Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about international shipping from China. Hope you can find your answers easily and quickly. If you need further assistance, please feel free to get in touch with us. As an experienced forwarding company specialized in international shipments, we’re always here to help.

Q: How has the global COVID-19 crisis affected China's sea freight shipments?

The ocean freight industry has not been as badly affected when compared to the air freight industry, however, both methods of ocean transportation for cargo leaving China are facing small delays, and continuously fluctuating rates.
As of today, exporting products from China is almost back to normal. However, there continue to be restrictions and delays at destination ports, which continue to cause delays. With skeleton crews, and additional screening, we are seeing an overall slowdown to some degree, however, it is manageable.
When comparing shipping via air and ocean, TJ China Freight suggests that our customers opt to ship via ocean whenever possible, due to the increased costs of air transportation.

Q: Where does TJ China Freight ship to?

Our primary focus is exporting products from China. And shipping all over the world. The destinations we ship the majority of our customers' products to are; North America, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, and Thailand.

Q: How long does it take to ship by sea from China to the US?

It takes between 28-40 days to ship products from China to the US by sea. While there are some options for faster shipments, and routes that can take longer than 40 days, the large majority of shipments fit within the above timeframe.

Q: How long does it take to ship by sea from China to the UK?

When shipping from China to the UK, it takes between 29-32 days. Shipping to the United Kingdom is rather consistent, due to its smaller size and major ports.

Q: How long does it take to ship by sea from China to Australia?

Shipments from China to Australia take between 13-22 days. There is a fast vessel that travels from Shenzhen to Melbourne in 13 days. Other vessels take between 16-22 days. While the fast vessel is more expensive, the timing can be compared to air freight. If timing is not urgent, waiting a couple of extra days can offer cost savings.

Q: What is the difference between FCL and LCL?

FCL stands for a full container load. This method is used when shipping cargo that could fill up an entire container.
LCL stands for less than container load and is used when shipping cargo via sea that would not fill up an entire container.

Q: What is cheaper, FCL, or LCL?

When shipping from China, a general rule of thumb is that the larger and slower the mode of transport, the less expensive the shipment will be. When looking at the cost per cubic meter, FCL is always going to be cheaper than LCL, but, if a load is too small for a full container, the cost of sharing a container with other customers will often cost less than shipping a full container with empty space.

Q: If I ship via LCL, who am I sharing the container with?

When customers opt for LCL shipments, we consolidate their products with other similar customers shipping to similar destinations. We are fortunate to ship via LCL with enough customers worldwide, where we can offer a wide array of options at any given time.
Since shared shipments can pose a risk to customers, we rely on cutting-edge technology to vet each load, classify its risk, and pair it with similar freight to avoid time-consuming issues, such as customs inspections.
Anytime a customer asks us to ship via LCL, we do our best to understand their product and any potential risk. Once we have this information, we can better match similar shipments to fill containers.

Q: If my supplier does not have a Chinese export license, can TJ China Freight assist in the export?

If a supplier is unable to export their goods, TJ China Freight can either act as the exporter in China or work with a partnered company with a license to export the particular product you need assistance with.

Q: I am shipping to the United States, and I don't have an import bond, can TJ China Freight help?

TJ China Freight can either act as the importer on record or assist with obtaining import bonds in the United States for its customers’.

Q: I have never shipped something from China before, can TJ China Freight help?

Shipping cargo internationally can feel like a daunting task. If this is your first-time shipping something globally, we will be more than happy to hold your hand and walk you through the full process. We strive to offer shipping solutions that are stress-free and encourage businesses of all sizes to rely on us to fulfill shipments from China.
Everyone went through their first shipment, and if you’re in that position now, we would be honored to be involved in your journey.