Shipping From China

Shipping from China: The Complete Guide

If you’re looking for information on shipping from China, whatever it is, this is the guide for you.

In this guide, we equip you with information on how to get your goods from China hassle-free.

Here, you will also find some clues on the best ways to ship, average costs, how to reduce cost, and shipping time, among other things.

So keep reading.

Why Ship from China

Shipping from China is profitable in every imaginable way.

This is thanks to the cheap product prices, good infrastructure, and friendly foreign policies.

It is even better for drop shippers and those shipping to fulfillment stores.

For these, shipping from China promises a good return on investment.

You can ship a range of products from China cheaply and resell them for an attractive profit.

The best part is that you have the option of doing it yourself or enlisting the services of a qualified shipping agent.

A China shipping agent helps to ease your shipping.

They have the necessary know-how, skills, and contacts to ensure the smooth movement of goods from China overseas.

Products you can ship from China

There is no limit to what you can ship from China as the product list is extensive.

As you well know, China is the world factory.

Most, if not all, of the products you see on your local store shelves, home, entertainment joints, etc., are made in China.

Meaning, you can ship a range of products from China, and that too, at very affordable prices.

Popular products shipping from China to other destinations are:

• Electronics
• Electrical material
• Building materials
• Furniture
• Textile and apparel
• Pharmaceuticals and equipment
• Agricultural machinery
• Chemicals
• Industrial equipment
• Food
• Spices and herbs
• Toys

Please note: not every product made in China can be shipped to other countries.

Some are restricted, while others are entirely prohibited from shipping into other countries.

For instance, the USA prohibits shipping narcotics, firearms and weapons, and counterfeit goods from China.

On the other hand, it restricts the shipping of dangerous goods, biodegradables, and irregularly shaped and oversized goods.

Note that restricted items can be shipped from China to other destinations.

The only limitation is that the shipper has to seek authorization from their respective country’s authority before sending the items.

This is to say that some goods are restricted by regulation for shipping from China.

And that these regulations vary from country to country.

As such, you should find out the rules for shipping goods from China to your country.

Doing this beforehand will help you avoid a lot of trouble and shipping delays.

China Export Rules and Regulations

As we’ve noted in the section above, some regulations control the kind of goods you can ship from China.

Apart from this, some other rules and regulations govern the shipping of goods from China to other destinations.

Of course, these rules vary from one destination country to another.

So you need to reference your specific country when considering these rules.

When exporting goods from China, here are some rules and regulations to note:

• Shipments from China must be accompanied by relevant export documentation. Failure to do so will lead to confiscation of your shipment by Chinese export authorities.
• Certain products such as electronics, chemicals, and machinery from China must comply with industry quality and safety standards.

You’ll need to present supporting documents such as inspection reports and compliance certificates to ascertain that your goods are safe for shipping from China.

• China has a list of controlled items that you can’t ship from the country freely.
• These include nuclear weapons, military items, dial-use materials, and any items related to national security and interest maintenance.

Chinese customs control the exportation of these goods.

They also reservedly have the right to approve or reject their shipping from China to other destinations.

Shipping from China to different parts of the world

When shipping goods from China, there are some things that you have to consider beforehand. These are the best shipping method to use, cost of shipping, shipping regulations, and import clearance procedure.

You also need to determine whether you should hire a freight forwarder or handle the shipping yourself.

Knowing the answers to these questions can help ease your shipping endeavor from China to your destination.

And it all starts with knowing your destination.

With this, you will know whether to ship by sea, air, rail, or road and your cost estimate for the entire process, among other things.

The following are the major export destinations of China:

Shipping from China to North America

North American countries are the most popular shipping destinations from China.

Although the quality standards for shipments sent to this region are high, they consume many Chinese products.

Famous brands such as Apple outsource most of their manufacturing to China.

This only shows how much trust North American countries have in Chinese workmanship.

If you’re just starting your business or running an established enterprise, shipping from China to USA, Canada and Mexico can be advantageous.

You get quality stuff at affordable prices.

Logistics are also easy enough when shipping from China. You have the option of moving your goods by air, sea or courier service.

Shipping from China to Africa

According to reports, China shares an excellent trade relationship with many African countries.

This has recently made Africa one of the largest recipients of shipments from China.

