Ship from China to Germany: the Complete Guide

By express/air/rail/sea

Table of Contents

China is a global manufacturing center and Germany is an important importing country on the international stage. Are you looking for shipping and logistics services from China to Germany? We, HYI Freight offer a variety of services that can be tailored to your needs.

Whether it is air, rail or sea container shipping, our team will work hard to provide you with the best and most economical shipping solutions from China to Germany.

When looking for the most cost-effective shipping solution from China to Germany, there are many factors to consider, including time efficiency, financial impact, and geographical logistics considerations. Throughout the entire logistics process, HYI Freight is ready to provide valuable help and support.

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

Shipping times from China to Germany can vary depending on the shipping method chosen. Generally, for standard shipping methods like sea freight, it can take around 4-7 weeks. For faster options like air freight, it can take around 1-2 weeks. However, these are just estimated times and actual delivery times may vary based on various factors such as customs clearance, weather conditions, and the efficiency of the shipping carrier.

Shipping time for different shipping Methods

Port/Door to Port

Door/Port to door

Sea freight from China to Germany

30-39 days

45-55 days

Rail freight from China to Germany

17-23 days

25-35 days

Slow air with truck from China to Germany

 

17-25 days

Air freight  from China to Germany

 2-7 days

7-15 days

Express from China to Germany

 

2-7 work days

 

International express shipping from China to Germany

Express shipping services provide fast, reliable delivery options for businesses looking to streamline their supply chains and meet tight deadlines when shipping from China to Germany. Choosing EXPRESS service significantly reduces shipping times and provides real-time tracking information for added peace of mind. HYI Freight has established long-term and stable partnerships with major international express companies, including DHL, FEDEX, UPS, EMS, TNT, DPD, etc., allowing us to provide moderate costs and fast shipping times.

The main advantages of express delivery from China to Germany:

1. Speed: EXPRESS shipping services are known for their fast shipping times, ensuring your goods arrive in Germany quickly and efficiently, usually taking around 2-7 working days.

2. Reliability: With express shipping, you can rely on a dedicated logistics network to handle your goods with care and precision.

3. Tracking: Know every step with real-time tracking information, allowing you to monitor the progress of your shipment from pickup to delivery.

4. Convenience: Express delivery services often provide door-to-door delivery, making it easy for businesses of all sizes to seamlessly ship goods from China to Germany.

Door to door shipping from China to Germany, PVA acceptable

There are three main options for DDP (Door to door delivery duty paid) transportation: DDP air transportation, DDP rail transportation and DDP sea transportation.

Of course, if you don’t need tax included and just need door-to-door delivery service, we can also provide DDU (Door to door delivery duty unpaid), which means tax excluded or PVA(Postponed VAT Accounting) service.

For door-to-door service, with your express authorization, we can arrange to collect the goods from your manufacturing facility and then transport them to the destination,  alll over Germany including: Business and Private addresses, or Amazon FBA warehouse.

Alternatively, if you prefer, the goods intended for shipping can be shipped to our warehouses in Shenzhen and Guangzhou.

For DDP services quote include all.

For DDU services quote exclude taxes.

DDP air freight from China to Germany: LCL shipping, shipping Time: 7-15 days

VAT & EORI: We use the VAT and EORI of our business partners as importers for import declarations.

 

DDP rail freight from China to Germany:LCL shipping, shipping Time: 25-35 days

VAT & EORI: We use the VAT and EORI of our business partners as importers for import declarations.

DDP sea shipping from China to Germany: LCL shipping, shipping Time: 45-55 days

VAT & EORI: We use the VAT and EORI of our business partners as importers for import declarations.

DDP slow air truck freight from China to Germany: LCL shipping, shipping Time: 17-25 days

VAT & EORI: We use the VAT and EORI of our business partners as importers for import declarations.

For the DDU freight from China to Germany: VAT & EORI: The VAT and EORI will be yours, need to be active business.

