/ By TJ China Freight / Cargo • China Freight News • Logistic

How To Choose The Right Shipping Method for Your Business

Among various modes of transportation, how to choose an appropriate mode of transportation is an important issue in logistics rationalization. Generally speaking, it should be determined from the service level required by the logistics system and the allowable logistics cost. Either one shipping method or an intermodal shipping method can be used.

 

When deciding the mode of transportation, the following five specific items can be carefully studied and considered on the basis of considering the specific conditions:

(1) the variety of goods;

(2) the transportation period;

(3) the transportation cost;

(4) the transportation distance;

(5) ) to ship in bulk.

Regarding the variety, nature, and shape of the goods, it should be explained in the packaging item, and the transportation method suitable for the characteristics and shape of the goods should be selected, and the affordability of the goods should also be carefully considered.

The shipping period must be linked to the delivery date, and the shipping time limit should be guaranteed. The transportation time required by various transportation means must be investigated, and the transportation means should be selected according to the transportation time. The order of transportation time is generally air transportation, automobile transportation, railway transportation, and ship transportation. Each means of transport can be grouped according to its speed to arrange the schedule, plus the operation time of its two ends and transit, the required transportation time can be calculated. In commodity circulation, it is a basic requirement to study the status quo of these transportation methods, carry out planned transportation, and hope to have an accurate delivery date.

The transportation cost varies with the type, weight, volume and distance of the goods. Moreover, the transportation cost will vary depending on the means of transportation. When considering the transportation cost, it must be noted that there is a mutually beneficial relationship between the freight and other logistics subsystems. The transportation method cannot be determined only by considering the transportation cost, but the total cost.

From the perspective of transportation distance, in general, the following principles can be followed: within 300 kilometers, transport by car; within 300 to 500 kilometers, by rail; more than 500 kilometers, by ship. Generally, this option is more economical and reasonable.

Let’s look at the impact of transportation batches. Because the transportation cost of large batches is low, the goods should be concentrated as close as possible to the final consumers. Selecting appropriate transportation means for transportation is a good strategy to reduce costs. Generally speaking, commodities under 15 to 20 tons are transported by automobile; commodities over 15 to 20 tons are transported by rail; commodities such as raw materials over hundreds of tons should be transported by ships.

Pay attention:

  1. Due to the imbalance of development between countries, the logistics method that can be selected in one country may not be adopted in another country due to the lack of the necessary infrastructure to adopt this method. In the selection, if this problem is not considered, it is impossible to form an effective logistics system.
  2. In international freight, I hope that through the above introduction, I can choose the appropriate freight method according to the actual situation of my goods. To save the cost of international freight, improve the timeliness of international freight, and ensure the safety of international freight.
  3. Generally speaking, the shipping time is long and the cost is low. If it is a cargo with a large volume or weight and a low value, it is more suitable for shipping by sea. On the other hand, for goods with smaller volume or weight and higher value, air freight can be considered. Although air freight is higher, the transit time is also shorter, and the business can be completed more efficiently and profitably.For example, if you have a valuable shipment of jewelry that needs to be shipping from China to USA, the best way to do this at this time is by air.
/ By tjchinafreight ivy / Shipping

What are the main exports and imports of the Dominican Republic?

What are the main exports and imports of the Dominican Republic?
What are the main exports and imports of the Dominican Republic?

The main export of the Dominican Republic

1. Cocoa Beans

The country produces two types of cocoa beans: Hispaniola and Sanchez. Hispaniola accounts for only 4 percent of the country's cocoa exports. The remaining 96% is occupied by the Sanchez variety. In recent years, cocoa beans from the country have become as valued as the precious cocoa beans from Ecuador. The coca variety in Ecuador is called Nacional, while the Dominican beans are known as the new Nacional.

The country aims to triple production by 2027. According to the International Cocoa Organization (ICCO), 40% of cocoa from the Dominican Republic tastes great, which means it has a woody, herbal, caramel flavor that makes it rich and balanced.

The Dominican Republic is the ninth largest exporter of cocoa beans in the world. Although it has always exported this product, in the 1990s the US was its only market. It has now expanded its market and now exports 90 percent of its production, or about 60,000 metric tons of cocoa beans, annually. This is mainly sold to the Japanese and EU markets.

