In short: sea freight is the most economical for large volumes, but the slowest. Air freight is the fastest, but the most expensive, and suits small volumes or urgent orders. Rail, which links China to Europe overland, sits between the two. The right choice depends on your budget, your deadline and the size of your order.
Sea freight
The most widely used mode for importing from China.
Strengths
- the lowest cost per unit for large volumes;
- suitable for heavy or bulky goods.
Limits
- the longest lead time;
- transit times that can vary with the season and port congestion.
Two options
- full container load (FCL): you rent a whole container;
- less than container load (LCL): your goods share a container with other shippers, a good fit for medium volumes.
Air freight
Strengths
- the fastest;
- ideal for samples, small quantities or urgent products.
Limits
- the highest cost, calculated on weight and volume;
- some goods (batteries, liquids…) are subject to strict rules.
Rail freight
Rail links connect China and Europe.
Strengths
- faster than sea;
- cheaper than air.
Limits
- less flexibility and fewer destinations;
- availability and transit times that can vary with circumstances.
How to choose
| Your situation | Recommended mode |
|---|---|
| Large order, no rush | Sea |
| Medium volume | Sea (LCL) or rail |
| Small or urgent order | Air |
| Samples | Air or express |
Remember to plan for your seasons: for the holidays or back to school, choosing sea freight means ordering well in advance.
And after arrival?
Whatever the mode, the goods must be cleared through customs, then taken to your address, usually by truck. With delivered duty paid (DDP), everything is arranged right up to your store.
Frequently asked questions
Can several modes be combined? Yes. For example, a small part of the order by air to start selling, and the rest by sea.
How do I know the exact lead time? It depends on the route and the time of year. Every quote includes an estimated lead time.
General information, for guidance only. Lead times and costs vary by route and season.
Sea or air? We will recommend the best mode for your order. → Create my client space