Sea Freight From China to Europe — FCL & LCL
FCL and LCL ocean freight from China to Europe. Typical China → Europe sea transit: around 25–35 days port-to-port (indicative planning range; route and sailing schedule affect transit). We arrange pickup, consolidation, export and destination handling with partner carriers and forwarders; the scope is stated in your written quote.
Looking for country-specific duty/VAT and delivery details for Europe? See the China → Europe shipping guide. Indicative cost and transit guide ↓ Service information reviewed: October 2026. Planning ranges reviewed: October 2026.
Short Answers
Sea Freight From China to Europe — The Short Version
The four questions most buyers ask before requesting a sea freight quote.
FCL or LCL?
As a planning guide: below about 10 CBM LCL often makes sense, around 10–15 CBM compare both, and above about 15 CBM a full container is worth comparing seriously. It is guidance, not a hard rule: weight, cargo type, schedule and the market on your lane can move it either way.
How long does it take?
Typical China → Europe sea transit is around 25–35 days port-to-port (for example Hamburg or Rotterdam). LCL adds roughly 3–6 days for CFS handling, and customs and delivery add more. Indicative planning range; route and sailing schedule affect transit. Not a guarantee.
How much does it cost?
Indicative planning ranges, freight only: LCL about €80–190 per CBM; a 20ft FCL about €800–2,200 per container. Destination charges, customs, duties/VAT and final delivery are separate unless the written quotation explicitly includes them. Not a quotation.
What does a sea-freight quote depend on?
Origin and destination, FCL or LCL, volume and weight, container type, pickup and consolidation, origin and destination charges, customs scope, final delivery and any carrier surcharges for the lane and date.
What do you need from me?
Pickup and delivery location, cargo description, packages, dimensions, gross weight, total volume, Incoterm, ready date and any special handling. The full checklist is further down this page.
Is customs and delivery included?
It depends on the scope you ask for and the Incoterm. The written quote states what is included and what is not; do not assume a line is covered unless it says so.
Sea Freight Services
What We Arrange for Sea Shipments From China
FCL and LCL, with pickup, consolidation, documents and destination coordination arranged through partners. The scope is set in your quote.
FCL — Full Container Load
A whole 20ft, 40ft or 40ft High Cube container for your cargo. Usually the better fit for larger, heavier or regular shipments, and when you want your goods kept apart from other shippers' cargo.
LCL — Less Than Container Load
Your cargo shares a container with other shippers' goods and is priced on the space or weight it takes, not a whole container. A practical fit for smaller or regular shipments, with more handling steps at both ends.
Pickup and Consolidation
We can arrange pickup from one or several suppliers in China and coordinate consolidation before export, through partner facilities. Availability depends on the origin, the volume and the timing.
Destination Coordination
Destination handling, customs and final delivery can be coordinated with local partners. What is included depends on the scope and Incoterm you ask for and is stated in your written quote.
Documents Support
We help you prepare the transport and customs paperwork a sea shipment needs, such as the packing list, invoice details and bill of lading instructions. The exact set depends on your cargo and destination.
Cargo Check Before Quoting
Tell us what you are shipping before booking. Some cargo needs carrier acceptance or specialist handling, and we say so before a quote rather than after.
FCL vs LCL
Full Container or Consolidation — Which Fits Your Shipment?
Size, pricing basis, handling, schedule and cargo profile decide it. Here is a direct comparison.
Planning guidance, not a hard rule: the FCL/LCL break-even is typically around 10–15 CBM depending on the route and current market rates. Below about 10 CBM LCL is often more cost-effective; above about 15 CBM a full container often wins on cost and transit; between 10 and 15 CBM, request quotes for both and compare.
How does sea compare with rail and air? Sea freight is usually slower than both but often more economical for larger or heavier shipments where the schedule has room. Rail freight (indicatively 18–25 days on suitable China–Europe lanes) can sit between sea and air on cost and speed, and air freight (indicatively 5–14 days standard, or 3–5 days express where available and confirmed in the quotation) makes sense when lead time matters more than freight cost. Compare timing for your own shipment with the Transit Time Estimator (a planning tool, not a schedule).