2. Manufactured products

From clothing to exports of optical and technical equipment and medical equipment, the country was able to export more than $5 billion in 2018. The main exports in its manufactured goods shipments are medical and optical equipment. It has grown steadily as the demand for such devices continues to increase.

Their machinery and equipment exports also performed well, generating the third largest gain for the country. The main export partners for these products are the United States, India, Haiti, Canada and Germany.

3. Jewelry

Gold has always been the Dominican Republic's preferred export, a country rich in gold and other precious stones. The country's mineral wealth also enables it to export silver and nickel, not to mention some copper. Found only in the Dominican Republic, Larimar is essential to the creation of jewelry, which is why the country is a leading exporter of jewelry.

As demand for gold has grown over the past decade, the country has benefited greatly from the intensive development of the mining industry. They own the largest single gold mine in Latin America at the Pueblo Viejo mine, and despite a drop in gold production in the country, they still have reserves large enough to keep their export partners afloat.

The Dominican Republic also has extremely rich deposits of gypsum, which is why they are among the best in the cement industry.

Main import

1. Oil

DR imports crude oil and refined oil because their economies are largely dependent on manufacturing and mining. Both are oil-intensive activities that require a constant supply of oil to keep the industry going.

Refined oil leads its oil imports, accounting for 10% of the country's total imports. They import oil from countries like Venezuela and Mexico. The country uses about 37,000 barrels of oil per day.

2. Cars

Automobiles are the Dominican Republic's second-largest import, and the U.S. provides the largest share of the Dominican Republic's market for cars. In 2017, the U.S. exported $378 million worth of vehicles to the country. This accounts for almost 50% of the country's car imports.

South Korea is another important player in the export of cars to Latin American countries. That same year, they exported about $150 million worth of cars. Other players with stakes in this market include Japan, which exported $142 million to the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2017, such as Germany and Sweden, Canada, Mexico, India, Chile and the United Kingdom.

The U.S. leads in exports of small passenger vehicles, while Mexico leads in exports of heavy construction and agricultural vehicles.

3. Industrial raw materials

Importing raw materials to the Dominican Republic is cheaper than importing finished goods. The laws tend to favor raw materials, which means they impose lower import duties on such products. The country's main raw material import partners include Mexico, Brazil, Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, the United States, Argentina, and several countries in the Eastern Pacific and Asia.

/ By tjchinafreight ivy / Shipping

Using Big Data to Understand Shipping Rates

Using Big Data to Understand Shipping Rates
Using Big Data to Understand Shipping Rates

The trucking industry is a multi-billion dollar industry that keeps our economy going. Without freight services, businesses and households would have nothing, from food to toilet paper. However, most people don't really understand how big the industry really is. What's more, big data is critical to helping the trucking industry overcome two huge problems - driver shortages and fuel costs, two major factors driving freight rates. Take a closer look at both areas through big data.

Truck Driving Job Data

The biggest thing we hear from trucking is a shortage of drivers. The number of trucking jobs needed in the U.S. is projected to increase by 2025 so far, but what about the employment of truck drivers? The number of trucking workers has grown from about 1.2 million jobs since January 2010, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. As of May 2018, an estimated 1.5 million people worked in the trucking industry.

Operating cost of freight

Another key area to consider is the overall operating cost of trucking. In the trucking industry, trucking companies of all sizes get a share of the pie when it comes to freight costs. According to the National Transportation Institute, the cost of trucking includes:

  • Fuel costs about 40% of the total cost
  • 10% payment on truck lease or loan
  • 9% for truck maintenance and repairs
  • Truck insurance is 4%
  • 2% for licenses and permits
  • 2% of tires
  • 1% charge
  • Driver salary is 26%

All of these fees have an impact on the shipping price. For example, when crude oil prices rise, we see diesel prices and freight rates rising. When it comes to fuel, this is by far the largest part of any trucking company's budget. Therefore, it is easy to understand how fuel prices directly affect freight rates.

However, when interest rates rise, these loan payments and lease costs start to rise. The point is, as long as the economy affects the operating costs of trucking, it directly affects the cost that transportation customers pay.

