Shipping to Estonia from the USA - Get Price Quotes in Minutes

• Perishable food products
• Live animals, plants, and seeds
• Any medicines and drugs
• Dangerous and Hazardous Goods are restricted and subject to approval and special procedures
• Aerosols
• Liquids
• Cash, Money orders, credit, and  debit cards
• Passports and other confidential documents
• Valuable jewelry, art, and antiques
• To simplify, avoid sending items considered dangerous or prohibited via regular parcel service at your local USPS office.
• If you pack in used boxes, remove all previous labels and marks, especially if they indicate the shipment of hazardous materials.
• If you are not positive that some of your goods are legal for shipping to Estonia from the USA, do not put your entire shipment at risk. Leave it. Do not ship or apply for legal assistance.

Getting Started with LCL Freight: A Guide to Affordable International Shipping from the USA

If you’re new to the business, Less-than-Container Load is a practical and affordable international cargo transportation solution for sending goods overseas. Whether you’re moving household items from the U.S abroad or handling commercial freight, LCL lets you ship goods in boxes, crates, or pallets without paying for a full container.

Both businesses and individuals widely use this method.

At AMID Logistics, a licensed and bonded international shipping company and U.S. freight forwarder, we’ve spent nearly 20 years helping people navigate the process of shipping from the USA. Our mission is to make global cargo transport as smooth and predictable as possible—even if it’s your first time.

Before booking, take the time to understand the basics. Doing so will help you avoid unnecessary expenses and ensure a more confident business. Regardless of which international shipping company you use, these core principles apply universally.

LCL Freight vs. Parcel Services and Moving Companies

Understanding your options is key when planning to ship goods to Estonia. The three most common routes are:

• LCL freight
• Parcel services (like FedEx, DHL, USPS)
• Full-service international moving companies

A. LCL Freight vs. Parcel Services

If you’re sending heavy or bulky items, typically over 0.5 cubic meters (20+ cubic feet) or 100 kg (250+ lbs), LCL freight is usually more cost-effective than parcel services.

• LCL is priced by volume, not weight.
• There is a minimum charge, usually for one cubic meter, even if your actual cargo is smaller.
• If your shipment exceeds the minimum, the international shipping cost increases accordingly.

Some customers using our online calculator are surprised that their quote remains unchanged even if their box dimensions change. That’s because their volume is still below the one-cubic-meter threshold. The price only adjusts after surpassing that minimum.

Also, be aware that "freight prepaid" does not necessarily cover all costs. All imports incur destination charges, including terminal fees, customs handling, and delivery, which are not included in your freight quote. The recipient pays these, and they are standard in international shipping.

In short, for smaller shipments, parcel services might be more convenient. However, once your cargo volume increases, LCL becomes a more affordable international shipping option.

B. LCL Freight vs. International Moving Companies

If you’re relocating, full-service international moving companies can handle everything, from packing and loading to customs clearance and delivery. They even offer door-to-door service in some cases.

But convenience comes at a price. If your employer is covering the relocation costs, that may be acceptable. But if you’re paying out of pocket, LCL is a more budget-conscious choice.

Here’s a hybrid approach: hire a local mover to pack and deliver your items to an ocean carrier terminal (also known as a CFS - Container Freight Station). Ensure they understand the essential world regulations, particularly ISPM 15 requirements for wood packaging. Investing a bit more in proper packing is worth it to avoid issues down the line.

C. Why LCL Makes Sense

You can absolutely ship personal items using LCL instead of hiring a moving company. It’s especially worthwhile if:

• You can pack your goods in boxes or crates
• You want to control costs
• You’re sending items that don’t fill a full container

With LCL, you share a container with other shippers, so you only pay for the space your cargo uses. Rates are based on volume, not weight. Deliver your boxes to a nearby terminal yourself. You’ll save on domestic trucking, which is often one of the higher expenses associated with international shipping to Estonia from the U.S.

To put it simply, LCL is often the most affordable international shipping method when your goods are packed properly and you don’t need premium handling services.

Ensure Proper Packing

A. Box, Crate, or Pallet - You Must Pack

With LCL, all items must be packed securely—no exceptions. This means using sturdy boxes or crates and labeling them clearly for transportation overseas.

• Furniture or unpacked items can’t be shipped loose.
• Use heavy-duty cardboard boxes or custom crates designed explicitly for overseas delivery.
• If you hire a professional packer, you’ll also preserve the eligibility of your insurance policy (see below).

B. Palletizing Your Shipment

Once your goods are boxed, they’ll need to be palletized—stacked and shrink-wrapped on certified pallets.

• You can do this yourself or let the terminal handle it for around $35–$75 per pallet (price includes the pallet).
• Some terminals may charge hourly for large numbers of boxes.
• Palletizing increases volume, which affects your quote, but it’s critical for protection and acceptance.

Using boxes of similar size helps reduce "dead space" and lowers your international shipping cost. Uniform boxes stack more efficiently on pallets.

Customers sometimes worry that palletizing will inflate their expenses. And it’s true: the final volume will be larger than the sum of your unpacked boxes. However, palletizing protects your cargo and is the industry standard for LCL shipments.

If you’d rather skip palletizing yourself, deliver loose boxes to the terminal. The staff will handle it, and you’ll transfer responsibility for ISPM15 compliance to them.

C. What Can and Can’t Be Shipped

Can you ship plastic bins, luggage, or totes? Yes, but only if:

• They’re strong enough to hold their shape during transport
• They’re palletized properly

Be sure to label each item. If a pallet is damaged, clear labeling ensures your goods can be identified and reassembled.

Insurance and Safety

Many people ask, "Is it safe to ship valuable items by sea?" The short answer: yes. Most of the goods sold at major retailers were shipped via ocean freight.

To protect valuable or fragile items:

• Use bubble wrap, foam padding, or internal insulation
• Consider hiring professional packers
• Get insurance coverage for added peace of mind

Remember: if professionals don’t pack your goods, your "All Risk" insurance policy may only cover total loss, not partial damage.

Typical insurance deductibles:

• $500 for commercial cargo
• $1,000 for household goods

Always double-check your policy details. If you're unsure, consult your freight forwarder or insurance provider.

Special Notes

• You can ship boxes, crates, or pallets of almost any size, as long as they fit into a 40-foot sea container.
• Items longer than 7 feet may require approval and incur extra charges.
• The key to a successful experience with LCL is following basic guidelines and using common sense.

From labeling to palletizing, every step you take helps ensure your cargo arrives safely and without delay.

In Summary

If you’re new to global cargo transportation, LCL offers a manageable way to send larger cargo from the U.S. without committing to a full container or paying for luxury moving services.

As a U.S. freight forwarder, AMID Logistics is here to help you get started with confidence. From packing tips to cost breakdowns, our goal is to simplify the process and offer you affordable international shipping every step of the way.

Use our real-time freight calculator, explore our guides, and don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions. When done right, shipping to Estonia from the USA can be smooth, secure, and surprisingly affordable.