Although land-locked, Switzerland is embedded in Europe’s busiest trade corridor. Here’s how each service is tailored:
When lead-time trumps cost:
Container shipping rates to Switzerland
Origin Region | Typical FCL Transit Time* | Notes |
---|---|---|
West Coast USA (Los Angeles) | ≈ 19–22 days | 16 d LA→RTM + 3–5 d inland barge/rail to Basel |
East Asia (Shanghai) | ≈ 40–43 days | 37 d SHA→RTM + 3–5 d inland |
Mediterranean (Valencia) | ≈ 8–10 days | Short ocean hop to Genoa/La Spezia then rail into Basel |
*Port-to-port ocean leg plus average inland transfer to Basel Rhineports.
Top trade lanes: Rotterdam ↔ Basel (barge), Antwerp ↔ Basel (rail/barge), Shanghai → Rotterdam, Los Angeles → Rotterdam.
Start with container size (20’ or 40’), ocean leg to an ARA port, Rhine/rail inland haulage and Swiss customs/VAT (8.1 % on CIF). iContainers’ quote tool bundles all charges for full cost visibility.
Shipments ≥15 CBM usually favour FCL—ocean rates divided over full capacity plus lower per-unit inland costs. Smaller loads stay economical with weekly LCL consolidations into Basel.
Carriers’ liability is limited (SDR per kg). All-risk marine insurance arranged at checkout protects against loss or damage throughout the multimodal journey.
Commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading (or telex release) and an e-dec/Passar electronic declaration; plus origin certificates for preferential duty or restricted goods.