Overview: Shipping Methods from China
Choosing the right shipping method from China depends on shipment size, urgency, and budget. There are four main options: sea freight (FCL or LCL), air freight, express courier, and rail (China-Europe). Each has distinct cost and transit time trade-offs.
Sea Freight: FCL vs LCL
FCL (Full Container Load)
You rent an entire container — 20ft (28 CBM) or 40ft (67 CBM). Best for:
- Shipments over 15 CBM (cubic meters)
- Low cost per CBM ($800–$3,000 per 20ft depending on route)
- Transit: 15–30 days (China to US/EU)
- Most cost-effective for regular importers
LCL (Less than Container Load)
Your cargo shares space with other shipments. Best for:
- Shipments under 15 CBM
- Cost: $80–$200 per CBM
- Transit: 20–35 days (slightly longer than FCL due to consolidation)
- Good for trial orders and small businesses
Air Freight
Shipped via cargo aircraft from major Chinese airports (PVG, CAN, PEK). Best for:
- High-value goods where speed justifies cost
- Shipments under 500kg
- Cost: $3–$8 per kg (China to US/EU)
- Transit: 3–7 days
- Urgent orders or time-sensitive inventory
Express Courier (DHL/FedEx/UPS/TNT)
Door-to-door service handled entirely by the courier. Best for:
- Samples and small test orders under 100kg
- Cost: $5–$15 per kg (includes pickup, customs clearance, delivery)
- Transit: 3–5 days
- Customs clearance and door delivery included
Rail Freight (China-Europe)
China Railway Express (CRE) connects Chinese cities to European destinations via the Belt and Road network. Best for:
- Shipments from China to Europe where sea is too slow, air too expensive
- Cost: 50–70% of air freight
- Transit: 14–18 days (vs 25–35 days sea, 3–7 days air)
- Available from major Chinese hubs: Chengdu, Zhengzhou, Xi'an, Chongqing
China Shipping Cost Comparison
| Method | Best For | Typical Cost | Transit Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| FCL (20ft) | Bulk orders 15+ CBM | $800–$3,000/container | 15–30 days |
| LCL | Small cargo 1–15 CBM | $80–$200/CBM | 20–35 days |
| Air freight | Under 500kg, urgent | $3–$8/kg | 3–7 days |
| Express courier | Samples under 100kg | $5–$15/kg | 3–5 days |
| Rail (to EU) | Medium cargo, EU destination | 60% of air cost | 14–18 days |
Key Shipping Terms
EXW (Ex Works): Buyer arranges all logistics from factory gate.
FOB (Free On Board): Seller delivers to departure port, buyer arranges ocean freight.
CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight): Seller pays freight and insurance to destination port.
DDP (Delivered Duty Paid): Seller handles everything including import duties — best for buyers new to importing.
Hidden Costs to Budget For
- Origin charges: Local pickup, export customs, port handling ($100–$300)
- Destination charges: Port fees, customs examination, trucking to warehouse ($200–$600)
- Import duties: Vary by product and country (0–25%+)
- Customs broker fee: $150–$400 per shipment
- Cargo insurance: 0.3–0.5% of shipment value (recommended)
How to Choose a Freight Forwarder
Select freight forwarders with China presence and experience in your product category. Verify they have export licenses and carrier relationships. Compare 3 quotes. ChinaBajar works with vetted freight forwarders and can recommend providers for your specific lane.
Frequently Asked Questions
FCL sea freight from China to the US West Coast takes 14–18 days; East Coast 28–35 days. To Europe: 25–30 days. LCL takes 5–7 extra days for consolidation and deconsolidation at ports.
Sea freight (FCL) is cheapest per unit for large shipments. LCL is cost-effective for 1–15 CBM. Express courier is expensive per kg but includes all handling — total cost can be competitive for very small shipments under 30kg.
In most countries you are legally required to use a licensed customs broker for commercial imports. The broker files import declarations, pays duties on your behalf, and ensures compliance. Cost is typically $150–$400 per shipment.
Required documents: Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Bill of Lading (sea) or Air Waybill (air), Certificate of Origin (for preferential tariff rates), and product-specific certificates (CE, FDA, etc.) as needed by your country.
FCL (Full Container Load) means you rent an entire container — more cost-effective for large shipments. LCL (Less than Container Load) means your cargo shares a container with other shipments — suitable for smaller loads at lower total cost but higher cost per CBM.
DDP is easiest for new importers — the supplier handles everything including duties. FOB gives you more control and is typically cheaper for experienced importers who have freight forwarder relationships. See our Incoterms guide for full comparison.
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