Container Shipping Companies

Last updated Aug, 08 2026

The container shipping industry is growing at an unprecedented rate, and it’s one of the most critical industries in the logistics world. Unsurprisingly, many people are interested in learning more about this booming sector, but where do you start?

The first thing you need to know is that there are a lot of companies out there offering container shipping services. And while this might seem like a problem, don’t worry—the good news is that choosing the right company can be easy!

We’ve compiled this guide to help you find the best-moving company for your needs. This guide is perfect if you want to learn more about shipping containers!

Top 9 International Container Shipping Companies You Can Rely On

If you need to move internationally, comparing the services of different international shipping companies can be helpful. The nine largest international hauling companies are listed below.

Read more about individual companies and their services in the following section.

  1. A.P. Moller- Maersk Group
  2. Mediterranean Shipping Company SASA (MSC.)
  3. A-1 Auto Transport
  4. China Ocean Shipping (Group) Company (COSCO.)
  5. CMA CGM Group
  6. Matson INC
  7. Hapag-Lloyd
  8. Evergreen Marine
  9. Yang Ming Marine Transport Corporation

Let’s discuss them in detail.

a roro ship

A.P. Moller- Maersk Group

The A.P. Moller-Maersk Group operates supply vessels and containers that are relocated worldwide. This company has various subsidiaries that can provide logistics and transportation services.

These include:

  • A.P.M. Terminals
  • Maersk Line
  • Maersk Container Industries

Some subsidiaries that work in the energy sector are:

  • Maersk Oil
  • Maersk Supply Services
  • Maersk Tankers
  • Maersk Drilling

A.P Moller-Maersk is a global relocating company that works in 130 nations, handles the shipping of multiple products yearly, and generates a revenue of over $650 billion.

A.P. Moller-Maersk Triple-E vessels can hold 18,000 containers. They have 5 of these vessels in active service. Before the CSCL Globe was built, this container ship was the largest around the globe.

Why move with A.P. Moller-Maersk?

  • A.P. Moller-Maersk is one of the most reliable international hauling companies.
  • This moving company owns many of the world’s supply vessels and container ships.
  • A.P. Moller-Maersk offers affordable rates

Mediterranean Shipping Company SASA (MSC.)

This is the world’s largest privately-owned shipping company. This hauling company operates all over the world.

They have a fleet of 500+ container ships, which means they can transport many things from one place to another. They have around 150 offices in different countries.

Their four largest container ships can handle over 19,000 containers. This company helps international trade between other countries by making it easier for things to get from one place to another.

MSC offers transportation logistics services that include overland transportation. However, MSC delivers to 500 ports globally through trade routes (approx. 200).

Their services include dry and reefer cargo transportation and intermodal transportation. There is factory-to-consumer distribution, door-to-door distribution, and even a combination of these methods. However, the firm invests heavily in ports.

Why ship with Mediterranean Shipping Company SASA (MSC)?

  • The company offers a variety of services and has a good reputation
  • Offices in many countries
  • They have a lot of container ships
  • Offer both dry and reefer cargo

A-1 Auto Transport

A-1 Auto Transport has been the best hauling company for over 30 years. They have experience shipping domestically within the USA and overseas.

We offer various shipping services tailored to each customer’s unique needs. We are a fully licensed and insured company, so you can be sure that your belongings are in safe hands. You can also check our online reviews to see what other customers say about their experience with our company. We offer the best services at very affordable prices and are reliable and punctual.

Why work with A-1 Auto Transport?

  • Affordable rates with competitive service
  • Fully licensed and insured
  • An extensive experience

China Ocean Shipping (Group) Company (COSCO)

This is a hauling company based in China. However, their subsidiaries include:

  • COSCO Shipping Co Ltd
  • OOCL.
  • Shanghai Pan Asia Shipping
  • New Golden Sea
  • Cheung

COSCO is the 4th largest shipping company worldwide and the largest relocating company outside Europe. COSCO now owns 5 of the largest container ships.

Each of these can hold 19,000 containers. They have around 10000 ships and 360 dry bulk vessels. As a significant dry bulk carrier in China, the company also holds a position of prominence in the global dry bulk shipping market.

Why ship with China Ocean Moving Company (COSCO Group)?

