Yes, we can get almost all things shipped from China to our local country, city, directly to our door. Shipping from China is now crucial for businesses everywhere. This includes small online shops and large companies. China is the world’s main manufacturing center. Knowing your shipping choices can save you a lot of money. It can also cut down delivery time by weeks. You can get things shipped from China directly to your homeland on your door.
Whether you’re sourcing products for Amazon FBA, importing goods for retail, or buying directly from Chinese manufacturers, this guide covers everything you need to know about getting your items shipped reliably and cost-effectively.
China Product Sourcing:
Getting products from China to other countries has many options. You can use air freight for faster deliveries. Sea freight is best for large or heavy goods, and it’s usually the cheapest. This can be a Full Container Load (FCL) or a shared Less than Container Load (LCL).
For shipping between China and Europe, rail freight offers a good middle ground – faster than sea, cheaper than air. Truck freight is used for local pickups and final deliveries. Let’s go in depth of these shipping methods.
Shipping Methods from China
There are several ways to get products from China and shipped to your country. The most effective ways are:
- Courier (Express Shipping)
- Air Freight
- Sea Freight
- Rail Freight
- Truck Freight
- Dedicated Line Shipping
- Amazon FBA Shipping
- Postal Service
- Door-to-Door Shipping
- Port-to-Port Shipping
It depends on how urgent you need your delivery, how much is the volume of your products and what kind of products are you shipping. Below are the shipping ways (explained) through which you can get your products sourced directly from China:
1- Courier Shipping: Fast and Reliable
International Courier companies like DHL, FedEx, and UPS offer the fastest shipping from China, typically delivering within 3-7 business days globally. These are commonly used for small parcels. Courier Shipping is the easiest and most convenient shipping method, especially for first-time importers.
For E-commerce:
If your shipments weigh less than 20kg, courier services are usually your best bet. They offer a great balance of both speed and convenience. This option is really popular with online sellers who need to quickly restock their items or businesses launching new products with tight deadlines.
2- Air Freight: Balancing Speed and Cost
Air freight is a faster option for medium-sized shipments that are too heavy for courier but still need quicker delivery than sea freight.
- Delivery time ranges from 3 to 10 days
- Suitable for cargo above 100 kg
- Costs less than courier but more than sea freight
- You may need to handle customs clearance or hire a local broker
- Not ideal for low-cost or high-volume products
The process for air freight involves a few steps. First, your goods are taken to the departure airport. Then, they go through customs clearance at both the origin and destination. Finally, your items are delivered to your location. While it’s a bit more involved than a courier, air freight saves you money on larger shipments and is much faster than sea freight.
3- Rail Freight and Truck Freight
Rail and road freight are good choices if you’re shipping to countries that can be reached by land. This includes places in Europe and Central Asia.
- Rail freight from China to Europe takes about 15 to 25 days
- Cheaper than air freight and faster than sea in some routes
- Used mostly for FCL and LCL cargo
- Truck freight is often used for the last mile or for regional deliveries
4- Sea Freight
Sea freight is the cheapest shipping method. Big cargo ships are used to ship your products. China shipping by sea is a low price method to ship heavy items especially for international businesses. This method usually takes 15 to 45 days. The time depends on the distance. You should send an Inquiry to a Sourcing Expert like Vortix to get proper details about it.
Shipping by sea is a slower process than plane or courier but it saves a lot of money. So, sea freight is perfect for businesses that can plan ahead and don’t need their items right away.
Shipment Types: FCL vs. LCL
You can ship your goods in two ways: FCL (Full Container Load) or LCL (Less than Container Load).
FCL (Full Container Load) means you pay for the entire shipping container yourself, even if your goods don’t fill it up completely. This is a more secure option and can save you money if you have a very large shipment.
LCL (Less than Container Load) means you share space in a container with goods from other people. You only pay for the amount of space your shipment takes up. This is a better choice for smaller or medium-sized shipments.
Special Shipping Options When Shipping from China
When you’re shipping from China, picking the right service can save you money and headaches. Different businesses have different needs – some want fast delivery, others need cheaper rates, and some have special requirements like Amazon shipping. Here’s what you need to know:
Amazon FBA Shipping Services
If you’re an Amazon seller, you already know Amazon is super strict about how products arrive at their warehouses. Get the packaging or labels wrong, and they’ll reject your entire shipment.
