Ship Crate From the USA to Portugal
Introduction: Ship Crate from the USA to Portugal
Shipping a crate from the USA to Portugal is generally straightforward. As a professional international shipping company, Expediship will guide you through the shipping cost, transit time, and customs clearance process based on your shipment purpose—whether it’s business, personal effects, trade show items, donations, or gifts. We also provide expert advice on how to properly pack and protect your crate to ensure safe transit.
Portugal is a beautiful and welcoming country known for its mild climate, rich culture, and high quality of life, making it a popular destination for both business and relocation.
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What Can You Ship When Shipping Crate from the USA to Portugal
International Crate Shipping from USA to Portugal — What You Can and Can’t Ship
Shipping from the USA to Portugal is generally simple, and most items are allowed. At the end of this page, you’ll find a detailed list of items that are not permitted for international shipping.
Common goods such as auto parts, makeup, clothing, office supplies, and sports equipment can all be shipped without issues.
If you’re unsure whether your item is allowed, contact Expediship — we’ll help you confirm before shipping.
Shipping Cost & Transit Time for Shipping crate from the USA to Portugal
Crate shipping rates depend heavily on dimensions and final destination — the table below shows typical starting points for mainland Portugal, and we also deliver crated shipments to Madeira and the Azores (island routing adds a few days).
Below are estimated starting prices for shipping Crate from the USA to Portugal. Final cost depends on box size, pickup address, and delivery city.
| Weight Range | Starting Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 150–200 lbs | From $3.81/lbs |
| 201–300 lbs | From $3.65/lbs |
| 301–400 lbs | From $3.40/lbs |
| 401–500 lbs | From $3.00/lbs |
| 501–600 lbs | From $2.80/lbs |
| 601–700 lbs | From $2.50/lbs |
| 701–800 lbs | From $1.50/lbs |
| 801+ lbs | From $1.20 — for larger shipments, please contact customer service for an exact quote. |
Note: Prices are estimated starting rates for air freight shipments. Expediship offers door-to-door service with full tracking and customs guidance.
Customs, IVA & What We Crate — Portugal Specialties
Crating Portugal’s Treasures — In Both Directions
Azulejos and Portuguese ceramics. Hand-painted tile panels, Bordallo Pinheiro ware, and Caldas da Rainha ceramics are among the most fragile items we crate. Whether you’re a collector shipping an azulejo panel or sending ceramics to family, each piece gets custom foam-lined crating — tiles travel vertically, never flat, with individual slot separation.
Artwork and antiques. Portugal’s antique markets (Feira da Ladra in Lisbon) and gallery scene move pieces across the Atlantic in both directions. High-value art shipments require accurate declared values for IVA assessment (23% mainland / 22% Madeira / 16% Azores) and benefit from full-value insurance at 3% of declared value (how our insurance works).
A note on port wine: we’re often asked to crate bottles from the Douro. We do not carry alcohol in any form — barrels, bottles, or samples. Everything else from Portugal’s craft heritage — cork products, ceramics, textiles, woodwork — we crate and ship gladly.
Moving an Entire Household? Crates + the Certificado de Bagagem
For full household relocations to Portugal, custom crates protect furniture, mirrors, and framed art that boxes can’t. Used household goods can enter duty-free under Portugal’s Certificado de Bagagem process — the baggage certificate issued by your Portuguese consulate in the USA before shipping. Our luggage shipping page has the step-by-step consulate guide; the same certificate covers crated household shipments, provided every crated item appears on the certified inventory.
What We Crate for Portugal Routes
- Azulejo panels, ceramic and porcelain collections
- Framed artwork, mirrors, and antiques
- Furniture and heirloom pieces for household moves
- Industrial equipment and tradeshow structures too fragile for standard palletizing
- Oversized sports equipment — including big-wave surfboards for Nazaré-bound customers (no practical size limit)
Delivery to all mainland addresses plus Madeira and the Azores (island routing adds a few days). Estimate duties and IVA with our Customs Duty Tool.
Documents: Commercial Invoice listing make, model, and serial numbers, HS codes, and a realistic valuation for used equipment (book value or appraisal — customs questions round numbers).
Your Portuguese consignee needs an EORI number — clearance cannot complete without it.
Estimate duties and see the full document checklist in our Customs Duty Tool.
Shipping inherited furniture, artwork, or heirlooms is one of our crate specialties — and it has its own customs treatment. The EU grants duty-free import of inherited property — attach a copy of the will or death certificate, proof of inheritance, and a full inventory. IVA relief applies with the same documentation.