  • Their customer reviews are positive.
  • It’s the 4th largest moving company in the world.
  • It owns five giant moves to make your logistics journey easier.

CMA CGM Group

CMA CGM Group is a French company with 160 companies, 750 warehouses, and 755 agencies. CMA CGM is an acronym for “Maritime Freighting Company-General Maritime Company.”

This company provides trustworthy international hauling services. This company offers many services, including freight delivery, container fleet management, logistics, and cargo cruises.

CMA CGM Group operates 509 ships on 200+ shipping lines to serve 420 commercial ports worldwide.

The CMA CGM Georg Forster is the company’s largest ship in its fleet. CMA CGM Group is an excellent choice for people seeking various moving services. They operate many boats and subsidiaries, making them a very reliable option.

Why relocate with CMA CGM Group?

  • They offer a varied range of services.
  • Operates a large number of ships.
  • Great reviews from the customer.
ship used for transport on the water

Matson INC

Matson, Inc. is an American shipping and navigation company founded in 1882. The company has its headquarters in Hawaii.

They provide ocean transportation and logistics services. One of its subsidiaries, Matson Navigation Company (MatNav), provides all services related to ocean transportation.

Matson provides transportation services for goods shipped within the United States.

  • Guam
  • Hawaii
  • Alaska

The company owns a fleet of 20 ships. Matson Inc. is a good choice for those needing ocean transportation services.

Why shift with Matson, Inc?

  • Affordable shipping rates
  • Offers freight transportation
  • Reliable transportation services

Hapag-Lloyd

Hapag-Lloyd is a company that offers ocean liner services in Germany. It has regional headquarters in many places:

  • Hamburg
  • Piscataway
  • Singapore
  • Valparaiso, etc.

The company has 399 offices in 128 countries and can handle 1,7 Million TEU containers.

Hapag-Lloyd has a fleet of 237 modern reefer container ships that offer 118 liner services globally. Hapag-Lloyd is a company that provides reliable and fast trade internationally.

They have a fleet of ships that stop at 600 ports worldwide. Hapag-Lloyd also operates as an ocean carrier for Middle-East, Intra-America, Latin America, and Transatlantic trades.

Why ship with Hapag-Lloyd?

  • The company has a strong presence.
  • Their customer service is excellent.
  • The trading process is also speedy

Evergreen Marine

The Evergreen Marine Corporation is based in Taiwan. It is a shipping and container-hauling company that has been in business for many years.

Most of the company’s business is conducted in the Far East and countries in the Southern Hemisphere and Northern Europe.

They also trade with countries in the East Mediterranean. The company has three divisions:

  • Evergreen UKUK. Ltd
  • Uniglory Marine Corporation
  • Italia Marittima S.p.A.

Additional routes exist between the Middle East, Asia, Europe, and North America’s east coast.

Evergreen has a fleet of 200+ container ships that use over 240 ports in 80 countries. They have been in business for many years and are a well-established company.

Why ship with Evergreen Marine?

  • The company has been in business for many years
  • Well established reputation
  • They serve over 240 ports in 80 countries

Yang Ming Marine Transport Corporation

Yang Ming Transport Corporation provides services for relocating goods internationally. Yang Ming has a fleet of 101 ships that can hold deadweight tonnage of up to 7.74 million.

With over 170 different ports, their fleet covers around 70 nations. The company has three subsidiaries:

  • Jing Ming Transport Company
  • Kuang Ming Shipping Corporation
  • Yes Logistics Corporation

The Netherlands, Belgium, Taiwan, and the United States company also have a unit dealing with container terminals.

Why ship with Yang Ming Transport Corporation?

  • Wide variety of services
  • Easy to process
  • Reasonable prices
a big port
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10 Factors to Evaluate Before Choosing Container Moving Companies

There are many cargo shipping companies out there. You can ask them about their experience, price, and international relocating services. You need to find a trustworthy, reliable, and affordable company. Here are some things to think about when making your decision:

Check the Company’s Registration and Licensing

It is essential to ensure that your relocating company follows all the rules and regulations of the moving industry.

You should also check if the company is licensed and registered. A good relocating company will be more than happy to show you their registration and licensing credentials.

A shipping company based inside the United States must register with the states where it delivers.

Ask About their Services

A company can offer many different cargo loading services. Ask about their services for the best company to move your belongings.

