Shipping from China to Russia | Sea, Air, and Rail Freight Transit Time & Rates
China-Russia economic and trade cooperation has yielded significant outcomes, with China remaining Russia’s largest trading partner for 12 consecutive years. According to recent statistics, the trade volume between China and Russia reached US$136.089 billion from January to September 2022, marking a year-on-year increase of 32.5%. Out of this total, China’s exports to Russia amounted to US$52.244 billion, reflecting a growth rate of 10.3%.
Shipping Methods for Delivering from China to Russia
There are four primary methods for shipping goods from China to Russia: air freight, ocean freight, railway freight, and truck shipping.
- Ocean Freight from China to Russia
Sea shipping from China to Russia is a popular and cost-effective transportation choice. There are two primary shipping methods within sea freight: FCL & LCL.
- Air Freight from China to Russia
Air freight is widely preferred and fastest from China to Russia. The distance between the two countries is relatively short, and numerous direct flights are available, making transporting goods swiftly to their destination convenient.
- Rail shipping from China to Russia
We can offer China-Europe rail freight for shipping goods from China to Russia, including transportation to various inland cities such as Moscow, Kazan, Ufa, Togliatti, Blagoveschensk, Ekaterinburg, Krasnodar-sort, Perm, Rostow-tow, and other railway stations throughout the country.
- Truck Shipping from China to Russia
For some large equipment and huge tank goods that are not fit for railway shipping, NewSmartShip can provide professional and safe truck service from China to Russia.
Ocean freight from China to Russia
FCL and LCL:
NewSmartShip offers both Full Container Load (FCL) and Less than Container Load (LCL) options for ocean freight from China to Russia. With FCL, you can enjoy the advantage of exclusive use of a container, while LCL allows you to share container space with other shipments, saving costs for smaller loads.
Ocean Freight Shipping Rates:
At NewSmartShip, we understand the importance of competitive pricing. Our team works diligently to provide the best ocean freight shipping rates for your China-to-Russia shipments. We offer transparent and customized pricing options tailored to your requirements, ensuring you get the most value for your logistics investment.
Ocean Freight Time:
While transit times may vary depending on port congestion and weather conditions, our extensive network and partnerships enable us to offer efficient ocean freight services from China to Russia. We strive to optimize the shipping process, ensuring timely delivery of your goods to their destination. Our experienced team continuously monitors and manages the logistics flow, providing you with real-time updates and proactive solutions to any potential delays.
Advantages of ocean freight
- Cost-Effective: Ocean freight is more cost-effective than other transportation modes, especially for larger shipments or bulk cargo. The economies of scale of shipping goods in large containers result in lower shipping costs per unit.
- Suitable for Large Quantities: Ocean freight is well-suited for shipping large quantities of goods. The availability of various container sizes, including 20-foot and 40-foot containers, can accommodate substantial volumes of cargo.
- Versatility: Ocean freight can handle various goods, including dry and liquid cargo. It is suitable for transporting machinery, vehicles, consumer goods, and raw materials.
Main Sea Ports Connect China to Russia
Export Cargo Ports to Russia in China
- Dalian Port
- Tianjin Port
- Qingdao Port
- Shanghai Port
- Ningbo-Zhoushan Port
- Shenzhen Port
Cargo Ports of Arrival in Russia
Russia has several prominent cargo ports in the Sea of Azov, the Black Sea, the Pacific Ocean, and the Arctic Ocean.
- Sevastopol: Located in the Crimean Peninsula on the Black Sea coast, Sevastopol serves as an essential cargo port.
- Novorossiysk: Situated on the northeastern coast of the Black Sea, Novorossiysk is one of Russia’s most prominent and busiest sea ports.
- Vladivostok: Positioned on the Pacific Ocean in the Russian Far East, Vladivostok is the region’s primary port.
- Murmansk: Situated on the Arctic Ocean in the far northwestern part of Russia, Murmansk is the largest Arctic Ocean port in the country. It is a vital gateway for goods entering and leaving the Arctic region.
Rail freight from China to Russia
Rail shipping from China to Russia is convenient and efficient for transporting goods between the two countries. The railway route spans nearly 4,000 miles and has significantly reduced transport time compared to other modes of transportation. It offers cost advantages over air shipping and has a higher capacity to carry substantial cargo weight, making it a popular choice for businesses and individuals.