Documents: full inventory of the crated items, proof of inheritance, and your ID matching the estate paperwork. We recommend full-value insurance (3% of declared value) for estate shipments — how it works.
Estimate duties and see the full document checklist in our Customs Duty Tool.
Household relocations → our luggage page. Palletized commercial freight → our pallet page. Full checklists → Customs Duty Tool.
| Purpose | Tax | Difficulty | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business | VAT 23% + duty | Medium | 1-3 days |
| Personal Effects | Usually 0% | Easy | 2-5 days |
| Gift | VAT may apply | Easy | 1-2 days |
| Donation | Possible 0% | Hard | 3-7 days |
| Sample | VAT 23% | Medium | 1-3 days |
| Exhibition | 0% with Carnet | Medium | 2-5 days |
How to Prepare a Crate Shipment from the USA to Portugal : Step-by-Step Guide
Building your own crate instead? See our crate packing standards — or let us build it for you.
When preparing a crate shipment, selecting the correct crate is the first and most important step. A strong and properly sized crate protects your goods and ensures safe transport.
Use solid wood crates or plywood crates for heavy or fragile items
For international shipping, use ISPM-15 certified (heat-treated) wood
Choose the right size to minimize empty space inside
Recommended crate sizes (based on shipment type):
Small crate: up to 48 × 40 × 36 inches (121 × 102 × 91 cm)
Medium crate: up to 60 × 48 × 48 inches (152 × 122 × 122 cm)
Large crate: up to 72 × 48 × 60 inches (183 × 122 × 152 cm)
Custom crates: for oversized items (furniture, sculptures, machinery)
Keep at least 2–4 inches (5–10 cm) space on each side for padding
Ensure the crate has a pallet-style base (forklift accessible)
Avoid weak or damaged wood
Before placing items into the crate, proper internal protection is critical.
Wrap items with foam, bubble wrap, or blankets
Protect fragile areas like corners, edges, and surfaces
Use anti-scratch and moisture protection if needed
Disassemble items (like table legs, frames) when possible
For high-value items, consider custom foam inserts
Items must not move during transit — this is one of the most important steps.
Use blocking and bracing (wood supports) inside the crate
Fill empty spaces with foam, padding, or air cushions
Use straps or tie-downs for heavy items
Ensure zero movement when shaking the crate
For machinery, consider bolting to the base
The crate structure must be strong enough to handle long-distance transport.
Use screws or nails (not just staples) to secure panels
Reinforce edges with metal brackets if needed
Seal all sides tightly
For international shipping, ensure the crate is fully enclosed
Optional: use water-resistant lining or wrap
Clear labeling ensures smooth handling and customs clearance.
Attach shipping labels on at least 2 sides
Add handling labels:
“Fragile”
“This Side Up”
“Do Not Stack” (if needed)
For international shipments:
Attach commercial invoice + packing list
Include HS code and item description
Place documents in a waterproof pouch
Before shipment, do a final check to avoid delays or damage.
Verify weight and dimensions (important for billing)
Check crate stability (no loose panels or movement)
Ensure forklift access on all sides if required
Take photos for records and insurance
Confirm pickup details and carrier requirements
Insurance Options for Shipping Boxes, Pallets, Crates, or Luggage from the USA to Portugal
Every shipment automatically includes $100 of cargo insurance free of charge — if anything is lost or damaged, you are covered up to $100 at no extra cost. Need more protection? Add full coverage for just 3% of the declared value when requesting your quote. For eligibility rules, non-insurable items, and how claims work, see our Shipping Insurance Guide.
International Shipping Prohibitions and Restrictions
Ship from USA to Portugal — Know What You Cannot Ship
Certain items cannot be received, stored, shipped, imported, or exported due to government regulations, safety concerns, or international trade laws. Transactions involving these commodities are strictly prohibited, regardless of the shipment’s origin or destination.
Note: These items are completely forbidden to be exported or imported between countries.
Shipping Process
Ship Pallet from USA to Portugal
Frequently Asked Questions When Shipping Crate from USA to Portugal
Vertically, in individual padded slots inside a custom wooden crate, with foam lining and void fill. Flat-stacked tiles crack under their own weight during handling — vertical orientation is the industry standard for ceramic panels.
No — we do not carry alcohol of any kind. Cork products, ceramics, and all other Portuguese crafts are welcome.
Yes, under the Certificado de Bagagem process for residence transfers — every item must appear on the consulate-certified inventory. Without the certificate, used goods can be assessed 23% IVA on declared value.
Every shipment includes $100 of free coverage; full-value protection costs 3% of declared value. See our Shipping Insurance Guide for eligibility and claims.
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