The primary destinations for goods from China to Africa are Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania, South Africa, Uganda, Ghana, etc.

Importers from Africa adore Chinese products due to their competitive prices.

They can source a variety of products from China and resell them in Africa at fair prices.

Popular products shipping from China to Africa include:

• Electronic products
• High tech products
• Machinery
• Food and beverages
• Apparel
• Toys
• Medical and industrial clothing and equipment
• Plastic and ceramic products
• Motors and generators
• Steel products
• Shoes

Shipping from China to Europe

Europe is another major destination of China’s shipments.

Unlike African consumers who adore Chinese products due to their inexpensive pricing, customers in Europe patronize them for the same reason.

But despite this, the speedy and inexpensive delivery service of Chinese suppliers, factories, and e-stores continues to draw many European customers.

One example of a fast and affordable Chinese shipping service is ePacket, China Post’s express delivery arm.

It is responsible for delivering online orders to the UK, Netherlands, Germany, France, Spain, and Russia.

When shipping from China to UK and other parts of Europe, you can ship by sea, air, rail, or road.

Shipping from China to Asia

Asian countries such as the Philippines, India, Singapore, Indonesia, and Cambodia rely much on Chinese imports.

Shipping to these countries is relatively faster and more convenient due to their close geographical proximity to China.

The good trade relations shared by China and Asian countries also makes importing and shipping from China hassle-free.

Furniture, ceramics, electronics, and building materials are the most common goods shipped from China to Asia.

Options for shipping from China to the Philippines and other Asian countries include sea freight, airfreight, and rail freight.

Shipping from China to Australia

Australia is among the top ten destinations for china’s exports.

More than 30% of Australia’s imports come from China.

Besides, trade statistics show that the relationship between Australia and China is on a steady rise.

So if you’re looking to ship from China to Australia, then now is a perfect time.

Besides, it is much easier to ship from China to Australia.

You can ship by sea, air or express delivery.

China has so many sea and airports so moving your goods from China shouldn’t be a problem.

Shipping from China to Saudi Arabia

Shipping from China to Saudi Arabia takes only 3-5 days by air and about 5 weeks by sea.

Popular products shipping from China to Saudi Arabia include electricals and electronic equipment, machinery, ships, boats, boilers, etc.

As already mentioned, you can transport your goods from any of china’s major seaports to Dammam, Jeddah, and Riyadh with ease.

Air transport is also available for shipping light and urgent cargo.

Shipping from China to Brazil

Brazil is the largest country in South America and the largest recipient of Chinese exports in the region.

It is home to many seaports.

Santos’s port is Brazil’s largest seaport and is located less than 50 miles from the capital.

Other major seaports in Brazil include:

• Port of Rio de Janeiro
• Port of Rio Grande
• Port of Itaguai
• Port of Itajai
• Port of Aratu.

If you are shipping from China to Brazil, you are exempt from duty if your shipment’s CIF value is below USD 50.

Also, you must accompany your shipments with a CPF or CNPJ number.

Brazil’s customs authority uses the CPF (Cadastro de PessoasFísicas)and CNPJ (Cadastro Nacional da Pessoa Jurídica) numbers for duty and tax purposes.

Importers from China to Brazil must obtain this unique number and present it to customs during clearance.

If you fail to provide this number in your consignments to Brazil, you will likely be fined or face even more severe penalties.

Note that customs clearance when shipping from China to Brazil is very important.

You should file all the necessary paperwork for shipping to Brazil before your shipment lands in Brazil.

When preparing the shipping paperwork, make sure to create two copies of each document.

Additionally, be prepared for your shipment to pass through Brazil’s sanitary inspection, also known as ISPM15.

Shipping from China to New Zealand

If you want to ship to New Zealand, you will need to file the right paperwork first.

This includes the bill of lading, commercial invoice, packing list, import license, inspection certificate, and country of origin certificate, among other documents.

As with most international shipping, you should know the goods you can and cannot ship to New Zealand.

This information is on the NZ customs authority website.

Most importantly, don’t forget to pack and label your shipment appropriately.

Finally, you need to have your customs declaration form filled out when you’re shipping from China to New Zealand.

This means that you or the consignee should be in New Zealand before your cargo from China arrives.

Shipping from China to Lebanon

Lebanon borders Israel, Syria, and the Mediterranean Sea.

