To send goods from China, you have several options depending on the type of shipment, volume, and destination. Here’s a guide on how to send goods from China, including available shipping methods and steps to follow.
1. Choose a Shipping Method
A. Sea Freight (for large shipments)
- Best for: Bulk shipments, large quantities of goods, or large-sized items.
- Types:
- Full Container Load (FCL): For shipments that fill a whole container (20’ or 40’).
- Less Than Container Load (LCL): For smaller shipments that don’t fill a whole container.
- Estimated Time: 15-40 days depending on the destination (e.g., from China to the US, 15-25 days).
- Cost: Usually the most cost-effective for large shipments.
- Shipping Lines:
- Maersk, MSC, CMA CGM, COSCO, Hapag-Lloyd.
B. Air Freight (for smaller or faster shipments)
- Best for: Smaller shipments or items that need to be delivered faster.
- Time: 3-7 days depending on the route.
- Cost: More expensive than sea freight, but faster.
- Airlines:
- China Airlines, Emirates SkyCargo, DHL, FedEx.
C. Express Couriers (for small shipments or urgent deliveries)
- Best for: Small packages, e-commerce shipments, or urgent deliveries.
- Courier Services:
- DHL, FedEx, UPS, China Post, TNT.
- Time: 3-7 days depending on the destination.
- Cost: Most expensive per kg, but fast and reliable.
D. Rail Freight (for certain regions)
- Best for: Shipments to Europe or destinations with direct rail routes from China.
- Time: 15-25 days.
- Cost: Typically more affordable than air freight, but slower than sea freight.
2. Choose a Freight Forwarder or Shipping Agent
A freight forwarder or shipping agent can handle all logistics, paperwork, and shipping arrangements for you. Some of the reputable agents and forwarders in China are:
- Sinotrans
- Flexport
- Bansar
- C.H. Robinson
- DHL Global Forwarding
These agents can help with booking shipping, managing the customs clearance process, and getting your goods delivered to the destination.
3. Packaging and Labeling
- Proper packaging is crucial for international shipments. Ensure your goods are securely packed to prevent damage during transit.
- Labeling is also essential, especially for customs clearance. Include the following:
- Product description
- HS Code (Harmonized System Code)
- Country of origin
- Customs declaration for your product’s value.
4. Documentation Needed
Depending on the destination, you’ll need various documents:
- Commercial Invoice: A detailed description of the goods, their value, and terms of sale.
- Packing List: An inventory of the items being shipped.
- Bill of Lading: A legal contract between you and the carrier.
- Certificate of Origin: A document stating where the goods were manufactured.
- Import/Export Declarations: Required by customs authorities for clearance.
5. Customs Clearance
- China Export Customs: Your freight forwarder will help you complete the export documentation required for customs clearance in China.
- Destination Customs: Your goods will also need to be cleared through customs in the destination country. This may involve paying customs duties or taxes, depending on the value and type of goods.
6. Shipping Costs
The cost of shipping will depend on the following factors:
- Shipping method (sea, air, express)
- Volume/Weight of shipment (more goods = higher cost)
- Destination country (distance and port fees)
- Type of goods (hazardous, oversized, etc.)
- Additional services (insurance, warehousing, tracking, etc.)
7. Track Your Shipment
Most freight forwarders and couriers provide tracking numbers, allowing you to monitor the status of your shipment. You can check the location, estimated delivery date, and transit updates.
8. Delivery to Destination
After customs clearance at the destination, the shipment will be delivered to the final address. The freight forwarder can arrange for local delivery or offer options such as warehousing or distribution.
Popular Freight Forwarders to Ship from China
- Sinotrans: Known for sea and air freight, with services for both FCL and LCL.
- Flexport: Offers end-to-end logistics, including customs clearance and delivery.
- C.H. Robinson: Provides international shipping and customs brokerage services.
- Bansar: Specializes in both sea and air freight from China, including FBA shipping.
- DHL Global Forwarding: A reliable courier with international logistics services.
Would you like assistance with getting quotes from these services or more details on how to proceed with your shipment from China? Feel free to provide more details about your specific needs!