Shipping sea freight from China to Indonesia is a popular and cost-effective option for transporting large volumes of goods. Since both countries have well-established maritime trade routes, there are multiple options available for sea freight shipping, including Full Container Load (FCL) and Less-than-Container Load (LCL) services.

Here’s a guide to help you understand the options, costs, and transit times for sea freight from China to Indonesia:

1. Major Ports in China and Indonesia

• China Ports: Some of the key ports for sea freight in China include Shanghai Port, Shenzhen Port, Guangzhou Port, and Tianjin Port.
• Indonesia Ports: The major ports in Indonesia include Tanjung Priok (Jakarta Port), Surabaya Port, Makassar Port, and Belawan Port.

2. Shipping Methods for Sea Freight

You can choose between two main shipping methods for sea freight depending on the size of your shipment:

A. Full Container Load (FCL)

• FCL is the most efficient method for larger shipments where you can fill an entire container. It’s more cost-effective for large quantities.
• Container Types: Common container sizes are 20-foot (20′ container), 40-foot (40′ container), and 40-foot High Cube (HC).
• Pricing: Prices typically range between $1,000 – $2,500 USD for a 20-foot container and $2,000 – $4,000 USD for a 40-foot container.
• Transit Time: Typically 7 to 14 days depending on the origin and destination ports. For example, from Shanghai to Jakarta, transit time is usually around 8-10 days.

B. Less-than-Container Load (LCL)

• LCL is suitable for smaller shipments where you don’t need a full container. It allows you to share space in a container with other shipments.
• Pricing: Typically $50 – $150 USD per cubic meter (CBM), depending on the freight forwarding company and the origin port.
• Transit Time: Around 10 to 20 days, depending on the port of origin and destination.

C. Breakbulk Cargo

• For cargo that is too large or bulky to fit into standard containers, breakbulk shipping is an option. This is generally more expensive and requires special handling.
• Pricing: Prices are determined based on volume and weight, so it’s typically more customized and varies per shipment.

3. Common Shipping Routes (China to Indonesia)

• Shanghai to Jakarta: One of the most common shipping routes, with an average transit time of 7 to 10 days.
• Shenzhen to Surabaya: Another major route, with a typical transit time of 8 to 12 days.
• Guangzhou to Makassar: Ships can go directly from Guangzhou Port to Makassar in 11 to 14 days.

Transit time can vary depending on the shipping company, the specific ports involved, and the weather conditions.

4. Estimated Shipping Costs

Here are some estimated costs for sea freight from China to Indonesia:

Shipping Method	Estimated Cost	Transit Time
FCL (20-foot container)	$1,000 – $2,500 USD	7-10 days
FCL (40-foot container)	$2,000 – $4,000 USD	7-14 days
LCL (per CBM)	$50 – $150 USD per CBM	10-20 days
Breakbulk Cargo	Custom pricing (higher)	10-15 days

5. Port Details

• China Ports:
• Shanghai Port: One of the largest ports in the world, capable of handling large shipments to Indonesia.
• Shenzhen Port: Close to Hong Kong, another important port for shipping goods to Indonesia.
• Guangzhou Port: A major port in Southern China, ideal for goods coming from southern China.
• Tianjin Port: Located near Beijing, it handles a wide range of cargo types.
• Indonesia Ports:
• Tanjung Priok (Jakarta Port): The largest and busiest port in Indonesia, handling a significant percentage of the country’s international trade.
• Surabaya Port: Located on the island of Java, it is one of Indonesia’s major seaports for handling freight.
• Makassar Port: Located in South Sulawesi, handling both domestic and international cargo.

6. Shipping Companies and Freight Forwarders

To manage your sea freight from China to Indonesia, consider working with experienced freight forwarders and logistics providers. Some well-known companies include:

• Maersk Line: Offers both FCL and LCL options and is one of the largest container shipping companies globally.
• CMA CGM: Another major global carrier offering sea freight solutions from China to Indonesia.
• COSCO Shipping: A Chinese state-owned shipping giant that provides global sea freight services.
• Hapag-Lloyd: A global logistics provider with good routes between China and Indonesia.
• Yang Ming Marine Transport: Provides comprehensive sea freight services.
• DB Schenker: Known for multimodal shipping options and logistics management.

You can get quotes from multiple shipping companies to compare rates and transit times.

7. Customs Clearance in Indonesia

When shipping goods to Indonesia, be prepared for customs clearance. You will need to submit the required documentation to the Indonesian Customs Department for clearance:

• Required Documents:
• Commercial Invoice (detailing product description, value, and quantity).
• Packing List (detailed list of items in the shipment).
• Bill of Lading (for sea freight).
• Certificate of Origin (may be required depending on the goods being shipped).
• Import License (for regulated goods like electronics, pharmaceuticals, etc.).
• Import Duties and Taxes:
• Customs Duty: Varies by product type, but typically ranges between 0% and 15%.
• Value Added Tax (VAT): Typically 10% for most goods.

Working with a customs broker or freight forwarder can streamline the customs clearance process and ensure that your goods are delivered smoothly.

8. Tips for Shipping from China to Indonesia

• Book early: Sea freight requires booking in advance, especially for FCL shipments, to secure container space.
• Check shipping routes: Some ports may have faster connections to Indonesia, so always confirm the best route with your freight forwarder.
• Consider the season: Shipping during peak seasons, such as the Chinese New Year or before major holidays, might lead to higher rates and longer transit times.
• Understand Incoterms: Familiarize yourself with Incoterms (International Commercial Terms) such as FOB (Free on Board) or CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight) to understand your responsibility for shipping costs and risks.

Conclusion

Shipping sea freight from China to Indonesia is a flexible and affordable option for both large and small shipments. FCL is ideal for larger shipments, while LCL can be more economical for smaller loads. Working with experienced logistics providers can help ensure smooth shipping and timely delivery. Whether you’re shipping to Jakarta, Surabaya, or Makassar, sea freight provides reliable, cost-effective solutions for getting goods from China to Indonesia.