Ocean freight from China to Germany

When it comes to shipping goods from China to Germany, businesses have several options to consider, with sea freight being a popular choice for many. Sea freight offers a cost-effective and reliable way to transport large quantities of goods over long distances.

In China, we ensure the seamless export of your goods through key ports including Shanghai, Qingdao, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Dalian, Tianjin, Xiamen, Macao, and Hong Kong. Our comprehensive services range from full door-to-door, door-to-port, to port-to-port solutions. Opting for our door-to-door service guarantees a streamlined process from the factory/retailer in China to the final destination at your address in Germany. 

Goods shipped by sea from China arrive at famous German ports such as Hamburg, Bremen, Bremerhaven and Wilhelmshaven. These major ports are important gateways for efficient imports and play a vital role in promoting the smooth flow of goods between China and Germany.

When you ship goods from China to Germany, you have the option of using FCL (full container load) and LCL (less than one container load) shipping services. There are several key factors to consider when making this decision.

A standard 40-foot container can hold approximately 54 square meters or 22 standard pallets, while a 20-foot container can hold approximately 24 square meters or 10 pallets. If you are transporting a large amount of goods and can fill a container, choosing a full container is usually the most cost-effective option. Additionally, with FCL shipping, your items are stored separately from other importers’ shipments, ensuring greater security and minimizing the risk of damage or loss.

LCL shipping, on the other hand, involves sharing container space with other shippers’ cargo. This option is also known as LCL and is more suitable for smaller shipments that do not fill the entire container. LCL shipping provides a more economical solution for shipments that take up less than half of the entire container volume.

 

By carefully evaluating your shipping requirements and considering factors such as volume, cost-effectiveness, and safety, you can make an informed decision between FCL and LCL shipping methods to ensure your goods are shipped efficiently and reliably from China to Germany.

FCL (Full Container Load)

Full container freight rate from China to Germany (updated in March 2024)

Departure PortDestination PortContainer 20’ (USD)Container 40’ (USD)Estimated Transit Time (days)
NingboHamburg3300520030-39
ShenzhenHamburg3300525025-32

Here are some advantages of FCL shipments:

 

Exclusive Use: The shipper has exclusive use of the entire container, reducing the risk of damage or loss of goods.

Faster Transit Times: FCL shipments typically have faster transit times compared to LCL shipments since there is no need for consolidation or deconsolidation of cargo.

If your shipment is large enough to occupy a container, or even the majority of a container, then FCL shipping may be the most economical option. To get a personalized full case quote, fill out our form in 2 minutes and receive a response from one of our logistics experts within 24 hours.

 

LCL (Less than Container Load)

Less than Container Load freight rate from China to Germany (updated in March 2024)

Departure PortDestination PortPrice per CBM (USD)Estimated Transit Time (days)
NingboHamburg5035-39
NingboBremen5535-45
ShenzhenHamburg5030-35

LCL shipments involve multiple shippers sharing a container. Here are some advantages of LCL shipments:

 

Cost-Effective for Small Shipments: LCL shipments are cost-effective for smaller quantities of goods since shippers only pay for the space they use in the container.

-Flexibility: Shippers have the flexibility to ship smaller quantities without the need to fill an entire container.

 

If your shipment is much less then a container,  then LCL shipping may be the most economical option. To get a personalized quote, fill out our form in 2 minutes and receive a response from one of our logistics experts within 24 hours.

 

 Conclusion

 

Shipping from China to Germany by sea offers a cost-effective and reliable transportation solution for businesses looking to move goods over long distances. Whether opting for FCL or LCL shipments, sea freight provides a viable option for businesses of all sizes. By understanding the advantages of sea freight and choosing the right shipment method based on your needs, businesses can ensure smooth and efficient transportation of goods from China to Germany. 

Air freight from China to Germany

HYI FREIGHT has established an extensive network of air cargo carriers offering daily and weekly flights from major airports in China to destinations around the world. Air freight proves to be the most effective solution in the following situations:

– When your cargo is less than 2 cubic meters and less than 200 kilograms

– When urgent delivery of goods is required

 

At HYI Freight, we understand the importance of seamless air freight services in promoting international trade between China and Germany. With our expertise and commitment to excellence, we provide air freight solutions tailored to meet our customers’ unique needs.