It is home to various shipping ports, which include Beirut and Tripoli seaports.

Beirut is the largest shipping in Lebanon and thus receives most of the shipments arriving from China.

It also serves as a shipping gateway to Iraq, Jordan, and other Gulf countries.

If you’re shipping from China to Lebanon, you will need to provide various documents.

These documents include a packing list, commercial invoice, certificate of origin, bill of lading, and goods inspection certificate.

If shipping restricted goods, you will provide a valid import permit in addition to the previously mentioned documents.

Import duty for shipments from China to Lebanon is estimated at around 35% of the total CIF value.

If you want to ship new items to Lebanon, be prepared to pay duty fees estimated to be around 35% of the cargo’s estimated value.

You can ship various goods to Lebanon except for firearms, explosives, alcohol, narcotics, and pornographic materials.

Items with trade names included in the Israel boycott blacklist are also not allowed for shipping from China to Lebanon.

Ways of Shipping from China

There are many options available for shipping from china.

To know which one to use, you need to assess your shipping needs first.

What are you shipping?

What is your destination?

Are they in cartons?

Are the cartons palletized?

Once you know this, you can explore your options and choose the most suitable for your needs.

When shipping from China, there are four main ways to do it.

Sea freight from China

Sea Freight

If you’re a large volume shipper, you could benefit from sea freight.

Cargo ships from China carry large amounts of goods at significantly lower costs than other shipping means.

If you specialize in shipping large, oversize, and abnormally shaped goods, sea freight shipping is the better option.

Note that it takes a very long time for sea shipments to arrive from China.

So this is something you have to consider anytime you’re shipping from China by sea.

Ensure that the long transit times don’t interfere with your delivery schedules.

Sea freight from China takes up to 60 days to deliver.

Another drawback of ocean shipping is the extensive customs clearance process.

This tends to slow down the shipping process and even delay delivery.

Additionally, sea freight can also cause a financial loss in terms of fines and import duties, and taxes.

Some customs officials will ransack your shipment to search for illegal merchandise.

They don’t repackage the goods more often than not, leaving you with an additional cost for repackaging.

FCL and LCL shipping

Sea shipping is available in two options; LCL and FCL shipping.

LCL stands for ‘Less than Container Load.’

LCL Shipping

You should consider it when shipping a small volume of goods that cannot fill a shipping container.

Here, you will have to engage a consolidator.

He/she will arrange for your goods to be shipped along with other shippers in the same container.

At the destination dock, the shipment will be separated.

You will then take your LCL shipment and transport it to the final destination.

LCL shipping provides an economical way to ship small volume goods from China.

FCL, on the other hand, stands for ‘Full Container Load.’

FCL

An FCL shipment usually belongs to one shipper.

It is a large volume of goods enough to fill a standard shipping container.

If you have enough load to fill a container, then it is proper to book FCL shipping from China.

However, a shipping container doesn’t have to be fully loaded to qualify as an FCL shipment.

FCL shipping just means that as a shipper, you have exclusive rights to a container for the entire transit period.

Unlike LCL shipping, FCL shipping is faster and safer.

LCL shipping is slow to the consolidation of different shipments.

As a result, it tends to take a longer time in transit.

Regarding FCL and LCL shipping, you should choose as per your requirement and budget.

Airfreight from China

Air freight

Airfreight from china is advantageous if you need to ship goods from China urgently.

It is also ideal if you’re shipping light, valuable or small volume cargo.

There are many airfreight service providers that you can choose when shipping from China.

They include China Airlines, China southern airlines, emirates, Lufthansa Air, Turkish Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, and polar air.

Note that, like sea freight, air freight from China is also subject to customs clearance.

This can result in delays, fines, and even lost cargo if the entire air shipping process is not handled correctly.

Express shipping from China

Express shipping from China is mainly used to deliver messages, small packages, and mail from China.

Popular express shipping service providers from China include FedEx, UPS, and DHL.

These providers are known for their speed, security, easy tracking, and specialization.

However, they are pricier than many other forms of shipping.

Rail freight from China

For shippers moving goods from China to Europe and East Asia, rail freight from China is a good option.

It offers an outstanding balance between air freight and sea freight as it is cheaper than air freight and slightly faster than ocean shipping.

With rail freight, you can carry the same load as you would when shipping by sea.

