Transporting Goods from China to the UK
Shipping costs play a pivotal role for any business or individual contemplating imports from China to the UK. Understanding these expenses is essential, and that's where Chinese freight forwarding companies come into the picture, offering expert services to facilitate the smooth and cost-effective shipment of goods from China to the UK.
Curious about the shipping costs for transporting goods from China to the UK?
This comprehensive guide delves into the intricacies of shipping expenses, offering insights into the various shipping methods available. Learn about the costs and timeframes associated with each option to make an informed decision for your logistics needs.
2024 Shipping Costs from China to the UK: A Comparative Analysis of Sea and Air Freight Options
In the latest update for November 2024, we explore the primary methods of shipping goods from China to the UK—sea freight and air freight. Each shipping method comes with its own set of prices, and we've compiled the current costs for various shipping options to help you make an informed decision.
Container Shipping Costs from China to the UK: Average Prices and Factors Affecting Rates
The cost of shipping a container from China to the United Kingdom typically falls within the range of $3,150 to $4,850 USD. However, the exact price for shipping a full container load (FCL) from China to the UK can vary based on the container size—whether it's a 20-foot or 40-foot container—and the specific shipping route schedule. For precise and personalized quotes, we encourage you to reach out to our dedicated quotation team for detailed rates on shipping your container from China to the main container ports in the United Kingdom.
The average price to ship a 20ft container from China to United Kingdom is from $3050 to $4050. The shipping timeline to ship a 20 foot container from China to United Kingdom ranges depending on the route.
The average price to ship a 40ft container from China to United Kingdom is from $3850 to $5550. The shipping timeline to ship a 40 foot container from China to United Kingdom ranges depending on the route.
Affordable Container Shipping Rates: Average Prices for 20ft and 40ft Containers from China to the UK
Discover the most cost-effective average prices for shipping containers from China to the United Kingdom. We offer the cheapest rates for loading and transporting full container loads (FCL) from key Chinese ports to the UK. Whether you're shipping commercial cargo, vehicles, or personal effects, our international shipping services cover all types of cargo for reliable and efficient shipments from China to the United Kingdom.
Learn more: Cost And Time Considerations For Shipping From China To Pakistan
| Container shipping service from China to UK | Type of container | Ocean freight rates from China to UK: |
|---|---|---|
| How much does it cost to ship a container from Shanghai China to United Kingdom. | 20 foot container FCL 40 foot container FCL |
average price from: $3150 20FT average price from: $4250 40FT |
| How much does it cost to ship a container from Shenzhen China to United Kingdom. | 20 foot container FCL 40 foot container FCL |
average price from: $3150 20FT average price from: $4350 40FT |
| How much does it cost to ship a container from Ningbo-Zhoushan China to United Kingdom. | 20 foot container FCL 40 foot container FCL |
average price from: $3550 20FT average price from: $4550 40FT |
| How much does it cost to ship a container from Hong Kong China to United Kingdom. | 20 foot container FCL 40 foot container FCL |
average price from: $3350 20FT average price from: $4350 40FT |
| How much does it cost to ship a container from Guangzhou China to United Kingdom. | 20 foot container FCL 40 foot container FCL |
average price from: $3050 20FT average price from: $4050 40FT |
| How much does it cost to ship a container from Qingdao China to United Kingdom | 20 foot container FCL 40 foot container FCL |
average price from: $3250 20FT average price from: $4250 40FT |
| How much does it cost to ship a container from Tianjin China to United Kingdom | 20 foot container FCL 40 foot container FCL |
average price from: $3350 20FT average price from: $4350 40FT |
| How much does it cost to ship a container from Dalian China to United Kingdom | 20 foot container FCL 40 foot container FCL |
average price from: $3550 20FT average price from: $4550 40FT |
| How much does it cost to ship a container from Xiamen China to United Kingdom | 20 foot container FCL 40 foot container FCL |
average price from: $3650 20FT average price from: $4650 40FT |
| How much does it cost to ship a container from Yingkou China to United Kingdom | 20 foot container FCL 40 foot container FCL |
average price from: $3750 20FT average price from: $4850 40FT |
Ocean Freight Calculation Factors: Analyzing the Impact of Oil Prices, Cargo Size, and More on Shipping Costs from China to the UK
To estimate ocean freight costs, several factors come into play, including the oil price surcharge (BAF), the size and weight of the cargo, the port of export, the port of destination, and any seasonal congestion that may affect shipping schedules. The accompanying annual chart provides a comprehensive overview of the average ocean freight prices and costs associated with sending a container from China to the UK throughout the year 2023.
