Iraq is one of China’s important trading partners in the Middle East. With the advancement of the “One Belt, One Road” project, China has exported a large amount of machinery and equipment, electronic products and daily consumer goods to Iraq. The transportation needs of both parties have also increased, and transportation costs have always been The key points to pay attention to during transportation. This article will detail the containers cost of shipping from China to Iraq.
What is a Container?
Containers are commonly used in international logistics and are widely used in international shipping. Common container sizes are 20 feet (20ft) and 40 feet (40ft), of which 40-foot containers are divided into ordinary high-box (40HC) and general high-box. These containers are sturdy, durable, easy to load and unload, and stack, and are an indispensable part of international trade.
Types of Container Shipping from China to Iraq
When considering containers, there are several services to choose from, each of which can meet different needs and budgets:
- Full container shipping (FCL): This option allows importers to use an entire container to transport goods. FCL is ideal for companies that transport bulk goods because it is more efficient and reduces the risk of damage.
- Less than container shipping (LCL): For smaller shipments, less than container shipping allows importers to share container space with other shippers. This option is cost-effective because you only pay for the space used, so it is a suitable option for companies with lower shipping volume needs.
- Consolidated shipping: This service consolidates multiple shipments into one container, reducing costs while still allowing smaller shipments to be sent by sea. It strikes a balance between cost savings and convenience.
- Refrigerated shipping: For perishable goods, refrigerated containers are a necessity to maintain the proper temperature. This service is essential for businesses dealing in food, pharmaceuticals, and other temperature-sensitive products.
Cost of Shipping 20ft And 40ft Containers from China to Iraq
Shipping costs usually change. This week’s price may be different from the price of the previous week. Shipping costs are made up of many factors. Common costs include:
- Sea freight: This is the main transportation cost from the Chinese port to the transshipment port. The cost is related to the length of the voyage and the type of cargo
- Port charges: Includes loading and unloading fees, terminal handling fees and port miscellaneous fees, etc., which are usually charged by the transshipment port.
- Bunker surcharge (BAF): This is an additional fee established based on oil price fluctuations, which affects the total cost of container transportation.
- Customs clearance costs: Includes document preparation fees, customs broker fees, and import tariffs, etc., depending on the type of cargo and the regulations of the destination country.
- Insurance costs: Provides protection for possible losses of goods during transportation. It is usually recommended to insure high-value goods.
The goods depart from major ports in China (such as Shanghai, Shenzhen, Ningbo) and are safely delivered to major ports such as Basra and Umm Qasr. Below are the average prices for transporting 20ft and 40ft
| POL (port of loading) | POD (port of discharge) | 20ft container cost | 40ft container cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shanghai | Basra | $1550-$2200 | $2500-$3200 |
| Shenzhen | Basra | $1750-$2400 | $2450-$3150 |
| Qingdao | Basra | $1650-$2500 | $2350-$3250 |
| Ningbo | Basra | $1600-$2700 | $2450-$3600 |
| Shanghai | Umm Qasr | $1650-$2850 | $2550-$3600 |
| Shenzhen | Umm Qasr | $1600-$2800 | $2300-$3200 |
| Qingdao | Umm Qasr | $1850-$2800 | $2550-$3200 |
| Ningbo | Umm Qasr | $1800-$2850 | $2450-$3250 |
If you want to know the cost of shipping to other parts of the Middle East you can refer to:
Cost of Shipping 20ft and 40ft Containers from China to Qatar
Cost of 20ft and 40ft Container Shipping From China To Kuwait
Shipping Costs for 20ft And 40ft Containers from China to UAE
Shipping Cost from China to Bahrain
How Much Does it Cost to Ship from China to Saudi Arabia
How Much does it Cost to Ship from China to Oman
Factors Affecting the Cost of Shipping from China to Iraq
There are many factors that affect the cost of shipping containers from China to Iraq, mainly including:
- Market supply and demand: During peak shipping seasons or holidays (such as Chinese New Year and Islamic religious holidays), shipping costs may increase, mainly due to increased demand and tight shipping capacity.
- Route selection: Different route lengths, number of transfers and shipping times will affect freight rates.
- Cargo type: Special cargo may require additional packaging, handling and insurance costs.
- Weather: Severe weather changes may also affect freight rates.
Process of Container Freight from China to Iraq
Get Freight Quotes and Book a Shipment
The initial stage involves contacting a freight forwarder to obtain a freight quote. Provide details of the shipment, such as size, weight, and destination. Agree on shipping terms and rates, which may involve negotiating costs associated with shipping, insurance, and customs clearance.
Pickup and Delivery to Port
Once booking is secured, coordinate transportation to ensure that the cargo is picked up on time. Ensure that the cargo is delivered to the port of departure in China, ready for loading.
Loading and Ocean Shipping
The cargo will be loaded on the ship. Ensure that the cargo is stored securely to prevent damage during transportation. Understand the shipping time from China to Iraq, which usually takes 20 to 30 days, depending on the route and port congestion
Iraq Import Clearance
Once the cargo arrives, it must undergo import customs clearance, submit import documents, including bills of lading and customs declarations. Pay import duties and taxes imposed by customs authorities.
Unloading and Delivery to Final Destination
After customs clearance, the final stage is to unload the cargo at the port of arrival and arrange for the cargo to be delivered to the intended destination.
Customs Clearance Documents for Shipping from China to Iraq
To import goods from China to Iraq smoothly, it is crucial to ensure that all customs clearance documents are prepared. The following documents are usually required:
- Bill of Lading: Proves ownership of the goods and is the most important document in the shipping process.
- Commercial Invoice: Lists the detailed description, value and quantity of the goods as the basis for calculating tariffs.
- Packing List: Lists the contents of each package in detail, which helps with customs clearance and customs inspection.
- Certificate of Origin: Proves the place of production of the goods, which is crucial for determining the tariff rate.
- Insurance Policy: Provides protection against possible losses during transportation.
- Import License: Certain goods require an import license from Iraq to legally enter the Tanzanian market.
The cost of shipping 20ft and 40ft containers from China to Iraq is affected by many factors, and the cost of different container types also varies. Use this article to get the information, make reasonable plans, and ensure that your goods arrive smoothly in Iraq.