It offers LCL (Less Than Container) and FCL (Full Truck Load) shipping options.

Rail freight

Dropshipping from China

Dropshipping from China involves shipping goods directly from the manufacturer/supplier to the customer.

Importers who don’t want to keep stock in their warehouses or stores can benefit from dropshipping.

In this case, the supplier will take care of all the aspects of shipping the goods to the customer.

The importer’s role is to identify the goods, pay for goods, and the shipping cost.

Dropshipping from China may be convenient if you don’t want to keep physical inventory.

However, it is not 100% perfect.

Some suppliers can mess up your order ultimately, subjecting you to backslash and harsh criticism from customers.

Incoterms for shipping from China

Incoterms 2020

Incotermsrefer to international commercial terms.

They are a set of global trade terms designed to establish a happy medium between buyer and seller in international shipping.

The international chamber of commerce (ICC) designs these incoterms.

Headquartered in Paris, France, the body is also responsible for developing, publishing, regulating, and amending the incoterms.

Importance of Incoterms

In international shipping, exporters and importers alike need incoterms to ensure smooth trade and shipping.

Without incoterms, trade parties would be at a constant negotiation, and international shipping would simply not be as efficient.

In this case, incoterms are invaluable, and when adhered to properly, they can help save on shipping costs.

Once the buyer and seller agree on an incoterm, they can sign a contract without worrying about that is responsible for freight, insurance, and costs during shipping.

Also, they help to eliminate costly mistakes, especially when shipping from China to overseas destinations.

Types of Incoterms for Shipping from China

Essentially, there are 13 incoterms, which are coded using three letters for easy reference and identification.

Here is the most common and updated list of incoterms for shipping from China:

EXW

EXW stands for Ex-Works.

The name of a place follows this term, and it means that the seller’s responsibility is only to avail the goods at their location.

Once available, the EXW will help determine where the goods will be sent.

In EXW, note, the buyer caters for all freight costs.

FOB

FOB or free onboard is also followed by the name of a port like FOB Guangzhou.

In FOB shipping, the seller delivers the goods to the named shipment port and loads the goods aboard the shipping vessel.

Here, the seller handles the cost of trucking the goods to the shipping port, export clearance, and loading costs.

The seller also pays the freight cost.

FCA

Like EXW, FCA (Free Carrier) is also followed by a named place, such as FCA Shanghai.

It means that the seller will prepare the goods, and clear them for export.

After this, the seller will hand over the goods to the buyer’s chosen carrier for shipping from China.

FCA is suitable for all modes of transport, including sea, air, rail, and waterway.

FAS

The name of the origin port usually follows this.

Meaning, the seller is responsible for bringing the goods up to the shipping port.

Once here, the buyer will handle the export clearance and pay the shipping fees from the origin country to the final destination.

FAS is designated mostly for sea freight.

CFR

Again, this is followed by a named destination or port such as CFR Melbourne.

In CFR shipping, the seller pays for all costs associated with moving the goods from their location in China to the named destination.

All costs and risks transfer to the buyer once the goods arrive at the specified destination.

CIF

CIF is followed by the name of a port or destination like CIF Manila.

It is very similar to CFR but with additional requirements for the seller, like paying for insurance.

CPT

The destination port, like CPT Said, follows carriage paid to (CPT).

Here, the seller is responsible for freight costs as well as any risks involved during the shipment.

There is usually a high risk when shipping from China.

Hence, CPT Incoterms require that the seller pays for the freight costs and the risks involved during shipping.

CIP

This incoterm is followed by a destination such as CIP New York. It is similar to CPT shipping but with an additional obligation for the seller where he/she is to pay for the insurance against the loss or damage of goods.

Other incoterms available are;

• DAT (Delivered at Terminal)
• DDP (Delivered Duty Paid)
• DAP (Delivered at Place)

Mostly, these are arrival incoterms.

They are used when the buyer needs to verify the condition of goods after delivery before making payment.

Shipping Cost from China

When considering the cost of shipping from China, you should understand that it is not just about the transport charges.

Freight costs from China cover many aspects.

These are all the expenses incurred when moving the goods from the supplier store to your final destination.

It includes:

• Trucking costs from suppliers facility to the loading port
• Export clearance costs
• Carrier shipping cost
• Cost of insurance
• Port charges
• Import clearance costs
• Trucking costs from destination port to the final destination

All of these expenses make up the total cost of shipping goods from China.

