Sea & Ocean Shipping from China to the World

If you want to import products by container From China, this guide is made for you:

What is Sea Freight?

How much does sea freight cost from China?

How long does sea freight take from China?

What is sea freight insurance?

How many cartons per pallet, how many Pallets per Container?

218Freight– Sea Freight Forwarder China

What is Sea Freight?

Sea freight, also known as ocean freight, refers to the transport of goods or cargo by sea using container ships, cargo ships, or other vessels. It is one of the most commonly used modes of International transport for large quantities of goods or goods that are not time-sensitive.

• FCL (full container load): FCL refers to a shipment where an entire container is utilized by a single shipper. The shipper has exclusive use of the container for their goods.

• LCL (Less than Container Load): LCL involves shipments that do not occupy a full container. Multiple shippers share Container space, and their goods are consolidated into container freight.

• Breakbulk Shipping: Breakbulk shipping involves the transport of goods that are not containerized or that cannot fit into standard containers. These goods are usually loaded individually on the vessel and secured with lashings or other methods.

• Ro-Ro (Roll-on/Roll-off): Ro-Ro shipping is used for cargo that can be driven or rolled on and off the vessel, such as cars, trucks, trailers, or heavy machinery. The cargo is loaded and unloaded using ramps, making the process efficient.

• Tanker Shipping: Tanker shipping is specifically designed for the transportation of liquid or gas cargoes, such as crude oil, petroleum products, liquefied natural gas (LNG), chemicals, and more. Tankers have specialized storage tanks to ensure safe transport.

• Reefer Shipping: Reefer shipping involves the transportation of perishable goods that require temperature controlled environments. Reefer containers or vessels are equipped with refrigeration units to maintain the required temperature throughout the journey.

• Bulk Shipping: Bulk shipping is used for transporting unpackaged goods in large quantities, such as grains, coal, ore,minerals, and other dry bulk commodities. These goods are loaded directly into the vessel's hold without individual packaging.

• Project Cargo Shipping: Project cargo shipping deals with oversized, heavy, or complex cargo that requires special handling and equipment. It includes machinery, equipment, large structures, and other specialized shipments.

How does it work?

Sea shipping involves a series of steps and processes to ensure the efficient and safe transport of goods by sea. Here is a general overview of how sea shipping works:

• Booking: The shipper, which can be an individual or company, contact a freight forwarder or shipping agent to book a shipment. The details of the cargo, such as type, quantity, weight, and dimensions are provided to obtain a quote and arrange shipment process.

• Documentation: The shipper prepares the necessary shipping documents, including a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading (B/L), and any required permits or certificates. These documents provide information about the cargo, its value, and the terms of shipment.

• Cargo Pick-up and Transportation: The cargo is collected from the shipper's location and transported to the port of origin.

• Port Operations: At the port of origin, the cargo is delivered to the container terminal or cargo handling facility. Here, the cargo is inspected, weighed, and undergoes necessary security checks. It is then loaded into containers (in the case of FCL) or consolidated with other cargo (in the case of LCL).

• Customs Clearance: The shipping agent or freight forwarder manages the customs clearance process. This involves submitting the required customs documents, paying any applicable duties or taxes, and ensuring compliance with import/export regulations.

• Vessel Loading: Once customs clearance is obtained, containers or cargo are loaded onto the designated vessel.

• Sea Transit: The vessel departs from the port of origin and begins its journey to the port of destination. The duration of the sea transit varies depending on factors such as distance, weather conditions, and the chosen shipping route.

• Inland Transportation and Delivery: After the cargo is cleared at the destination port, it is transported to the final destination. This may involve trucking, rail transport, or a combination of both. The cargo is delivered to the consignee's designated location.

• Cargo Receipt and Documentation: The consignee receives the cargo and checks its condition and quantity against the shipping documents. The consignee signs the delivery receipt, confirming the successful receipt of the cargo.

Advantages and disadvantages

Advantages

• Cost-Effective: Sea shipment is generally more cost-effective for transporting large volumes of goods over long distances compared to other modes of transportation.

• Suitable for Bulk and Heavy Goods: Sea shipment is well-suited for transporting bulky and heavy goods, as ocean vessels have a high cargo capacity.

