Shipping Cost of From China to UK
Understanding the Cost Puzzle of Shipping from China to the UK
When it comes to shipping from China to the UK, several factors will dictate the price you’ll end up paying. Travel Distance & Route is the first consideration; the longer and more winding the journey, the higher the cost, thanks to increased fuel, labor, and time. Next up is your Transportation Mode — it’s a crucial choice between the swift but pricey air freight, the more economical ocean freight for bigger shipments, or rail, which offers a middle ground. Then there’s the matter of Container Choices, akin to selecting accommodation for your cargo; standard containers might suffice, or you might need extra space (high cube) or even specialized conditions like refrigeration. Lastly, don’t forget about Weight & Volume: the heavier and bulkier your shipment, the deeper you’ll have to dig into your pockets, as these factors directly influence fuel consumption and the physical space occupied.
5 Key factors determining Shipping Costs From China To UK
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Weight and volume of the cargo
Shipping rates hinge on the weight and volume of your cargo. Heavier shipments cost more, and for light yet large items, volume is the determining factor. For Air Freight, the greater of the actual weight and the volumetric weight (calculated as Length x Width x Height/6000) is used to calculate the cost. For a comprehensive guide on how to calculate chargeable weight, refer to this detailed resource.
Transit time
The urgency of your shipment significantly affects the cost. Express Air Freight, though priciest, delivers within 1-4 days, while regular Air Freight takes about 7-10 days. Sea Freight, the most economical option, requires 30-40 days for delivery.Â
Distance
The shipping cost significantly varies with the distance between the loading and delivery points.Â
Delivery Service Type
There are four main services – port-to-port, door-to-door, door-to-port, and port-to-door. Express Air Freight offers door-to-door service, while standard Air Freight is typically port-to-port unless you opt for an ‘all-included’ service that covers the entire transportation chain.
Shipping season
Shipping rates fluctuate with the season, peaking during Chinese holidays like the Chinese New Year, Dragon Boat Festival, Qing Ming Festival, Golden Week, and Mid-Autumn Festival. Planning your shipment around these high and low seasons can be cost-effective.Â
Sea freight Cost From China to UK
FCL Shipping Rates for 20ft & 40ft Containers from China to the UKÂ
Discover the average costs of shipping a 20-foot (20FT) and 40-foot (40FT) Full Container Load (FCL) from major Chinese ports such as Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Ningbo to UK. Prices start at $3,350 for a 20ft container and $5,650 for a 40ft container.
| From (China) | To (UK) | Type of Container | Average Ocean Freight Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shanghai | Felixstowe | 20 foot container (20FT) | $3,350 |
| Shanghai | Felixstowe | 40 foot container (40FT) | $5,650 |
| Shenzhen | Felixstowe | 20 foot container (20FT) | $3,250 |
| Shenzhen | Felixstowe | 40 foot container (40FT) | $5,650 |
| Ningbo | Felixstowe | 20 foot container (20FT) | $3,700 |
| Ningbo | Felixstowe | 40 foot container (40FT) | $5,600 |
| Hong Kong | Felixstowe | 20 foot container (20FT) | $3,350 |
| Hong Kong | Felixstowe | 40 foot container (40FT) | $5,550 |
| Guangzhou | Felixstowe | 20 foot container (20FT) | $3,450 |
| Guangzhou | Felixstowe | 40 foot container (40FT) | $5,550 |
| Qingdao | Felixstowe | 20 foot container (20FT) | $3,700 |
| Qingdao | Felixstowe | 40 foot container (40FT) | $5,650 |
| Tianjin | Felixstowe | 20 foot container (20FT) | $3,450 |
| Tianjin | Felixstowe | 40 foot container (40FT) | $5,650 |
| Dalian | Felixstowe | 20 foot container (20FT) | $3,400 |
| Dalian | Felixstowe | 40 foot container (40FT) | $5,950 |
| Xiamen | Felixstowe | 20 foot container (20FT) | $3,450 |
| Xiamen | Felixstowe | 40 foot container (40FT) | $5,650 |
| Yingkou | Felixstowe | 20 foot container (20FT) | check with us |
| Yingkou | Felixstowe | 40 foot container (40FT) | check with us |
How Much is Shipping Cost from China to UK Per KG (updated December 2024)
Air Freight cost From China to UK in Comprehensive Guide
| Weight Range (KG) | Service Type | Rate per KG (USD) | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 10 | Standard Air Freight | $65.47 – $66.00 | Per KG rate for small shipments |
| Up to 100 | Standard Air Freight | $5.5 – $6 | Cost-effective for larger loads |
| Up to 300 | Standard Air Freight | $6 – $6.5 | Most economical for bulk goods |
Standard Air Freight Rates for Bulk Shipments (100kgs to 1000kgs or above) from China to UK (Updated December 2024)
For those seeking cost-effective solutions, standard air freight provides an economical option for shipping goods from China to UK. The rate is approximately $5.5 to $6 per kilogram, making it ideal for businesses with larger or less time-sensitive shipments.Â
Air Express Freight Rates per KG from China to UK for under 21kgs (updated December 2024)
Lightweight packages sent via air express are priced based on weight rangess
- For items weighing 0.5-5.5KG, the cost is $4.55-$16.36 per kg.
