Shipping From the US to Europe in 2026: Costs, Customs & Transit Times
Key Takeaways
- Ocean runs 14–21 days port-to-port (18–22 door-to-door); air compresses the lane to 3–7 days.
- LCL starts around $120–150 per CBM; a 20ft FCL lands at $3,500–4,500 all-in.
- EU import duties run 0–17% by HS code, plus VAT (21% NL, 19% DE, 20% FR) on CIF + duty.
- Colivelo clears under its own centralized EORI — you do not need your own to ship with us.
Ocean freight from the US to Europe typically takes 14 to 21 days port-to-port, or 18 to 22 days door-to-door. Transit time depends on the departure port, destination port, and vessel schedule. Air freight reduces transit time to 3 to 7 days at a higher cost.
Ocean vs Air Freight: Comparison#
When shipping from the US to Europe, you have two main options: ocean freight and air freight. Ocean freight takes 14–21 days with LCL rates from $120 per CBM and FCL from $3,500 per 20ft container. Air freight takes 3–7 days at $5–8 per kg.
| Factor | LCL groupage | FCL 20'/40' | Air freight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transit (door-to-door) | 18–22 days | 16–20 days | 5–8 days |
| Base rate | $120–150 per CBM | $3,500–6,000 per box | $5–8 per kg |
| Minimum shipment | 1 pallet | Full container | 1 crate |
| Customs cleared both shores | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Best for | 1–12 pallets, flexible timing | Full loads, project cargo | Urgent, high-value, AOG parts |
Ocean freight is significantly cheaper for cargo over 500 kg or 2 CBM. For smaller, time-sensitive shipments, air freight may be more economical when you factor in the carrying cost of inventory in transit. Colivelo offers both ocean and air freight services between the US and Europe.
Cost Breakdown for LCL and FCL#
LCL (Less than Container Load): Base rate $120–150 per CBM, BAF (Bunker Adjustment Factor) $15–30 per CBM, THC (Terminal Handling Charge) $45–75 per shipment, Documentation fee $50 per shipment. Total for 5 CBM: approximately $700–900.
FCL (Full Container Load): 20ft container $3,500–4,500, 40ft container $4,500–6,000, BAF $300–500 per container, THC $200–350 per container, Documentation fee $50 per shipment.
Surcharges fluctuate based on fuel prices, peak season demand, and currency exchange rates. Our Rules Tariff page has the full surcharge schedule. All Colivelo quotes are all-inclusive — the rate you accept itemizes every line above before you pay.
EU Customs: Duties, VAT and EORI#
When shipping into the EU, your cargo must clear customs with three components. Import duties are based on the HS code, ranging from 0 to 17 percent. VAT is charged by the destination country at standard rates: 21 percent Netherlands, 19 percent Germany, 20 percent France. VAT is calculated on the CIF value plus import duties.
“The EORI number is the passport of EU trade. Without one — yours or your forwarder's bonded equivalent — your container is furniture in a terminal.”
Every business importing into the EU needs an EORI number. Colivelo's centralized EORI allows us to clear customs on your behalf at any EU port, which means faster clearance and fewer delays. We handle the entire customs process in-house. See our customs brokerage page for details, or our credential breakdown to verify the registration yourself.
Incoterms for US-EU Trade#
Incoterms define who is responsible for freight costs, insurance, and risk. EXW (Ex Works): buyer handles everything. FOB (Free on Board): seller covers to vessel loading, buyer handles ocean and EU customs. CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight): seller covers to destination port, buyer handles customs. DDP (Delivered Duty Paid): seller handles everything including duties and VAT. Colivelo can act as agent for any Incoterm — and our bonded warehousing can hold cargo mid-route while terms are settled.
Transit Timeline: Day by Day#
Here is a realistic door-to-door timeline for a consolidated ocean shipment from Elizabeth to Rotterdam:
- Day 1 — Pickup
Cargo collected and scanned — milestone 1 of your 9-scan timeline.
- Days 2–3 — Warehouse & loading
Arrives at origin warehouse, consolidated; container loaded at Port of Houston.
- Day 4 — Vessel departs
Ocean transit scan fires; ETA locks in.
- Days 5–17 — Ocean crossing
14 days on the water; updates pause while the vessel is at sea.
- Day 18 — Rotterdam arrival
Vessel arrives; container discharged and customs filed.
- Days 19–20 — Customs clearance
Entry processed under our EORI; duties and VAT settled.
- Days 21–22 — Final delivery
Container picked up for delivery; delivered and signed, photographed POD issued.
Total door-to-door: 18–22 days. Air freight: 5–8 days. Track every milestone through our tracking portal — the 9-milestone guide explains each scan.
Required Documents Checklist#
| Document | What it proves | Issued by |
|---|---|---|
| Bill of Lading (BOL) | Contract of carriage and receipt of goods | Colivelo — see BOL terms |
| Commercial Invoice | Value, description, HS code, origin | Shipper |
| Packing List | Contents, dimensions, weight, quantity | Shipper |
| Certificate of Origin | Preferential duty eligibility | Chamber of Commerce |
| Dangerous Goods Declaration | Hazmat compliance incl. lithium batteries | Shipper + Colivelo filing |
| Insurance Certificate | All-risk coverage per shipment | Colivelo on request |
Documents are the leading cause of customs delays. Missing or incorrect paperwork strands containers at the terminal — Colivelo reviews all documents before shipping to prevent exactly that.
Colivelo Proof Block
The license, EORI and tariff behind this lane are all public — verify them at /trust-verification before you book any transatlantic rate.
Ready to move cargo on this lane? Request an itemized rate or read how our transatlantic service runs weekly sailings from Elizabeth.
Elena Marchetti
Head of EU Compliance · 12yr · Colivelo Shipping
Elena leads Colivelo's EU compliance practice from our Rotterdam hub. Twelve years in customs and data-protection regulation shaped her obsession with verifiable credentials over marketing claims. Reviewed and verified by Daniela Rojas, Managing Director.
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