Not everyone needs a full shipping container.
Not in this economy. Not with this level of global uncertainty. Not when you’re moving in a smarter, more intentional way.
That’s why Shared Container Shipping is gaining momentum for international relocations in 2025.
At Crown Relocations, we’re seeing a clear shift—away from excess, toward efficiency. Away from over-spending, toward smarter planning. More of our customers are embracing Shared Shipping as a flexible, cost-effective way to move across borders.
And it’s not just about saving money (though that helps). It’s about adapting to a new reality:
- Rising costs
- Global logistics volatility
- Smaller, more conscious relocations
Here’s why Shared Shipping is fast becoming the smart choice for moves to the UK, Europe, and North America.
Sharing the Costs – Navigating Rising Shipping Expenses
Global shipping routes continue to face serious disruption in 2025. Since late 2023, the Red Sea crisis has forced major shipping lines to avoid the Suez Canal, rerouting vessels around the Cape of Good Hope. This detour adds approximately 4,000 miles and 10-14 days to transit time, significantly increasing fuel consumption and operational costs.
While average shipping rates have come down from their 2024 peaks, they remain around 50% higher than pre-crisis levels for a 20ft container from the UAE to key ports in the UK, Europe, or North America. That’s where shared container shipping becomes an even more valuable option.
Opting for shared container shipping allows you to:
- Pay Only for the Space You Use: Share container space with others, reducing individual costs.
- Avoid Paying for Unused Capacity: Ideal for those not requiring a full container.
- Allocate Savings Elsewhere: Use the saved funds for accommodation, settling-in expenses, or other relocation needs.
Sharing the Risks – Reducing the Exposure to Port Delays and Extra Costs
Beyond just savings, shared container services help you share the risk—a growing concern given the disruptions expected this summer.
Northern Europe’s ports are facing escalating congestion. Industrial action in Belgium has already recently brought Antwerp to a near standstill, with similar delays reported in Rotterdam, Hamburg, and Le Havre.
In addition to this, the new US tariffs and potential policy changes have led to a surge in imports ahead of the 90-day tariff pause set to expire in early July. This rush has caused port congestion, schedule changes, and shipping delays. Ocean carriers have discontinued service strings and rerouted vessels, resulting in extended transit times and operational disruptions.
When delays happen at destination ports, additional charges like demurrage and port storage fees can quickly add up. Shared containers spread the risk—and any potential fees—across multiple customers, so you’re not carrying the burden alone.
What’s more, shipments in shared containers are typically pre-booked into destination warehouses for group unloading. That can reduce time spent in port compared to sole-use containers waiting for delivery coordination to a private address.
Simplified Process and Lower Environmental Impact
As always, Crown’s experienced relocation team will guide you through the documentation process and customs requirements—removing the guesswork from international shipping.
And by sharing space in a consolidated shipment, you’re also choosing a more sustainable way to move. Fewer containers mean lower fuel consumption and a reduced carbon footprint.
Choose Smart. Choose Shared.
From rising shipping costs to port delays, 2025 is proving that flexibility and smart planning are key to a successful international relocation. Shared container shipping offers both—along with peace of mind, expert support, and meaningful savings.
Planning a move to the UK, Europe, or North Africa?
Let’s make it simpler, more sustainable, and more cost-effective.
Talk to Crown Relocations UAE about shared shipping options today.
