Shipping Container Costs From United Kingdom to Singapore

Written by Martha Lott Reviewed by Dave Sayce

24th Aug 2022 (Last updated on 8th Feb 2024) 5 minute read

Sea Freight

Ocean shipping via sea freight is the most popular shipping option when booking removals to Singapore. The shipping cost to Singapore is lower than air freight, and it’s more eco-friendly. Your goods will take longer to arrive, which may be an issue if you need goods to arrive quickly.

Pros:

• Ability to transport motor vehicles
• Very eco-friendly
• Ocean freight is cost-effective
• Part-load shipping available
• You pay for the size of the container rather than by the weight of your goods

Cons:

• Takes longer to arrive
• Higher risk of delays
• Less flexible routes and timetables

Main Singaporean Ports and Routes

There are 2 main ports in Singapore. These are:

• Jurong
• Singapore

The Port of Singapore is the larger of the two options. This is the port that you will likely use when moving to Singapore from the UK. The main port that ships to Singapore from the UK is Felixstowe.

Air Freight

Air freight provides the quickest option when shipping furniture overseas. However, it’s more expensive than sea freight. Your goods will be shipped from a popular UK airport to the most convenient airport in Singapore.

Pros

• Quickest shipping time
• 9 airports to choose between
• High level of security for your goods
• Convenient and more regular flight times

Cons:

• More expensive shipping option
• Items are charged by weight rather than size
• Environmentally unfriendly
• Limitations to what you can transport (e.g. motor vehicles)

Main Airports and Routes in Singapore

There are two main airports in Singapore to consider. These are:

• Singapore Changi
• Seletar airport

The busiest airport is Singapore Changi which is also the largest airport in Singapore. The main UK airports shipping to Singapore are London Heathrow and Manchester.

FCL vs LCL Shipping

After selecting the mode of transport, you need to choose between full or part load. Your choice will mainly depend on how much you are shipping to Singapore from the UK. The aspects that will affect your decision include:

• The number of items you have
• Tracking
• Insurance
• The weight of the items you have
• The size of the items you have
• The distance travelled
• Customs and duties charges

The differences between FCL and LCL include:

Full Container Load (FCL)

Full Container Load, also known as FCL, means you pay for and use an entire shipping container. This means your belongings will be kept together during the journey and it’s the quicker option

Less Container Load (LCL)

Less Container Load, known as LCL, is when your belongings are stored in a container alongside other people’s goods. It is a shared container, making it the best option for those with little to move.

If the container has other locations to stop at first, the delivery time can increase. You are also limited in the number of goods you can pack.

Other Costs to Consider

When budgeting for your container shipping to Singapore, there are a number of additional shipping costs to consider:

Packing services

The average cost for packing services is £250. This cost is based on a 3-bedroom house. The cost will vary depending on their size and the removals company.

The expert packers help ensure your goods are safe and protected during transit. They will only use the highest quality packing materials to ensure your goods are protected.

Pick up and delivery

Pick up and delivery is a useful additional option. The removal company will pick up your items and deliver them to the correct port or airport. It removes the need to do this yourself.

Many companies will also offer port-to-door shipping too. This service delivers your goods to your final destination. The cost varies depending on the distance the company needs to travel and the country you’re travelling to.

Insurance

Insurance will cost around 4% of the total cost of your shipped goods on average. This is why the number can vary significantly.

The insurance policy you take out will vary based on the company you choose and the type of policy you want. The number of items, the type of cargo shipping, and the distance your goods travel will also be taken into consideration.

All our partners have Goods in Transit and Public Liability insurance. Your belongings will be completely protected during transit.

How Long Does Shipping Take From the UK to Singapore?

The estimated transit time for shipments to Singapore from the UK is 20-28 days. The average shipping time by air is much quicker at 1-5 days.

Shipping times will vary depending on whether you choose FCL or LCL shipping as part-load services can take longer.

Customs Clearance and Prohibited Items to Singapore

When moving to Singapore, there are many prohibited items you cannot bring into the country. These include:

• Chewing gum (unless it’s medicinal or is approved by the Health Sciences Authority)
• Pistols or revolvers (this includes lighters that are shaped like these items)
• Firecrackers
• Rhinoceros horns
• Endangered species of wildlife and products derived from the body of such animals
• Scanning receivers
• Telephone voice-changing equipment
• Obscene articles, publications and video tapes or discs
• Chewing tobacco

Check the Singapore Customs website for a full list of prohibited items. You will need to pay goods and services tax (GST) on top of your shipping rates. You will also need a Bill of Lading and a commercial invoice to deliver your goods. This has to be added at the port of origin before shipment.

Finding an International Removal Company When Moving to Singapore

When moving to Singapore, you want to use a trustworthy and reliable international removal company. We can place you in contact with up to 6 international removals companies that are all verified. We can help ou save up to 70% on your removal costs.