Sea freight
Sea Freight from China offers cost-effective shipping for large cargo with flexible FCL/LCL options, competitive rates, and seamless logistics. Trust DDPCH for reliable service!
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Why use Sea Freight from China?
Does every penny matter when shipping a large volume of goods from China to your country?
Who wouldn’t want to save money, right? That’s why, in this guide, DDPCH will walk you through why sea freight is the cheapest shipping solution from China to anywhere you are.
Honestly, there are many shipping services available like air freight and rail freight and it takes years in the shipping industry to truly understand the best way to ship goods based on your needs. But on this page, DDPCH will explain everything you need to know in less than 10 minutes.
So, stay with us until the end, we assure you that you don’t want to miss this chance to learn something valuable to your shipment.
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Table of Contents
How much sea freight cost from China?
Many customers tell us that sea freight is the cheapest way to ship from China. We are pretty sure you are thinking the same. You are all absolutely right! Sea freight is popular because it is the most budget-friendly shipping option if you are importing over 1000 kg of goods.
Now, the cost depends on a few things. First, are you shipping a full container (FCL) or just a small load (LCL)? Other factors include fuel prices, container size, shipping distance, port fees, customs charges, carrier fees, booking time, and even the market conditions.
Here, you can check our estimated container cost for a 20-foot standard-sized general goods shipment from main cities in China to top destinations worldwide. For the latest pricing, please contact DDPCH sales team.
| From/To | Japan | United Arab of Emirates (UAE) | United States of America (USA) | Germany | Saudi Arabia |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ningbo-Zhoushan | 1054USD | 1150USD | 1771USD | 1850USD | 2100USD |
| Shanghai | 755USD | 1200USD | 2584USD | 1718USD | 2360USD |
| Guangzhou | 850USD | 1054USD | 1771USD | 1870USD | 2485USD |
| Qingdao | 1615USD | 1150USD | 1910USD | 1850USD | 2070USD |
| Shenzhen | 748USD | 1283USD | 2451USD | 1557USD | 2300USD |
Always check where your seller is located so DDPCH can ship from the nearest port. This way, you can save both time and costs, such as the pickup fee
How long does sea freight take from China?
Have you ever wondered how much time a ship spends sailing when importing from China? Some of our customers experience long shipping times and even wonder if freight forwarders like DDPCH can do something to speed it up.
But we always remind them that cheap ocean freight means slower delivery. Most of the time, your container is just on the ocean, moving toward the destination port. That’s simply how sea shipping works from China.
| Chinese Port | Asia | Africa | Europe | Middle East | The Americas |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ningbo-Zhoushan | 10 Days | 30 Days | 25 Days | 27 Days | 22 Days |
| Shanghai | 12 Days | 40 Days | 27 Days | 28 Days | 18 Days |
| Guangzhou | 10 Days | 42 Days | 30 Days | 30 Days | 25 Days |
| Qingdao | 11 Days | 40 Days | 28 Days | 27 Days | 20 Days |
| Shenzhen | 10 Days | 39 Days | 26 Days | 25 Days | 17 Days |
If you use FCL shipping with a direct route, transit time is shorter since loading takes less time. While LCL shipping takes longer because you have to wait for the container to be fully loaded with shipments from different customers.
How to track your sea cargo from China?
| Shipping Line | Tracking Website | Bill of Lading Number |
|---|---|---|
| MAERSK | www.maersk.com/tracking | MAEU1234567 |
| Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) | www.msc.com/en/track-a-shipment | MSC12345678 |
| CMA CGM | www.cma-cgm.com/ebusiness/tracking | CMAU12345678 |
| COSCO Shipping Line (CSCL) | lines.coscoshipping.com | COSU12345678 |
| Hapag-Lloyd | www.hapag-lloyd.com | HLXU1234567 |
| Ocean Network Express (ONE) | ecomm.one-line.com/one-ecom/manage-shipment/cargo-tracking | ONEY12345678 |
When tracking your sea cargo from China, make sure to get the Bill of Lading number or container number. The tracking code usually starts with a 4-digit carrier code followed by 7 to 8 unique digits for your shipment. If you are not sure where to find it, please ask DDPCH sales team to keep you updated.
