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INSURANCE EXPERTS

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!

We Ship Almost Anywhere

We handle cargo from China to many countries with full logistics coordination illnesses from concussions.

Clear Prices, No Surprises

All costs are clearly listed with no unexpected charges or unclear terms

Quick and Smooth Delivery

From pickup to final destination all steps are managed with speed and accuracy

Table of Contents

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.

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/ToJapanUnited Arab of Emirates (UAE)United States of America (USA)GermanySaudi Arabia
Ningbo-Zhoushan1054USD1150USD1771USD1850USD2100USD
Shanghai755USD1200USD2584USD1718USD2360USD
Guangzhou850USD1054USD1771USD1870USD2485USD
Qingdao1615USD1150USD1910USD1850USD2070USD
Shenzhen748USD1283USD2451USD1557USD2300USD



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.

hinese PortAsiaAfricaEuropeMiddle EastThe Americas
Ningbo-Zhoushan10 Days30 Days25 Days27 Days22 Days
Shanghai12 Days40 Days27 Days28 Days18 Days
Guangzhou10 Days42 Days30 Days30 Days25 Days
Qingdao11 Days40 Days28 Days27 Days20 Days
Shenzhen10 Days39 Days26 Days25 Days17 Days

 

How to track your sea cargo from China?

Have you ever felt stressed because you didn’t know where your shipment was? You're not alone, many traders experience this kind of problem. That’s why DDPCH is here to help you when it comes to tracking your container every time you use our sea freight method.
Shipping LineTracking WebsiteBill of Lading Number
MAERSKwww.maersk.com/trackingMAEU1234567
Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC)www.msc.com/en/track-a-shipmentMSC12345678
CMA CGMwww.cma-cgm.com/ebusiness/trackingCMAU12345678
COSCO Shipping Line (CSCL)lines.coscoshipping.comCOSU12345678
Hapag-Lloydwww.hapag-lloyd.comHLXU1234567
Ocean Network Express (ONE)ecomm.one-line.com/one-ecom/manage-shipment/cargo-trackingONEY12345678

Main Documents for Sea Freight

At this point, you might be wondering how to track your air cargo from China, right? It’s simple! You can track it through your freight forwarder, like DDPCH, or check our table below for easy tracking.

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 StepsDescription (How DDPCH Simplifies Your Shipping Process)
Step 1: Find a Reliable Freight ForwarderMake sure to work with an experienced freight forwarder like DDPCH.
Step 2: Finalize Costs and Arrange ShipmentDDPCH will calculate all the costs upfront. Once you agree, we’ll coordinate with your shipper.
Step 3: Submit Booking RequestDDPCH will ask your seller to send us the necessary documents like BL draft to book your container.
Step 4: Cargo Pickup and Container LoadingOnce the booking is confirmed, DDPCH will pickup the goods from the factory and load them onto ship.
Step 5: Export Customs DeclarationDDPCH will take care of customs clearance and pay the required fees in China.
Step 6: Ship in TransitOnce cleared, the ship will depart in China and head to your country.
Step 7: Make Final PaymentWhile the ship is on the way, DDPCH will arrange the payment with you.
Step 8: Receive Bill of LadingOnce container reaches your country and payment is completed, DDPCH will provide the original Bill of Lading or Telex.
Step 9: Customs Clearance at DestinationPay the local customs fees and taxes along with your Bill of Lading.
Step 10: Final DeliveryAfter 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 NameInternational Port CodePort Location (Address)
Port of ShenzhenCNSZXShenzhen, Guangdong Province, South China
Port of GuangzhouCNGZGGuangzhou, Guangdong Province, Pearl River Delta
Port of ShanghaiCNSHAShanghai, Yangtze River Delta, East China
Port of TianjinCNTXGTianjin Municipality, Bohai Gulf, North China
Port of XiamenCNXMGXiamen, Fujian Province, Southeast China
Port of Ningbo-ZhoushanCNNGBNingbo-Zhoushan, Zhejiang Province, East China
Port of DalianCNDLCDalian, Liaoning Province, Northeast 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:

MAERSK (Denmark):
World’s largest shipping company, offering reliable sea freight from China to Europe, America, Africa, Middle East, and Asia.

Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) (Switzerland):
Global leader from Switzerland; connects China to Europe, Mediterranean, America, Africa, Middle East, and Australasia with frequent sailings.

CMA CGM (France):
French shipping giant offering comprehensive container shipping services from China to Europe, Africa, Americas, Asia-Pacific, and Middle East.

COSCO Shipping Line (CSCL) (China):
China’s largest shipping line providing widespread routes from China to Asia, Europe, North America, Africa, and Oceania.

Hapag-Lloyd (Germany):
Top German shipping line known for regular, efficient routes connecting China with Europe, Americas, Middle East, and Asia-Pacific regions.

Ocean Network Express (ONE) (Japan):
Japan-based shipping line offering extensive coverage from China to Japan, Southeast Asia, Europe, North America, and Middle East.

Evergreen Marine (Taiwan):
Major Taiwanese carrier offering global connections from China to Taiwan, Europe, North America, Middle East, and Southeast Asia.

Hyundai Merchant Marine (HMM) (South Korea):
Korean shipping company providing direct routes from China to Korea, Europe, Americas, Middle East, and Southeast Asia markets.

Zim Integrated Shipping Services (Israel):
Leading Israeli shipping line offering specialized routes from China to Israel, Europe, Americas, Mediterranean region, and Asia-Pacific.

Yang Ming Marine Transport (Taiwan):
Taiwanese shipping giant operating frequent sailings from China to Taiwan, Europe, North America, Middle East, and Southeast Asia ports.

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.

 
CountryMain Ports Serviced from China
AustraliaSydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Fremantle, Adelaide
CanadaVancouver, Montreal, Toronto, Halifax, Prince Rupert
ColombiaCartagena, Buenaventura, Barranquilla
GermanyHamburg, Bremerhaven
IndonesiaJakarta (Tanjung Priok), Surabaya, Semarang
IranBandar Abbas, Bushehr
IraqUmm Qasr, Basra
JapanYokohama, Tokyo, Osaka, Kobe, Nagoya
KuwaitShuwaikh, Shuaiba
OmanSohar, Salalah, Muscat
PhilippinesManila, Cebu, Davao
QatarDoha (Hamad Port)
Saudi ArabiaJeddah Islamic Port, Dammam, King Abdullah Port
South AfricaDurban, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth
South KoreaBusan, Incheon, Gwangyang
ThailandLaem Chabang, Bangkok (Khlong Toei)
United Arab Emirates (UAE)Jebel Ali (Dubai), Khalifa Port (Abu Dhabi), Sharjah
United KingdomFelixstowe, Southampton, London Gateway, Liverpool
United States of AmericaLos Angeles (Long Beach), New York/New Jersey, Savannah, Seattle

Advantages and Disadvantages of Sea Freight

Advantages of Sea Freight from ChinaDisadvantages of Sea Freight from China
Cost-Effective – Cheapest option for long distancesSlowest Shipping Time – Longer than other methods
Ideal for Large Shipments – Best for bulk importersWeather Delays – Affected by sea conditions
Stable Pricing – Less price fluctuationPort Congestion – Delays in loading/unloading
Handles Various Cargo Types – Oversized, sensitive, hazardous goodsNot Ideal for Fragile Goods – Higher risk of damage
Worldwide Coverage – Major ports globallyLimited Tracking Updates – Less real-time visibility

 

7000

Shipmern/Year

Why Choose Us

Why choose DDPCH for sea freight?

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.

  • 40+ Expert Staff
  • 10+ Years Experience
  • 3+ Offices China
120 +

Destination Country

OUR TESTIMONIALS
Don’t Believe Us? People Talk About It

Here you can read what our clients have shared about their shipping experience and cooperation with our team.

"As an electronics importer, I need a freight forwarder who understands handling fragile shipments. DDPCH has been exceptional in ensuring my goods arrive safely and on time."

Kristin Watson

E-commerce Supply Chain

"I needed a reliable freight forwarder for my Amazon FBA business, and DDPCH exceeded expectations. They handled everything from customs clearance to final delivery with perfection!"

Merry Jiucy

Sourcing Manager

"We’ve been using DDPCH for our bulk shipments, and their service has been flawless. They ensure timely deliveries and provide regular updates, which is crucial for our operations"

Jacob Jones

Import Specialist
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Got Any Questions?

 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.