To ship goods from China to Sri Lanka, you’ll need to find a reliable shipping agent who can handle the logistics, including freight forwarding, customs clearance, and delivery to Sri Lanka. Below are some options for China to Sri Lanka shipping agents, as well as helpful tips to ensure a smooth shipping process.
Shipping Methods from China to Sri Lanka
- Sea Freight:
- The most common and cost-effective method for shipping larger or bulk goods from China to Sri Lanka.
- Major ports in China include Shanghai, Shenzhen (Yantian), and Ningbo.
- Colombo Port is the primary seaport in Sri Lanka, handling the bulk of imports.
- Air Freight:
- A faster but more expensive option for shipping smaller or urgent shipments.
- Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo is the main airport for air shipments.
- Rail or Road Freight (for inland transportation):
- While rail freight isn’t the most common, road transport can be used for shipments arriving at nearby ports, like Chennai, India, to Sri Lanka by sea.
Recommended Shipping Agents from China to Sri Lanka
1. DB Schenker
- Overview: DB Schenker is one of the largest global logistics providers, with extensive experience in sea freight, air freight, and customs clearance. They can help arrange transportation from China to Sri Lanka, as well as the door-to-door delivery if needed.
- Services:
- Sea Freight and Air Freight from China to Colombo
- Customs clearance in Sri Lanka
- Warehousing and distribution services
- Tracking and supply chain management
- Website: DB Schenker
2. Kuehne + Nagel
- Overview: Kuehne + Nagel is a renowned logistics provider with global operations, including extensive services between China and Sri Lanka. They offer solutions for both sea freight and air freight, depending on your needs.
- Services:
- Sea Freight to Colombo
- Air Freight for faster shipments
- Customs handling and import regulations in Sri Lanka
- Warehousing, cargo tracking, and supply chain services
- Website: Kuehne + Nagel
3. Sinotrans
- Overview: Sinotrans, a leading Chinese logistics company, specializes in China-to-Asia routes. They can arrange sea freight from major Chinese ports to Sri Lanka and offer customs clearance and door delivery.
- Services:
- Sea Freight (FCL, LCL) and Air Freight services
- Door-to-door delivery from China to Sri Lanka
- Customs clearance and documentation services
- Tracking and monitoring of shipments
- Website: Sinotrans
4. CMA CGM
- Overview: CMA CGM is a large global shipping company offering sea freight solutions from Chinese ports to Sri Lanka. They provide containerized services and can handle large shipments efficiently.
- Services:
- Sea Freight from ports like Shanghai, Shenzhen, Ningbo to Colombo
- LCL (Less than Container Load) and FCL (Full Container Load) options
- Tracking and inland transportation
- Customs clearance in Sri Lanka
- Website: CMA CGM
5. Bolloré Logistics
- Overview: Bolloré Logistics is a global logistics provider that can manage end-to-end shipping services, including China to Sri Lanka shipping. They have a strong presence in South Asia and can assist with both sea freight and air freight.
- Services:
- Sea Freight (FCL, LCL), Air Freight, and Inland Transport
- Customs clearance in Sri Lanka and other related documentation
- Warehousing and distribution
- Cargo tracking and supply chain management
- Website: Bolloré Logistics
6. Aramex
- Overview: Aramex is a well-known logistics and shipping company that operates globally, including services between China and Sri Lanka. They are a good choice for express shipments, as they offer air freight and courier services.
- Services:
- Air Freight and Sea Freight to Sri Lanka
- Tracking and real-time shipment monitoring
- Customs clearance services
- Warehousing and distribution in Sri Lanka
- Website: Aramex
7. China Freight
- Overview: Specializing in China to Africa and Asia routes, China Freight provides cost-effective sea freight and air freight services for shipping to Sri Lanka.
- Services:
- Sea Freight (FCL, LCL) and Air Freight
- Consolidation services for smaller shipments
- Customs clearance and delivery to Colombo
- Tracking services and inland transport
- Website: China Freight
8. Freightos
- Overview: Freightos is an online platform that allows you to compare multiple freight forwarding services for your China-to-Sri Lanka shipment. You can easily compare air freight, sea freight, and door-to-door services.
- Services:
- Compare freight quotes from multiple providers
- Sea Freight, Air Freight, Road Transport
- Customs clearance and documentation assistance
- Website: Freightos
Steps to Ship from China to Sri Lanka
- Choose the Shipping Method:
- For large, non-urgent shipments, sea freight is the most economical.
- For smaller, urgent shipments, consider air freight.
- Find a Suitable Agent:
- Review the services provided by the agents listed above. Check for customer reviews, shipping rates, and service offerings.
- Request a Quote:
- Reach out to your chosen agents for a detailed shipping quote. Be sure to provide shipment details like weight, volume, and destination.
- Confirm Customs Requirements:
- Ensure you understand Sri Lanka’s customs clearance procedures. Your agent can help handle this, but knowing what’s required can help avoid delays.
- Prepare Documentation:
- Make sure you have all the necessary documents for customs clearance: invoice, packing list, bill of lading, and any other required permits.
- Track Your Shipment:
- Once the shipment is underway, use the tracking services provided by the shipping agent to monitor the progress of your cargo.
Conclusion
For shipping from China to Sri Lanka, reliable agents like DB Schenker, Kuehne + Nagel, Sinotrans, and Aramex provide comprehensive solutions for both sea freight and air freight. Make sure to choose an agent that suits your needs in terms of shipping method, cost, and delivery time.
If you need further assistance finding a specific agent or have more questions, feel free to ask!