Main Documents for Sea Freight
When shipping by sea from China, you need the right documents to ensure everything goes smoothly, especially with customs clearance. Without them, your shipment could get stuck, causing delays and extra costs. That’s why, when working with DDPCH, here are the key documents and information you need to prepare:
Packing List:
Prepared and provided by exporter or supplier listing detailed contents of each shipment.Commercial Invoice:
Issued by seller/exporter showing shipment value, description, and buyer details for customs clearance.Port of Loading and Destination:
Agreed upon between buyer, seller, and freight forwarder, confirmed on shipping instructions or booking.Shipping Term:
Determined mutually by buyer and seller according to agreed Incoterms (FOB, EXW, CIF, DDP, etc.).Packaging Type:
Specified and arranged directly by exporter or manufacturer based on product type and shipping requirements.Container Size and Type:
Arranged and confirmed by freight forwarder or shipping line based on cargo volume and characteristics.Photo of the Product and Packaging:
Provided directly by exporter or supplier to confirm cargo condition and packaging prior to shipping.Full Address of the Shipper:
Provided clearly by exporter or supplier indicating exact pick-up or shipping address.Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) or DGM Report:
Issued by product manufacturer or specialized agencies certifying safe transport of hazardous or chemical products.Certificate of Origin (COO):
Issued by local chamber of commerce or authorized entity to certify goods’ country of manufacture.
What is the process for Sea Freight from China?
Whether you are importing as an individual or a business, knowing the sea freight process from China helps you to plan better, reduce extra costs, and avoid issues and delays. Understanding how the process works for sea freight service can make your shipping experience easier and more efficient.
Here’s how DDPCH handles shipments by sea freight (FCL) from China, providing full support to our customers all the way to their home country.
| Shipping Steps | Description (How DDPCH Simplifies Your Shipping Process) |
|---|---|
| Step 1: Find a Reliable Freight Forwarder | Make sure to work with an experienced freight forwarder like DDPCH. |
| Step 2: Finalize Costs and Arrange Shipment | DDPCH will calculate all the costs upfront. Once you agree, we’ll coordinate with your shipper. |
| Step 3: Submit Booking Request | DDPCH will ask your seller to send us the necessary documents like BL draft to book your container. |
| Step 4: Cargo Pickup and Container Loading | Once the booking is confirmed, DDPCH will pickup the goods from the factory and load them onto ship. |
| Step 5: Export Customs Declaration | DDPCH will take care of customs clearance and pay the required fees in China. |
| Step 6: Ship in Transit | Once cleared, the ship will depart in China and head to your country. |
| Step 7: Make Final Payment | While the ship is on the way, DDPCH will arrange the payment with you. |
| Step 8: Receive Bill of Lading | Once container reaches your country and payment is completed, DDPCH will provide the original Bill of Lading or Telex. |
| Step 9: Customs Clearance at Destination | Pay the local customs fees and taxes along with your Bill of Lading. |
| Step 10: Final Delivery | After customs release, you can arrange for the goods to be delivered to your address. |
Which type of container is good for your shipment?
When importing goods from China by sea, you can choose between FCL (Full Container Load) and LCL (Less than Container Load). We’re here to help you decide which option is best for you.
Main Sea Ports in China
Did you know that China has some of the busiest and largest ports in the world for international trade? Yes, you read it right as these ports help move your containers quickly and efficiently across the world. Here’s a quick guide to the main ports in China that you should consider for shipping.
| Chinese Port Name | International Port Code | Port Location (Address) |
|---|---|---|
| Port of Shenzhen | CNSZX | Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, South China |
| Port of Guangzhou | CNGZG | Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, Pearl River Delta |
| Port of Shanghai | CNSHA | Shanghai, Yangtze River Delta, East China |
| Port of Tianjin | CNTXG | Tianjin Municipality, Bohai Gulf, North China |
| Port of Xiamen | CNXMG | Xiamen, Fujian Province, Southeast China |
| Port of Ningbo-Zhoushan | CNNGB | Ningbo-Zhoushan, Zhejiang Province, East China |
| Port of Dalian | CNDLC | Dalian, Liaoning Province, Northeast China |
Make sure to ask your seller which port is closest to their factory. Choosing a nearby port can save you a lot of money on transportation within China.
