Exploring the Shipping Route from China to UK: A Detailed Guide
The UK is China’s third largest trading partner in the EU. With the advancement of the “Belt and Road” initiative, trade cooperation between China and the UK has gradually deepened, logistics demand has continued to rise, and transportation costs have become a focus of concern for companies and individuals. This article will elaborate on the cost of shipping from China to the UK.
Introduction to the UK
Located in the northwest of Europe and adjacent to Ireland, the UK is an important transportation hub between Europe and other continents. It mainly imports electronic products, machinery and equipment, furniture, textiles and toys from China.
Shipping from China to the UK
The main modes of transportation from China to the UK include sea and air. Each mode has its own unique advantages
Sea Freight
Sea freight is the most commonly used and cost-effective mode of transportation, especially for bulk goods and non-urgent goods. Its main advantage is that the freight rate is relatively low, which is suitable for bulk goods and long-term cargo transportation. The main seaports in the UK are the Port of London, the Port of Southampton, the Port of Liverpool, etc.
Air Freight
Air freight is fast and suitable for urgently needed goods or light goods with higher value. The main advantage of air transportation is fast transportation, which can usually be delivered within 2 to 7 days. The main air ports in the UK are London Heathrow Airport, Manchester Airport and Birmingham Airport.
Sea Freight Cost from China to the UK
Usually, shipping from China to the UK uses LCL and FCL shipping. The two shipping services charge differently.
LCL Freight Cost from China to the UK
When your goods cannot fill a container. The service allows multiple shippers to share container space, making it cost-effective for smaller goods.
| POL (port of loading) | POD (port of discharge) | LCL shipping cost |
|---|---|---|
| Shanghai | London | $75-$165 |
| Shenzhen | London | $80-$145 |
| Ningbo | London | $70-$155 |
| Shanghai | Southampton | $85-$145 |
| Shenzhen | Southampton | $70-$135 |
| Ningbo | Southampton | $85-$145 |
| Shanghai | Felixstowe | $72-$150 |
| Shenzhen | Felixstowe | $75-$150 |
| Ningbo | Felixstowe | $85-$135 |
| Shanghai | Liverpool | $70-$135 |
| Shenzhen | Liverpool | $80-$145 |
| Ningbo | Liverpool | $75-$150 |
Cost of shipping 20ft and 40ft Containers from China to the UK
FCL, which is mainly divided into 20ft and 40ft containers, is ideal for businesses with large quantities of goods. Advantages include lower unit costs, lower risk of damage and faster shipping times.
| POL (port of loading) | POD (port of discharge) | 20ft container cost | 40ft container cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shanghai | Southampton | $2050-$3350 | $3500-$5000 |
| Shenzhen | Southampton | $1900-$3500 | $3450-$4950 |
| Ningbo | Southampton | $2000-$3400 | $3650-$4850 |
| Shanghai | London | $1950-$2450 | $3350-$4800 |
| Shenzhen | London | $1900-$3300 | $3500-$5000 |
| Ningbo | London | $2050-$3650 | $3450-$5050 |
| Shanghai | Felixstowe | $1800-$3500 | $3650-$4850 |
| Shenzhen | Felixstowe | $1900-$3400 | $3500-$4800 |
| Ningbo | Felixstowe | $1850-$3350 | $3750-$4950 |
| Shanghai | Liverpool | $1950-$2450 | $3350-$4800 |
| Shenzhen | Liverpool | $1900-$3400 | $3650-$4850 |
| Ningbo | Liverpool | $2000-$3400 | $3500-$4800 |
Air Freight Cost from China to the UK
Air freight is usually more expensive than sea freight, but it is faster. The cost of air freight is generally calculated based on the higher of the two, which is the weight or volumetric weight. The volumetric weight calculation formula is usually: Volumetric weight = length × width × height (cm³) ÷ 6000.