The smart move is using Chinese logistics companies that specialize in Amazon FBA prep services. They’ll inspect your products, add all the required Amazon labels, and make sure everything follows Amazon’s rules before shipping directly to fulfillment centers. These FBA specialists know exactly what Amazon wants, so you avoid costly rejections and delays.
Dedicated Line Shipping Options
Dedicated line shipping is a service that sits between slow postal shipping and expensive courier services. It’s made for specific countries like the USA, UK, Germany, and Australia.
Delivery usually takes 7–15 days, with good tracking and lower costs than couriers. It’s a great option for e-commerce sellers who ship often to the same places. Many dedicated lines also handle customs, making the process faster and easier.
Door-to-Door vs Port-to-Port Shipping
Door-to-Door Shipping With door-to-door shipping, everything is handled for you. The shipping company picks up your goods from the supplier in China and delivers them straight to your address. They take care of customs and transport along the way. It’s more expensive, but very easy and stress-free.
Port-to-Port Shipping This covers just the ocean or air transport between ports. You’ll need to arrange pickup from your supplier and delivery from the destination port yourself. It’s cheaper but requires more logistics knowledge and coordination on your end.
Planning Your Shipping Budget
Your shipping costs from China depend on several key factors:
- Shipping method (courier vs air freight vs sea freight)
- Package weight and size
- Destination country
- How fast you need it
Understanding these shipping options helps you make smarter decisions and avoid common mistakes that can cost you time and money when importing from China.
| Shipping Method | Cost Range | Best For | Transit Time |
| Courier (DHL, FedEx, UPS) | $8-15 per kg | Urgent shipments under 50kg | 3-7 days |
| Air Freight | $3-8 per kg | Medium shipments 100-1000kg | 5-10 days |
| Sea Freight (LCL) | $40-80 per CBM | Small to medium regular shipments | 15-35 days |
| Sea Freight (FCL) | $1,500-4,000 per container | Large volume shipments | 15-45 days |
| Rail Freight | $2-5 per kg | China to Europe shipments | 12-18 days |
| Dedicated Lines | $4-10 per kg | Regular e-commerce shipments | 7-15 days |
Additional costs include customs duties, taxes, insurance, and handling fees. These vary by destination country and product type, so factor them into your total landed cost calculations.
Customs and Documentation Requirements
Getting Your Packages Through Customs
To get your package past customs without a problem, you just need these few papers:
- Commercial Invoice: This is your detailed “what’s in the box” list, with prices, a special product number (HS code), and where it was made.
- Packing List: This shows what’s inside each separate box if you have more than one.
- Shipping Ticket (Bill of Lading / Airway Bill): This is the main paper from the shipping company, showing if your box is going by boat or plane.
- Extra Papers: Sometimes, certain things (like food or electronics) need special approvals.
Tips:
Be Honest: Always write the real value of your stuff on the invoice. Lying about the price is illegal and can cause big fines or delays!
Check the Country’s Rules: Look up what the country you’re sending to needs for your type of product. A little check now saves big headaches later!
Choosing the Right Shipping Method
The best shipping method depends on your specific circumstances and priorities. Consider delivery urgency, budget constraints, shipment size, product type, and destination requirements when making decisions.
Shipping Method Comparison Guide
| Priority | Weight/Volume | Recommended Method | Why Choose This |
| Urgent Delivery | Under 50kg | Courier Services | Fastest delivery, excellent tracking |
| Balanced Speed & Cost | 50-500kg | Air Freight | Good speed without courier premiums |
| Cost Savings | Over 500kg | Sea Freight (LCL) | Significant cost reduction |
| Maximum Savings | Full container volume | Sea Freight (FCL) | Lowest per-unit cost |
| Europe Bound | 100-2000kg | Rail Freight | Faster than sea, cheaper than air |
| Amazon FBA | Any size | Specialized FBA Service | Meets Amazon requirements |
| Regular E-commerce | 1-100kg | Dedicated Lines | Reliable, cost-effective |
Container Capacity Reference
| Container Type | Dimensions | Capacity | Typical Use |
| 20ft Container | 20′ × 8′ × 8’6″ | 28 CBM / 21,750 kg | Medium volume shipments |
| 40ft Container | 40′ × 8′ × 8’6″ | 56 CBM / 26,500 kg | Large volume shipments |
| 40ft High Cube | 40′ × 8′ × 9’6″ | 68 CBM / 26,500 kg | Lightweight, bulky goods |
For small, urgent shipments under 50kg, courier services are fastest but cost more. For 50–500kg, air freight is a good mix of speed and price. For over 500kg, sea freight is cheapest if you can wait. New importers can start with air freight to test before using sea freight.
