“From China to Australia – Shipping Methods
Australia is China’s tenth largest export customer. In fact, more than a quarter of Australia’s manufactured imports come from China.
If you are exporting to Australia from China for the first time, or you are looking for an easier way to ship your goods, this page should be interesting. It is varied and includes details on sea and air shipments from China to Australia, as well as guidance to ensure customs clearance.
Shipping from China to Australia
FCL by sea
FCL, or Full Container Load, is when your cargo fills an entire 20-foot or 40-foot container. If you’re shipping in bulk, you can save time and money by shipping FCL. FCL pricing is flat whether your container is completely full or not.
LCL by sea
LCL or less than container load means your cargo will not fill the entire container and will be shipped with other boxes or pallets. Please note that when you ship LCL, your cargo needs to be consolidated at the port of origin and unpacked at the port of destination.
This is the reason why LCL shipping takes several days than FCL shipping.
Air Freight from China to Australia
Air freight is by far the fastest way for you to import or export from China to Australia. Some shipments can be delivered within two days. However, this is the most expensive way to ship internationally.
How much does it cost to ship goods from China to Australia?
Your quote for shipping from China to Australia will take into account:
The type of item you are sending
You choose sea or air
The weight, volume and dimensions of the consignment
Your preferred delivery method – door to door, port to port, port to door or door to port
Not sure whether to choose air or sea freight? If your cargo weighs less than 100kg, sending it as air cargo is almost as economical as using an ocean carrier, and faster. Shipping costs are usually lower if you are shipping a shipment weighing over 100kg from China to Australia.
How long does it take to ship from China to Australia?
The rule of thumb for lead time (under normal conditions) is: 1-2 weeks for regular mail, 3 days for air express, 8-10 days for air, and 30-40 days for sea.
These estimates can be affected by a number of circumstances, especially in current markets, so it’s worth checking with your logistics provider. As things stand, delays are expected.
air transport
Standard air shipping between China and Australia usually takes around 8-10 days. It’s not that planes are slower; it comes down to the fact that the air freight process is more complicated than express freight.
ocean freight
Door-to-door shipping from China to Australia takes at least 30-40 days, and ocean shipping takes the longest. That’s because boats move much slower than planes.
In addition to the extra preparation, ocean liners slow down as much as possible to save fuel (and money).
On top of that, port congestion, customs delays and adverse weather conditions affect ocean freight more than air freight.
China-Australia customs clearance
Every commercial shipment from China to Australia must be cleared through customs. The process is complicated. This is why many businesses choose to hire a freight forwarder to manage it. Doing so eliminates the possibility of unnecessary delays affecting your shipment and ensures that your shipment complies with Chinese and Australian shipping rules and regulations.
You are still responsible for providing the mandatory documents that Chinese and Australian customs officials will almost certainly expect to see:
commercial invoice
Packing List
Certificate of Origin
Letter of credit or other payment terms (depending on the contract between the parties involved)
Air waybill or sea waybill
Tips to reduce cost and transit time between Australia and China
Book in advance. Shipping by sea is the cheapest, but also takes the longest. Booking in advance can save you money and reduce stress in the event of delays.
Off-peak delivery. When a carrier is busy, both shipping prices and shipping times increase. Ship in low season whenever possible.
Organize your documents. When it comes to fast customs clearance, having your documents organized can play an important role.
Know your HS code. Many shippers are surprised by the extent to which customs fees can affect the cost of doing business. Do your research so you can budget effectively.
Compare quotes from different suppliers. Quotes may vary, so please review quotes from different providers before making a decision.
Find out what’s included in the offer. Is your offer port to port or door to door? What services does it include? Know what you’re paying so you don’t get hit with unexpected charges.”