- For those between 10 KG, it’s $66 – $67 per kg.Â
Air Express Freight Costs per KG from China to UK for over 21kgs (updated December 2024)
For heavier shipments, air express offers competitive pricing:
For shipments over 21KG, the rates adjust accordingly. For cargo weight between 21KG-70KG, the rate ranges from $7-$7.5 and for anything over 70KG, you’re looking at a rate of $6.3-$7. It’s all about the weight with freight.Â
ePacket and China Post per kgs from China to UK
For ePacket and China Post services from China to the UK, there’s a fixed fee of $2.17 per package. The charge per weight is $0.01 per gram, starting from a weight of 50g. The maximum weight limit for these services is 2000g.
Door-to-Door (DDP) Shipping Rates from China to the UK
When shipping from China to the UK, Door-to-Door (DDP) shipping is a popular option for businesses looking for a hassle-free solution that includes all customs duties, taxes, and delivery straight to the destination. Below, we provide a comprehensive overview of DDP shipping costs for both air freight and sea freight, depending on your shipment size.
DDP Air Freight Costs from China to the UK
Air freight is the fastest method for DDP shipping but comes at a higher cost, especially for smaller, time-sensitive shipments. Here are the average rates:
| Origin Port (China) | Destination Port (UK) | Cost per kg (USD) | Cost for 100+ kg (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shanghai | Felixstowe | $9.50 | $950 |
| Ningbo | Southampton | $9.40 | $940 |
| Guangzhou | Liverpool | $9.60 | $955 |
| Shenzhen | London Gateway | $9.70 | $960 |
| Qingdao | Bristol | $9.80 | $970 |
| Tianjin | Portsmouth | $9.55 | $952 |
| Xiamen | Hull | $9.45 | $945 |
| Dalian | Dover | $8.65 | $858 |
| Hong Kong | Glasgow | $8.75 | $862 |
| Yantian | Edinburgh | $8.35 | $830 |
Key Takeaway: Air freight is ideal for businesses needing fast delivery times—generally between 3 to 8 days—but it is more expensive, especially for smaller shipments.
DDP Sea Freight Costs from China to the UK
Sea freight offers a more economical alternative for larger shipments, especially for businesses that are not in a rush. Below are the average DDP sea freight rates broken down by shipment weight:
| Destination (UK) | 100 kg (USD/kg) | 300 kg (USD/kg) | 500 kg (USD/kg) | 1000 kg (USD/kg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| London (LHR) | $2.31 | $2.10 | $1.53 | $1.46 |
| Manchester (MAN) | $2.06 | $2.09 | $1.81 | $1.74 |
Key Takeaway: Sea freight is far more cost-effective for larger shipments, but transit times are significantly longer, typically ranging from 25 to 40 days.
What are the additional Costs in China and UK Shipping
When calculating total shipping costs, don’t forget to account for additional costs. These include:
- Port Charges, which cover the use of port facilities, handling, and administration.
- Customs Fees and Duties, which vary based on the type of goods and their value.
- Inland Transportation, which covers the cost of moving goods to and from the ports.
- Insurance to protect against damage, loss, or theft during transportation.
- Documentation Fees for processing and handling the required shipping documents.
- Destination Charges at the UK port for unloading, handling, and other services.
- Container Type and Special Requirements, such as refrigerated containers, which can come with additional costs.
Market Dynamics:
Keep in mind that shipping costs can be influenced by various market factors, including global economic conditions, trade imbalances, fuel prices, and geopolitical events. These dynamics can lead to fluctuations in shipping rates over time.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information on shipping costs from China to UK ports and port charges, contact Super International Shipping. Our freight forwarding experts can provide a custom quote based on your specific shipping needs and the latest shipping costs.
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