Advantages of railway freight from China to Russia
- Cost-Effective: railway freight provides cost savings compared to air freight or trucking due to its ability to transport large volumes of goods and fuel efficiency.
- Capacity for Large Cargo: railways can handle heavy and oversized cargo, making them ideal for industries dealing with such goods.
- Energy Efficiency and Environmental Sustainability: railway freight has lower carbon emissions and contributes to sustainable supply chain practices.
- Reliability and Schedule Adherence: railway freight operates on fixed schedules, ensuring reliable transportation for time-sensitive shipments.
Disadvantages of railway freight from China to Russia
- Limited Accessibility: railways have fixed routes and terminals, requiring additional trucking or intermodal transfers for door-to-door delivery.
- Speed: railway freight is generally slower than air or truck transportation, with scheduled stops and potential delays.
- Flexibility and Adaptability: railway freight operations may be less flexible and adaptable to schedule changes.
- Transshipment and Handling: Goods often require transshipment, adding complexity, potential damage, and extra costs.
Air Freight from China to Russia
Air freight from China to Russia offers a swift and efficient mode of transportation for goods between the two countries. With the speed and agility of air transport, your shipments can reach their destination in a fraction of the time compared to other modes of transportation. This is particularly advantageous for time-sensitive goods that require prompt delivery.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Air Freight from China to Russia
Pros:
- Speed: Air freight is the fastest mode of transportation, ensuring rapid delivery of goods between China and Russia.
- Flexibility and Frequency: Air freight services operate regularly with frequent flights, providing flexibility in departure times and accommodating urgent shipments. This allows businesses to meet customer demands and respond quickly to market changes.
- Reduced Inventory Holding Costs: Air freight’s fast transit times minimize inventory holding costs as goods can reach the market quickly.
Cons
- Cost: Air freight is expensive, especially for bulk or heavy shipments. Consider the value and urgency of goods to justify the costs.
- Restrictions: Airlines impose weight and volume limitations, requiring splitting larger shipments or considering alternative transportation methods for oversized or heavy cargo.
- Limited Capacity: Air cargo space is limited during peak seasons, reducing availability and raising prices.
What are the major airports in China that handle air freight to Russia?
China has several major airports that handle air freight to Russia. Some of the critical airports include:
- Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)
- Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)
- Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN)
- Shenzhen Baoan International Airport (SZX)
- Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU)
What are the major Cargo airports in Russia?
Russia has several major cargo airports that handle air freight significantly. Some of the major cargo airports in Russia include:
- Sheremetyevo International Airport (SVO)
- Domodedovo International Airport (DME)
- Pulkovo Airport (LED)
- Tolmachevo Airport (OVB)
- Koltsovo Airport (SVX)
- Vladivostok International Airport (VVO)
Truck Shipping from China to Russia
Truck shipping from China to Russia provides a land-based transportation option, utilizing road networks and border crossings to move goods between the two countries. It offers flexibility, access to inland destinations, and the ability to transport various types of cargo, with considerations including customs procedures, transit times, and cargo security.
Road Networks:
China and Russia share land borders, and several road networks connect the two countries. The primary land border crossings for truck shipping between China and Russia include:
- Manzhouli/Zabaykalsk
- Suifenhe/Grodekovo
- Hunchun/Makhalino
The three addresses are the busiest border crossings between China and Russia.
Trans-Siberian Highway:
The Trans-Siberian Highway is a major road network that spans Russia, connecting various cities and regions. It serves as a crucial transportation route for truck shipping, providing access to different destinations within Russia.
Trucking Services:
Trucking companies specialize in transporting goods by road between China and Russia. They offer various services, including full truckload (FTL) and less-than-truckload (LTL) options. FTL involves dedicated trucks for a single shipment, while LTL combines multiple shipments in a single truck.
The advantages of truck shipping from China to Russia
- Flexibility: Trucks can reach remote areas and regions without direct access to airports or seaports, providing flexible routes and destinations.
- Cost-Effective: Truck shipping is more affordable than air freight, especially for smaller or less time-sensitive shipments.
- Door-to-door Service: Trucks offer convenient door-to-door delivery, eliminating the need for additional transportation arrangements.
