Ocean Freight to China
Shipping ocean freight to China opens access to the world's largest consumer market and one of its most connected manufacturing hubs. With ports such as Shanghai, Shenzhen, Qingdao and Xiamen, you can tap into China's global supply networks.
Why Ship to China with iContainers?
China offers enormous import volumes, strong logistics capacity, and deep global connections. Whether shipping from Asia, Europe or the Americas, iContainers offers digital quoting, transparent routing and China-specific service support.
Enormous Market & Global Trade Hub
- China is not only the world's largest exporter but also a major importer of food, fuel, minerals, medical equipment and chemicals.
- Key ports like Shanghai, Shenzhen and Qingdao handle huge volumes of containerized cargo - making efficient sea freight critical.
- For shippers, this means high potential but also high complexity: supply chain scale, regulatory interface and documentation quality matter.
Flexible Service Options - FCL & LCL
- Full Container Load (FCL) is ideal when you have enough volume (e.g., filling a 20′ or 40′ container) and want simpler handling.
- Less than Container Load (LCL) is suited for smaller volumes, mixed cargo or introductory market entry; cost-effective but may involve more handling.
- iContainers offers door-to-door services to/from China, enabling full visibility and ease.
Ocean Freight Services to China
FCL Shipping to China
Best when your cargo occupies most or all of a 20′ or 40′ container - e.g., industrial equipment, full pallet loads, large SKU sets. FCL typically means fewer handling steps, lower risk of damage, and more predictable transit.
LCL Shipping to China
Recommended for smaller consignments, mixed cargo, or when you're testing the Chinese market. Allows lower upfront cost but may mean more consolidation points and slightly longer times.
Shipping Costs to China
What Influences Your Ocean Freight Cost?
Important cost-drivers include:
- Origin region and route: Asia origins usually cheaper and faster; Europe/Americas often longer and more expensive.
- Container type & size: 20′ vs 40′ vs 40′HC, plus reefers or special equipment.
- Chinese destination port and inland haulage to consignee.
- Port handling, surcharges, fuel/currency fluctuations.
- Demand cycles, equipment availability and scheduling.
iContainers states you can consult their "What our ocean freight rates to China include" section
Container shipping rates
How much does it cost to ship a container to China?
Transit Times to China
Typical Transit Durations
Transit times vary by origin and route: Asia → China is relatively short; Europe/Americas → China will take longer depending on stops and routing.
Additional country-specific routing factors apply.
What Affects Delivery Speed
- Number of trans-shipments or feeder vessel calls.
- Port-congestion at major Chinese gateways like Shanghai and Shenzhen.
- Inland transport distance and logistics infrastructure to final consignee.
- Documentation, export/import clearance-efficiency.
Main Ports in China
Port of Shanghai
The world's busiest container port, gateway to the Yangtze River Delta, industrial heartland.
Port of Shenzhen
Deep-water port south of the Pearl River Delta, strong export/import flows, technologically advanced.
Port of Qingdao
Northern Chinese port, major bulk and container flows, strategic for northern province distribution.
Choosing the Right Port
- Match origin region and preferred transit time (e.g., Asia origins may favour Shenzhen, Europe may favour Shanghai, etc.).
- Consider final inland destination in China (east coast vs northern vs southern).
- Balance cost vs transit-time trade-offs.
- Check carrier service availability, schedule reliability, container equipment availability.
How to Book Your Shipment to China
Required Documents
Typical required documents for shipments to China:
- Commercial Invoice & Packing List.
- Bill of Lading or Sea Waybill.
- HS codes and accurate cargo description.
- Chinese importer/consignee registration or broker details.
- Any permits or certificates for regulated product categories.
Customs & Regulatory Overview
- China imposes import regulations, inspections and requires accurate classification & documentation - incorrect paperwork can delay clearance.
- Because of large scale and volume, local logistics and inland delivery may vary significantly.
- Early prep and strong documentation reduce risks.
Step-by-Step Booking Process
- Request an online quote (origin → China, cargo details).
- Compare service types (FCL vs LCL), ports, transit-times, cost.
- Confirm booking and upload required documentation.
- Arrange origin pickup and container loading.
- Track ocean transit to Chinese port.
- Customs clearance at Chinese port, then inland delivery to consignee.
- Final delivery to warehouse, distribution centre or retail site.
FAQs About Shipping to China
The cost of shipping a container to China depends on your origin, container type (FCL or LCL), cargo weight and volume, and current market rates. The most accurate way to get a price is to request an instant quote on the iContainers platform, where you'll see all charges itemized before booking.
Transit times to China vary by origin and service. Shipments from nearby ports in the Americas can arrive within days, while shipments from Europe or Asia may take several weeks. When you request a quote with iContainers, estimated transit times are displayed alongside the rates so you can choose the option that best fits your schedule.
The best container type depends on your cargo's size, weight, and characteristics:
- 20' or 40' dry containers for most general cargo
- 40' High Cube for lighter, voluminous goods
- Reefer containers for temperature-controlled products
- Special equipment (open top, flat rack) for oversized items
If you're unsure which option is right for you, our specialists can review your cargo details and recommend the most suitable container type.
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