20ft & 40ft Container Shipping from UK to Nigeria

Looking for 20ft or 40ft container shipping from the UK to Nigeria? Cargonaija provides dedicated container shipping solutions for household goods, commercial cargo, machinery, business stock, equipment and eligible vehicles moving from the United Kingdom to Nigeria.
Customers can choose between 20ft container shipping and 40ft container shipping, depending on cargo volume and loading requirements. We can provide shipping-only services as well as options that include customs clearance, depending on the shipment.
As a current guide, our 20ft container shipping-only rate starts from £1,600, while our 40ft container shipping-only rate starts from £3,900. Final quotations depend on cargo type, collection arrangements, loading requirements, destination and additional services.
A 20ft container is generally suitable for medium-volume household or commercial shipments, while a 40ft container provides significantly more capacity for larger relocations, wholesale cargo, machinery and high-volume shipments
Looking for smaller shipments? Explore our comprehensive Cargo from UK to Nigeria service for parcels, boxes and general freight.
20ft vs 40ft Container Shipping from UK to Nigeria

Choosing the correct container size can help you maximise available space while avoiding unnecessary capacity and cost.
| Feature | 20ft Container | 40ft Container |
|---|---|---|
| Route | UK → Nigeria | UK → Nigeria |
| Approx. internal capacity | 33m³ | 67m³ |
| Shipping-only price | From £1,600 | From £3,900 |
| Best for | Medium-volume cargo | Large-volume cargo |
| Household goods | Suitable | Suitable |
| Commercial cargo | Suitable | Suitable |
| Machinery | Subject to assessment | Subject to assessment |
| Vehicles | Subject to loading plan | Subject to loading plan |
| UK collection | Available | Available |
| Customs-clearance option | Available | Available |
The right container depends on the dimensions, weight, quantity and type of cargo you are shipping. Cargonaija can assess your requirements before booking and advise whether a 20ft or 40ft container is more appropriate.
20ft Container Shipping from UK to Nigeria

A 20ft container from the UK to Nigeria is a practical option for customers whose shipment requires a dedicated container but does not need the capacity of a 40ft unit.
A standard 20ft container provides approximately 33 cubic metres of internal capacity, making it suitable for many household, business and equipment shipments.
What Can Fit in a 20ft Container?
Depending on dimensions, weight and loading arrangements, a 20ft container can be suitable for:
- Household furniture
- Personal effects
- Boxes and cartons
- Office furniture and equipment
- Retail stock
- Commercial goods
- Building materials
- Agricultural equipment
- Small machinery
- Palletised cargo
- An eligible vehicle, subject to dimensions and loading plan
The usable capacity of a container depends on the shape and dimensions of the cargo, so cubic capacity should not be treated as a guarantee that a particular combination of goods will fit.
Cargonaija can review your proposed shipment before loading.
How Much Does a 20ft Container Cost from UK to Nigeria?
Our current guide price for shipping a 20ft container from the UK to Nigeria starts from £1,600 for shipping only.
Your final quotation can vary depending on:
- UK collection location
- Cargo type
- Cargo volume and weight
- Loading requirements
- Documentation requirements
- Nigerian destination
- Port-related charges
- Customs requirements
- Whether clearance is required
- Final delivery requirements
For the most accurate price, provide Cargonaija with details of the actual goods you intend to ship.
40ft Container Shipping from UK to Nigeria

