Ocean and Air Freight from China to Germany

In 2019, Germany established itself as China's sixth-largest export trade partner worldwide, and the most significant partner in Europe, by importing goods worth nearly $80 billion (USD).

This page is specifically designed to provide tips and guidance for ocean and air shipping from China to Germany.

Transportation Options for Shipping Freight From China to Germany

Although overland rail services offer a growing possibility for importing from China to Germany, ocean and air freight remain the most popular choices for commercial shippers. The majority of businesses trading between these two nations still prefer to transport their goods by sea or air.

If your supply chain can accommodate longer transit times to benefit from economical shipping costs, you can opt for Less than Container Load (LCL) or Full Container Load (FCL) ocean freight. LCL allows you to export goods from China to Germany without incurring significant costs associated with a full container. On the other hand, if you need to move smaller quantities of products quickly, air freight is the ideal solution.

Ocean Freight From China to Germany

Less than Container Load (LCL): When importing small quantities of goods from China to Germany, and air freight proves too expensive, LCL offers a cost-effective option. With LCL shipping, you only pay for the volume and weight of your consignment, and it does not require the rental of an entire shipping container. However, the process may take slightly longer due to consolidation and deconsolidation requirements during logistics.

Full Container Load (FCL): For larger shipments, FCL becomes the most economical way to transport goods from China to Germany. FCL involves the use of an entire shipping container for your consignment, which allows for flat-rate, per-container fees, regardless of cargo weight and volume.

Air Freight from China to Germany

If time is of the essence and you don't want to wait several weeks for your goods to travel via sea freight, air freight significantly reduces transit time. However, air freight rates tend to be higher compared to ocean shipping.

Shipping Costs from China to Germany

Freight shipping rates are subject to frequent fluctuations, making it necessary to obtain a quotation from a freight forwarder or carrier to determine accurate costs. Several factors influence the price, such as current demand for air or ocean capacity, fuel costs, availability of containers and freight capacity on vessels or aircraft, type of freight, and the size of the shipment.

To assist in determining the most cost-effective shipping option, consider the following guidelines:

• For small shipments weighing 100 kilograms or less, air freight may only cost slightly more than sea freight.

• For shipments exceeding 100 kilograms, the price gap between ocean and air freight widens, making air cargo less appealing if speed is not crucial.

• For large shipments, FCL shipping is the most economical, as flat-rate, per-container fees apply, regardless of cargo weight and volume.

• LCL shipping is cost-effective for smaller consignments as pricing is based on volume and weight calculations, without requiring payment for an entire shipping container.

Shipping Time from China to Germany

Air Freight: Expect a minimum of five days for air freight shipments from China to Germany. This duration includes time for carriers to consolidate air freight before loading and for customs clearance upon arrival in Germany.

Ocean Freight (LCL or FCL): For ocean shipments, allow at least six weeks or slightly more for LCL or FCL services to complete the journey from China to Germany. Specific transit times may vary depending on the origin and destination ports used.

Customs Clearance in China and Germany

Customs clearance is an unavoidable aspect of exporting from China to Germany. However, you can simplify the process by entrusting a freight forwarder to handle customs clearance on your behalf. They can manage the clearance process, although your business will still be responsible for providing specific documents accompanying the shipment.

Required documents typically include the Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Certificate of Origin, and Bill of Lading for ocean freight or Airway Bill for air freight.

Choosing Between Ocean Freight and Air Freight

Ocean Freight: Ocean shipping is a popular choice for businesses shipping large quantities of cargo due to its cost-effectiveness. However, longer transit times must be factored into the supply chain.

LCL Freight Shipping Considerations: LCL shipping is suitable for businesses with smaller consignments that do not fill an entire shipping container. It offers cost advantages up to a certain point and involves handling the freight during consolidation and deconsolidation.

FCL Freight Shipping Considerations: FCL shipping is ideal for larger shipments that can fill a shipping container or come close to filling it. It offers benefits such as minimal handling and cost advantages for shipping large quantities of goods.

Air Freight: While more expensive, air freight is significantly faster and offers tighter security controls. It is a preferred option for time-critical shipments or delicate goods.