- Efficient Transit Times: Well-planned routes and efficient border crossings ensure timely delivery, particularly for locations near the border.
The disadvantages of truck shipping from China to Russia
- Longer Transit Times than Air Shipping: Truck shipping generally has longer transit times than air freight.
- Limited Capacity: Unlike air or sea freight, truck shipping has limited capacity for large or bulky cargo. Trucks have size and weight restrictions, which may pose challenges for shipping oversized or heavy goods.
- Vulnerability to Weather Conditions: Adverse weather conditions, such as heavy snowfall or extreme temperatures, can impact truck shipping, leading to potential delays or disruptions.
What are the typical shipping times for each mode of transportation from China to Russia?
The shipping times for each mode of transportation from China to Russia can vary depending on several factors, including the distance between the origin and destination, the specific routes used, customs clearance procedures, and any potential delays or disruptions.
Here are typical shipping times for each mode of transportation:
- Air Freight: Air freight is the fastest option for shipping from China to Russia. Typically, air shipments can take 1 to 5 days, depending on the airports involved, flight schedules, and customs clearance processes.
- Ocean Freight: Ocean freight is a slower but more cost-effective option for shipping larger goods. The shipping time for ocean freight from China to Russia can vary depending on the port of departure and arrival and the specific shipping route. Generally, a container shipment (FCL) from China to Russia can take 18 to 30 days.
- Railway Freight: Railway freight offers a land-based transportation option with faster transit times than sea freight. The shipping time for railway freight from China to Russia can range from 15 to 20 days.
- Truck Freight: The shipping time for truck freight can vary depending on the distance between the origin and destination, road conditions, customs procedures, and potential delays. Truck shipments from China to Russia typically take 10 to 15 days.
How much is the shipping cost from China to Russia?
The shipping costs for each mode of transportation from China to Russia can vary depending on various factors, such as the type of goods being shipped, the weight and volume of the cargo, the shipping method selected, and the distance between the origin and destination.
- Air Freight: Air freight is generally the most expensive option due to its speed and convenience. The cost of air freight from China to Russia is typically calculated based on the chargeable weight (actual or volumetric weight, whichever is higher). Air freight costs can range from $4 to $10 per kilogram. However, rates can be higher for smaller shipments or urgent deliveries.
- Ocean Freight: Ocean freight is a more cost-effective option for larger shipments. The ocean freight cost from China to Russia is usually calculated based on container size (e.g., a 20-foot or 40-foot container) and the shipping route. On average, ocean freight costs can range from $500 to $1,500 per container, depending on the origin and destination ports, the type of container, and any additional services required.
- Railway Freight: railway freight offers a land-based transportation option with moderate costs and faster transit times than sea freight. The cost of railway freight from China to Russia is usually determined by factors such as the distance, route, and the type and size of the cargo. Railway freight costs range from $300 to $800 per metric ton.
- Truck Freight: Truck freight suits shipments closer to the China-Russia border. Truck freight cost from China to Russia is typically calculated based on distance, cargo weight, and the specific route. Truck freight costs range from $200 to $600 per metric ton.
Customs Requirements and Documentation for Shipping from China to Russia
- Commercial Invoice.
- Packing List.
- Bill of Lading (B/L).
- Import Licenses and Permits.
Russia Import Duty Rates & Taxes
The import duty rates and taxes in Russia can vary depending on the type of imported goods and their classification according to the Russian customs tariff system.
Here are some critical points regarding import duties and taxes in Russia:
1. Import Duty:
Russia applies import duties on various goods based on their Harmonized System (HS) code, which classifies products for customs purposes.
2. Value Added Tax (VAT):
The standard VAT rate in Russia is 20%, assessed on the customs value of imported goods, including the cost, freight charges, and insurance costs.
3. Custom Processing Fees:
Customs processing fees may apply for handling and processing imported goods. The costs are typically based on the customs value of the goods and can vary depending on the customs office and the specific procedures involved.
Why choose NewSmartShip to ship goods from China to Russia?
NewSmartShip is a logistics company specializing in shipping services from China to Russia. It has extensive expertise in the China-Russia trade lane and offers various services, including air, ocean, railway, and truck freight. With its experience, it can assist with customs clearance, provide competitive pricing, offer shipment tracking, and deliver excellent customer support.