However, it will also help ensure your belongings are handled correctly and carefully.

Do they offer Cargo Tracking?

Make sure that your hauling service provider offers cargo tracking. It will let you keep track of your goods quickly.

With the advances in technology, cargo tracking tools are available to customers. You can track your cargo online using a code or receive emails about the item’s progress.

Always keep in mind that good customer service includes cargo tracking. Make sure to track the items you transport on their tracking platform, and you can do this by getting a password from the company.

It would be best to ask about the company’s tracking options before choosing them.

Usually, many companies offer cargo tracking without any fee, but some companies charge an additional fee for this service.

Hot tip: When choosing a relocating company in the US, it is vital to carefully consider your items’ safety. Therefore, selecting a service provider who will care for your things is recommended.

Container Size

You will need to choose a size container for your shipping, depending on what you are shipping.

Most companies offer container sizes of 20’ or 40’ shipping containers. Vehicles and other goods are shipped this way.

If you have some items that need special care, like temperature control, etc., then you can use reefer, the best container for controlling the temperature in the shipping industry.

different size of port boxes

Industrial Standards

The government sets specific standards that the hauling industry follows when sending items to other countries.

Ensure your company follows the government’s laws and regulations when shipping goods.

You should choose a company with a good team of professional agents globally. These agents will take care of your container when it arrives at its final destination.

Discounts

When you are looking for a cargo relocating company, look for discounts. The business of cargo shipping is always up for negotiation. If you are flexible about when you travel, try different dates. It may even be less expensive.

Estimated Price

When relocating cargo, some companies may offer one price for the shipment but add additional fees.

Estimating the overall price and asking about additional fees, such as insurance, fuel costs, or tracking, is essential.

Hidden fees should be transparent before choosing a company to move your cargo. So, be sure you understand all the pricing aspects of the quote before making your final decision.

Note that It is essential not to forget the cheapest quote is not always the best deal. Compare the services offered and what is included in the quoted container shipping price.

Safety Records

You can learn much about a company by looking at its safety record. This information is typically available online, giving you an idea of how the company operates.

You can learn about a company’s safety certifications and values by looking at its website.

They likely take the necessary steps to protect your items if they have a good safety record.

If they have a terrible safety record, it could indicate that they are not taking safety seriously. If this is the case, we are not recommended to work with them.

Insurance

Even though most hauling companies offer insurance on your goods, it is essential to ask if your items are insured. You must know your items are safe if something happens to the ship.

Some companies will only insure certain things, so asking about this before you relocate anything is essential. Discovering that your valuable items were not insured. Will not be pleasing

However, purchasing insurance for any valuable or irreplaceable items is a good idea. This way, if something does happen to them, you will be compensated for your loss.

forklift lifting something

Read Online Reviews

When choosing a relocating company, one of the best things you can do is read online reviews.

It will also give you an idea of what other people have experienced with different companies.

You can also find out about hidden fees or problems people have had. Reading reviews can save you a lot of time and money in the long run.

Conclusion

Container relocating is a complex process that can be difficult to understand. There are many hauling companies to choose from, and it can be challenging to determine which companies best fit your needs. We’ve simplified it so you can decide which company to trust best.

Each company has its strengths and weaknesses, so weighing all the factors involved in deciding which one to use is essential. Ultimately, the best container relocating company depends on the specific needs of each business. Remember the factors we discussed when making your decision, as they will significantly impact the shipping process.

Now that you know all the factors to contemplate when choosing a relocating company, it’s time to decide. Remember to weigh your options and ask the right questions to ensure you make the best decision for your needs.

We hope this list of the top 9 container shipping companies will help you search for the perfect partner to move your goods around the globe.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do container shipping companies do?

Container shipping companies move standardized containers on scheduled ocean services and connect those moves with ports, terminals, trucks, and rail. Vessel-operating carriers supply ships and cargo space, while freight forwarders and NVOCCs can arrange bookings, documents, consolidation, and inland transportation without operating the vessel themselves. A typical shipment moves from booking and container pickup through terminal handoff, ocean transport, destination release, and any purchased inland delivery. A1's guide to shipping a container explains the basic shipment flow.

How much do container shipping companies charge?