These prices do not include additional or unforeseen charges that may be added during your booking or shipping process. These are not current or final prices for shipping containers, please contact Presou Logistics to request rates for the latest prices.
air freight Cost from China to the UK per kG
Air freight is usually more expensive than sea freight, but air freight is faster. Here are the current freight rates per kilogram for air freight from China to the UK:
| POL | POD | 100-299KG | 300-1000KG | 1000KG+ | Estimated Transit time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shanghai | London (LHR) | $10.5/kg | $8.5/kg | $7.5/kg | 3-6 days |
| Shanghai | Manchester (MAN) | $9.5/kg | $8.5/kg | $7.0/kg | 3-6 days |
| Shenzhen | London (LHR) | $10.5/kg | $8.2/kg | $6.6/kg | 4-7 days |
| Shenzhen | Manchester (MAN) | $10/kg | $8/kg | $6.8/kg | 4-8 days |
How to calculate air freight costs from China to the UK
When calculating air freight costs, it’s essential to determine the chargeable weight, which is the higher value between the gross weight (actual weight) and the volumetric weight of the cargo. The volumetric weight is calculated using the formula:
Actual weight of the goods: 110 kg
Total volume: 729,000 cm³
Price per kg: $7.00
Now, you can determine the volumetric weight using the following formula:
Volume weight = 729,000/6,000 = 121.5 kg (greater than the actual weight of 90 kg)
Therefore, your air freight cost = 121.5 kg x $7.00 = $850.50
Shipping cost from china to UK per kG:
Air Freight Cost from China to UK per KG:
China to UK shipping price in air freight is around $6-$12 per Kg.
Shipping rates are more affordable when you ship in large volumes.
Shipping rates from China to UK of 200 kg/1 cbm shipment in air freight is around $1100-$1400 with door to door delivery.
Sea Freight Cost from China to UK per KG:
Shipping rates from China to UK in sea freight are around $1-$3 per kg.
In FCL shipping, the average shipping cost from China to UK of a 40 feet container from China to UK is $3800-$5500.
In LCL shipping, the average shipping cost from China to UK of 200 kg/1 cbm shipment is around $80-$1500 with door to door delivery.
DDP Air Freight cost from China to the UK
| Airports in China | Airports in UK | 100kg per kg cost | Total cost for 100kg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shanghai | Felixstowe | 9.5 | 950 |
| Ningbo | Southampton | 9.4 | 940 |
| Guangzhou | Liverpool | 9.6 | 955 |
| Shenzhen | London Gateway | 9.7 | 960 |
| Qingdao | Bristol | 9.8 | 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 |
DDP shipping cost from China to the UK by sea
| POD | 100kg (USD/KG) | 300kg (USD/KG) | 500kg (USD/KG) | 1000kg (USD/KG) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| London (LHR) | $2.31 | $2.10 | $1.53 | $1.46 |
| Manchester (MAN) | $2.06 | $2.09 | $1.81 | $1.74 |
What are the factors that affect the shipping price from China to the UK?
Type of Freight: The cost will depend on whether you are shipping by sea, air, or land (rail or road). Sea freight is generally more cost-effective but slower than air freight.
Container Size: If you’re shipping by sea, the size and type of container you use will affect the cost. Common container sizes include 20-foot and 40-foot containers.
Weight and Volume: The weight and volume of your freight will impact the cost. Shipping rates are often calculated based on weight or volume, whichever is greater.
Distance: The distance between the origin in China and the destination in the UK will affect the cost. Longer distances generally result in higher shipping costs.
Freight Class: The classification of your freight based on its nature and characteristics can also influence the cost. Different carriers may have different pricing structures for different classes of freight.
Shipping Route: The specific shipping route and the ports involved can affect costs. Some ports may have higher handling fees than others.
Transit Time: Faster shipping options like air freight will generally cost more than slower options like sea freight.
Fuel Prices: Fluctuations in fuel prices can impact shipping costs as they affect the overall operating costs for carriers.
Customs Duties and Taxes: You may need to pay customs duties and taxes upon arrival in the UK, which can add to the overall cost.
How long does it take to ship from China to UK
It takes 30 to 45 days to ship from China to the UK by sea, and 3 to 7 days to ship by air. The final shipping time may vary slightly depending on the supplier and delivery address, selected service and route, weather, congestion, etc.
Shipping container time from China to the UK
| POL (port of loading) | POD (port of discharge) | Transit time |
| Qingdao | Felixstowe | 42 days |
| Qingdao | Southampton | 40 days |
| Shanghai | Felixstowe | 38 days |
| Shanghai | Southampton | 36 days |
| Yantian, Shenzhen | Felixstowe | 35 days |
| Yantian, Shenzhen | Southampton | 36 days |
FYI: Shanghai in East China, Shenzhen South China, and Qingdao North China, data from these 3 ports is enough to demonstrate the sea shipping time from China to the UK.
Air freight time from China to the UK
Generally speaking, it takes 3 to 7 days for air cargo from China to reach the UK. There are direct cargo flights between some cities in China and London.
The expense of transporting freight from China to the UK is subject to a range of influential factors. These include the type of transportation chosen, the dimensions of the container, the weight and volume of the goods being shipped, the selected route, the duration of transit, as well as customs duties and taxes. Generally, sea freight is a more economical option, albeit slower than air freight. The size of the container and the nature of the cargo are pivotal in establishing shipping expenses. Furthermore, the selection of a shipping carrier or freight forwarder can also affect the overall cost. For precise shipping cost estimates, it is recommended to consult with shipping firms or logistics specialists for personalized quotations, bearing in mind that these rates may vary due to market fluctuations.