If you’re planning to ship goods from China to the UK, it’s essential to understand the process to ensure a seamless and cost-effective experience. That’s why we’ve compiled expert tips and advice to help you navigate international shipping and avoid common pitfalls. From choosing the right carrier to understanding customs regulations, our guide has everything you need to know to make your shipment successful. So, let’s dive in and explore how you can streamline your shipping process and save both time and money.
How Long is Shipping from China to the UK?
If you’re wondering how long it takes for shipping from China to the UK, the duration can vary depending on the courier you choose. Typically, it can take anywhere between 8-24 days for your package to arrive.
What is the Fastest Way to Ship from China to the UK
Importers who need to ship products from China to the United Kingdom have several transportation options, including air, sea, road, rail, and express shipping. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, which we will discuss in detail later. However, if you need your products to arrive quickly, the fastest shipping option is the express method.
International courier services such as DHL, UPS, and FedEx offer express shipping services from China to the UK. This type of shipment is ideal for sending small quantities of products or sample items. While it may be more expensive than other shipping methods, it is worth the investment if you need your products to arrive quickly and reliably.
Different Shipping Methods from China to the UK
When it comes to shipping from China to the UK, there are several methods available. Let’s take a closer look at each one:
- Express shipping: This method is perfect for smaller parcels, such as sample products from the manufacturer. As the name suggests, express shipping is a fast option to get your item to you within a few days.
- Air Freight: If you need to ship more oversized items, air freight is a good option. Using a cargo plane, you can send items weighing 45 kg and 150 kg. While air freight is slower than express shipping, it’s still faster than the ocean freight.
- Ocean Freight: Wholesalers often prefer ocean freight because they can ship container vans up to 40 cubic foot size. However, there are more requirements to fulfill, including tax filing, which a broker can handle to make the transaction hassle-free. The arrival time for ocean freight may take longer than the other options, as it will be transported on a cargo ship. It may take a few weeks or even months to reach its destination.
What is the Cheapest Way to Ship from China to UK
Sea freight is what most wholesalers choose when shipping items from China. It is fast and reliable for many goods considering that they will come from China to the United Kingdom. Sea freight will be the best option for shipping from China to the UK.
How Much Does It Cost to Ship 1kg from China to UK?
The shipping fee will depend on different aspects. Usually, this weight of the parcel is best in the express. Here are some estimated prices of famous couriers internationally.
FedEx
- FedEx IP 17.835 GBP
- FedEx IE Express 15.392 GBP
- DHL Shoe Box 208.79 GBP
- DHL Moving Box 885.81 GBP
- UPS Worldwide Saver 48.43 GBP
- UPS Expedited Worldwide 179.36
How Much Does It Cost To Ship 20 Foot Container From China To the UK?
The needed shipment is through a container van when importing products from China in bulk. Containers are always in sea cargo deliveries since a 20-foot container shipping from China to the UK can contain up to 28 tons or 25,400 kg.
The shipment cost depends on different factors, but a rough estimate of £1,000 to £5,000 is the price from China to UK.
How much is a 40 ft container from China to UK?
Since the pandemic, the price of shipping in sea cargo has increased, and as of today’s date, the shipment from China to UK can cost up to £11,000 compared to £1,500.
The price may vary depending on the size, weight, products to ship, and many more. Even with the price increase in the shipping fee during the pandemic, sea cargo shipment is still the best method to do when shipping from china. A 40-foot container can load a maximum weight of 29 tons or 26,300 kg products. If you calculate the total cost, it’s still cheap.
How Can I Reduce Shipping Cost From China?
Shipping cost is one thing that you need to consider when buying goods from China. Shipping from China to UK can be costly, especially today, as we are still in the pandemic.
If you are a wholesaler or planning to start a business in the UK by importing goods from China, you know that the shipping fee is not a joke. That is why we are here to give you tips on reducing the shipping cost of your products from China.
Cooperation with freight forwarders in China
This is the best buying choice because freight forwarders arrange warehousing and transportation. They are like you middlemen connecting you to the suppliers.
It is convenient as they prepare to export documents, transportation, warehousing, freight negotiating, booking, and even cargo insurance. They will update you from time to time about everything, they are like your eyes, and when there is an issue, the freight forwarders will resolve it as soon as possible.
They can avoid extra fees; you can go to them if you want to reduce the shipping cost. Yet, they come at a price, and some are costly. You have to look for the right one with the best price.
Maximize The Shipping
Each shipping method has its own maximum weight limit. To reduce the cost of shipping from China to UK, you can combine multiple products from different suppliers in one shipment. In this case, you do not have to pay extra fees.
As long as the products come from China, this technique is possible. All you need to do is contact a freight forwarder, which, as I have said, can cost but is very helpful.
Also Check:
Shipping from China to USA: A Quick Guide
Final Thought
Shipping from China is now more accessible because of the different shipping methods available. All you need to do is find the proper process for your shipment, and everything will fall into place. At first, it can be tricky since you are just beginning, but the time will come when this process will be easy for you.
