Shipping from China: Air, Sea & Freight Costs
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Shipping from China splits into four lanes — express courier, air freight, LCL (less-than-container), and FCL (full container) — and the right choice swings landed cost by a wide margin. A 40ft container to Rotterdam or Antwerp can range from roughly $1,500 to $4,000+ depending on the rate cycle, while air freight runs several dollars per kilo and express more still. The charges that catch first-time importers are the destination-side ones: customs clearance, port handling, demurrage if you're slow collecting, and the duty/VAT that lands separately from the freight invoice.
When you ship from China, you're choosing between speed and cost per kilo, then absorbing hidden destination charges most quotes leave out. We help compare express vs air vs LCL vs FCL on real landed cost, and flag the port-side fees — handling, customs, demurrage — before they surprise you.
Guides (2)
FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a container from China?
FCL ocean rates are volatile — a 40ft container to North Europe has ranged from about $1,500 to over $4,000 depending on the market. Air freight runs several dollars per kilo, and express is fastest but the most expensive per kilo.
When should I use sea freight instead of air?
Sea (LCL or FCL) wins on cost once volume is more than about 1–2 cubic meters and you can wait 30–40 days. Air makes sense for urgent, high-value, or low-volume shipments where the time saved justifies the per-kilo premium.
What hidden charges appear on top of the freight quote?
Destination customs clearance, port and terminal handling, possible demurrage/detention if collection is slow, and import duty plus VAT — these are billed separately from the ocean or air rate and routinely surprise first-time importers.
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