Big Data Bottom Line

A shortage of drivers and rising fuel costs are just some of the reasons for the steady rise in freight rates. As you can see, it's a lot more complicated than any single answer. Other factors driving interest rates soaring include natural disasters, seasons and social disruption. Instead of trying to track the best shipping rates for your heavy equipment shipping needs, we recommend you turn to an expert.

/ By tjchinafreight ivy / Shipping

Details to remember when transporting heavy equipment

Details to remember when transporting heavy equipment
Details to remember when transporting heavy equipment

Understandably, most customers want the best combination of price and service to ship heavy equipment. Often, the company with the most detailed information gets the best prices, the best service, and the most loyal truck drivers. Unfortunately, it doesn't take much to make truckers want to pass on your cargo.

In order for shippers to have the opportunity to receive the best price and best service, they need to ensure that their heavy equipment shipments are attractive to as many trucks as possible. Having as much information as possible - including small details that can have a big impact on truckers and shipping - can help make your shipments more attractive and give you the best results (pro tip: working with a shipping partner can make a big difference Influence how truckers view your shipments and help you get the best price, service and delivery schedule).

Gather important but small details about the actual heavy equipment you are shipping.

When transporting any type of heavy equipment, having as much information as possible is essential to ensure safe and efficient transport. Here is a list of some of the most critical data to share with your shipping partner (or review it with your shipping partner so he or she can help you fill any gaps!):

  • The value of the commodity. How much is your heavy equipment worth, literally?
  • The make and model of the device. Be sure to know exactly what you're shipping.
  • Any modifications made to the equipment. It is important to be aware of any information that may change the basic specifications of your shipment.
  • Precise size and weight. An inch or two off could mean a different truck or a different route for your load. This has the potential to cause significant cost variances and/or delays. For heavy equipment, the exact Weight is also important, which affects which type of trailer is required. Ultimately, size and weight also affect your shipping costs and schedule.
  • Package. Will your heavy equipment be palletized or boxed? Need to cover with tarp?
  • A photo of your device. Photos are a great reference point to make sure everyone is on the same page.
  • Relevant names, phone numbers and emails. Having this information at your fingertips prevents scrambling. This information should be collected for delivery and delivery and customs brokers (together with account numbers).
  • Pickup and delivery routes. Likewise, having direction at hand can keep everyone on track and set expectations.
  • Hours and days of operation for pickup and delivery. If the driver arrives with heavy equipment and the recipient isn't ready or unable to receive it, these details can help prevent a big headache!
    Customs documents. This is especially important for heavy equipment that will cross the border between Canada and the United States.

Take the stress out of transporting goods.

Gathering all this information can be time-consuming. If the thought of collecting and organizing all this information is overwhelming, you may want to consider working with a trusted shipping provider.

/ By tjchinafreight ivy / Shipping

What to do if there is a problem during the transportation of heavy equipment?

What to do if there is a problem during the transportation of heavy equipment
What to do if there is a problem during the transportation of heavy equipment

Many shipping providers don't like to discuss the unfortunate reality of heavy equipment shipping (and any kind of cargo shipping).

Sometimes things go wrong.

Maybe the driver arrived at the wrong time to deliver the goods. Or abominably, an accident happened.

There are many things that can go wrong during heavy equipment shipping.

And...well...that's another unfortunate fact. When these things happen, there is usually nothing you can do.

Of course, depending on what goes wrong, there are usually things you can do to mitigate the damage. But the overarching theme here is that once you've picked a transport provider -- especially if you've picked the wrong one, it's often too late to "fix" anything once something goes wrong.

Prevention is the best way to solve problems during the transportation of heavy equipment.

Just like your health, prevention is always the best cure for heavy equipment shipping problems.

But how do you prevent something from happening in transit? We recommend performing two (2) main tasks to prevent problems when transporting heavy equipment or other cargo:

1. Choose the right heavy equipment shipping provider.

It's worth repeating, and you'll hear us talk about it a lot on the TJ chinafreight shipping blog: choosing the right partner for your heavy equipment and other freight needs is critical. A trusted partner will ensure that all the little details and loose ends are covered to prevent many of the most common problems when shipping goods. and by accident

When something goes wrong, they'll step up and take care of things so your stress is minimized. The difference between working with a trusted shipping provider versus someone who operates at night or isn’t customer and relationship centric is staggering. There are plenty of opportunities to notice these differences, none more so than a problem.