Cost & Transit Guide
Sea Freight From China — Indicative Cost and Transit Guide
Planning ranges for LCL and FCL to Europe, with the scope of each number stated. Not a quotation.
| Basis | Indicative planning range | Scope | Often fits |
|---|---|---|---|
| LCL, China → Europe | €80–190 per CBM | Freight-only estimate. Destination charges, customs, duties/VAT and final delivery are separate unless explicitly included in the written quotation. | Under about 10 CBM, flexible schedule |
| FCL 20ft, China → Europe | €800–2,200 per container | Freight only (20ft container estimate). Same exclusions as above. Port pair, equipment availability and season change it. | From about 10–15 CBM upward, regular volumes |
| FCL 40ft / 40HQ, China → Europe | Quoted per container | Priced separately from the 20ft and usually higher. Send your port pair and cargo for a quotation. | Bulky or high-volume cargo |
Indicative planning range, not a quotation. Final quotation depends on cargo, origin, destination and current carrier conditions. Freight-only estimate; destination charges, customs, duties/VAT and final delivery are separate unless explicitly included in the written quotation. Ocean freight rates move with market conditions, fuel costs (BAF), port congestion surcharges, peak-season demand and specific shipping line rates. These are the Europe planning values used by the Shipping Cost Estimator.
| Route or step | Indicative transit | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| China → Hamburg / Rotterdam | 25–35 days | Port-to-port; typical sailing time to Northern Europe |
| LCL, all routes | +3–6 days | CFS consolidation and deconsolidation |
| LCL, China → Europe | 28–42 days | Total planning window when pickup and delivery are in scope (door-to-door); the quotation defines the scope |
| Chinese port congestion, peak season | +3–5 days | Possible delay, not a fixed adder |
| Destination customs clearance and drayage to door | +2–5 days | When customs and delivery are in scope |
| Door-to-door total, typical | about 3–6 weeks | Depends on route and service scope; planning range, not a guarantee |
| China → Long Beach / Los Angeles | 14–20 days | Port-to-port, West Coast direct services (other destinations, contextual) |
| China → New York / Savannah | 28–40 days | Port-to-port, via Panama Canal or Suez (contextual) |
| China → USA, FCL, broader window | 25–40 days | Wider planning window for FCL to West and East Coast ports; see the USA guide (contextual) |
| China → Jebel Ali (UAE) | 18–28 days | Port-to-port; see the UAE guide (contextual) |
Indicative planning ranges, not guarantees; route, sailing schedule, port conditions and customs affect transit. Port-to-port is the sailing leg only; door-to-door adds pickup, handling, customs and delivery where they are in scope. Planning ranges reviewed: October 2026. Compare timing for your shipment with the Transit Time Estimator (a planning tool, not a schedule).
Container Options
20GP, 40GP and 40HQ — What Fits in Each
Internal capacity from carrier equipment specifications, plus typical practical cargo volume and payload for planning. These are three different figures.
| Container | Internal capacity | Typical practical cargo volume | Typical planning payload | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20ft standard (20GP) | about 33 m³ | about 25 CBM | about 21,500 kg | Smaller volumes of dense or heavy cargo |
| 40ft standard (40GP) | about 68 m³ | about 55 CBM | about 26,500 kg | General cargo with larger volume |
| 40ft high cube (40HQ) | about 76 m³ | about 68 CBM | about 26,500 kg | Bulky or lightweight cargo; extra height for taller pallets |
Internal capacity is the geometric volume from carrier equipment specifications (typical; exact dimensions depend on carrier equipment). Typical practical cargo volume is a planning figure for loaded cartons or pallets and is lower once packaging, pallets and stowage are counted. Payload is a typical planning figure for general cargo; carrier equipment limits vary and road weight limits at origin or destination can apply before the container limit does, so the actual limit is confirmed per booking. Special equipment (reefer, open top, flat rack) depends on carrier availability and is assessed per shipment.
China → Europe
Main European Gateways and Where to Read More
Commonly used European container gateways for each market. The actual routing is set by the carrier service for your shipment.
| Destination | Commonly used gateway | Route guide |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | Hamburg | China → GermanyCustoms, VAT and delivery guide for German imports |
| France | Le Havre, Marseille-Fos | China → FranceGateway choice, customs and French import VAT |
| Netherlands | Rotterdam | China → NetherlandsRotterdam as an entry point for the Benelux and beyond |
| Poland | Gdańsk, Gdynia | China → PolandSea gateways and the rail alternative into Poland |
| Greece | Piraeus | China → GreeceMediterranean gateway and onward delivery |
| Belgium | Antwerp-Bruges | China → BelgiumAntwerp as an entry point; Belgian customs and VAT basics |
| UK | Felixstowe | China → UKThe UK has its own tariff and VAT system, separate from the EU |
Common / typical routing examples
Shanghai (Yangshan) → Hamburg
UN/LOCODE DEHAM
Ningbo–Zhoushan → Rotterdam
UN/LOCODE NLRTM
Shenzhen (Yantian) → Felixstowe (UK)
UN/LOCODE GBFXT
Guangzhou (Nansha) → Antwerp
UN/LOCODE BEANR
Typical pairings used as examples, not a schedule or a limit. The carrier service sets the actual routing, and the best port depends on the supplier's location.
