Container shipping from China to Germany is a vital part of international trade. As one of the important trade routes in the world, with frequent economic exchanges between China and Germany, the demand for container shipping is very large, so understanding the cost of containers is very helpful for transportation, and this article will introduce it in detail.
Container Shipping from China to Germany
Container transportation between China and Germany is mainly carried out by sea. Sea container transportation has become the first choice for bulk commodities and long-distance transportation because of its economical affordability and large carrying capacity.
However, the transportation time is long. The goods depart from ports such as Shanghai, Ningbo, Shenzhen, and Tianjin, and finally arrive at major ports such as Hamburg and Cologne in Germany after a long sea voyage. It usually takes 30 to 40 days.
Factors Affecting the Shipping Containers Cost from China to Germany
The cost of container shipping from China to Germany is affected by many factors, mainly including the following categories:
- Bunker Adjustment Factor (BAF): Shipping companies usually adjust the cost according to changes in oil prices.
- Seasonal fluctuations: Peak seasons (such as after the Spring Festival and before the end of the year) will lead to increased demand and price increases.
- Nature of goods: Some goods require special handling or packaging (such as dangerous goods, refrigerated goods, etc.), and the transportation costs of these goods are usually higher.
- Shipping companies and service types: The cost standards of different shipping companies are different. Choosing fast routes or additional value-added services (such as cargo tracking, marine insurance, etc.) will increase transportation costs.
Shipping 20ft Containers Cost from China
A 20-foot container is ideal for smaller goods, with a length of 20 feet, a width of 8 feet, a height of 8.5 feet, a volume of about 33 cubic meters, and a maximum load of about 22 tons. It is usually used to transport goods with smaller volume and weight.
| Cost Component | Average Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Base Shipping Rate | $1,200 – $1,700 |
| Fuel Surcharge | $250 – $450 |
| Port Fees | $150 – $250 |
| Customs Duties | $200 – $400 |
| Insurance | $100 – $200 |
| Total Cost | $1,800 – $2,800 |
Shipping 40ft Containers Cost from China
A 40ft container is 40 feet long, 8 feet wide, 8.5 feet high, with a volume of approximately 67 cubic meters and a maximum load of approximately 26 tons. Compared to a 20-foot container, a 40-foot container is suitable for larger cargoes and provides more space and capacity.
| Cost Component | Average Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Base Shipping Rate | $1,800 – $2,700 |
| Fuel Surcharge | $350 – $600 |
| Port Fees | $200 – $400 |
| Customs Duties | $300 – $500 |
| Insurance | $150 – $300 |
| Total Cost | $2,800 – $4,500 |
You may also be interested in: Different Types of Containers
Cost of 20ft and 40ft Containers from China to Germany
Since different ports have different wharfage, loading and unloading charges, and demurrage charges, the following are the detailed charges for transporting 20ft and 40ft containers from different ports in China to major ports in Germany:
| POL (port of loading) | POD (port of discharge) | 20ft container cost | 40ft container cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shanghai | Hamburg | $1850-$2850 | $3000-$4200 |
| Shenzhen | Hamburg | $1800-$1800 | $3050-$4850 |
| Qingdao | Hamburg | $1950-$2950 | $3050-$4750 |
| Ningbo | Hamburg | $1800-$2900 | $3150-$4850 |
| Shanghai | Bremen | $1850-$2750 | $3050-$4700 |
| Shenzhen | Bremen | $1800-$2800 | $2800-$4800 |
| Qingdao | Bremen | $2050-$2950 | $3050-$4750 |
| Ningbo | Bremen | $2000-$2950 | $2950-$4850 |
| Shanghai | Wilhelmshaven | $1850-$2750 | $3150-$4750 |
| Shenzhen | Wilhelmshaven | $1950-$2850 | $3000-$4900 |
| Qingdao | Wilhelmshaven | $2000-$2800 | $3100-$4800 |
| Ningbo | Wilhelmshaven | $1950-$2800 | $3050-$4950 |
Read below for container shipping costs to other countries to help you understand more:
Cost of shipping 20ft and 40ft containers from China to Greece
Cost of Shipping 20ft and 40ft Containers from China to France
Customs Clearance Documents for Container Shipping from China to Germany
Customs clearance is an essential step after container shipping arrives in Germany. Common customs clearance documents include:
- Commercial Invoice: Lists detailed description of the goods, quantity, unit price, total price and other information.
- Packing List: Lists the specific list of goods in the container to help customs check the contents of the goods.
- Certificate of Origin: A document that proves the origin of the goods, helping to determine tariffs and import restrictions.
- Bill of Lading: A legal document that proves the contract for the transportation of goods.
- Import License: For certain specific goods, German customs may require an import license.
- Dangerous Goods Declaration: If the goods contain dangerous goods, relevant safety instructions and compliance certificates are required.
Learn more: Customs Clearance and Fees
The shipping costs of 20ft and 40ft containers from China to Germany are affected by multiple factors. Choosing the right container, shipping company and service type through this article will help control shipping costs and improve transportation efficiency.