With the advancement of the “Belt and Road” initiative, trade between China and Italy has become increasingly frequent, and container transportation has become the main mode of cargo transportation. Cost is the focus of attention for enterprises and individuals. This article will introduce the cost of shipping containers from China to Italy in detail.
Shipping Container from China to Italy
Container transportation from China to Italy mainly relies on sea transportation, and the routes cover major ports in China (such as Shanghai, Shenzhen, Ningbo) and major ports in Italy (such as Genoa, Naples, Trieste). This mode of transportation is often used for bulk goods, and the transportation time takes about 25-45 days.
The difference between 20ft and 40ft containers
In international freight, the standard sizes of containers are usually 20ft and 40ft. These two containers are the most common means of transportation, each with different carrying capacities and scopes of application:
- 20ft container: The external dimensions are 6.1 meters long, 2.44 meters wide, and 2.59 meters high, with a volume of approximately 33 cubic meters. Suitable for transporting small and light goods, such as furniture and electronic products.
- 40ft container: The external dimensions are 12.2 meters long, 2.44 meters wide, and 2.59 meters high, with a volume of approximately 67 cubic meters. Suitable for transporting large and heavy goods, such as machinery and equipment, automobiles, etc.
learn more: Different Types of Containers
Shipping 20ft Containers Cost from China to Italy
The sea freight for a 20ft container from China to Italy is approximately between $1,800 and $3,000. The specific cost depends on factors such as the route, ship date, and cargo type. The following are different cost parts
| Cost Component | Average Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Base Shipping Rate | $1,400 – $2,000 |
| Fuel Surcharge | $250 – $450 |
| Port Fees | $150 – $250 |
| Customs Duties | $200 – $400 |
| Insurance | $100 – $200 |
| Total Cost | $1,800 – $3,000 |
Shipping 40ft Containers Cost from China to Italy
The ocean freight for a 40ft container from China to Italy is approximately between $2,000 and $5,000, depending on factors such as route, ship date, and cargo type.
| Cost Component | Average Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Base Shipping Rate | $2,000 – $3,000 |
| Fuel Surcharge | $350 – $600 |
| Port Fees | $200 – $400 |
| Customs Duties | $300 – $500 |
| Insurance | $150 – $300 |
| Total Cost | $3,000 – $5,000 |
Cost of Shipping 20ft and 40ft Containers from China to Italy
The cost of shipping containers from China to Italy is also affected by many factors,
- Route: Freight rates vary greatly between different routes, and direct routes are usually more expensive than transit routes.
- Shipment: Freight rates in peak season (such as before Christmas) are usually higher than in off-season.
- Cargo type: Freight rates for dangerous goods and overweight and oversized goods are usually higher.
- Fuel price: Rising fuel prices will lead to higher freight rates.
The following are specific cost references between different ports:
| POL (port of loading) | POD (port of discharge) | 20ft container cost | 40ft container cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shanghai | Genoa | $2050-$3150 | $3000-$5000 |
| Shenzhen | Genoa | $1900-$3000 | $3150-$4950 |
| Ningbo | Genoa | $2000-$3000 | $3050-$4850 |
| Shanghai | Naples | $1950-$2950 | $3150-$4800 |
| Shenzhen | Naples | $1900-$3100 | $3100-$5000 |
| Ningbo | Naples | $2050-$3050 | $3250-$5050 |
| Shanghai | Trieste | $1800-$3000 | $3050-$4850 |
| Shenzhen | Trieste | $1900-$2900 | $2900-$4800 |
| Ningbo | Trieste | $1850-$3150 | $3150-$4950 |
Learn more about the cost of shipping containers from China to other countries:
Cost of shipping 20ft and 40ft containers from China to Greece
Cost of Shipping 20ft and 40ft Containers from China to Spain
Cost of Shipping 20ft and 40ft Containers from China to Algeria
Goods Prohibited from Shipping Container from China to Italy
In container transport, there are some goods that are prohibited from transport. According to the regulations of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the customs policies of various countries, the following goods are usually not transported by container:
- Weapons and ammunition
- Drugs
- Counterfeit and shoddy goods
- Goods that infringe intellectual property rights
- Endangered animals and plants and their products
Customs Clearance Documents for Shipping from China to Italy
Customs clearance documents during transportation are crucial and involve the import and export procedures of goods. Generally speaking, the main customs clearance documents required for shipping containers from China to Italy include:
- Commercial invoice: details the name, quantity, value and trade terms of the goods.
- Packing list: lists the details of all goods.
- Bill of lading: a transportation contract issued by the transport company, confirming that the goods have been delivered to the transport company.
- Certificate of origin: proves the place of production of the goods.
- Insurance policy: if the owner chooses cargo insurance, the relevant insurance policy needs to be provided.
- Import license or permission certificate: some special goods may require an import license from Italian customs.
The cost of container shipping from China to Italy depends on many factors. Typically, a 40ft container has higher freight rates than a 20ft container, but the freight rate per unit volume is lower. This article will help you complete the import formalities smoothly and avoid additional costs and delays.