On the Chinese side, Shanghai, Ningbo–Zhoushan, Shenzhen, Guangzhou and Qingdao are among the main export ports; the best port of loading depends on where your supplier is and the services available. Other European destinations are covered in the China → Europe guide. Sea freight to the USA and UAE has its own route pages.
Other Destinations
Sea Freight to the USA and the UAE
This page is Europe-first. The USA and the UAE have their own guides; short planning context is below.
China → USA
Indicative planning, freight only (Shipping Cost Estimator): LCL about €100–220 per CBM; 20ft FCL about €1,400–3,200 per container. Transit guidance is in the guide above. Not a quotation; destination charges, customs and delivery are separate unless the quotation includes them.
China → UAE (Jebel Ali)
Indicative planning, freight only (Shipping Cost Estimator): LCL about €80–160 per CBM; 20ft FCL about €900–2,000 per container. Typical sailing about 18–28 days port-to-port. Not a quotation.
Read the China → USA guide and the China → UAE guide.
Quote Factors
What Changes a Sea Freight Quote
Sea freight has no single price per country. These factors decide what you are quoted.
Origin and pickup
The Chinese port or city, and whether cargo is collected from one supplier or several.
Destination
The European port and the final address. Port-to-port and door delivery are different scopes.
FCL or LCL, and container type
A whole container (20GP, 40GP, 40HQ) or a share of one, which changes the pricing basis.
Volume and weight
Dimensions, gross weight and total CBM. For LCL the chargeable amount is volume or weight, whichever is greater.
Consolidation and packing
Multiple suppliers, repacking, palletising and any checks before export.
Origin and destination charges
Terminal, handling and documentation charges at both ends, which differ by port and carrier.
Customs scope
Who files export and import customs, who pays duty and VAT, and under which Incoterm.
Final delivery
Local transport, delivery appointments and any special unloading requirements.
Season and carrier conditions
Peak-season and other carrier surcharges, equipment availability and vessel space on the date you ship.
Special cargo requirements
Batteries, dangerous goods, liquids, food, temperature control or oversized cargo can change what is possible and what it costs.
We do not publish a fixed rate card here because the numbers move with the market. For a rough planning figure across modes, use the Shipping Cost Estimator (a planning tool, not a shipping-line rate or a binding quote), then request a real quote.
Charges Explained
Charges and Surcharges You May See on a Sea Quote
A reference for reading a quotation. Not every line applies to every quote; which lines apply depends on the lane, the carrier and the service scope.
| Charge | What it covers | When it may appear |
|---|---|---|
| Ocean freight | The carrier's charge for the sea leg between ports. | Every sea quote, priced per container (FCL) or per W/M (LCL). |
| Origin charges | Terminal handling, CFS or loading charges, export documentation and export customs at the Chinese end. | Depends on the origin port, the service and the Incoterm. |
| Destination charges | Terminal handling, delivery order, CFS or unloading charges at the European port. | Depends on the port, the carrier and whether destination handling is in your scope. |
| Documentation fees | Bill of lading, manifest and similar document fees from carriers or consolidators. | May appear at origin, destination or both. |
| Customs-related charges | Customs declaration or broker fees, and duty and import VAT, which are paid by whoever is the importer. | Depends on the Incoterm and the importer-of-record arrangement stated in your quote. |
| Inland and final delivery | Drayage from the port or CFS and delivery to your address. | Only when delivery is part of the requested scope. |
| Carrier surcharges | Bunker or fuel adjustment (BAF), peak-season surcharges and surcharges linked to EU emissions-trading rules on voyages to EU ports. | Depends on the carrier, lane and date; carriers change them with notice. |
| Cargo insurance | Optional cover for loss or damage in transit. | Not included unless your written quote says so. |
Ocean freight rates are market-driven. Container shipping rates can change significantly between weeks with supply and demand, port congestion, fuel costs and disruption on shipping lanes. Quotes are valid for a stated period and subject to vessel space and equipment availability; re-quoting may be needed if booking is delayed. Final charges can differ if cargo details or customs requirements change.
The Process
From Pickup in China to Delivery in Europe
Seven stages. What we arrange and what stays with you depends on the scope in your quote.
Latynex coordinates sea freight through forwarding partners, carriers, terminals and partner facilities; we do not operate vessels or own the terminals. Each stage has its own documents and cut-off dates, which is why the scope and responsibilities are written into the quote.
If you order from several suppliers, see Warehouse & Consolidation for how pre-export coordination works.
Quote and scope
You send cargo details and the scope you need (port-to-port, or including customs and delivery). We confirm FCL or LCL and the container type if relevant, and the quote states what is included.
Booking
After you confirm, space is booked with the carrier or consolidator. Space, equipment and cut-off dates are confirmed at booking and depend on availability.
