What is shared container shipping?

Shared container shipping (also called groupage or LCL) consolidates cargo from multiple customers into a single 20ft or 40ft container. You pay only for the cubic metres (CBM) your goods occupy rather than the full container — making it the cheapest way to send small to medium shipments overseas from the UK.

How much does shared container shipping cost?

UK shared container freight typically starts from around £55 per CBM to Europe, £85–£110 per CBM to the Middle East and West Africa, and £140–£180 per CBM to Australia and New Zealand. Vehicles are priced per unit. Get a live estimate with the [shared container calculator](/shared-container-calculator).

How long does shared container shipping take?

Transit times vary by destination — 5–14 days to Europe, 21–28 days to the Middle East, 28–45 days to Africa, 14–24 days to North America, and 45–60 days to Australasia. Allow an extra 5–10 days for groupage consolidation and 5–7 days for destination customs clearance.

Can I ship a vehicle in a shared container?

Yes — cars, motorbikes, vans and small commercial vehicles all ship safely in shared containers. Cars are strapped to the container floor or stacked on R-Rak frames; motorbikes are crated or palletised. See our [shared car shipping](/shared-car-shipping-guide) and [R-Rak vehicle shipping](/r-rak-vehicle-shipping-guide) guides.

What documents do I need?

Most shipments need a Bill of Lading, a packing list, a commercial or proforma invoice, your passport or company details, and (for vehicles) the V5C logbook. We prepare the Bill of Lading and customs paperwork for you — see the [shipping documents guide](/documentation-hub) for a full checklist.

Can I ship household goods?

Yes — household removals, furniture, white goods, clothing and personal effects are common shared-container cargo. Items must be packed for sea freight (boxed, wrapped or palletised) and declared on the packing list.

Standard shipping liability cover is included; full marine insurance (door-to-door, all-risks) is offered at quote stage and typically costs 1.5–2.5% of the declared cargo value.

Can you collect from anywhere in the UK?

Yes. We offer nationwide UK collection — from any postcode in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland — or you can drop off at our consolidation depot to save on transport costs.

Do you handle customs at the destination?

We arrange export customs clearance from the UK as part of the freight booking, and we work with destination agents who can complete import clearance and onward delivery. Local duties and taxes are payable by the consignee.

What is the minimum shipment size?

There is usually a 1 CBM minimum charge for shared container shipping. Below that, parcel or air freight is normally more economical.

Use the [calculator](/shared-container-calculator) for an instant estimate, then submit your details. We confirm space on the next sailing within the same business day and email you the booking confirmation, drop-off instructions and document checklist.

Read guide →

Vehicles

R-Rak Vehicle Shipping Guide

R-Rak racking lets you stack up to 4 cars in a 40ft shipping container — perfect for UK exporters, dealers and individuals shipping multiple vehicles.

Read guide →