Guide to Ports and Airports in China and Germany

Ocean Cargo Ports in China

China, a global trade powerhouse, boasts numerous cargo ports of origin that serve as crucial gateways for international shipping. These ports offer state-of-the-art facilities, vast container handling capacities, and strategic locations that make them ideal for exporting goods from China to destinations worldwide. Below are some key details about some of the major cargo ports of origin in China:

• Fuzhou Port:
Fuzhou Port, situated on the Minjiang River in China's Southeast, is a man-made, deep-water port equipped with over 100 berths. Notably, two new berths catering to vessels above the 10,000 tonnes class were completed in 2020. Serving as one of mainland China's top ten busiest container ports, Fuzhou is also the nearest port to Taiwan. Its annual container volume exceeds 3 million TEUs, making it a significant player in international trade.

• Guangzhou Port:
Strategically located on the West side of the Pearl River Delta, Guangzhou Port serves the city of Guangzhou and the surrounding regions. With its excellent container cargo handling services and 119 international container connections, this port has witnessed remarkable growth following recent operational expansion. It ranks among the top container ports in the world, with an annual container volume surpassing 21.9 million TEUs.

• Wuhan Port:
Situated at the intersection of the Hanjiang and Yangtze Rivers, Wuhan Port is a critical gateway for Hubei Province. The port consists of 244 berths, specializing in various types of cargo. Handling about 80% of the containers into and out of Hubei Province, Wuhan Port plays a pivotal role in regional and international trade, with an annual container volume exceeding 500,000 TEUs.

• Dalian Port:
As the most northerly ice-free port in China, Dalian Port enjoys a strategic location at the entrance of Bohai Bay. It has become increasingly busier since the establishment of the Liaoning Free Trade Zone nearby. This multipurpose port is operated by Dalian Port Corporation Ltd. and handles over 9.7 million TEUs annually.

• Shantou Port:
Shantou Port is a natural river port that provides direct access to and from the South China Sea. Serving as a gateway to Guangdong, a vital manufacturing province in China, Shantou Port has witnessed a surge in imports and exports, leading to plans for a port expansion. The port is owned by the Shantou Port Affairs Bureau and handles more than 1.25 million TEUs each year.

In addition to these ports, there are several other ports in China that facilitate shipping freight to Germany. Ports like Shenzhen, Shanghai, Lianyungang, Qinzhou, Xiamen, Zhongshan, Zhuhai, Qingdao, and Tianjin play essential roles in connecting China's trade to destinations across the globe.

Cargo Ports of Arrival in Germany

Germany, being a major player in the European economy, is home to several prominent airports and seaports, facilitating the smooth flow of goods and cargo. Below are some key details about major cargo ports of arrival in Germany:

• Bremerhaven Port:
Bremerhaven is a significant cargo port in Germany, boasting four container terminals and the largest closed container-handling area in the world. It ranks as Europe's fourth-busiest container port and can handle over seven million TEUs annually. Owned by the Free Hanseatic City of Bremen, Bremerhaven is a crucial hub for international trade.

• Hamburg Port:
Hamburg Port is the largest of Germany's ocean ports and ranks as Europe's third-busiest container port. With four container terminals and 22 berths for container vessels, it can handle over 8.5 million TEUs annually. Often referred to as the "Gateway to the World," Hamburg Port plays a vital role in global trade.

Airports of Origin in China

For air freight, China offers several major airports of origin that facilitate the transportation of goods to Germany. These airports have extensive cargo handling capacities and excellent connections to various international destinations. Below are some key details about major airports of origin in China:

• Shenzhen Airport:
With an impressive cargo throughput of over 1.2 million tonnes, Shenzhen Airport is a prominent air freight hub in China. It offers direct flights to/from Frankfurt and Cologne in Germany, making it an essential airport for shipping exports from the Pearl River Delta region.

• Guangzhou Airport:
As the third-largest cargo airport in China, Guangzhou Airport handles around 1.8 million tonnes of cargo annually. With direct flights connecting Guangzhou to Germany's airports of Frankfurt and Cologne, it serves as a significant gateway for goods from Guangdong Province's manufacturing centers.

• Chengdu Airport:
Chengdu Airport is the fifth-busiest cargo airport in China, offering easy road and rail access to Western China, including Sichuan Province. It operates flights to numerous domestic and international destinations, including direct flights to Frankfurt in Germany.

• Qingdao Airport:
Located in Shandong Province, Qingdao Airport provides several direct air-cargo routes to Germany. Although the airport will soon be replaced by the new Qingdao Jiaodong Airport, it remains an important origin point for cargo destined for Germany.

• Shanghai-Pudong Airport:
As one of the world's top-three airports for cargo throughput, Shanghai-Pudong Airport handles a massive 3.35 million hectares of cargo annually. It offers excellent rail and road connections to major commercial regions in China and has direct flights to Germany's airports of Leipzig/Halle, Frankfurt, and Munich.