2. Do your due diligence before shipping your heavy cargo.

While a reputable shipping provider will ensure that s/he has all the details needed to transport your heavy equipment and other cargo safely and efficiently, you can prepare and have some details in place when you are ready to ship. In these cases, the smallest details may be the most important, including:

All the details are up front. When shipping heavy equipment and other goods, there is not a lot of information! Even adding more information back and forth can significantly delay permits and strain relationships with the driver hauling your cargo.

  • Exact pickup location and delivery location, including contact phone number and contact name
  •  Business hours for pickup and pickup
  • Any special request
  • Accurate dimensional weight and number of pieces shipped
  •  The value of the goods being shipped
  •  A photo of your device
  • Customs documents (if applicable)
/ By tjchinafreight ivy / Shipping

How to Calculate Multimodal Import Dutiable Value

How to Calculate Multimodal Import Dutiable Value
How to Calculate Multimodal Import Dutiable Value

The concept of international multimodal transport

The United Nations Convention on International Multimodal Transport of Goods defines international multimodal transport as, in accordance with the international multimodal transport contract, at least two different modes of transport, the multimodal transport operator takes over the goods from the territory of a country. Carriage of goods to a designated delivery point within another country. The "Maritime Law of the People's Republic of China" stipulates that domestic multimodal transport is: there must be a way of shipping. For international multimodal transport goods, the carrier issues a full transport document, also known as a multimodal transport bill of lading.

With the continuous development of China's economy, more and more goods enter my country's inland cities by multimodal transport. Inland transport has become an important component of multimodal transport, and inland freight also exists as part of the entire freight rate. . In reality, there are confusions about whether the freight in the inland section of multimodal transport is deducted and how to deduct it.

Is the freight for inland section related to the import dutiable value?

According to Article 3 of the "Guidelines for Valuation of Imported Maritime Transportation and Related Expenses" (hereinafter referred to as the "Guidelines"), the inclusion of transportation and related expenses into the dutiable value of imported goods shall satisfy the following three conditions: first, it is related to transportation; second It should be calculated until the goods arrive at the import point within the territory of the People's Republic of China before unloading; the third is actually paid by the buyer and should be paid.

According to the nature of the freight for the inland section of the import transit, the above conditions are marked one by one: First, the freight of the inland section is indeed related to transportation, and the conditions are met; second, the conditions are not met before the loading and unloading at the domestic import point - take the sea port as an example , when the trunk line means of transport enters the country (the demarcation point of "before unloading"), that is, the branch line transportation from the sea port to the inland point, after the loading and unloading; the third is the actual payment by the buyer, which should be paid, which needs to be based on specific trade terms. to judge.

According to Article 5 of the "Guidelines", there are two conditions for the identification before the arrival at the import location within the territory of the People's Republic of China. The place where the imported goods leave the means of transport for the first time; the other is before unloading, which refers to the beginning of the loading and unloading of goods.

The key point of the identification condition 1 is: the means of transport for international voyages and the imported goods leave the means of transport for the first time, which can be judged that the inland port where the goods are transported in the inland segment does not meet the definition of "input location"; the second identification condition mentions Pre-loading and unloading refers to the loading and unloading of goods transported in the inland section before the act of loading and unloading (international navigation means of transport), which does not meet the definition.

To sum up, according to Articles 3 and 5 of the Guidelines, the freight for the inland section is not included in the dutiable value.

/ By tjchinafreight ivy / Warehouse

Dropshipping from overseas warehouses

Amazon has been able to stabilize the position of the head of the cross-border platform for a long time. The most important point is to do local overseas warehouses in various countries. In 2021, the price of most industrial land exceeds that of commercial and residential land. Based on a forecast by real estate services firm CBRE that U.S. e-commerce sales will grow by $330 billion from 2020 to 2025, the U.S. will need to add about 330 million square feet of storage space by 2025.

