Ocean freight from China is a popular method for shipping goods internationally due to its cost-effectiveness, especially for large or bulky shipments. Whether you’re shipping full containers (FCL) or smaller, partial shipments (LCL), the process involves working with shipping lines or freight forwarders to handle the transportation of goods via sea routes.

Here’s a breakdown of how ocean freight from China works, the costs involved, and the key players in the market:

1. Types of Ocean Freight Services

Full Container Load (FCL)

• FCL means you are shipping an entire container by yourself. This is ideal for businesses with large quantities of goods.
• Container Sizes:
• 20-foot container (20’ GP): Typically holds up to 20,000 kg of goods.
• 40-foot container (40’ GP): Holds up to 26,000 kg of goods.
• 40-foot High Cube container (40’ HC): Slightly taller than a regular 40-foot container, providing more volume for goods.
• Cost: Prices for FCL shipping can vary, but typical costs range from $1,000 to $5,000 depending on the destination, container size, and shipping line.

Less than Container Load (LCL)

• LCL shipping is when your goods share container space with shipments from other customers. It’s a good option if you don’t have enough volume for a full container.
• Cost: LCL is priced based on volume (CBM) or weight. Estimated costs can range from $50 to $150 per cubic meter (CBM), depending on the shipping route, port, and volume of cargo.

Breakbulk Shipping

• Breakbulk shipping is used for goods that cannot be containerized, such as heavy machinery, large construction equipment, or oversized items. It requires special handling and additional care in loading and unloading.

Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo)

• Used for vehicles or large equipment that can roll on and off the ship. Goods such as cars, trucks, and construction equipment can be shipped using RoRo.

2. Key Ports for Ocean Freight in China

China has several major ports that handle ocean freight shipments, including:

• Shanghai Port (The largest container port in the world)
• Shenzhen Port (Yantian, Shekou, Chiwan)
• Ningbo Port (One of the busiest ports in the world)
• Guangzhou Port (Including Nansha)
• Qingdao Port
• Tianjin Port
• Hong Kong Port (Although technically a Special Administrative Region, it remains a major gateway)

These ports connect to major European, American, and Asian hubs.

3. Popular Shipping Routes from China

• China to the United States: Shipping from major Chinese ports like Shanghai, Shenzhen, or Ningbo to U.S. ports like Los Angeles, New York, or Seattle.
• China to Europe: Major routes include shipping from Shanghai, Guangzhou, or Tianjin to European ports like Rotterdam (Netherlands), Hamburg (Germany), Antwerp (Belgium), and London Gateway (UK).
• China to Middle East/Gulf: Shipping from Shanghai or Shenzhen to Dubai, Jeddah, or Doha.

4. Ocean Freight Costs from China

The cost of ocean freight can vary significantly depending on factors like the origin and destination ports, the size and type of the shipment, and whether you’re shipping FCL or LCL. Here’s a general estimate of the costs:

FCL Pricing (Full Container Load):

• China to US West Coast: $1,000 – $4,000 USD (for a 20-foot container)
• China to US East Coast: $2,000 – $5,000 USD (for a 20-foot container)
• China to Europe (e.g., Rotterdam): $1,500 – $4,000 USD (for a 20-foot container)
• China to Middle East (e.g., Dubai): $1,200 – $3,000 USD (for a 20-foot container)

LCL Pricing (Less-than-Container Load):

• China to US: $60 – $150 USD per CBM
• China to Europe: $70 – $150 USD per CBM
• China to Middle East: $50 – $120 USD per CBM

5. Estimated Transit Times for Ocean Freight from China

• China to the United States:
• West Coast (e.g., Los Angeles): 14 to 20 days
• East Coast (e.g., New York): 25 to 35 days
• China to Europe:
• Rotterdam, Netherlands: 25 to 35 days
• Hamburg, Germany: 28 to 35 days
• Antwerp, Belgium: 30 to 40 days
• South of Europe (e.g., Barcelona, Genoa): 25 to 35 days
• China to Middle East:
• Dubai: 15 to 20 days
• Jeddah: 20 to 30 days

6. Shipping Process

Step 1: Booking

• The process begins by booking a shipping slot with the shipping line or a freight forwarder. You’ll need to provide shipment details (e.g., volume, weight, dimensions, and type of goods).

Step 2: Documentation

• You will need to prepare important documents, such as:
• Bill of Lading (BOL) or Waybill: Proof of shipment.
• Commercial Invoice: Details about the shipment and its value.
• Packing List: Describes how your goods are packed.
• Customs Declaration: For export from China and import to the destination country.

Step 3: Export Customs Clearance

• Your shipment must go through export customs in China. If you’re working with a freight forwarder, they will handle this process for you.

Step 4: Shipment & Transit

• Once cleared for export, the goods are loaded onto the container and shipped to the destination port. The shipping line will provide a schedule with estimated arrival times.

Step 5: Import Customs Clearance

• Once the goods arrive at the destination port (e.g., Rotterdam or Hamburg), they must go through import customs clearance. You may need to provide the necessary documentation and pay any applicable duties and taxes.

Step 6: Delivery

• After customs clearance, your goods will be transported to the final destination, either by truck or rail, depending on the location.

7. Key Shipping Companies for Ocean Freight from China

Here are some major shipping lines that operate routes from China to destinations worldwide:

A. Maersk Line

• One of the largest container shipping companies globally, with a comprehensive network of services from Chinese ports to Europe, North America, and other regions.
• Website: Maersk

B. COSCO Shipping

• The state-owned Chinese shipping giant offering reliable ocean freight services to destinations in Europe, the US, and the Middle East.
• Website: COSCO Shipping

C. CMA CGM

• A global leader in containerized shipping, providing a range of ocean freight solutions for businesses shipping from China to Europe and beyond.
• Website: CMA CGM

D. Evergreen Marine

• A Taiwanese shipping company offering efficient ocean freight services from China to major ports worldwide, including European and US ports.
• Website: Evergreen Line

E. Hapag-Lloyd

• A major international shipping company offering reliable services from Chinese ports to Europe, the US, and other global destinations.
• Website: Hapag-Lloyd

F. MSC (Mediterranean Shipping Company)

• MSC is another major shipping line providing extensive ocean freight services globally, with a significant presence in Chinese ports.
• Website: MSC

8. Other Considerations

• Shipping Insurance: It’s recommended to insure your cargo to protect against potential damage or loss during transit.
• Tracking: Most shipping companies offer tracking services to keep tabs on the movement of your goods.

Conclusion

Ocean freight from China to Europe is one of the most efficient and cost-effective ways to move large volumes of goods. Whether you are shipping FCL, LCL, or breakbulk, there are many options and providers available. It’s important to choose the right provider and plan ahead to ensure your goods arrive on time and within budget.