Additionally, other airports in China, including Zhengzhou, Beijing Capital, Wuhan, and Xiamen Airports, offer various direct and indirect routes for shipping goods to Germany.

Airports of Arrival in Germany

Germany's airports of arrival are well-equipped with modern facilities and logistics capabilities to handle substantial cargo volumes. They play a crucial role in connecting China's exports to various regions in Germany and Europe. Below are some key details about major airports of arrival in Germany:

• Frankfurt Airport:
Frankfurt Airport serves as the main center for Germany's flagship airline, Lufthansa, and handles around two million tonnes of freight annually. It is the busiest airport in Germany and ranks as the fourth-busiest airport in Europe. With direct flights from various Chinese airports, including Beijing-Capital, Shanghai-Pudong, and Guangzhou, Frankfurt is a major gateway for air cargo from China to Germany.

• Nuremberg Airport:
Located in the Franconian metro area, Nuremberg Airport is the second-busiest airport in Bavaria. Although it does not have direct flights from China, it offers potential for cargo shipments through indirect routes.

• Munich Airport:
Handling over a third of Germany's air freight, Munich Airport has an annual freight throughput close to 400,000 tonnes. It boasts an 84,000 square-meter cargo terminal and operates several direct routes linking China's airports of Qingdao and Shanghai.

• Leipzig Halle Airport:
Located in Saxony, Leipzig Halle Airport ranks second only to Frankfurt in terms of cargo volumes handled. It processes more than 1.2 million tonnes of freight annually and operates direct flights from Shanghai in China.

• Hamburg Airport:
Situated just outside the city of Hamburg, Hamburg Airport is served by at least one direct flight from China's Qingdao. With its wide-body aircraft capabilities, it facilitates cargo shipments to and from China.

Why Ship Freight From China to Germany With PDS?

The content highlights the benefits of choosing PDS for international shipping, emphasizing the expertise, online capabilities, customer support, compliance software, and customs clearance services offered by PDS. The platform enables easy access to quotes, booking, payment, and tracking of shipments and provides a single solution for managing international shipping needs.

FAQs

• How much is air freight from China to Germany?
The cost of air freight from China to Germany can vary depending on several factors such as the weight and dimensions of the shipment, the departure and destination airports, and the urgency of delivery. Generally, air freight is more expensive compared to sea freight, but it offers faster delivery times, making it ideal for time-sensitive or high-value shipments. For precise and up-to-date pricing, it is recommended to consult with reputable freight forwarders like PDS International Pvt. Ltd.

• How long does sea freight take from China to Germany?
The duration of sea freight from China to Germany depends on the specific ports of departure and arrival, as well as the chosen shipping route. On average, a direct sea freight shipment from major Chinese ports to German ports may take around 4 to 6 weeks. However, this timeframe can be influenced by weather conditions, customs clearance procedures, and potential port congestions.

• How much does it cost to ship a container from China to Germany?
The cost of shipping a container from China to Germany can fluctuate due to various factors, including the container size, the type of goods being shipped, seasonal demands, and fuel prices. Additionally, the choice between Full Container Load (FCL) and Less than Container Load (LCL) shipments will impact the overall cost. It is best to request quotes from multiple shipping companies or freight forwarders to get a more accurate estimate for your specific shipping needs.

• How long does shipping take from China to Germany?
Shipping durations from China to Germany can vary based on the mode of transportation selected. Air freight is generally quicker, taking around 1 to 5 days for direct flights, depending on the flight schedule and connections. On the other hand, sea freight, takes around 4 to 6 weeks. The actual time will depend on factors such as customs clearance, loading/unloading, and the efficiency of the shipping process.

• What is the cheapest way to ship from China to Germany?
Sea freight is usually the most cost-effective option for shipping goods from China to Germany. While it may take longer compared to air freight, it offers significant cost savings, especially for large and non-urgent shipments. By consolidating shipments through LCL (Less than Container Load) services or utilizing competitive shipping rates offered by reputable freight forwarders, importers can minimize shipping expenses without compromising on the security and reliability of their shipments.

• What is the import duty in Germany from China?
Import duty rates in Germany can vary based on the type of goods being imported, their value, and the trade agreements between China and Germany. Germany, being a member of the European Union, follows the EU's Common Customs Tariff, which sets the import duties for goods originating from countries outside the EU, including China.

The Harmonized System (HS) classification is used to determine the applicable duty rates. Importers can check the European Commission's TARIC database or consult with German customs authorities to find the specific duty rates for their goods.

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