Shipping Cost
Shipping Cost from China — What Actually Drives the Price
Freight rates change weekly with capacity and fuel, so we quote live rather than publish fixed prices. Here is how cost is built, so you can budget and compare modes confidently.
Main cost drivers
- Transport mode — air is fastest and priciest per kg; sea is cheapest per unit; rail sits between for China–Europe.
- Chargeable weight or CBM — you pay for the greater of actual weight and volumetric weight (air: 1 CBM = 167 kg; sea/LCL by CBM or weight).
- Incoterm — DDP includes duty and tax; EXW/FOB exclude most, lowering the quoted freight but shifting cost to you.
- Inland legs — pickup in China and delivery to your door at destination.
- Season & surcharges — peak season, fuel and holiday surcharges move rates.
- Cargo type — dangerous goods, oversized or temperature-controlled cargo costs more.
Typical cost profile by mode
| Mode | Best for | Cost position |
|---|---|---|
| Ocean LCL | Small–mid volume | Lowest (shared space) |
| Ocean FCL | Full containers | Low per unit |
| Rail (China–EU) | Mid-volume, time-sensitive | Mid |
| Air | Urgent / high-value | High |
| DDP (any mode) | Predictable landed cost | Mode cost + prepaid duty/tax |
Figures above are qualitative. Use the CBM and chargeable-weight calculators to estimate volume/weight, then request a quote for the real number.
Cost pages by destination
Pick a country to see its lanes and request a tailored quote.
Middle East
Americas
Asia
Africa
Europe
Oceania
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