Standard shipping from China refers to economical but slower methods of shipping goods internationally. This is typically used for non-urgent shipments, offering a good balance between cost and delivery time. There are a few key methods of standard shipping from China that businesses and individuals often use to send goods to international destinations.
1. China Post Standard Shipping
China Post is the most common and affordable method for standard shipping from China, especially for small to medium-sized packages.
a. China Post Registered Air Mail
- Delivery Time: 10–30 business days (depending on the destination and customs clearance).
- Cost: Very affordable, depending on weight and destination.
- Tracking: Yes, with tracking available for most destinations.
- Max Weight: 2 kg (4.4 lbs).
- Features:
- Ideal for small packages, such as documents or light goods.
- Registered means the item is securely handled, with tracking available.
- Economical but slower than express services.
- This service is commonly used for non-urgent parcels.
b. China Post Air Parcel
- Delivery Time: 10–30 business days.
- Cost: Affordable for larger parcels than Registered Air Mail.
- Tracking: Yes, with tracking available.
- Max Weight: 20 kg (44 lbs).
- Features:
- Suitable for medium-sized shipments that don’t require express delivery.
- A more cost-effective alternative to express services like EMS or DHL.
- Provides tracking, but the delivery time is longer.
c. China Post Surface Mail (Sea Mail)
- Delivery Time: 1–3 months.
- Cost: Extremely low, making it one of the most affordable methods for bulk shipments.
- Tracking: Limited or unavailable.
- Max Weight: 20–30 kg (44–66 lbs).
- Features:
- Best for bulk or heavy shipments that are not urgent.
- Very slow delivery time, suitable for non-urgent freight.
- Often used for large commercial shipments where speed is not a priority.
- Best for shipments that do not need real-time tracking.
2. USPS Standard Shipping (via China Post)
For customers shipping from China to the US, USPS is a common method for standard delivery after the shipment leaves China.
a. USPS First-Class Package International Service
- Delivery Time: 7–21 business days (depending on the destination).
- Cost: Starts at $15–$30 for smaller, lighter parcels (under 1 lb).
- Tracking: Limited or partial tracking.
- Max Weight: 4 lbs (1.8 kg).
- Features:
- Affordable for small packages.
- Suitable for documents, gifts, or lightweight goods.
- Tracking may not be fully detailed, but available for some countries.
b. USPS Priority Mail International
- Delivery Time: 6–10 business days.
- Cost: Starts at $40–$80 for packages under 1 lb (0.45 kg).
- Tracking: Yes, full tracking available.
- Max Weight: 70 lbs (31.75 kg).
- Features:
- More reliable than First-Class, with full tracking.
- Ideal for medium-sized parcels or non-urgent shipments that still need to be reliable.
- The delivery is faster than China Post Registered Air Mail.
3. FedEx International Economy (Standard Service)
FedEx offers economy services for standard international shipping that are slower than their express options.
a. FedEx International Economy
- Delivery Time: 4–7 business days.
- Cost: Starts at $60–$130 for packages under 1 kg (2.2 lbs).
- Tracking: Yes, full tracking available.
- Max Weight: 150 lbs (68 kg).
- Features:
- Reliable service for medium-sized and heavier packages.
- Full tracking and delivery confirmation.
- Not as fast as FedEx Express, but much more affordable.
4. UPS Standard Shipping
UPS also offers standard international shipping services for packages being shipped from China.
a. UPS Standard
- Delivery Time: 5–10 business days.
- Cost: Starts at $50–$100 for small packages under 1 kg (2.2 lbs).
- Tracking: Yes, with full tracking.
- Max Weight: 150 lbs (68 kg).
- Features:
- Reliable delivery with guaranteed service.
- Tracking and delivery confirmation available.
- Good for heavier packages that don’t require urgent delivery.
5. DHL Standard Shipping
DHL offers an economy version of its international service, which is slower than express options but more cost-effective for non-urgent deliveries.
a. DHL Economy Select
- Delivery Time: 3–7 business days.
- Cost: Starts at $50–$100 for packages under 1 kg (2.2 lbs).
- Tracking: Yes, full tracking available.
- Max Weight: 150 lbs (68 kg).
- Features:
- A more affordable option compared to DHL Express for larger shipments.
- Tracking is available for the entire delivery process.
- Best for non-urgent packages that need to be delivered within a reasonable time frame.
6. EPacket (Standard Delivery for Small Parcels)
ePacket is a cost-effective method for small packages (usually under 2 kg) from China to many countries, especially for goods sold on platforms like AliExpress or eBay.
a. ePacket
- Delivery Time: 7–20 business days.
- Cost: Very affordable for lightweight packages.
- Tracking: Yes, tracking available.
- Max Weight: 2 kg (4.4 lbs).
- Features:
- Low-cost, reliable service for small packages.
- Usually used for personal goods or small orders.
- Tracking available and very popular for eCommerce shipments.
Estimated Cost and Delivery Time Comparison for Standard Shipping from China
| Carrier | Delivery Time | Cost (Starting) | Tracking | Max Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| China Post Registered Air Mail | 10–30 business days | $10–$30 | Yes | 2 kg (4.4 lbs) |
| China Post Air Parcel | 10–30 business days | $20–$50 | Yes | 20 kg (44 lbs) |
| China Post Surface Mail | 1–3 months | Very low | Limited | 20–30 kg (44–66 lbs) |
| USPS First-Class Intl. | 7–21 business days | $15–$30 | Limited | 4 lbs (1.8 kg) |
| FedEx International Economy | 4–7 business days | $60–$130 | Yes | 150 lbs (68 kg) |
| UPS Standard | 5–10 business days | $50–$100 | Yes | 150 lbs (68 kg) |
| DHL Economy Select | 3–7 business days | $50–$100 | Yes | 150 lbs (68 kg) |
| ePacket | 7–20 business days | $5–$15 | Yes | 2 kg (4.4 lbs) |
Things to Consider for Standard Shipping from China
- Delivery Speed: Standard shipping options are typically slower than express services. If you need a faster delivery, consider using FedEx, UPS, or DHL Express.
- Tracking: Most standard methods provide tracking, but the level of detail and reliability can vary depending on the service.
- Customs Delays: International shipments often face delays at customs, especially for large or high-value items. Be prepared for potential hold-ups, particularly with China Customs.
- Customs Duties and Taxes: Customs duties or taxes may apply to your shipment based on the value of the goods you’re sending. These may need to be paid by the recipient upon delivery.
If you need assistance in calculating shipping rates or deciding which shipping method to use, feel free to share the details (weight, dimensions, destination), and I can help you further!