Shipping can make or break your sourcing costs. Choose the wrong method and you'll either overpay or wait too long. Here's the complete breakdown.

Sea Freight

FCL (Full Container Load): You pay for the whole container. 20ft holds 28 CBM, 40ft holds 58 CBM. Best for orders over 15 CBM. Cost: $1,500–3,000 to Europe/US, 25-40 days.

LCL (Less than Container Load): You share a container. Pay by cubic meter. Good for 1-15 CBM. Cost: $120–200/CBM. Slower than FCL (more handling). Higher risk of damage (more touch points).

Air Freight

Chargeable weight: the higher of actual weight or volumetric weight (L×W×H in cm ÷ 6,000). Cost: $4–8/kg. Transit: 5-10 days. Best for: urgent orders, high-value items, lightweight goods.

Rail Freight

China to Europe via the Belt and Road rail network. Transit: 18-25 days. Cost: 40-60% less than air freight. Best for: Europe-bound cargo that's time-sensitive but cost-conscious.

Express Couriers

DHL, FedEx, UPS. Door-to-door. Transit: 3-7 days. Cost: $8–15/kg. Best for: samples, small orders under 50kg, urgent deliveries.

Key Terms You Need to Know

  • EXW (Ex Works): You handle everything from the factory door. Cheapest but most work.
  • FOB (Free on Board): Supplier delivers to port, clears export customs. You handle sea freight and destination. Most common.
  • CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight): Supplier handles shipping to your port. You handle customs clearance and inland delivery.
  • DDP (Delivered Duty Paid): Supplier handles everything door-to-door including duties. Most expensive but easiest.