• Lower Carbon Footprint: Shipping by sea has a significantly lower carbon footprint compared to air freight, making it a more environmentally friendly option.

• Less Stringent Packaging Requirements: Sea shipment is less sensitive to packaging requirements compared to air freight, which can reduce packaging costs.

• Flexibility in Shipping Volume: Ocean vessels offer scalability and flexibility to accommodate varying shipping volumes, making it suitable for businesses with fluctuating demand.

Disadvantages

• Longer Transit Times: Sea shipments have longer transit times compared to air or land transport, which may not be suitable for time-sensitive or perishable goods.

• Limited Accessibility: Sea freight is limited to ports and waterways, which may require additional transportation to reach inland destinations.

• Weather and Seasonal Disruptions: Ocean vessels are susceptible to weather conditions and seasonal disruptions, which can cause delays or schedule changes.

• Documentation and Customs Requirements: Sea shipments involve more extensive documentation and customs procedures, requiring compliance with regulations and potentially increasing administrative complexities.

• Limited Tracking and Visibility: Real-time tracking and visibility of sea shipments may be limited compared to other modes of transport.

When you are in a hurry to receive the goods, then suggest that you ship by air, when you don’t have enough budget for the shipment and it's bulky or heavy items then you can choose to ship by sea. It is important to consider these factors and evaluate the specific requirements of your shipment to determine whether shipping by sea is the most suitable option for your needs.

How Much Does Shipping Cost From China?

218Freight supply FCL (Full Container Load) and LCL(Less than Container Load) both shipping way to most of the port around the world.

FCL shipments may use different containers. sizes, such as 20 feet (TEU) or 40 feet (FEU) containers. The choice of container size affects shipping costs, with larger containers generally being more expensive.FCL shipments are for larger quantities of goods that fill an entire shipping container.

LCL shipments are for smaller quantities of goods that do not fill an entire shipping container. it's for multiple smaller shipments from different exporters are consolidated into one container.

The cost from China usually depends on the following factors, such as distance, local charges, and customs regulations. It is important to note that LCL shipping costs are usually calculated based on the volume or weight of the goods, while FCL shipping costs are usually quoted as a fixed rate for the entire container. To get accurate and up-to-date shipping costs for LCL or FCL shipments from China, it is recommended to consult with freight forwarders or logistics providers who can provide detailed quotes based on your specific requirements and shipping details. 218Freight is your best option, choose 218Freight as your freight forwarding partner, and experience the best logistics solutions tailored to your unique needs. We are committed to delivering unmatched reliability, efficiency,and value, making us the preferred choice for businesses worldwide.

Our Suggestions

You want to import or export goods to or from China, but don't know how to start? Below are our suggestions:

• Product Research and Market Demand: Research on the product you intend to import. Understand the market demand, competition, and potential profitability in your target market. Consider factors such as consumer preferences, trends, and any specific regulations or certifications that may apply to your product.

• Identify and Verify Suppliers: Invest time in identifying reputable suppliers in China. Check their credentials, and verify their reputation through reliable sources such as trade directories, online platforms, and references. Request product samples and perform quality checks before finalizing any agreements.

• Understand Product Regulations and Standards: Familiarize yourself with the import regulations, standards, and requirements for the specific products you are importing. Research any applicable certifications, labeling requirements, product testing, or documentation needed to ensure compliance with the destination country's regulations.

• Determine Import Duties and Taxes: Determine the import duties, taxes, and customs fees applicable to your goods in the destination country. Consult with customs authorities or seek guidance from a customs broker to understand the specific tariff codes, duty rates, and any exemptions or preferential trade agreements that may apply to your products.

• Establish Clear Terms and Contracts: Clearly define your terms of trade and establish comprehensive contracts with your suppliers in China. Specify pricing, payment terms, delivery terms, product specifications, quality standards, and any other relevant details. Engage legal professionals to review and ensure the contracts protect your interests.

• Conduct Quality Control Inspections: Perform pre-shipment inspections or quality control checks to ensure the goods meet your specifications and quality standards. Consider engaging third-party inspection agencies to conduct inspections on your behalf to minimize risks and ensure product quality.