Below are the current air freight rates per kilogram from China to the UK：
| Departure Airport (China) | Arrival Airport (Ireland) | Cost Range (USD/kg) |
| Shanghai Pudong | London Heathrow | $6.0 – $10.0 |
| Guangzhou Baiyun | London Heathrow | $5.2 – $9.8 |
| Beijing Capital | London Heathrow | $6.5 – $8.8 |
| Shanghai Pudong | Manchester | $5.5 – $9.0 |
| Guangzhou Baiyun | Manchester | $6.3 – $9.5 |
| Beijing Capital | Manchester | $5.5 – $8.8 |
| Shanghai Pudong | Birmingham | $6.0 – $8.5 |
| Guangzhou Baiyun | Birmingham | $6.5 – $10.8 |
| Beijing Capital | Birmingham | $5.0 – $9.0 |
Find out about shipping rates from China to Europe with the following articles:
Shipping from China to Lebanon | Sea & Air Freight Rates
Shipping from China to USA | Sea & Air Freight Rates
Shipping from China to Tanzania | Air & Sea Freight Rates
Shipping from China to Egypt | Air & Sea Freight Rates
Shipping from China to Pakistan | Sea, Air & Rail Freight Rates
Customs Fees for Shipping from China to the UK
When shipping goods from China to the UK, customs fees may involve various duties and taxes. Here are the main details:
Import duties
Generally speaking, import duties are calculated as a percentage of the customs value of the goods (including the cost of the goods, freight, insurance), and the specific tax rate depends on the Harmonized System (HS) code classification of the goods.
For example, different customs duty rates vary for different products. Electronics may be subject to a 3.5% duty, while clothing may be subject to a 12% duty.
Value Added Tax (VAT)
You need to pay VAT if the goods fall into the following situations:
- The total value is more than £135
- Ship to the UK from outside the UK
- Gifts given to you by others are worth more than £39
Most imported goods in the UK are subject to VAT, and the current VAT rate is 20%. VAT is calculated based on the total customs value including customs duties
Tips to Reduce Shipping Cost from China to the UK?
Choose the right mode of transport
Choose the most appropriate mode of transport based on the size, weight, and urgency of your shipment. At the same time, plan and consolidate your shipments as needed, such as combining multiple shipments to enjoy economies of scale.
Optimize packaging
Efficient packaging can reduce the volume weight of your shipment, thereby reducing costs. Use appropriately sized boxes and minimize excess packaging materials.
Negotiate freight rates
Negotiate freight rates with carriers, especially when your shipping volume is stable. Consider signing a long-term contract to get better prices.
Familiarize yourself with the required documents
Different destinations have different document requirements, each with corresponding fees. It is crucial to understand these costs.
Hire a freight forwarder
A reliable freight forwarder can handle paperwork, provide smooth customs clearance services, and provide advice on saving shipping costs. In addition, they can also provide you with a transparent cost breakdown to ensure that there are no hidden fees.
How Much Freight Forwarder Cost to the UK?
Freight forwarders will typically charge a service fee, which may include:
- Basic handling fee: This fee covers the standard services provided by the freight forwarder, such as booking cargo space and arranging transportation. Fees can range from $50 to $200 or more.
- Customs clearance: If your shipment requires customs clearance, customs may charge a fee to process customs documents and clearance procedures. Fees are usually around $100 and can increase significantly for complex shipments.
- Storage and warehousing: If your shipment needs to be stored in a warehouse or facility, the freight forwarder may charge storage fees based on the length and volume of storage required. These fees can range from a few dollars per day to hundreds of dollars per month.
- Additional services: If you require insurance, repackaging, relabeling, or special handling services for your shipment, you may have to pay additional fees.
You may also be interested in: How to Choose China Freight Forwarder
Shipping from China to the UK requires choosing different modes of transportation according to the characteristics of the goods. Through this article, you can learn how to choose the right freight forwarder to optimize the transportation plan, save costs and ensure the smooth arrival of the goods.