Pickup and delivery to port or CFS
Your supplier delivers to the container yard (FCL) or CFS terminal (LCL) by the cut-off, or pickup from the supplier's factory can be arranged. Missing a cut-off means waiting for the next sailing.
Consolidation and verification
Where several suppliers are involved, cargo can be consolidated through partner facilities before export. Checks are visual and quantity-based unless a separate inspection is arranged.
Export preparation
Export customs declaration and, for FCL, the Verified Gross Mass (VGM) declaration required before loading. Who submits each is agreed per shipment.
Ocean transit and bill of lading
The cargo sails to the European port. The bill of lading is issued after departure and is the document used to take delivery at destination.
Destination handling, customs and delivery
Depending on the scope in your quote: terminal release, import customs, drayage and delivery. Under DAP or EXW you are the importer of record and responsible for import compliance.
Documents
Documents for a Sea Freight Shipment
A practical checklist. The exact set depends on your cargo and destination; customs or your broker can specify more.
Commercial invoice
Supplier, buyer, goods, value and Incoterm.
Packing list
Packages, weights and dimensions per carton or pallet.
Transport document
Bill of lading, sea waybill or telex release, depending on the shipment.
HS code information
Needed for duty and import VAT calculation and for the customs declaration.
Depending on cargo and destination
- Certificate of origin, where preferential duty or a buyer requires it
- Product compliance papers, for example CE or safety documents for regulated goods
- Import licences or permits for controlled goods
- Dangerous-goods paperwork for classified cargo
- VGM declaration for FCL, required before the container is loaded
Special Cargo
Restricted and Special Cargo
Some cargo requires carrier acceptance or specialist handling. We check before quoting; we may decline cargo we cannot handle.
Whether and how such cargo can move depends on the cargo class, the carrier and the route. Send the cargo details, with any classification or safety data you have, through the quote form for an eligibility check before you plan around it.
Is Sea Freight Right for You?
When Sea Freight Makes Sense
Sea freight is often the most economical option for suitable shipments. It earns that economy in specific situations.
Larger or heavier shipments
Cargo where volume or weight makes air freight uneconomical and a full or near-full container makes sense.
Regular inventory replenishment
Planned restocking with enough lead time that transit duration doesn't threaten availability.
Non-urgent commercial shipments
Orders where freight cost matters more than shaving days off transit.
Multi-supplier cargo that can be consolidated
Several suppliers' goods combined into one shipment before export, where timing allows.
Consider the Alternatives
When Sea Freight May Not Be the Best Fit
Urgent stockout recovery
When the cost of running out exceeds the freight premium, air or rail is usually the better fit.
Samples or very small parcels
Small, urgent shipments are often better served by express courier or air freight.
Highly time-sensitive launches
Fixed launch dates rarely tolerate several weeks of ocean transit plus customs and delivery.
Cargo restricted for your route/service
Some commodities aren't accepted on every route or service — this is assessed before booking.
Customs & Duty
Customs, Duty and Who Is the Importer
Sea transport doesn't remove customs obligations, and combining suppliers doesn't change how duty is calculated.
Duty Follows the Product and the Importer
Each product keeps its own HS classification and duty rate regardless of how many suppliers or cartons share a shipment. Duty and import VAT depend on HS code, declared value and destination, and are paid by whoever is the importer. Under DAP or EXW that is you.
DDP Is Possible, Not Automatic
DDP sea freight can be quoted for suitable shipments. The written quote names the importer-of-record arrangement and shows duty and VAT separately, and whether you need your own EORI depends on that arrangement. DAP may be a better fit if you want to control import clearance directly.
Read more on the DDP shipping page, estimate duty with the Import Duty Calculator (a planning tool, not an official tariff lookup), or compare DDP vs DAP before booking. This is general information, not legal or customs advice.
Get an Accurate Quote
What We Need to Quote Sea Freight
If you are not sure whether your shipment suits FCL or LCL, that is fine; it can be assessed from your volume and weight.
FAQ
Sea Freight From China — Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about FCL and LCL, quotes, charges, customs and documents.
Related
Related Services & Routes
China → Europe Hub
Country-by-country duty/VAT and delivery guides.
China → Germany
German gateways, customs and VAT basics.
China → France
Le Havre and Marseille-Fos, customs and French import VAT.
Warehouse & Prep
Multi-supplier consolidation and prep in China before export.
DDP Shipping
What a DDP quote should specify, and DDP vs DAP.
Air Freight
Need it faster? Indicatively 5–14 days standard, or 3–5 days express where available and confirmed in the quotation.
Rail Freight
China–Europe rail, indicatively 18–25 days: faster than sea, lower cost than air.
Logistics Assessment
Compare sea vs air for your specific route and volume. From €99.
Already have a supplier quote?
Get it checked before you pay — €99.