Shipping from China to the UK | Sea, Air, Rail & Express Freight
Shipping from China to the UK can be a streamlined process with several options to cater to individual requirements.
Air freight offers the quickest delivery time from China to the UK and is often the most affordable option.
Sea freight has lower costs than other shipping way.
Rail freight from China to the UK provides a faster alternative to sea shipping. Making it ideal for those seeking quick and affordable delivery services.
Sea shipping from China to the UK
Sea freight is the preferred and cost-effective shipping route for transporting goods from China to the UK. It provides reliability and relatively fast delivery. Due to its popularity and affordability, sea freight is often considered the best option when shipping from China to the UK.
Selecting the nearest port to your destination is essential to ensure efficient shipping from China to the UK. Depending on the cargo’s final UK location, Felixstowe or Southampton are the recommended ports for full container load (FCL) shipments. Felixstowe is also the designated port for less-than-container load (LCL) shipments.
Sea freight shipping from China to the UK has two options: less-than-container load (LCL) or full container load (FCL). Choosing the most suitable option for your needs and budget is crucial. Here are the key considerations for each option.
FCL Container Shipping from China to the UK
FCL shipping involves renting an entire container exclusively for your shipment. It’s the most cost-effective option if you have a large cargo. By choosing FCL shipping, you get dedicated container space, faster transit times, and increased shipment security.
- 40-foot container: 68 CBM of cargo
- 20-foot container: 28 CBM of cargo
FCL shipping rates from China to the UK
| Departure Port | Destination Port | Container 20’ (USD) | Container 40’ (USD) | Estimated Transit time (days) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ningbo | Southampton | 750 | 1350 | 38 |
| Ningbo | Felixstowe | 900 | 1500 | 38 |
| Shanghai | Southampton | 600 | 1050 | 34 |
| Shanghai | Felixstowe | 665 | 1080 | 35 |
| Shenzhen | Southampton | 730 | 1300 | 34 |
| Shenzhen | Felixstowe | 840 | 1300 | 30 |
LCL Shipping from China to the UK
LCL shipments offer substantial cost savings compared to full container loads (FCL). This option allows you to ship goods that occupy less than 1-15 cubic meters in size. LCL shipments are particularly suitable for individuals or businesses requiring international shipping of small-sized shipments.
LCL sea freight rates from China to the UK
| Departure Port | Destination Port | USD/CBM (1-3 CBM) | USD/CBM (3-9 CBM) | Estimated Transit time (days) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ningbo | Southampton | 10 | 20 | 35 |
| Ningbo | Felixstowe | 10 | 20 | 38 |
| Shanghai | Southampton | 10 | 20 | 35 |
| Shanghai | Felixstowe | 10 | 20 | 35 |
| Shenzhen | Southampton | 10 | 18 | 24 |
| Shenzhen | Felixstowe | 10 | 18 | 24 |
Air freight from China to the UK
Air Freight from China to the UK is an excellent choice when dealing with valuable and time-sensitive cargo. This service ensures competitive rates and provides door-to-door delivery and faster transit times than other shipping options.
While the cost of air freight might be higher than sea or rail transport, it offers several advantages. Air freight is renowned for its safety, speed, and convenience, making it a preferred mode of transportation. It provides flexibility in scheduling deliveries and facilitates efficient goods management, highlighting its value in shipping operations.
How long is air freight from China to the UK?
- Air Freight from China to the UK usually takes approximately 4 to 7 days in transit.
The delivery times of your cargo can be influenced by factors such as the size, value, and weight of the goods. You can depart your cargo directly from multiple airports in China, including Shenzhen, Guangzhou, and Hong Kong, to any airport in the UK. Notable UK destinations for air freight include London Heathrow Airport (LHR) and London Gatwick Airport (LGW).