A 40ft container from the UK to Nigeria is designed for considerably larger shipments and is frequently suitable for household relocations, wholesale goods, business stock, equipment and machinery.
A standard 40ft container provides approximately 67 cubic metres of internal capacity, giving customers significantly more loading space than a standard 20ft container.
What Can Fit in a 40ft Container?
Depending on cargo dimensions, weight and loading configuration, a 40ft container can accommodate:
- Large household moves
- Furniture and personal belongings
- Wholesale merchandise
- Commercial stock
- Multiple pallets
- Manufacturing equipment
- Industrial machinery
- Agricultural equipment
- Large quantities of boxed goods
- Eligible vehicles, subject to loading requirements
Businesses with high-volume or recurring shipments can contact Cargonaija to discuss their container requirements.
How Much Does a 40ft Container Cost from UK to Nigeria?
Our current guide price for shipping a 40ft container from the UK to Nigeria starts from £3,900 for shipping only.
The final quotation depends on the actual cargo, loading arrangements, UK collection location, Nigerian destination, customs requirements and additional services requested.
Customers should therefore request a shipment-specific quotation rather than relying solely on the guide price.
20ft or 40ft Container: Which One Should I Choose?
Neither container is automatically better. The correct choice depends on your shipment.
A 20ft container can be more appropriate for a moderate-volume shipment where a dedicated container is required but a 40ft unit would provide unnecessary capacity.
A 40ft container is generally more appropriate for substantially larger household moves, wholesale stock, multiple pallets, machinery and suitable higher-volume vehicle shipments.
Important considerations include:
- Total cargo volume
- Dimensions of individual items
- Cargo weight
- Number of pallets
- Vehicle dimensions
- Loading configuration
- Type of goods
- Nigerian destination
If you are unsure, provide Cargonaija with an inventory or packing list so our team can help determine the appropriate option.
20ft and 40ft Container Shipping Prices UK to Nigeria
Container size is one of several factors affecting the total shipping cost.
Shipping-Only Guide Prices
20ft Container — From £1,600
40ft Container — From £3,900
Shipping with Customs Clearance
Cargonaija can also discuss container shipping with customs-clearance arrangements where appropriate.
The final cost depends on the cargo, applicable customs requirements, Nigerian destination, port-related costs and additional services required.
If you’re comparing shipping options, our UK to Nigeria Shipping Cost Guide explains the differences between container shipping, air freight, pallet shipping and sea freight.
Dedicated Containers vs Other Sea Freight Options
A dedicated 20ft or 40ft container is not necessary for every shipment.
Full-container shipping is generally more appropriate when the customer has enough cargo to justify dedicated container space or requires a container for a specific household, commercial, machinery or vehicle shipment.
Customers moving household goods can also read our complete Sea Shipping from UK to Nigeria guide.
Shipping Only vs Shipping with Customs Clearance
Customers can discuss different service arrangements depending on their requirements.
Shipping Only
Shipping only may be appropriate when the consignee already has suitable arrangements for customs clearance and cargo handling in Nigeria.
The exact services included should be confirmed when the quotation is issued.
Shipping with Customs Clearance
Customers who require additional assistance can enquire about container shipping with customs clearance.
Depending on the shipment and quotation, services may include:
- Ocean transportation
- Documentation support
- Customs-clearance arrangements
- Port handling
- Cargo release
- Final delivery arrangements where applicable
Because customs requirements depend on what is being imported, customers should accurately declare the contents of the container before booking.
What Can You Ship in a 20ft or 40ft Container?