Note that the total costs of moving your goods from China will vary based on several factors such as types of goods, volume, weight, and shipping distance.

For instance, a large volume of goods will attract a higher shipping cost.

Likewise, dangerous goods shipping will attract a higher cost of shipping due to extra handling, packaging, and transportation measures.

Here is an overview of the cost you will incur when shipping goods from China.

Cost	Estimated price range	Comments
Trucking costs in china	$50-$500	It may be paid by the seller or buyer depending on the incoterm chosen. For example, in FOB, inland trucking costs at origin are paid for by the seller.
Customs clearance in china	$100-$300	The seller or buyer may be responsible for export clearance again, depending on the incoterm chosen.
International shipping cost	Varies greatly	Depends on; –          the shipping distance –          shipment volume (FCL/LCL)
Insurance	Usually, a fraction of the total shipping cost	Goods Insurance is calculated at 0.2% x 110% of the shipment value. Premium rates vary depending on the insurance company, insurance broker you use.
Customs clearance	varies	Includes documentation costs, import duties and taxes, penalties, if any, etc. Rates vary depending on the type of goods, shipment value, and specific country of import.
Port charges	varies	Includes terminal handling fees, fuel surcharges, demurrage fees, de-consolidation fees, etc.
Trucking costs at destination	varies	It depends on the proximity to the destination port and the trucking company you use.

 

How to Reduce your Shipping Costs from China

There are many ways to cut your shipping costs from China.

They include;

• working with a reliable freight forwarding company
• if the shipment contains small packages, consolidate them into one FCL shipment
• adjust cargo volumes based on standard container capacities
• choose the most cost-efficient shipping method, i.e., sea freight for large volumes and bulky cargo
• choose your incoterms wisely
• Ensure efficient packaging. Avoid unnecessary package weight and volume

It would help if you also considered using a reliable freight forwarder to reduce shipping costs from China.

JMS offers authentic and cost-effective shipping from China services worldwide.

Our company helps you get the lowest possible shipping rates.

We also empower you with ways to get more out of your shipments, such as shipment photos, consolidation, and more.

Essential Freight Documentation for Shipping from China

Proper documentation when shipping from China is vital.

It helps make your presence legal and ease the customs clearance process.

The documents also make it easy to claim compensation in case of freight loss or damage.

You need to have all the requisite documents both at the time of shipping and at the destination during clearance.

Export Documents

At the time of shipping, you need to present the following documents for inspection ad export clearance.

• Customs Declaration Form
• Packing list
• Commercial Invoice
• Shipping contract
• Products classification document
• Export permit for some special goods

If you buy products from China, whether it is furniture from China or clothing, and you don’t have the right export documents, don’t worry.

JMS has the solution for this.

We can help you acquire and file all the necessary documents to ship your goods from China to your final destination.

So contact us anytime if you need assistance with your freight shipping paperwork.

Import Documentation

Import documents you will need to present at the destination as proof of ownership and for import clearance include:

• Import license
• Bill of entry
• Bill of lading
• Insurance certificate
• Purchase order
• Industrial license
• Packing list
• Commercial invoice
• Country of origin certificate (where applicable)

These documents must be original copies and with accurate information.

You should have them all at the time of clearance at the destination.

Note that for the certificate of origin, you have to have several forms.

These are form E (FE), form A (FA), and form F (FF).

Also, the commercial invoice and shipping contract have to be authorized by relevant authorities.

Authorization can take 3 weeks, but JMS may avail of this within 2 weeks.

Other documents that you might need when shipping from China, depending on the type of goods you’re shipping and destination, are:

• Fumigation certificate
• CIQ
• CTN (for Africa import)
• Inspection certificate

Essential Things to Keep in Mind during Shipping Documentation

When preparing paperwork for shipping from China, you ought to consider the following things:

Issue Date

You must always remember the issue date for the particular documents you’re filing.

It helps when you need to track your shipment or when you want to claim ownership of goods during transfer.

It is also essential to recall the issue date, especially when you need to pay middlemen, suppliers, or the freight forwarder.

Accurately stipulating the issue dates is also a matter of compliance with international shipping rules and regulations.