The general concentration area of ​​overseas warehouses in the United States
The general concentration area of ​​overseas warehouses in the United States

A generation of hot is an inevitable trend

According to data from the Ministry of Commerce, as of December 2021, the number of overseas warehouses in my country has exceeded 2,000, with a total area of ​​more than 16 million square meters.

Overseas warehouses in the United States are generally concentrated in the east and west regions of the United States. The west of the United States is close to my country, and the lead time is shorter. The east of the United States covers about 70% of the population, and has an inherent advantage in the timeliness of goods delivery. US orders from overseas warehouses are generally dispatched within 1~2 days, not more than four days. Cross-border sellers can compete with local US e-commerce sellers!

At present, there are two main methods for drop shipping from overseas warehouses. One is to ship goods from overseas warehouse suppliers, and the other is that sellers stock up their own goods to overseas warehouses and then ask service providers to help them on behalf of them. Most sellers choose the latter.

The charm of overseas warehouse drop shipping

warehouse
warehouse

Warehousing costs are lower

As the world's largest e-commerce platform, Amazon is the best choice for many cross-border sellers. However, the warehousing cost and the processing cost of slow-moving products on the Amazon platform are very expensive. In this case, many sellers have to consider third-party warehousing as a "transit station" to reduce operating costs without affecting Amazon store operations. At this time, overseas Warehouse has become the "best choice" for cross-border sellers.
The goods sold are exported to overseas warehouses, mainly by sea and land transportation in bulk, and the required logistics costs are doubled compared to retail direct mail air transportation.

The disadvantages of self-built warehouses are highlighted

In the past few years, the disadvantage of "self-built warehouses" in the cross-border e-commerce industry has gradually become prominent.
According to the survey, 63% of sellers are troubled by local policies and regulations, and 56% of sellers are troubled by overseas recruitment and management. Another 30% of sellers are worried about policy and tax risks; 30% of sellers are worried about the risk of unsalable goods, and they also face risks such as financial pressure, goods safety, and poor management.

Complete chain

Overseas warehouses are not simply renting a warehouse, but a window to display brand, after-sales, consulting and even maintenance services.
At present, the overseas warehouse service provided by mainstream platforms is to provide sellers with one-stop services for warehousing, sorting, packaging, delivery and other items. Combined with the local logistics characteristics of foreign warehouses, it can ensure that the goods arrive at the terminal safely, accurately, timely and at low cost. in the hands of the buyer.
At present, retail direct mail is generally carried by air, which greatly limits the type and volume of goods. If the goods are shipped to overseas warehouses in bulk, large and fragile goods can also be traded through cross-border e-commerce. Compared with the era of postal parcels, overseas warehouses are more formalized and comprehensive.

/ By tjchinafreight ivy / International

MOL starts to stop using used electric cars

What happened?

It is believed that many people still have the impression that a car freighter named "Felicity Ace" caught fire and sank not long ago. The freighter carrying nearly 4,000 cars caught fire in the Atlantic Ocean, including Porsche, Bentley Lamborghini The luxury cars, as well as the very classic Honda Prelude sports car and many other models, were buried in the sea with this freighter. Recently, foreign media reported that some auto transport companies have begun to implement restrictions or outright bans on the transportation of electric vehicles, mainly due to concerns about the potential fire risk of batteries.

Felicity Ace freighter that caught fire
Felicity Ace freighter that caught fire

Japan's Merchant Marine Corp (MOL) is the latest company to say it will stop shipping used electric vehicles.
MOL, one of the world's largest ro-ro shipping companies, caught fire with its 6,400 CEU Felicity Ace and eventually sank in the Azores, making it the biggest shipping accident so far this year, according to accounting firm Vinson & Elkins. The total loss is estimated to be approximately $500 million.

This is also the fourth large ro-ro ship fire involving electric vehicles since 2019.

Why is MOL Stopping Shipping Used Electric Vehicles?

MOL freighter
MOL freighter

As a standard procedure, MOL inspects transported vehicles prior to shipping to assess for obvious problems that may pose a fire risk, such as fuel or oil leaks. However, these routine inspections are difficult to completely avoid the risk of fire for the current second-hand electric vehicles.