Which shipping lines provide sea cargo from China?
Have you ever seen lots of containers being loaded onto trucks with common names on them? Well, you have probably spotted some of the world’s most famous shipping lines. Knowing which shipping line to use for your container from China can help you save money and ensure your shipment is in safe hands:
Top 20 Destinations for Sea Freight Service in China
Everyone knows that China is a global leader in importing and exporting. So, if you are planning to buy and ship items from China, knowing the top sea freight destinations can help you plan better. And who knows? Your country might be one of our top 20 destinations for sea freight.
| Country | Main Ports Serviced from China |
|---|---|
| Australia | Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Fremantle, Adelaide |
| Canada | Vancouver, Montreal, Toronto, Halifax, Prince Rupert |
| Colombia | Cartagena, Buenaventura, Barranquilla |
| Germany | Hamburg, Bremerhaven |
| Indonesia | Jakarta (Tanjung Priok), Surabaya, Semarang |
| Iran | Bandar Abbas, Bushehr |
| Iraq | Umm Qasr, Basra |
| Japan | Yokohama, Tokyo, Osaka, Kobe, Nagoya |
| Kuwait | Shuwaikh, Shuaiba |
| Oman | Sohar, Salalah, Muscat |
| Philippines | Manila, Cebu, Davao |
| Qatar | Doha (Hamad Port) |
| Saudi Arabia | Jeddah Islamic Port, Dammam, King Abdullah Port |
| South Africa | Durban, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth |
| South Korea | Busan, Incheon, Gwangyang |
| Thailand | Laem Chabang, Bangkok (Khlong Toei) |
| United Arab Emirates (UAE) | Jebel Ali (Dubai), Khalifa Port (Abu Dhabi), Sharjah |
| United Kingdom | Felixstowe, Southampton, London Gateway, Liverpool |
| United States of America | Los Angeles (Long Beach), New York/New Jersey, Savannah, Seattle |
Advantages and Disadvantages of Sea Freight
Advantages of Using Sea Freight from China
- Cost-Effective – The cheapest option for shipping, especially for long distances
- Ideal for Large Shipments – Best for businesses importing in bulk.
- Stable Pricing – Less affected by sudden cost changes compared to air freight
- Handles Various Cargo Types – Suitable for oversized, sensitive, or hazardous goods
- Worldwide Coverage – Available across major international ports
Disadvantages of Using Sea Freight from China
- Slowest Shipping Time – Takes longer than other shipping methods
- Weather Delays – Bad weather can affect vessel departure and arrival schedules
- Port Congestion – Busy ports can cause delays in loading and unloading
- Not Ideal for Fragile Goods – Higher risk of damage due to long transit and multiple handling points
- Limited Tracking Updates – Fewer real-time updates while at sea
Why use DDPCH for sea freight from China?
Choosing DDPCH for sea freight from China means saving money and enjoying a smooth shipping process. We offer clear pricing, flexible options, and reliable service to your country. Whether you need n FCL or LCL, we make shipping easy and cost-effective for you.
With access to main ports like Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Ningbo, we handle everything from booking to customs clearance. Our tracking system keeps you updated, and DDPCH sales team ensures safe and timely delivery. Whether you are a small business or a big importer, we make shipping simply for you. Contact DDPCH today for the cheapest quote and hassle-free service from China.
Any questions find here
You can ask us any questions about shipping from China!
Sea freight from China usually takes 15-40 days depending on the destination, shipping route, and container type.
Sea freight involves multiple handling points, increasing damage risk. Use proper packaging or consider insurance coverage.
You can track containers via shipping line websites using your Bill of Lading (BL) or container number provided by DDPCH.
Essential documents include Packing List, Commercial Invoice, Certificate of Origin, and Bill of Lading.
FCL is cost-effective for large volumes (full container); LCL is ideal for smaller shipments but takes longer.
Rates vary due to fuel costs, container availability, market demand, seasonal trends, and global trade conditions.
Yes, DDPCH offers comprehensive door-to-door services, including customs clearance, ensuring hassle-free delivery to your address.
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