Shipping from China: Complete Guide to Sea, Air, and Express Freight
By MING Sourcing Team • Updated 2026
Shipping is where many sourcing projects get complicated. The right shipping method can save you thousands of dollars; the wrong one can eat your margins. This guide covers every shipping method from China, with real cost data and decision frameworks.
Three Shipping Methods Compared
| Method | Cost (per kg) | Transit Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sea Freight (FCL) | $0.50-1.50/kg | 25-40 days | Large orders (10+ CBM) |
| Sea Freight (LCL) | $2-4/kg | 30-45 days | Medium orders (2-10 CBM) |
| Air Freight | $4-8/kg | 5-10 days | Time-sensitive, high-value goods |
| Express (DHL/FedEx/UPS) | $6-12/kg | 3-7 days | Samples, urgent small shipments |
Sea Freight: The Standard for Bulk Orders
FCL (Full Container Load)
You rent an entire container. Standard sizes:
- 20ft container: ~28 CBM, max ~21,000 kg. Cost: $1,500-3,500 (China to US West Coast)
- 40ft container: ~58 CBM, max ~26,000 kg. Cost: $2,500-5,500 (China to US West Coast)
- 40ft HC (High Cube): ~68 CBM. Best for lightweight, bulky products
FCL is the most cost-effective option when your shipment fills at least 60-70% of a container.
LCL (Less than Container Load)
Your goods share a container with other shippers. You pay per CBM (cubic meter). LCL makes sense when your shipment is 2-10 CBM. Below 2 CBM, express or air freight may be comparable in cost.
Understanding Incoterms: FOB vs CIF vs DDP
Incoterms define who pays for what in international shipping:
FOB (Free On Board) — Most Common
The factory delivers goods to the port and loads them onto the ship. You pay for ocean freight, insurance, customs clearance, and delivery from port to your warehouse.
Best for: Experienced importers who want to control shipping costs and choose their own freight forwarder.
CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight)
The factory arranges and pays for ocean freight and basic insurance to your destination port. You handle customs clearance and last-mile delivery.
Best for: Beginners who want the factory to handle more logistics. But be careful — factories sometimes mark up shipping costs.
DDP (Delivered Duty Paid)
The factory handles everything — shipping, customs clearance, duties, and delivery to your door. You receive the goods at your warehouse.
Best for: Small orders where simplicity matters more than cost optimization. DDP is typically the most expensive option but easiest for the buyer.
Customs and Import Duties
When your goods arrive at the destination country, you'll need to clear customs:
- HS Code classification: Every product has a Harmonized System code that determines the duty rate. Get this right — misclassification leads to penalties.
- Import duties: Rates vary by product and country. US duties on consumer electronics from China typically range 0-25%. EU duties are often 2-8%.
- VAT/GST: Most countries charge VAT on imported goods. EU VAT is typically 19-25%. UK VAT is 20%.
- Customs broker: Unless you're experienced, hire a customs broker to handle clearance. Cost: $100-300 per shipment.
How to Choose the Right Shipping Method
Use this decision framework:
- Calculate your shipment volume (CBM) and weight (kg). Your freight forwarder or factory can help.
- If > 15 CBM: Sea freight FCL — most cost-effective.
- If 2-15 CBM: Sea freight LCL — good balance of cost and practicality.
- If < 2 CBM or time-sensitive: Air freight or express — faster but more expensive.
- If first sample order < 100 kg: Express courier (DHL, FedEx) — simplest option.
Hidden Costs to Watch For
- Demurrage and detention: Fees charged when containers aren't unloaded or returned on time. Can be $50-200/day.
- Warehousing at port: If you can't pick up goods immediately, port storage adds up quickly.
- Fumigation: Required for wooden packaging (pallets, crates) per ISPM-15 standards. Cost: $50-200.
- Exam fees: If customs selects your container for physical examination, expect $300-1,000 in additional fees.
- ISF filing (US): Importer Security Filing must be submitted 24 hours before vessel departure. Late filing: $5,000 penalty.
How MING Handles Shipping
We coordinate logistics with trusted freight forwarders from Shenzhen/Guangzhou ports:
- Help you choose the optimal shipping method based on your order size and timeline
- Arrange competitive freight quotes from multiple carriers
- Manage all export documentation from the China side
- Coordinate FBA warehouse deliveries for Amazon sellers
- Track shipments and provide updates from factory to delivery
Need a Shipping Quote?
Tell us your product details, volume, and destination — we'll get you competitive freight quotes within 24 hours.
Get Shipping Quote