It is worth noting that Mitsui is the owner of the Felicity Ace cargo ship that sank in fire and sank, and the company lost more than 500 million US dollars due to the sinking incident. While the cause of the fire may remain a mystery, an electric vehicle on board is suspected of causing the blaze. However, a spokesman for the company said the new policy had nothing to do with the "Felicity Ace incident." Instead, the spokesperson said, it was a policy review enacted as a result of the increasing number of used electric vehicles the company received for transportation.

It is reported that many other ro-ro shipping companies will also decide to stop shipping used electric vehicles this year.

Aware of the rising risk of electric vehicle fires, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) issued a document last June saying it needed to reassess existing ro-ro ships' firefighting equipment and firefighting measures.

London-based law firm Watson Farley & Williams said in a recent report that while it is unclear whether electric vehicles are more likely to catch fire than conventional cars, it is widely believed that fires in boats carrying them are more catastrophic. , and more difficult to handle. “If the crew is unaware of the different firefighting procedures for electric vehicle fires and conventional fires, total loss is likely. There is evidence that current suppression and drenching systems are not adequate to deal with this new risk. So new designs need to be system and incorporate it into the ship design.”

/ By tjchinafreight ivy / Shipping

Japanese shipbuilders’ orders hit a six-year high in 2021

The surge in demand for bulk carriers has driven the number of orders received by Japanese shipping companies in fiscal 2021 to a six-year high.

It is the scenery of the Gulf region of urban area of Japan.
It is the scenery of the Gulf region of urban area of Japan.

April 12

The Japan Ship Exporters Association (JSEA) released the latest data on the number of orders received by Japanese shipbuilding companies in fiscal year 2021 (April 2021-March 2022). In the last fiscal year, the number of orders received by Japanese shipbuilding companies reached 313 ships of 14.2992 million GT, a year-on-year increase of 59.8%, and the year-on-year increase for the second consecutive year. This is also the year since the 2015 fiscal year (2018 million GT). The number of orders received exceeded 14 million GT for the first time.

According to JSEA data, orders received by Japanese shipbuilders in fiscal 2021 increased by 136 vessels to 313 vessels, an increase of 77% compared with 177 vessels in fiscal 2020. Among them, the order volume of bulk carriers increased by 123 to 218, a sharp increase of 129% from 95 in fiscal year 2020, and the proportion increased from about 50% to 70%. Orders for cargo ships such as container ships increased by 17 to 69, a 33% increase from the 52 in fiscal 2020, of which 43 were bulk container ship orders. The number of tanker orders decreased by 5 to 24, and the orders for VLCC, LPG and product oil tankers all declined.

March this year

The number of orders received by Japanese shipbuilding companies was 49 ships of 1,827,490 GT, a year-on-year increase of 75%, and a year-on-year increase of 21.2% in terms of tonnage, setting the highest monthly order record since June 2021, ending the three consecutive years since December last year. month's decline.

According to JSEA data, new ship orders received by Japanese shipbuilders in March included 13 general cargo ships and 36 bulk carriers. Among them, 13 cargo ships include 8 container ships, 3 general cargo ships and 2 ro-ro ships, with a total of 627,990 GT; 36 bulk carriers are 21 Handysize, 11 Handysize, 2 Panamax, 1 Cape of Good Hope and 1 ore carrier, totaling 1,199,500 GT.

The first 3 months of this year

Japanese shipbuilding companies received a total of 73 orders of 2,782,090 GT, down 24.6% year-on-year, including 16 general cargo ships (785,980 GT), 55 bulk carriers (1,963,410 GT), 1 oil tanker (30,600 GT) and 1 other ship (2100 GT).

By the end of March 2022

Japanese shipbuilding companies have a total of 411 orders of about 19.01 million GT, which is lower than the 18.5 million GT at the end of last month, an increase of 4.6% compared with the end of February, and the first monthly increase in three months. At present, the number of orders held by Japanese shipbuilding companies is approximately equivalent to 1.9 years of workload, and gradually recovers to a 2-year period close to the normal level.