Goods Description

It is necessary to provide a clear and accurate description of goods in your freight forwarding documents.

Usually, this is done in the packing list. It lists all the goods you’re shipping, the number/quantity of goods, as well as carton numbers, if any.

The packing list provides an accurate description of your goods, and it is usually used to verify the details on a commercial invoice.

Freight Weight and Volume

During shipping from China, the freight weight and volume must be accurately defined with great precision.

You need to confirm these at both the loading and the unloading time.

The weight and volume of freight at origin and destination must always correspond.

It makes verification and clearance easy. Otherwise, you may be in for great inconveniences.

Payment Terms

Shipping documentation serves as proof of paid/unpaid freight.

If you paid for goods and freight before shipping, this would reflect on the shipping documents.

Otherwise, you will have to make payment at the unloading point before gaining control of the shipment.

This element also stipulates the terms and conditions of payment for freight from China.

Carrier Signature

The right signatures are essential in all shipping documents.

Usually, suppliers, shippers, and agent signatures are appended on import/export documents where necessary.

Signatures are also crucial for customs clearance purposes.

Notification for the Third Party to Receive the Consignment

This notifies the consignee to collect cargo after Arrival, with his/her responsibility.

Consignee Information

This is all the relevant detail about the person assigned to receive cargo.

Information includes;

• Name
• Address
• Contact information (mobile number, Email, etc.)
• Company name

Where necessary, you have to attach attested copies for verification purposes.

Shipping Routes from China

Shipping routes

Undoubtedly, China’s trade traffic to other parts of the world is enormous and continues to rise as the years’ pass.

As a result, various shipping routes have emerged to cater to shippers’ needs all over the world.

Note that bulk shipping routes begin at the sourcing point, in this case, China.

These routes then end at the destination’s ports, where the shipping demand is highest.

When booking your shipping slot, you’ll realize that there two types of routes; direct and indirect shipping routes.

Direct shipping routes are available for all the major shipping destinations from China.

The demand to moves goods from China to these countries/regions is so great.

Therefore, many shipping companies have assigned permanent ships with regular shipping schedules to these routes.

If you’re shipping to an unpopular destination, you may not be able to book a direct shipping route.

In this case, you will have to use an indirect route where your shipment will first be transported to another port.

Then, the goods will be loaded onto another ship going to your destination.

But the transfer will only happen when the correct ship becomes available.

Note that with this type of shipping, your shipping costs may go up.

This is due to storage and demurrage costs that may arise during the transfer interval.

When shipping from China, you will notice several designated shipping routes.

Firstly, there is the shipping route from China to neighboring Asian countries like Japan and the Philippines.

It is quite popular and usually busy.

There is also the route shipping from China to Australia.

Ships on this route sail through the Sea of Japan; pass through the Okhotsk and on to the Pacific.

The Atlantic route is another major route connecting parts of Europe, USA, Canada, the Suez Canal, and the Mediterranean area.

Other established routes include routes to Africa, Central, and South America, and India.

Various routes exist for which you can use to get cargo from China to the final destination.

Exploring all your shipping route options is essential as it can help you reduce the transit time and shipping costs.

To do this, strive to work with a carrier specializing in the destination you intend to ship.

Transit times for shipping from China

Transit times when shipping from China refer to how long it takes to receive your shipment from a China supplier.

This is determined by two main factors: the shipping distance and the means of transportation.

It is essential to know how long your shipment will take to arrive from China.

In this way, you can plan your delivery schedules and improve your supply chain efficacy.

Sea Freight Transit Time

Sea shipping time from China includes the time taken to load, unload and clear goods through customs.

You can easily calculate transit time from the sourcing point in china to when the shipment reaches your door.

Sea freight transit time

Anytime you’re shipping via sea freight, you will only be provided with an estimated transit time (ETA).

As the name suggests, ETA is not the exact shipping duration.

Instead, it is just a rough estimate between departure and Arrival of goods from China to destination.

With this in mind, note that the exact time of shipping may be delayed by five to ten days depending on several factors.

Factors that may affect sea shipping time include:

• Carrier
• Shipping route
• Distance between loading port and destination port

Never panic due to delays in your shipment as no one can guarantee the ETA (Estimated Time of Arrival) and ETD (Estimated Time of Departure) when shipping from China.

So as I said before, you can expect delays.