| Departure City | Range | Destination Airport | Price Per KG ($USD) | Estimated Transit time (days) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shanghai | Rate for 100KGS-299KGS | London (LHR) | 3.1 | 4-5 |
| Shanghai | Rate for 100KGS-299KGS | Manchester (MAN) | 3.5 | 4-5 |
| Shanghai | Rate for 100KGS-299KGS | Birmingham (BHX) | 3.5 | 4-5 |
| Shanghai | Rate for 300KGS-1000KGS | London (LHR) | 3.1 | 4-5 |
| Shanghai | Rate for 300KGS-1000KGS | Manchester (MAN) | 3.5 | 4-5 |
| Shanghai | Rate for 300KGS-1000KGS | Birmingham (BHX) | 3.5 | 4-5 |
| Shanghai | Rate for 1000KGS+ | London (LHR) | 3.1 | 4-5 |
| Shanghai | Rate for 1000KGS+ | Manchester (MAN) | 3.5 | 4-5 |
| Shanghai | Rate for 1000KGS+ | Birmingham (BHX) | 3.5 | 4-5 |
| Shenzhen | Rate for 100KGS-299KGS | London (LHR) | 4.2 | 4-5 |
| Shenzhen | Rate for 100KGS-299KGS | Manchester (MAN) | 4.3 | 4-5 |
| Shenzhen | Rate for 100KGS-299KGS | Birmingham (BHX) | 4.6 | 4-5 |
| Shenzhen | Rate for 300KGS-1000KGS | London (LHR) | 4.2 | 4-5 |
| Shenzhen | Rate for 300KGS-1000KGS | Manchester (MAN) | 4.3 | 4-5 |
| Shenzhen | Rate for 300KGS-1000KGS | Birmingham (BHX) | 4.6 | 4-5 |
| Shenzhen | Rate for 1000KGS+ | London (LHR) | 3.6 | 4-5 |
| Shenzhen | Rate for 1000KGS+ | Manchester (MAN) | 3.8 | 4-5 |
| Shenzhen | Rate for 1000KGS+ | Birmingham (BHX) | 4.3 | 4-5 |
How much is the air freight rate from China to the UK?
- Air freight costs from China to the UK usually vary between USD 5 and USD 7 per kilogram.
These charges are determined based on weight, size, and volumetric weight, ultimately impacting the final rates.
| From | To | Air shipping fee |
| China | UK | $ 4 – $5 per kg |
Air freight costs comprise a combination of different charges and surcharges, such as the air freight charge, fuel surcharge, security fee, terminal fee, and other applicable surcharges. These charges are determined by individual airlines based on their operational expenses. Airlines frequently revise their pricing, considering seasonal variations, international oil prices, and market fluctuations.
Air freight charges vary by airline, route, and season. Each airline may charge a different amount for the same route, and a shipment made during the peak season will probably cost differently than one made during the off-season.
Rail freight from China to the UK
Rail Freight from China to the UK is a highly cost-effective and efficient shipping method. With its lower cost than air freight and faster transit time than sea freight, rail freight has become a prominent shipping method from China to the UK.
Rail freight presents several advantages over other transportation modes. It is more economical, faster, and environmentally friendly than truck or sea shipping. This service offers competitive shipping rates and can deliver goods from China to Europe in approximately 20 days.
The rail freight service from China was initiated with the first train journey from Yiwu to London in 2014, and it continues to operate successfully. Thousands of TEUs (Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units) of shipments are handled monthly, reinforcing its significance in facilitating trade between China and the UK.
How long does traveling by rail freight from China to the UK take?
Rail Freight from China to the UK usually has an average transit time of 18-20 days. This method offers a notable reduction of 7-10 days compared to other options, making it a cost-effective and efficient choice for cargo transportation.
Rail freight provides a faster and more economical solution than sea shipping, which takes approximately 20-30 days. This significant time-saving advantage has the potential to revolutionize shipping industries by offering a quicker and more affordable shipping method.
Door-to-door shipping from China to the UK
We provide door delivery services for international shipments on DAP or DDP terms. There are two main types of door-to-door delivery options: trucking delivery and express-door delivery.
Trucking deliveries involve shipping goods by truck directly from the origin station to the designated address, usually taking around 3-5 days for transit.
Express door delivery is another option. It involves transporting goods from the factory to an overseas warehouse by air or sea and delivering them to your door via Express freight within 1-2 days.
DDP Shipping from China to the UK
DDP reduces shipping costs and eliminates the need to worry about taxes and duties, saving time and money. This can be accomplished through sea, road, rail, or air freight. Ensure your Chinese factory prepares the necessary export documents for a smooth shipment process.