/ By tjchinafreight ivy / Shipping

How to Ship From China to Australia

China is Australia's largest trading partner. China is not only Australia's largest export destination, but also its largest source of imports. Overall, it accounts for more than 30% of Australia's trade. The Australian economy needs the Chinese market. Learn about the shipping methods available from China to Australia.
These are some of the things your business needs to know when shipping between the two.

Two crossed national flags on wooden table
Two crossed national flags on wooden table

What products can you ship from China to Australia?

In the past decades, China became a global leader in producing electronics, cell phones, cosmetics, garments, shoes, furniture, and much more. Among the billions of dollars of goods shipped from China to Australia each year, top exports include:

  • Computer hardware
  • Electronic components
  • Garments
  • Household textiles
  • Furniture
    Plastic products

China’s an industrial powerhouse. Pretty much any good you can dream up can be manufactured in the country and shipped to another ﹘ barring some legal restrictions.

Laws and restrictions

There are few laws restricting exports from China, while most import restrictions in Australia are what you would expect: weapons, animals, drugs, cultural relics, food and plant life. It is worth noting that while some items are not prohibited from being imported in Australia, they may be prohibited in some states. Be sure to look around for more specific regulations before shipping.

Shipping from China to Australia

Available transportation

China and Australia have strong economic ties. The China-Australia Free Trade Agreement (ChAFTA) came into force in December 2015, removing most tariffs and boosting bilateral trade. When it comes to shipping from China to Australia, there are two shipping methods available:

Sea freight from China to Australia

Sea freight from china to australia.
Sea freight from china to australia.

If you are shipping on a budget, sea freight is the most efficient way to ship products from China to Australia. Depending on the size of your consignment, you can choose between less than container loads (LCL) or full container loads (FCL).

How long does it take to ship from China to Australia?

If China's loading port is Shenzhen, Guangzhou to Sydney and other Australian ports.
The transportation time is 11 days, 13-15 days, and 11 days.
Another port in Shanghai, due to the farther destination, takes much longer than Shenzhen, while Sydney is within 13 to 17 ports, Melbourne within 18-20 days and Brisbane within 13 days.
Taking loading ports such as Tianjin as a benchmark, it takes longer to consider shipping products into Australia than other ports that consider more than 20 days.
24 days for Sydney Harbour, 26 days for Port Melbourne and 23 days for Port of Brisbane.
While potential deliveries from Chinese ports to Australian ports have been identified, they cannot be guaranteed due to loading complexities.

It may take up to 7 days to load the cargo to the preferred port.

Air Freight from China to Australia

Air freight from china to australia.
Air freight from china to australia.

Air freight is the fastest shipping method, but also the most expensive. If you ship small consignments (up to three pallets) of perishable and valuable cargo, it may be worth considering air freight.

How long does it take for air freight from China to Australia?

It varies according to destinations such as port to port and door to door.
Getting items to customers' homes takes more time than ports.
Shipping from different airports in China like Guangzhou to Australian ports like Brisbane takes 3 to 6 working days.
But if the freight forwarder is responsible for home delivery, it will take 6 to 12 working days.
Because it needs to deal with the shipping system within Australia to deliver the product in time.
It varies depending on the destination of the port, which requires many formalities and routes to cover the cargo.

How to reduce shipping cost from China to Australia?

You must choose a shipping provider that has good experience with regularly shipping products and services from China to Australia.
They even offer customers discounts on product shipping.

For example, when freight forwarders have been offering discount programs, such as 10% less fees than usual.
It is suitable for items over 500kg, which will help reduce shipping costs.
In terms of transport items, there are two types of air freight and sea freight.
It is the responsibility of the organization to choose the appropriate shipping method for the goods.
If you need to ship the product within 7 days and carry more weight (eg 300kg), then air freight is the best option.
But when you need to ship about 800kg, you have to choose sea freight because it will be cheaper.

Australian customs clearance

Before you decide to source from a Chinese trading partner of your choice, please ensure that the goods meet Australian safety standards. For example, Australian law regulates chemicals in consumer products, children's products, vehicles and furniture.

For the customs clearance process, you need to provide many documents. These include:

  • Commercial invoice
  • Bill of Lading or Air Waybill
  • Certificate of Origin
  • Packing List (Inventory)
  • Letter of credit (or other payment terms).