Shipping to Shanghai, China, is one of the most common international shipping routes due to Shanghai’s status as one of the busiest and largest ports in the world. Whether you’re shipping by sea freight, air freight, or courier services, there are various options available depending on the size of your shipment, delivery speed, and budget.
1. Shipping Methods to Shanghai, China
A. Ocean Freight (Sea Freight)
Sea freight is ideal for large, bulky, or heavy shipments that are not time-sensitive. Shanghai’s port, Shanghai Port, is one of the busiest container ports globally, handling a vast amount of import/export cargo.
1. Full Container Load (FCL)
- FCL is suitable if you have enough cargo to fill a full container.
- Container Sizes: Common sizes include 20-foot containers, 40-foot containers, and 40-foot high cube containers.
- Cost: Typically around $1,000 – $2,500 USD for a 20-foot container and $2,000 – $4,000 USD for a 40-foot container depending on the port of origin and shipping company.
- Transit Time: Usually 15 to 30 days from major ports like Los Angeles, Singapore, or Dubai to Shanghai Port.
2. Less-than-Container Load (LCL)
- LCL allows you to share container space with other shippers. It’s ideal if you don’t have enough goods to fill a full container.
- Cost: Typically around $50 – $150 USD per cubic meter (CBM), depending on the shipping company and specific routes.
- Transit Time: Around 15 to 30 days, depending on the departure port and shipping route.
B. Air Freight
Air freight is suitable for high-value or time-sensitive shipments. Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) is one of the busiest airports in Asia, handling significant air cargo traffic.
- Cost: Typically $3 – $8 USD per kg, depending on the weight and size of your shipment.
- Transit Time: Air freight generally takes 3 to 7 days, depending on the origin airport and service used.
- Airports in Shanghai: Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) and Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) handle air cargo.
C. Express Courier (Small Shipments)
For small packages or express shipments, DHL, FedEx, UPS, and TNT offer reliable, fast, and door-to-door services.
- Cost: Typically $30 – $70 USD for parcels under 5 kg.
- Transit Time: Express services typically take 2 to 5 days for international shipments to Shanghai.
2. Ports and Airports in Shanghai
- Shanghai Port:
- Shanghai Port is the main gateway for sea freight to Shanghai and one of the largest ports in the world. It is capable of handling various types of cargo, including general cargo, bulk, containers, and more.
- Major container terminals include Yangshan Port and Waigaoqiao Port, both of which are part of the larger Shanghai Port complex.
- Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG):
- Located in Pudong, Shanghai’s Pudong International Airport (PVG) is the primary international airport for air cargo.
- Handles large volumes of goods, including electronics, machinery, and fashion items.
- Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA):
- Hongqiao Airport (SHA) is another major international airport, mainly for domestic flights but also handles some international air freight.
3. Customs Clearance in Shanghai
Customs clearance is a necessary process for importing goods into Shanghai. Here’s an overview of what’s required:
Documents Required for Customs Clearance:
- Commercial Invoice (detailing the product description, value, and quantity).
- Packing List (detailed information on how the goods are packed).
- Bill of Lading (for sea freight) or Air Waybill (for air freight).
- Certificate of Origin (may be required for certain goods).
- Import Permits (if applicable for regulated products like electronics, pharmaceuticals, etc.).
Import Duty & Taxes:
- Customs Duty: The duty rate depends on the product type and can range from 0% to 15% or higher for specific goods.
- Value-Added Tax (VAT): 13% VAT is applied to most goods.
- Consumption Tax: In addition to VAT, some products like luxury items, alcohol, and tobacco are subject to an additional consumption tax.
A customs broker can help you navigate the paperwork and ensure that your goods clear customs without delays.
4. Estimated Shipping Costs
| Shipping Method | Estimated Cost | Transit Time |
|---|---|---|
| Ocean Freight (FCL) | $1,000 – $2,500 USD for 20’ container | 15-30 days |
| Ocean Freight (LCL) | $50 – $150 USD per CBM | 15-30 days |
| Air Freight | $3 – $8 USD per kg | 3-7 days |
| Express Courier | $30 – $70 USD for under 5 kg | 2-5 days |
5. Shipping Companies and Freight Forwarders to Shanghai
There are numerous freight forwarders and shipping companies that offer services from various countries to Shanghai:
A. Maersk Line
- One of the largest container shipping companies globally, offering both FCL and LCL services to Shanghai Port.
- Website: www.maersk.com
B. CMA CGM
- Another global leader in shipping and logistics, providing sea freight services from ports worldwide to Shanghai Port.
- Website: www.cma-cgm.com
C. COSCO Shipping
- A Chinese state-owned company with vast global shipping operations, COSCO offers extensive services to Shanghai Port.
- Website: www.coscoshipping.com
D. Hapag-Lloyd
- Known for providing global ocean freight services with a strong network to Shanghai Port.
- Website: www.hapag-lloyd.com
E. DHL Global Forwarding
- Offers air freight, ocean freight, and express services with door-to-door delivery options.
- Website: www.dhl.com
F. FedEx
- Offers reliable express courier services, as well as air freight to Shanghai.
- Website: www.fedex.com
G. DB Schenker
- Provides multimodal logistics solutions, including air freight, sea freight, and rail transport to Shanghai.
- Website: www.dbschenker.com
H. Kuehne + Nagel
- Offers a wide range of logistics solutions, including FCL, LCL, air freight, and customs brokerage to Shanghai.
- Website: www.kuehne-nagel.com
6. Conclusion
Shipping to Shanghai is straightforward, whether you are shipping large quantities via sea freight or small parcels via express courier. By selecting the right shipping method for your needs and budget, and working with a reliable logistics provider, you can ensure that your goods reach Shanghai in a timely and cost-effective manner.
- Sea Freight (FCL and LCL) is ideal for larger shipments, while air freight is suitable for time-sensitive, high-value goods.
- Express couriers are the best option for smaller shipments needing quick delivery.
- Be sure to have all your documentation in order and understand the customs regulations to avoid delays.