It costs an average of £1,415 to ship a 40 ft container to France from the UK. 40 ft containers are best for 3+ bed house moves. The average cost of air freight is £185 per 100kg.
In this guide, we have gathered everything you need to know about shipping to France. This will ensure that your removal to France goes as smoothly as possible.
Sea Freight
The average cost of shipping a container is £880 to ship a 20 ft container and £1,415 to ship a 40 ft container from the UK to France. Sea freight is the most popular option and the cheapest choice out of the two.
Pros:
No weight limits mean that you can ship as little or as much as needed
Different size containers mean that you can pay for what you need to use
Cons:
The most time-consuming option for shipping furniture overseas
Sea freight will take longer if moving to the Southern regions of France
Main French Ports and Routes
France is home to 10 major ports. This means you can choose a port that is convenient for you. Here are the busiest ports in France:
The Autonomous Port of Paris
The Port of Marseille
The Port of Lyon
The Port of Le Havre
The Port of Deauville
The main UK ports that ship goods to France are Felixstowe and Southampton.
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Air Freight
The average air freight cost from the UK to France is £185 per 100kg. For those who need their goods shipped urgently or want the most convenient option, air freight is the best choice.
Pros:
Most convenient options as goods will arrive the same day
Delays are not as frequent
Cons:
Costs are quite high as it is calculated by weight
Not ideal for those transporting large or heavy items
Main French Airports and Routes
There are over 30 airports in France. Here are the busiest airports to bear in mind:
Charles de Gaulle International Airport
Nice-Côte d'Azur Airport
Lyon Saint-Exupéry Airport
Marseille Provence Airport
Toulouse-Blagnac Airport
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FCL vs LCL Shipping
When moving to France from the UK, you will need to decide if you want to ship your goods as a Full Container Load (FCL) or Less than Container Load (LCL). How many goods you need to ship to France will determine which one you choose.
Full Container Load (FCL)
FCL is best for those who own a lot of belongings. You will have the whole container to fill with your goods. Whether you choose a 20 ft or 40 ft container, you’ll be able to store your goods safely. The average 3-bed house move will require an FCL when shipping to France due to the volume of goods that will be transported.
Less Container Load (LCL)
LCL is the best choice for those who are undergoing a smaller move such as students. What is great about LCL is it means that you don’t have to pay for a full container that you are not going to fill. However, LCL takes longer to arrive as it contains other people’s belongings, meaning that the container may have to go to other locations first.
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Other Costs to Consider
You need to be aware of any potential additional costs that can occur. There may be extra checks and fees due to Brexit and COVID-19 regulations. Here are some other costs that you should consider:
Packing Services
Most removal companies offer additional services such as packing services. Your removal company will provide all packing supplies. The average cost for this is £250.
Pick-up and Delivery
Another service you may wish to consider is a pick-up and delivery service. If you choose this, your goods are picked up and delivered from the port or airport. This means you don’t have to worry about transporting your goods to your new home when they arrive.
Insurance
Lastly, you should look into international insurance for your goods. While sea and air freight are reliable, there is still a risk involved. Therefore, insuring your goods means that you are covered if there is a delay or if any goods are lost. At Compare My Move, our removal partners all offer Goods in Transit and Public Liability insurance.
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How Long Does it Take to Ship Belongings to France?
The length of time shipping to France takes depends on what mode of transport you choose. Here is the average time each shipping option takes:
| Shipping Option | Length of Time |
|---|---|
| Air Freight | Same Day |
| Sea Freight | 1-2 Days |
| Road Freight | 3-5 Days |
| Part Load | Up to 2 Weeks |
Prohibited Items to France
There are prohibited items that you should be aware of when shipping to France. This will prevent any delays or fines if you are found with any of these items:
Meat and dairy products
Products containing animal-derived ingredients such as milk
Fresh flowers and plants
Finding an International Removal Company to France
At Compare My Move, we have a network of trusted partners who are ready to assist you with your shipping to France. Whether you are moving to France temporarily, or are planning to live there permanently, our partners can provide you with competitive quotes international movers for shipping containers to France.
