business to ship overseas household goods with a U.S. freight forwarder.

If you ship personal belongings from the U.S., it's worth reviewing the differences between LCL and moving company services. Choosing the right option can prevent confusion and reduce prices.

LCL is also significantly more affordable than air freight or small-parcel services for larger shipments. Think of it as the economy class of multinational shipping - reliable, efficient, and budget-friendly.

How LCL Can Save You Money

• You only pay for the space your load occupies in the container. This is the main reason LCL is often the most affordable international shipping option.

• LCL pricing is based on volume (measured in cubic meters or cubic feet), not weight. That means you don’t have to worry if your shipment is heavy - only the size matters.

• You can save on U.S. domestic cargo transportation. Transporting goods domestically is expensive, sometimes more so than sea freight itself. If you deliver your goods directly to a CFS, you eliminate domestic trucking expenses and reduce your overall expenses.

• “Ocean freight” refers to the transportation between CFS terminals at the origin and destination. If either terminal is inland, the price will include transport to or from the seaport. An international shipping company experienced with global logistics should help you optimize routes and prices.

Flexibility and Convenience

• When you bring loose boxes to a CFS, they can be palletized onsite. That means the terminal will stack your boxes on pallets and shrink-wrap them. This makes handling easier and safer. Smaller boxes are easier to manage than oversized pallets, and proper palletization can help avoid extra charges.

• With LCL, you can ship items of various shapes and sizes, provided it fits into a standard 40-foot multimodal container. Standard internal dimensions are: Length: 39’5” (12 meters), Width: 7’5” (2.35 meters), Height: 7’10” (2.39 meters).

• Cardboard boxes are fine as long as they meet ISPM 15 standards. You can find heavy-duty boxes at places like U-Haul, Walmart, or Office Depot. Once packed, stack them on certified or plastic pallets. This helps with handling and compliance.

• Palletization at the terminal typically costs between $35 and $50 per pallet. It’s recommended to let CFS professionals handle this rather than attempting it yourself, unless you’re a professional in global cargo transportation. This ensures the skids meet all regulatory requirements.

• Once your goods are palletized and ready, shipping overseas becomes a smooth and manageable process, even for first-time shippers.

• LCL offers a practical and affordable international shipping option for those sending goods from the United States. Whether you're a small business or an individual, the flexibility, savings, and simplicity of LCL make it a smart choice. You can save on international shipping costs by delivering loads to a terminal instead of arranging pickup.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Using LCL.

1. What is sea freight?

Sea freight refers to the global transportation of goods by sea, typically in multimodal sea containers. It’s the most cost-effective way to ship goods internationally.

2. How does less-than-container load (LCL) work?

LCL (Less Than Container Load) allows you to send smaller quantities of cargo overseas without paying for a full container. Your shipment is combined with others, allowing you to pay only for the space you use. It’s the most cost-effective way to ship sizable payloads abroad. It’s ideal to work with a trusted international shipping company that understands regulatory compliance.

3. How do I calculate my global shipping costs?

Our online freight calculator makes it easy to estimate your cross-border shipping cost. Rates depend on cargo size (volume in cubic meters), destination, and delivery method.

4. What documents are required?

Typically, you need:

• A commercial invoice or packing list
• A bill of lading (BOL)
• Any destination-specific documents (e.g., customs forms)

5. What is an Express Release Bill of Lading?

An Express Release BOL allows your consignee to claim cargo at the destination without presenting the original paper documents, speeding up and making the import recovery process more convenient.

6. What is the cheapest way to ship internationally?

You can self-deliver your boxes, crates, or pallets to a U.S. terminal listed in our system. The cheapest way to ship internationally is to deliver cargo to a CFS (Container Freight Station).

7. How long does sea freight take?

Transit time varies depending on destination:

• Latin America/Caribbean: 2–3 weeks
• Europe: 3–4 weeks
• Asia/Africa: 4–6 weeks +

Please note that these times are estimates and may vary.

8. Are there countries that require original bills of lading?

Yes, some countries — such as Argentina, Brazil, Ecuador, and several African nations — often require original Bills of Lading (BOLs) instead of express releases. We will advise you if originals are necessary for your destination.

9. How do I start moving my goods overseas?

Please use our online calculator to determine the international shipping cost for moving your goods from the United States. We aim to provide reliable global cargo transportation solutions tailored to your needs. Our reputation as a trusted U.S. Freight Forwarder has been earned through 20 years of experience.