Our charter services provide tailor-made solutions to give you peace of mind, transporting a wide range of cargo including:

– Consumer goods

– High value items

– Sensitive goods such as dangerous goods, fresh or perishable goods

– Time-critical transportation

– Medical supplies and humanitarian relief assistance

– Heavy and oversized equipment

– Spare parts for cars, planes and ships

Major airports in Germany include:

1. Frankfurt Airport (FRA)

2. Munich Airport (MUC)

3. Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER)

4. Dusseldorf Airport (DUS)

5. Hamburg Airport (HAM)

6. Cologne-Bonn Airport (CGN)

7. Stuttgart Airport (STR)

8. Hannover Airport (HAJ)

9. Nuremberg Airport (NUE)

10. Leipzig/Halle Airport (LEJ)

 

Our HYI FREIGHT air freight services from China to Germany provide a safe and reliable solution for all your air transportation needs for time-sensitive and high-value cargo. Our air freight services include airport-to-airport, door-to-door, airport-to-door, door-to-airport services, etc. With our comprehensive services, we monitor every step of the journey to ensure your cargo reaches its destination on time.

Standard shipping time for air freight from China to Germany is usually 3 to 15 days. Variations may occur due to seasonal demand and market conditions, but our extensive experience gives us the expertise to efficiently meet your logistics needs.

Through our services, we handle every stage of the journey with care to ensure your cargo reaches its destination exactly when you need it.

Air freight port to port shipping rate from China to Germany (updated in March 2024), 

Departure CityRangeDestination AirportPrice Per KG ($USD)Estimated Transit Time (days)
ShanghaiRate for 100KGS-299KGSFrankfurt (FRA)4.751-2
ShanghaiRate for 100KGS-299KGSHannover (HAJ)4.853-4
ShanghaiRate for 100KGS-299KGSHamburg (HAM)4.53-4

 

 

Rail Freight from China to Germany

Shipping from China to Germany by rail has become an increasingly popular and efficient option for businesses looking to transport goods between the two countries. The China-Europe rail network provides a reliable and cost-effective alternative to traditional sea and air freight services.

 

Benefits of rail transportation:

 

1. Faster Shipping Time: Rail shipping is faster than sea shipping and more cost-effective than air shipping. It offers a good balance between speed and cost, making it an attractive option for businesses looking to reduce shipping time.

 

2. Cost Effectiveness: While rail freight may be more expensive than ocean freight, it is usually less expensive than air freight. Businesses can save money by choosing rail shipping without compromising too much on speed.

 

3. Reliability: The China-Europe rail network is renowned for its reliability and punctuality. This makes it a reliable choice for time-sensitive trucking businesses.

 

4. Environmentally Friendly: Rail transport is more environmentally friendly than air transport, producing fewer emissions per ton of goods transported. This can be an important factor for businesses looking to reduce their carbon footprint.

 

 

 

Rail freight city to city shipping rate from China to Germany (updated in March 2024), 

 

Departure CityRangeDestination CityPrice Per CBM or 40HQ($USD)Estimated Transit Time (days)
ZhengzhouRate for 1-4.99CBMHamburg22516-20
ZhengzhouRate for 1-4.99CBMMunich22517-21
ZhengzhouRate for 1-4.99CBMDuisburg23517-21
ZhengzhouRate for 5-9.99CBMHamburg22016-19
ZhengzhouRate for 5-9.99CBMMunich22017-21
ZhengzhouRate for 5-9.99CBMDuisburg23517-21
ZhengzhouRate for 10-28CBMHamburg21516-19
ZhengzhouRate for 10-28CBMMunich21517-21

To get a personalized quote for rail freight from China to Germany, fill in our form in less than 2 minutes, and receive a reply from one of our logistics experts within 24 hours.

What is the cheapest shipping method from China to Germany?