• Arrange Shipping and Logistics: Select a reliable freight forwarder or shipping agent experienced in handling imports from China. Discuss shipping options (air, sea, or land) and choose the most suitable mode based on your requirements. Ensure proper packaging,labeling, and documentation of your goods to meet shipping and customs requirements.

• Insurance Coverage: Consider obtaining appropriate insurance coverage for your shipment. While reputable freight forwarders provide some level of liability coverage, it's important to assess the value of your goods and consider additional insurance to protect against unforeseen risks or damage during transit.

By following these suggestions and working closely with a reliable freight forwarder, you can increase the chances of a successful importing goods experience from China.218Freight provides buying, transportation, customs clearance, factory inspection, consolidation, packaging, warehousing, and dropshipping services.

How long does sea freight from China take?

The duration of sea freight from China can vary depending on several factors, including the specific origin and destination ports, the shipping route, the type of vessel, weather conditions, and any potential delays. Here are some general estimates for common sea freight routes from China:

• Within Asia: Sea freight shipments within Asia, such as from China to neighboring countries like Japan, South Korea, or Southeast Asian nations, can typically take around 1-2 weeks. However, shorter transit times are also possible for nearby destinations.

• Trans-Pacific (China to North America): Shipping goods from China to ports on the West Coast of North America, such as Los Angeles or Vancouver, usually takes about 3-4 weeks. For East Coast destinations like New York, the transit time can range from 4-6 weeks or longer, depending on the specific route and any potential transshipment or delays.

• Europe (China to Western Europe): Shipping goods from China to major ports in Western Europe, such as Rotterdam or Hamburg, typically takes around 4-6 weeks. Transit times can vary based on the specific route, the efficiency of the shipping lines, and any potential congestion in the ports.

• South America: Shipping goods from China to South American ports can vary significantly depending on the specific destination. Transit times can range from 4-8 weeks or longer, depending on the distance and the shipping route.

• Africa: Shipping goods from China to African ports can take approximately 4-8 weeks, depending on the specific destination and the shipping route.

Is it Cargo Insurance necessary while shipping the goods?

It is not legally required to have cargo insurance when shipping goods. it is highly recommended to consider securing cargo insurance for your shipments. Cargo insurance provides coverage against potential loss, damage, or theft of your goods during transit. Without cargo insurance, you could be responsible for bearing the full cost of lost or damaged goods. Depending on the value of your shipment, this could result in significant financial loss. Remember,cargo insurance should not be seen as an alternative to proper packaging, handling, and risk management practices. It is a supplementary measure to protect your goods and provide financial security in case of unforeseen events during transit.

How Many Cartons per Pallet, How Many Pallets per Container?

Frequently asked questions

When we start

218Freight was established in Shenzhen China in 2010.

What we do

218Freight involvs air,sea,train,road shipping service, we provide one stop,FCL,LCL shipping

Where we are

Headquarter located in Shenzhen, the company has branch offices in major cities in China. Together with our agents in more than 60 countries worldwide.

At What Volume is Sea Freight Financially Attractive?

At least 2 CBM, you can consider sea shipping service. If your shipment volume is less than 2 CBM, air freight is better option

Should I Prefer Consolidation or Full Container?

It is recommended to discuss your specific shipping details and requirements with a freight forwarder or shipping provider. They can assess your needs, consider factors such as volume, cost, type of cargo, and transit time, and provide you with the most appropriate recommendation based on your unique circumstances.

What are the Main Shipping Companies Departing from Chinese Ports?

As China is the world's largest exporter, all shipping companies are present. For example, the main ones we like to work with: CHINA SHIPPING, MAERSK, CMA-CGM, MSC, ONE.

How to Choose a Reliable Sea Freight Forwarder?

It is advisable to request meetings or consultations with potential freight forwarders to discuss your requirements, evaluate their capabilities, and address any concerns. This allows you to assess their professionalism, responsiveness, and compatibility with your business needs. If you want the best, 218Freight is at your service.

How to Avoid Freight Forwarding Scams?

Avoid choosing too low price which can easily cause you more losses. It is important to exercise caution and thorough due diligence when choosing a freight forwarding company. Trust your instincts and be alert for any red flags or suspicious behavior. If something feels off or if you encounter any irregularities, consider seeking an alternative freight forwarder to ensure the safety and success of your shipments.