NewSmartShip’s DDP shipping service process
DDP (Door-to-door 、D2D) is a popular shipping method from China to the UK. In this method, the consignee receives the shipment directly at their doorstep, free from additional charges.
To ensure a smooth delivery, the consignee must be available at the designated delivery address and provide a signature upon receipt. The shipping company is responsible for any damages or losses during transit, making DDP a highly secure shipping method.
Before export, the cargo undergoes customs clearance in China. You can send it to our warehouse in Shenzhen, or we can arrange to pick up your goods directly from your China factory. In the UK, our customs clearance agent partners act as importers for import declarations, eliminating your need for VAT and EORI registration. We handle all customs clearance procedures, managing the process seamlessly between China and the UK. For the final delivery, reliable courier services like UPS, GLS, and DPD will be provided to ensure prompt and efficient last-mile delivery.
- DDP shipping suits Amazon FBA shipping and business and private addresses.
DDP shipping time from China to the UK
- DDP Air freight: The shipment typically takes 4-5 days to reach the UK.
- DDP Truck freight: Transit-time shipments can range from 13 to 14 days.
- DDP Rail freight: The transit time transported by rail can range from 16 to 20 days.
- DDP Sea freight: Shipping via sea freight from China to the UK usually takes 30-35 days
FBA Amazon shipping from China to the UK
Managing cargo shipping from China to Amazon FBA can be challenging. NewSmartShip has a specialized team dedicated to Amazon freight shipping services, simplifying transporting your cargo from China to any Amazon FBA fulfillment center worldwide. From collecting your cargo to coordinating with Amazon for prompt and secure delivery, we guarantee a professional and hassle-free consignment of your goods. Our goal is to offer a seamless shipping experience that supports the success of your e-commerce business.
We pride ourselves on offering the fastest and safest freight shipping service from China to Amazon FBA warehouses.
Our collaboration with DHL/UPS/DPD Express allows you to use exclusive shipping rates tailored for Amazon FBA warehouses. We work strategically with multiple carriers to secure the most competitive rates, ensuring cost-effectiveness for your business.
Our efficient process ensures that shipments are dispatched within 1-2 business days, and customers receive the tracking number within 24 hours of shipment. When using DHL/UPS/DPD Express, orders typically arrive at your Amazon warehouse within 1-2 business days. For shipments handled by other carriers, delivery times may range from 5-7 days, depending on your country and region. Rest assured, we prioritize timely delivery to meet your fulfillment needs.
Import customs clearance in the UK
HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) is the government agency responsible for handling customs procedures for import and export freight in the UK. HMRC collects taxes and duties on behalf of the UK government. There are two main types of customs handling for import and export freight:
- Customs clearance: This involves fulfilling the necessary customs requirements and documentation for importing or exporting goods.
- Customs warehousing refers to storing goods in a designated customs warehouse, held under customs control until the necessary customs procedures are completed.
Once your cargo arrives at the seaport, rail terminal, or airport in the UK, it must undergo import customs clearance before being released from the port. The import customs clearance process usually takes 1-2 days from the cargo’s arrival date and is typically completed on the same day.
NewSmartShip has a dedicated customs broker in the UK who will handle your import customs declaration to ensure a smooth customs clearance process.
Import tax and duties in the UK
Import duties apply to all imported items from other countries into the UK. The amount of duty to be paid depends on the country of origin and the type of imported goods. The type of goods determines the duty rates, with certain products qualifying for lower rates when imported from specific countries or even being eligible for duty-free imports. The taxes imposed on imports are determined based on the Harmonized System (HS) tariff classification code assigned to each product type.
HS codes, Tariff codes, or Customs codes are unique ten-digit numbers. They describe a product and determine the applicable customs duties and import taxes for UK shipments.
HS codes can be categorized into three types:
The first two digits indicate the product’s heading, the third digit represents the subheading, and the fourth digit signifies the first four digits of the six-digit product code.
HS code 8703.91.00:
- 8703 denotes the heading of the product.
- 91 means the 4-digit product code in this section (9100).
The UK Customs Tariff ( Trade Tariff ) can be accessed on GOV.UK. You can also obtain information from your Chinese suppliers or consult with our shipping team.
