Container shipping is one of the most common modes of global trade. Different container sizes, modes of transport, and destination ports will affect the cost of shipping. This article will provide a detailed introduction to the cost of shipping containers from China to Greece.
Container Type Selection
In container shipping from China to Greece, the common types of containers are mainly 20ft and 40ft. 20ft containers are suitable for loading smaller batches or light goods, while 40ft containers are more suitable for loading bulk or heavy goods.
Major Ports in Greece
- Piraeus Port: It is the busiest port in Greece and one of the important shipping hubs in Europe. Due to its strong handling capacity, the transportation cost is relatively low, especially for bulk goods.
- Patras Port: As the main port in western Greece, it is an important connection point between the EU and China, and undertakes part of the cargo transshipment work from China.
- Thessaloniki Port: It is the second largest port in Greece and is also of great significance to the trade between Greece and China. The trade between China mainly involves large machinery, chemicals, electronic products, etc.
Cost of Shipping 20ft and 40ft Containers from Greece
The cost of shipping containers from China to Greece consists of the following main components:
- Sea freight: The most important cost part, depending on the size of the container, the destination port, and the route, the cost will vary.
- Port charges: Includes unloading costs, terminal operation costs, port miscellaneous charges, etc. The costs of each port will vary.
- Transport insurance: In long-distance transportation, it is recommended to insure the goods for transportation insurance to avoid losses during the journey.
- Customs clearance costs: Includes import duties, value-added tax and other related customs clearance costs. Greece’s customs requirements are relatively strict, so customs clearance costs account for a certain proportion of the overall cost.
According to the latest market quotes, the sea freight from China to Greek ports is roughly as follows:
| POL (port of loading) | POD (port of discharge) | 20ft container cost | 40ft container cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shanghai | Piraeus | $2550-$3550 | $3500-$4800 |
| Shenzhen | Piraeus | $2500-$3500 | $3550-$4750 |
| Ningbo | Piraeus | $2500-$34500 | $3450-$4650 |
| Shanghai | Patras | $2450-$3650 | $3250-$4800 |
| Shenzhen | Patras | $2300-$3300 | $3500-$5000 |
| Ningbo | Patras | $2350-$3450 | $3450-$4850 |
| Shanghai | Thessaloniki | $2300-$3300 | $3450-$4650 |
| Shenzhen | Thessaloniki | $2500-$3500 | $3500-$4800 |
| Ningbo | Thessaloniki | $2550-$3550 | $3450-$4850 |
Read below for container shipping costs to other countries to help you understand more:
Cost of Shipping 20ft and 40ft Containers from China to Turkey
Cost of Shipping 20ft & 40ft Containers from China to Egypt
Cost of Shipping 20ft and 40ft Containers from China to Algeria
Factors that Affect the Shipping Cost from China to Greece
- Cargo type: Special goods such as fragile goods, dangerous goods, cold chain goods, etc. may require additional packaging, insurance and handling fees, increasing transportation costs.
- Seasonal changes: During the peak season (such as around holidays), the demand for container transportation is large and the cost may increase. During the off-season, the transportation cost is relatively low.
- Fuel prices: Fluctuations in fuel prices directly affect transportation costs.
- Route distance: Although the route from China to Greece is relatively fixed, the route distance and transportation time between different ports still have an impact on freight rates.
Goods Prohibited from Container Shipping from China to Greece
According to Greek customs regulations, certain goods are prohibited at the time of importation, and transporting these goods may result in the goods being refused entry or detained, and may even face legal liability. Prohibited goods include:
Dangerous goods
Chemicals, flammables, drugs, radioactive materials, etc.
Prohibited items
Certain types of food, animals and plants and their products (especially those that have not been quarantined), as well as certain luxury goods may be restricted.
Counterfeit and shoddy goods
Any goods that infringe intellectual property rights, including counterfeit brand goods.
Customs Clearance Documents for Container Shipping from China to Greece
Customs clearance documents are the key to successfully completing container shipping from China to Greece. The following documents are usually required:
- Bill of Lading: Proof of delivery of goods to the carrier during sea transportation.
- Commercial Invoice: Commodity price and transaction details.
- Packing List: Goods list, packaging details.
- Certificate of Origin: Proof of the country where the goods are produced.
- Customs Clearance Authorization: Authorize the freight forwarding company to handle customs clearance procedures.
Learn more: Customs Clearance and Fees
The cost of container shipping from China to Greece is determined by many factors. Through this article, you can understand the difference between 20ft and 40ft containers and choose the right shipping strategy to ensure that your goods arrive in Greece smoothly.