Why sea freight?
Sea freight is the backbone of China–Europe trade. For anything that is not time-critical, it offers the lowest cost per unit and the highest capacity of any transport mode. A single 40-foot container can carry up to about 76 m³ of goods — far more than air freight ever could at a comparable price.
It is the right choice when you are shipping pallets, furniture, machinery, consumer goods or full production runs and you value reliability over raw speed.
Typical transit times
The table below shows indicative ranges for the most common port pairs. Actual transit time depends on the sailing schedule, the season and whether the vessel calls at intermediate ports.
| Route | Indicative transit time |
|---|---|
| Shanghai → Hamburg | ≈ 30–38 days |
| Ningbo → Rotterdam | ≈ 32–38 days |
| Shenzhen → Hamburg | ≈ 30–36 days |
| Xiamen → Felixstowe | ≈ 33–40 days |
| Qingdao → Rotterdam | ≈ 35–42 days |
⚠️ These figures are indicative and vary by season and route. I'll confirm the exact transit time for your specific route before you book.
FCL vs. LCL — which is right for you?
| FCL (Full Container Load) | LCL (Less than Container Load) | |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | You book an entire container for your cargo alone | Your cargo shares a container with other shippers |
| Best for | Large volumes (roughly 15–20 m³ or more) | Small volumes (under ~15 m³) |
| Cost per unit | Lower for large volumes | Pay only for the space you use |
| Speed & safety | Faster, less handling, lower damage risk | Slightly slower (consolidation), more handling |
Rule of thumb: if your shipment fills roughly half a container or more, FCL is almost always the better deal. Below that, LCL keeps you flexible.
Container types & capacity
| Type | Internal dimensions (approx.) | Usable volume | Typical payload |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20GP | 5.90 × 2.35 × 2.39 m | ≈ 33 m³ | ≈ 28,000 kg |
| 40GP | 12.03 × 2.35 × 2.39 m | ≈ 67 m³ | ≈ 30,000 kg |
| 40HQ (high cube) | 12.03 × 2.35 × 2.69 m | ≈ 76 m³ | ≈ 30,000 kg |
The 40HQ high cube is the most common choice for China–Europe shipments because it maximises volume for lightweight cargo. We'll help you pick the right type based on your cargo's weight and dimensions.
What affects the cost of sea freight?
Sea freight pricing is easy to compare when you know what drives it. Here are the main factors:
- Volume & weight — FCL is priced per container; LCL per cubic metre (or per tonne, whichever is higher).
- Port pair & routing — distance, direct vs. transhipment, and destination-port handling fees.
- Season & capacity — rates move with demand. Peak season (roughly August–October, ahead of the Q4 retail build-up) is typically the most expensive, and Chinese New Year causes short-term spikes.
- Fuel (bunker) surcharges — carriers adjust a fuel surcharge in line with bunker prices.
- Currency — ocean freight is usually quoted in USD, so the EUR/GBP exchange rate affects your landed cost.
- Equipment & special handling — reefer, hazardous goods, or out-of-gauge cargo carry additional charges.
- Duties & taxes — customs duties and import VAT are separate from the freight itself and depend on your product's HS code (see customs clearance).
No hidden surcharges: every quote I send lists each cost item separately, so you always know what you're paying for. Ask for a breakdown.
How the process works
- Booking & rate confirmation — you get a clear quote with every cost item listed, no surprises.
- Pickup & loading — we arrange trucking to the origin port and load your cargo.
- Export customs clearance — we handle Chinese export formalities.
- Ocean transit — your cargo sails to the destination port, trackable throughout.
- Import customs clearance — we clear your cargo in Europe, including EPR, CE and UK post-Brexit rules.
- Delivery — trucking to your warehouse, or door-to-door as agreed.
Ports we cover
Origin (China): Shanghai, Ningbo, Shenzhen, Xiamen, Qingdao, Guangzhou — and other ports on request.
Destination (Europe): Hamburg (Germany), Rotterdam (Netherlands), Antwerp (Belgium) and Felixstowe (UK), with onward distribution across all of Europe.
Import notes for Germany, the Netherlands & the UK
The paperwork and VAT handling differ depending on where your goods clear. A quick orientation:
Germany
Part of the EU customs union. Importers need an EORI number and pay import VAT (which VAT-registered businesses can usually recover). Regulated products need CE marking, and packaging falls under the Packaging Act (Verpackungsgesetz) with registration in the LUCID register. Main gateways are Hamburg and Bremerhaven, with inland connections via rail.
Netherlands
Most EU imports clear through Rotterdam, Europe's largest container port. Like Germany, an EORI number and import VAT apply. A popular option is Article 23 VAT deferment, which lets importers postpone import VAT to their periodic VAT return — a real cash-flow benefit for regular importers.
United Kingdom
Since Brexit the UK is outside the EU customs union, so a GB EORI number and a full customs declaration with a commodity code are required. Most importers use postponed VAT accounting to account for import VAT on their VAT return rather than at the border. Conformity and marking rules changed after Brexit — I'll advise on exactly what your product needs.
The rules above are a general guide and change from time to time. I'll confirm exactly what applies to your product before you ship — that's part of the service.
Documents you need
We prepare most of the paperwork for you. Typically you will need:
- Commercial invoice — value and description of the goods
- Packing list — quantities, weights and dimensions
- Bill of Lading — issued by the carrier, prepared by us
- Certificate of origin — where applicable
Not sure what your goods require? Ask me — I'll check HS codes and document requirements for your specific product.
Frequently asked questions
How long does sea freight take from China to Europe?
As an indicative range, about 30–40 days from Chinese ports to Northern Europe, depending on the exact route, schedule and season.
Should I choose FCL or LCL?
FCL for shipments above roughly 15–20 m³; LCL for smaller volumes where you only pay for the space you use.
How much does sea freight cost from China to Europe?
Rates depend on volume, ports, season and current fuel and capacity conditions. Contact me for a free quote with a transparent cost breakdown.
Which Chinese ports do you ship from?
All major ports — Shanghai, Ningbo, Shenzhen, Xiamen, Qingdao, Guangzhou — and others on request.
Do you handle customs clearance in Europe?
Yes, including HS code classification, EPR compliance, CE certification and post-Brexit UK rules.
Can you do door-to-door delivery?
Yes. We offer door-to-door (DDP) solutions so you receive your goods at your warehouse with one clear price.
When is the cheapest time to ship sea freight?
Rates tend to be lowest outside peak season. Peak demand runs roughly from August to October ahead of the Q4 retail build-up, with short spikes around Chinese New Year. The best value usually comes from booking outside these windows — and I'll always quote you the live rate.
What do EXW, FOB and DDP mean?
These Incoterms define who pays for and owns each leg. EXW (ex works) means you buy from the factory gate and we handle everything from there. FOB (free on board) covers transport to the origin port and loading. DDP (delivered duty paid) means we deliver to your door with all costs and duties included — the simplest option if you want one price.
Do I need an EORI number to import into Europe?
Yes — to clear goods you need an EORI number in the destination country (or a GB EORI for the UK). If you don't have one yet, I'll guide you through applying.
Get your sea freight quote
Tell me your cargo type, volume, origin and destination — I'll send you a transparent, all-in cost breakdown for your sea freight, free of charge.