A delay of up to 7 days is bearable as this may be due to several unavoidable circumstances, which are pretty common, by the way.

For instance, at the time of loading, empty containers may not be available instantly.

Thus, the time is taken to find the container and complete other formalities can end up delaying your shipment’s delivery.

In the same way, at the destination, import clearance can take quite some time.

What’s important is to understand that sea freight is generally a slow service.

So if you choose sea freight from China, prepare to be patient and wait.

An excellent way to meet deadlines when shipping by sea is to make your order early and book your shipping space in advance.

Nevertheless, sea freight from China is not recommended if you’re in a hurry.

If this is the case, consider other faster air freight or express shipping for smaller shipments.

If you’d like to estimate the average shipping from China, ports.com can be helpful.

All you need to do is open the website, go to the sea route, type in the origin port name and the destination port name then calculate.

The site will show you the sea route that your shipment may use, as well as the distance and ETA, as seen in the image below.

ETA

Here are the ETAs for different destinations when shipping from China by sea.

ETA

Airfreight Transit Time from China

As mentioned above, no one can guarantee China’s delivery time regardless of the shipping method you use.

Nonetheless, air freight from China remains to be the fastest means of shipping.

It takes an average of 2-7 days to ship goods from a China airport to overseas.

If you opt for door-to-door shipping from China, then the transit time will vary.

This will depend on the loading/unloading period, and customs clearances.

With air shipping, you need to file all freight forwarding documents beforehand and choose a direct flight.

This will hasten the shipping process hence reducing the transit time.

Express Shipping Time from China

Express shipping is a subcategory of air shipping.

Like standard airfreight, express shipping is fast.

It is much quicker than standard air freight.

In general, the transit time from China when shipping express is no longer than 3 days.

1-3 days in most cases.

Sometimes, for shorter distances, express shipments can be delivered overnight.

Please note that express freight delivery is from origin to your door at the final destination.

The courier shipping company handles everything about delivery, including customs clearances.

Tracking your Shipment from China

Tracking shipments from China is pretty easy, thanks to technology.

And even without it, you can still manually follow up on how far your shipment is from arriving from China.

There are two ways to track a shipment from China.

One is by using the bill of lading number.

You enter this number on the carriers’ website to monitor the progress of your shipment.

Another way, especially if you’re shipping via express delivery, uses a unique tracking number.

Couriers like ePacket, FedEx, DHL, and UPS issue a special tracking that shippers can use to track their shipments.

What is essential in all this is to have the correct shipment number.

If you find that you’re unable to track your goods from China, then don’t panic.

You can always seek help from your shipping agent, who will be more than willing to provide you with the latest updates on your shipments.

So how exactly do you track a shipment from China?

As I said, tracking goods you ship from China is not rocket science.

You just need to have the right information and use the right channel to access info about your shipment’s progress.

Information you will need for successful and accurate shipment tracking is:

• Shipping container number
• Bill of lading number
• Carrier booking number
• Carrier information
• Shipping route details

Note that the container number is vital to ensure accurate tracking.

With this number, cargo tracking from China is so easy.

Also, note that if you’re shipping by air, the shipping airline will provide you with an airway bill.

This document has its unique number that you can always use to check your shipment status from China.

Best China Freight Forwarder Services

You should employ the service of a capable freight forwarder if you can’t handle shipping from China alone.

Remember that different products from China require extra care when handling and shipping.

So if you’re struggling between shipping and managing your business, it is probably best if you let someone else do it.

As a business, your goal should be to build your product and sell it.

Not to figure out the logistics behind coordinating the supply chain.

Luckily, there are thousands of freight forwarding companies in China, all willing to help you ship products from China.

These agents can help you pick, package, and facilitate your products’ shipping from the supplier in China to your overseas destination.

They can also help you with paperwork filing, getting marine insurance as well as customs clearance processes.

Simply put, a China freight forwarding agent can help make the shipping process smooth and hassle-free.

If you have a stable supply chain, then enlisting a shipping agent’s services can help you plan.

With confidence, you can know that there is a shipment on the way and thus plan delivery and distribution accordingly.

Conclusion

As you can see, shipping from China is not so simple.

It requires excellent knowledge and patience to ensure.

Nonetheless, at this point, we hope that this guide has sufficiently equipped you to navigate through the shipping world with confidence.