The cheapest shipping method from China to Germany is usually by sea. Sea freight is often more economical than air freight, especially for bulk cargo or goods that are not urgently needed. Although ocean shipping takes longer, it usually offers more competitive prices. If your goods do not require urgent delivery, sea shipping may be your most economical option from China to Germany.

No matter which shipping method you choose, the most cost-effective solution for shipping from China to Germany is to hire a reputable China freight forwarder like HYI FREIGHT. Our expertise ensures the lowest freight costs and container rates from China.

At HYI FREIGHT, we offer competitive pricing utilizing high-volume shipping rates and offer guaranteed best rates for all shipping methods. Start the process now and get a shipping quote from China.

HYI Freight – Freight forwarder from China to Germany

Who are we

HYI Freight has become a leading name in global logistics and transportation services, serving customers in its region and beyond.

Established

HYI Freight was established in Guangzhou in 2005 and has been at the forefront of providing comprehensive logistics solutions.

Our service

HYI Freight provides comprehensive logistics and transportation services with a focus on efficiency, reliability, and competitive pricing. Our services include import and export freight forwarding, sea and air freight, land transportation, customs clearance, project freight services, warehousing and distribution, supply chain management, and information management.

Our Mission

At HYI Freight, we uphold our core values of honesty, integrity, and unwavering dedication to our customers. Our team is committed to providing personalized solutions by understanding our customer’s unique needs and challenges. Through cross-functional collaboration and continuous improvement, we strive to optimize processes and generate cost savings for our customers.

Why choose us

Our customer-centric approach, complemented by a strong global agent network, enables us to solve complex transportation challenges efficiently and effectively. At HYI Freight, we put customer service and reliability first.

HYI Freight – Your exclusive freight forwarder from China to Germany

Benefit from our competitive pricing and professional service tailored to your specific freight needs. Trust our expertise to optimize your logistics operations and save costs without compromising quality. Contact us today to explore the best shipping solutions for your business.

Frequently Ask Questions

1. How long does shipping from China to Germany take?

   – Shipping times can vary depending on the method chosen. Generally, sea freight takes around 4-8 weeks, while air freight takes about 1-2 weeks.

2. What are the major ports in Germany for receiving goods from China?

   – Major ports in Germany include Hamburg, Bremerhaven, and Wilhelmshaven, which serve as key entry points for goods shipped from China.

3. What are the different shipping options available from China to Germany?

   – Businesses can choose various shipping services, hyi freight offers door to door, port to port, port to door by sea, air, rail and express.

4. How do I choose between FCL and LCL shipping when transporting goods from China to Germany?

   – Factors to consider include the volume of goods being shipped, cost-effectiveness, and the need for exclusive use of a container (FCL) versus sharing space with other shippers (LCL). 

5. What documentation is required for shipping goods from China to Germany?

   – Common documents include commercial invoices, packing lists, bill of lading, and certificates of origin. Customs clearance procedures must also be followed.

6. Are there any restrictions or regulations to be aware of when shipping goods from China to Germany?

   – It’s important to be aware of import/export regulations, restricted items, and any specific requirements for certain types of goods to ensure smooth customs clearance.

7. Can I track my shipment from China to Germany?

   – Yes, it is, HYI Freight provides tracking services that allow you to monitor the status and location of your shipment throughout its journey.

8. What are the costs involved in shipping from China to Germany?

   – Costs can vary based on factors like shipment size, weight, shipping method, and additional services required. It’s advisable to request quotes from shipping companies for accurate pricing information. 

To get a personalized quote for shipping from China to Germany, fill in our form in less than 2 minutes, and receive a reply from one of our logistics experts within 24 hours.

Send us an inquiry now

Thanks for your inquiry, HY international team will be able to reply you in a working day. Please pay attention with the email suffix “@hyifreight.com

To work out the shipping cost, please offer:

  1. Product name,  material, photo.
  2. Packing information: packing list or carton size and weight.
  3. What is the address/port you want to deliver to?