Working with Freight Forwarders
Freight forwarders help manage the shipping process for you. They handle paperwork, customs, and choose the best shipping routes.
A good forwarder offers clear pricing, regular updates, and full services like pickup and delivery. When choosing one, check their experience, services, and customer reviews—they can also help you get better shipping rates.
Managing Risks and Insurance
International shipping has risks like damage, loss, delays, and customs problems. Knowing these helps you decide on insurance and backup plans.
Cargo insurance protects your goods from physical loss or damage. Carriers offer some basic coverage, but full insurance is better for valuable shipments. It usually costs about 0.1% to 0.5% of your shipment’s value.
Don’t just focus on shipping fees—delays can cost more. Rushed production, missed sales, or damaged goods can hurt your business, so it’s worth paying for reliable shipping and proper insurance.
Popular Shipping Routes and Transit Times
Different destinations have varying shipping options and delivery timeframes. Understanding these differences helps you set realistic expectations and choose appropriate services.
| Destination | Courier | Air Freight | Sea Freight | Rail Freight |
| USA (West Coast) | 3-5 days | 5-8 days | 12-18 days | Not available |
| USA (East Coast) | 4-6 days | 6-10 days | 18-25 days | Not available |
| Europe (Germany) | 3-5 days | 5-9 days | 25-35 days | 12-18 days |
| Europe (UK) | 3-6 days | 6-10 days | 20-30 days | 15-20 days |
| India | 3-7 days | 5-10 days | 15-25 days | Not available |
| Australia | 4-7 days | 6-12 days | 18-28 days | Not available |
| Middle East | 3-6 days | 5-9 days | 12-20 days | Not available |
| Southeast Asia | 2-5 days | 3-7 days | 7-15 days | Not available |
Transit times are approximate and may vary based on customs clearance, weather conditions, and peak season demands.
What’s New in China Shipping
The shipping world is changing fast. With more people shopping online, companies need quicker and more flexible ways to send smaller packages more often – not just huge shipments once in a while.
Ports and warehouses are getting smarter with robots and automated systems that move goods faster and make fewer mistakes. Plus, new websites and apps are popping up that let you find and book shipping services directly, which often means better prices and clearer information about where your stuff is.
Companies are expanding train routes (which pollute less than planes), using cleaner fuels for ships, and finding better routes that waste less energy. Everyone’s trying to make shipping better for the environment while keeping costs reasonable.
Vortix International for China Shipping
At Vortix International, we help businesses worldwide with their sourcing, shipping, and supply chain needs from China. Our expert team understands how complex international shipping can be, and we work to make it simple for you.
Whether you need fast courier delivery for urgent samples, affordable sea freight for regular shipments, or specialized Amazon FBA services, we manage all parts of your logistics. Our full range of services includes working with suppliers, checking quality, managing freight, handling customs, and ensuring final delivery.
We have strong connections with trusted carriers and service providers for all shipping methods. This allows us to offer competitive rates and reliable service. Our team keeps you informed, solves problems proactively, and provides the expertise you need to ship from China with confidence.
Reach out to Vortix International today to talk about your shipping needs. See how we can make your supply chain smoother, cut costs, and boost reliability. Let us handle the logistics so you can focus on growing your business.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is shipping from China expensive?
Shipping costs vary widely based on method and cargo volume. While courier and air freight are higher in cost, sea freight offers significant savings for large shipments.
What is the cheapest way to ship from China?
Sea freight is generally the most economical option, especially for shipments exceeding one cubic meter in volume or 500 kg in weight.
How much does it cost to ship 1 kg from China?
Courier services may cost between $20 to $30 per kilogram. Air freight can range from $8 to $15 per kilogram, whereas sea freight rates can fall below $1 per kilogram for larger volumes.
Can shipping costs be reduced?
Yes. Planning ahead, avoiding peak seasons, consolidating shipments, and working with an experienced freight forwarder in China can help reduce costs.