Container shipping is suitable for many types of eligible personal and commercial cargo, including:
- Household furniture
- Personal belongings
- Kitchen appliances
- Office furniture
- Commercial stock
- Electronics
- Construction materials
- Industrial equipment
- Agricultural equipment
- Machinery
- Hotel equipment
- Restaurant equipment
- Retail merchandise
- Palletised cargo
Cargo acceptance is subject to applicable export, carrier, shipping and Nigerian import requirements.
If you are uncertain whether a particular item can be transported, contact Cargonaija before placing it inside the container.
Vehicle Shipping in 20ft and 40ft Containers
Eligible vehicles can also be transported from the UK to Nigeria using containerised shipping.
Whether a vehicle is suitable for a 20ft or 40ft container depends on:
- Vehicle dimensions
- Number of vehicles
- Container size
- Additional cargo
- Loading configuration
- Weight distribution
- Applicable shipping requirements
- Nigerian import requirements
In suitable circumstances, eligible household or commercial goods may also be transported alongside a vehicle, subject to available space and applicable requirements.
If your primary requirement is transporting a car rather than booking a container for general cargo, visit our dedicated vehicle shipping from the UK to Nigeria service.
Can I Ship a Car and Household Goods in the Same Container?
It may be possible to transport an eligible vehicle and suitable household goods in the same container, but this depends on the individual shipment.
Factors include:
- Vehicle dimensions
- Available container space
- Cargo dimensions
- Weight distribution
- Safe loading requirements
- Carrier requirements
- Documentation
- Customs requirements
Customers planning a combined vehicle-and-goods shipment should provide details before booking so the proposed loading arrangement can be assessed.
UK Collection for Container Shipments
Cargonaija can arrange collection of suitable cargo from many locations across the United Kingdom before container loading.
Depending on the shipment, customers may also arrange to deliver goods to our UK facility by prior agreement.
Our team can discuss:
- Cargo collection
- Delivery to our facility
- Container size
- Loading arrangements
- Packing requirements
- Documentation
- Vehicle loading where applicable
- Export arrangements
- Nigeria clearance requirements
Customers sending ordinary boxes, bags or smaller general cargo rather than filling a dedicated container should use our UK to Nigeria cargo service
How to Ship a 20ft or 40ft Container from UK to Nigeria
The precise process depends on the cargo and service selected, but a typical container shipment follows these stages.
1. Request a Container Quote
Tell Cargonaija what you are shipping, the approximate quantity, your UK collection location and Nigerian destination.
2. Select a 20ft or 40ft Container
The cargo volume, dimensions and loading requirements help determine the appropriate container size.
3. Arrange Collection or Delivery
Depending on the agreed service, suitable goods can be collected or delivered for loading.
4. Prepare Cargo and Documentation
Goods should be appropriately packed, identified and documented before export.
5. Container Loading
Cargo is loaded and secured according to the agreed loading plan.
6. Export and Ocean Transportation
The container is processed for export and transported by sea towards Nigeria.
7. Nigeria Port and Customs Processing
After arrival, the container enters the applicable port and customs procedures.
8. Cargo Release or Delivery
Depending on the service booked, the shipment is released to the consignee or onward arrangements are made where applicable.
Container Shipping from UK to Lagos
Lagos is an important destination for containerised cargo arriving in Nigeria from the United Kingdom.
Containers enter the applicable port system and undergo required port and customs procedures before release.
Customers whose final destination is outside Lagos should provide the destination when requesting their quotation so that available arrangements can be discussed.
How Long Does 20ft and 40ft Container Shipping from UK to Nigeria Take?
Container transit times can vary because ocean transportation depends on factors including:
- Vessel schedules
- Routing
- Port operations
- Shipping-line schedules
- Customs processing
- Cargo release procedures
Cargonaija therefore provides an estimated timeframe based on the shipment and available sailing information rather than presenting a fixed arrival date as a guarantee.
Customers with smaller, time-sensitive shipments that do not require a container can explore our air freight from the UK to Nigeria service.
Documents Required for Container Shipping from UK to Nigeria
Documentation requirements depend on the cargo and shipment, but may include:
- Packing list
- Commercial invoice for commercial goods
- Valid identification
- Customs documentation
- Bill of Lading
- Vehicle documentation where applicable
- Other cargo-specific documents where required
Cargonaija can advise customers about documentation relevant to their particular shipment.
How to Prepare Goods for Container Shipping
Good preparation helps with loading, documentation and transportation.
Before shipping:
- Prepare an accurate packing list.
- Pack fragile goods securely.
- Label cartons and packages clearly.
- Protect furniture appropriately.
- Ensure heavy items can be safely handled.
- Declare machinery, vehicles and unusual cargo.
- Do not include prohibited or undeclared items.
- Confirm documentation requirements before loading.
- Make sure cargo descriptions accurately represent the goods being transported.
Ask Cargonaija before loading if you are uncertain about a particular item.
Why Choose Cargonaija for 20ft and 40ft Container Shipping?
Cargonaija has provided international cargo and logistics services since 2009, with operational experience moving goods between the United Kingdom and Nigeria.
Our dedicated container service can support suitable:
- 20ft container shipments
- 40ft container shipments
- Household goods
- Commercial cargo
- Machinery and equipment
- Eligible vehicle shipments
- UK cargo collection
- Container loading arrangements
- Documentation requirements
- Nigeria customs-clearance options
Our team can assess your actual cargo before recommending whether a 20ft or 40ft container is appropriate.
Frequently Asked Questions About 20ft & 40ft Container Shipping
How much is a 20ft container from UK to Nigeria?
Cargonaija’s current shipping-only guide price for a 20ft container from the UK to Nigeria starts from £1,600. Final pricing depends on the cargo, collection, loading requirements, destination and additional services.
How much is a 40ft container from UK to Nigeria?
Our current shipping-only guide price for a 40ft container from the UK to Nigeria starts from £3,900. A shipment-specific quotation should be obtained before booking.
What is the capacity of a 20ft shipping container?
A standard 20ft container provides approximately 33 cubic metres of internal capacity. Actual usable capacity depends on cargo dimensions and loading configuration.
What is the capacity of a 40ft shipping container?
A standard 40ft container provides approximately 67 cubic metres of internal capacity. Actual usable capacity depends on the cargo and loading plan.
Is a 20ft or 40ft container better for shipping to Nigeria?
A 20ft container is generally suitable for moderate-volume shipments, while a 40ft container is more appropriate for substantially larger cargo volumes. The best option depends on the actual goods being shipped.
Can I ship a vehicle in a 20ft container from UK to Nigeria?
An eligible vehicle may be transported in a 20ft container where its dimensions, loading configuration and applicable requirements permit.
Can multiple vehicles fit in a 40ft container?
A 40ft container may accommodate multiple eligible vehicles depending on vehicle dimensions, loading configuration and applicable requirements. The shipment should be assessed before booking.
Can household goods and a vehicle travel in the same container?
This may be possible for suitable shipments, subject to available space, loading safety, cargo type, carrier requirements and customs regulations.
Do you provide customs clearance for containers in Nigeria?
Customs-clearance options can be discussed for suitable shipments. Requirements and costs depend on the goods being shipped and the applicable destination and customs procedures.
Can Cargonaija collect my goods in the UK?
Collection can be arranged from many UK locations. Provide your collection postcode and shipment details when requesting a quotation.
Can businesses ship commercial goods in 20ft and 40ft containers?
Yes, subject to the goods being eligible for export and import and the relevant documentation and customs requirements being satisfied.
Request a 20ft or 40ft Container Shipping Quote
If you need a 20ft container from the UK to Nigeria or a 40ft container from the UK to Nigeria, provide Cargonaija with:
- The goods you intend to ship
- Approximate quantity or volume
- Whether a vehicle is included
- UK collection postcode
- Nigerian destination
- Whether you require shipping only or customs clearance
Our team can assess your requirements and provide a personalised quotation.
Contact Cargonaija today for a 20ft or 40ft container shipping quote from the UK to Nigeria.