As of August 8, 2026, major-lane spot ocean rates for a 40-foot FCL container run about $2,500 to $9,000, while global composite benchmarks are near $3,600 to $4,300 per FEU. That range covers ocean freight rather than a guaranteed all-in delivered price. Origin and destination handling, inland drayage, customs brokerage, cargo insurance, and special equipment can add to the total. A lane-specific quote should identify the container size, port pair, validity period, and included surcharges.

What are the top container shipping companies in the world?

By fleet capacity, the five largest container shipping companies are MSC, Maersk, CMA CGM, COSCO Group, and Hapag-Lloyd, in that order. Current Alphaliner data places MSC first with about 7.36 million TEU, ahead of Maersk at about 4.72 million TEU. Fleet size indicates network scale and available capacity, but it does not make one carrier the right choice for every shipment. Route coverage, sailing frequency, transshipment requirements, equipment availability, and total quoted charges matter more for an individual booking.

How long does container shipping take internationally?

International full-container-load shipping commonly takes about 14 to 45 days port-to-port on many major international lanes. For vehicle cargo, A1's international car shipping by sea guide explains how the ocean leg fits into the wider shipment. Short transpacific sailings can fall near the low end, while Asia-Europe and indirect services often take four to six weeks or longer. Transshipment, port congestion, schedule changes, customs processing, and inland delivery can extend the complete trip.

What are seven common types of shipping containers?

Seven common container types are standard dry, high-cube dry, refrigerated, ventilated, open-top, flat-rack, and tank containers. Standard and high-cube equipment handles most general cargo, while refrigerated containers protect temperature-sensitive goods. Open-top and flat-rack units accommodate cargo that is too tall, wide, or awkward for a closed box; tank containers carry compatible liquids, and ventilated units provide airflow for suitable commodities. Availability varies by carrier, port, container size, and cargo, so confirm the required equipment before booking.

How do I choose the best container shipping company?

Choose a container shipping company by matching the provider's legal role, trade-lane coverage, schedule, equipment, and quote terms to your shipment. For U.S. international ocean freight, verify an ocean freight forwarder or NVOCC through Federal Maritime Commission records and confirm the vessel-operating carrier serving the route. Compare total charges, transit plans, detention or free-time terms, tracking, and cargo-protection options before booking. For vehicle shipments, also confirm whether the quote uses container service or an eligible RoRo shipping option.

Tanisia Brooks
Easy drop off and pickup
★★★★★

The container was dropped off and picked up right on time, which made things a lot easier. They also provided a link if you needed help with loading, which was useful. No hidden fees and the pricing was fair. Instructions for setting everything up were simple enough to follow. I’d definitely recommend A1 Auto Transport for this kind of move.

Cody Ramirez
No stress with the move
★★★★★

Great experience overall. The container was dropped off and picked up without any issues, and communication stayed solid the whole time. It ended up being the most affordable option for my move too. Honestly just one less thing to worry about during everything.

Nastaran Ali
Made the whole process easier
★★★★★

Amazing service and really good value for the price. I used them for transporting everything from Toronto to San Diego, and both sides handled things really well. It arrived on time, got picked up on time, and they even helped with the customs forms which was a big help. Receiving it at the destination was pretty easy for us. I’d recommend them since it makes a stressful process feel a lot more manageable.

Larry Jenkins
Only paid for what I used
★★★★★

They were great to work with. Instead of guessing how much space I needed, they dropped off a larger trailer and I only paid for the portion I actually used. It really took the guesswork and stress out of packing and shipping. Transit timing lined up just like they estimated, and delivery was handled quickly once it arrived. If I ever need this kind of shipping again, I’d go with them without thinking twice.

 

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A-1 Auto Transport is a disclosed agent for the following shipping companies:

CSI Logistics
435 Division Street
Elizabeth, NJ 07201
FMC 22206
Intl Cargo
45 Campus Drive
Edison, NJ 08837
NO. 17858N
Trans Global Auto Logistics, Inc.
3401 E Randol Mill Rd
Arlington, TX 76011
NO. 018191NF
CFR Rinkens
15501 Texaco Avenue
Paramount, CA 90723
NO. 013055NF
ABC Worldwide LLC
2840 NW 2nd Ave #105
Boca Raton, FL 33431
NO. 025472F
Merco Air & Ocean Cargo, Inc.
6 Fir Way
Cooper City, FL 33026
NO. 021869F