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Shipping from Australia to China: Ultimate Guide | SeaRates Blog

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With its vast consumer base and growing demand for imported goods, China presents a lucrative opportunity for exporters. But navigating the complexities of international shipping may feel daunting. 

SeaRates is here to take you through every step for a smooth and successful journey of your cargo from Australia to China. This article covers key aspects you should take into account for cost-effective freight rates, such as the type of goods being shipped, the ports being used, and the countries involved in the shipment.



How long does it take to ship from Australia to China?

Shipping costs may differ significantly depending on several factors. These include the volume, weight, and dimensions of the packages being shipped, the goods of the packages, and the mode of transportation. It's also vital to think about the shipment's insurance and the time of year.

SeaRates can help calculate the cost of shipping from Australia to China, but as a general rule: 


  • Air freight is typically more expensive than sea freight (although it can be cheaper to send small packages via plane).
  • Shipping expensive goods that carry a high insurance premium will increase your shipping costs.
  • If you can’t fill a shipping container with your goods, LCL shipping (less than container load) is a cheaper shipping method than FCL shipping (full container load). 

Considering these cost factors can feel overwhelming. SeaRates’ Logistics Explorer helps you figure out the best freight rates; to see your options, all you need to know is your ports of origin and destination when you plan to ship your cargo, and what type of shipment you’re sending. 

Generally, the cheapest shipping from Australia to China would be FCL shipping via the ocean outside the peak time of the year. 


Does the day of the month in which you plan to ship your cargo impact the cost of the freight rate?

Shipping cargo door-to-door from Australia to China could take up to 50 days, depending upon your chosen port of origin and destination, what is being shipped, and the method of transportation. 


1. Air freight is the fastest transportation method, with cargo taking between 1 and 5 days to reach its destination port in Australia.

2. Sea shipping from China to Australia takes longer. It can take up to 36 days for goods to reach their China destination port from Australia.

3. In addition, FCL shipping is a faster process than LCL shipping because of the logistics involved in loading and unloading the goods at either end of the journey. 



Port-to-Port
Door-to-Door
Sea FCL
18-36 days
23-41 days
Sea LCL
18-36 days
22-50 days
Air Cargo
1-5 days
2-5 days


When is the best time to ship from Australia to China?

Sea and air freight from Australia to China – especially for FCL shipping – are affected by seasonal factors. 
The primary peak season to consider when shipping from Australia to China is mid-August to mid-October, ahead of the Chinese New Year, Golden Week, Dragon Boat Festival, and Holiday Shopping Season. During peak times, prices increase because demand and container space are low. It is, therefore, cheaper to ship freight away from the peak season. 
When in the month you choose to transport goods can also make a difference to the price.
It can be cheaper to book a shipment in the last two weeks of the month because carriers are trying to fill spots on vessels. The beginning of the month can be more expensive, as carriers can levy general rate increases on cargo spots.
Generally, the cheapest shipping costs come from booking early.

What are the rates for shipping from China to Australia? 

As shipping rates vary significantly, the SeaRates Logistics Explorer can help you find a quote to suit you.
After adding in the basic details, such as the destination and date of shipment, the marketplace will allow you to compare various freight journeys. This lets you view the details of how your shipment will be processed and the transit duration. The marketplace also provides a cost breakdown for each leg of the journey to help you control your budget and spending. 
You can request a more tailored quote. This more detailed process asks specific questions about your shipment, such as its commodity type, its HS Code, and its weight. SeaRates will then contact you directly with some options.

Freight shipping quotes from Australia to China

These are examples of the most affordable 20-foot FCL shipping costs from Australia to China.

Sydney-Shanghai
From $165
Check rates
Sydney-Shenzhen
From $980
Check rates
Sydney-Ningbo-Zhoushan
From $165
Check rates
Sydney-Guangzhou
From $991
Check rates
Sydney-Hong Kong
From $754
Check rates
Sydney-Qingdao
From $165
Check rates
Sydney-Tianjin
From $760
Check rates
Sydney-Xiamen
From $625
Check rates
Sydney-Dalian
From $537
Check rates
Sydney-Lianyungang
From $165
Check rates

You can ask the SeaRates Customer Support team any questions about the freight rates you found. You can also request a quote for Australia to China shipping. You will receive a quote with more details about your cargo (commodity type, HS Code, and weight). After that, SeaRates will contact you directly and offer several options.

What do you need to think about when packing your container? 

Taking a practical approach to your packaging requirements when shipping cargo is vital. You must consider your shipment’s weight, dimensions, and packaging material.
While there is much to consider, SeaRates’ Load Calculator can help you understand your shipment's appearance and the space it will need. 
The Load Calculator will ask you questions about your shipment, including what equipment you will need to ship, your cargo type, and what shipping method you will use. 
The calculator will finally produce an image of what your cargo will look like in your chosen container, as well as the total volume and weight it will achieve.

What essential documents need to be completed when shipping from Australia to China? 

Correctly packaged and labeled cargo is vital for a smooth journey from Australia through the customs clearance process in China. Having the necessary documents, such as an importation permit for certain goods, a commercial invoice, and a packing list, is also crucial. 
The documents you need when shipping to China include:

  • Bill of Lading
  • Certificate of Origin
  • Commercial Invoice
  • Customs Value Declaration
  • Customs Import Declaration
  • Letter of Credit
  • Packing List
  • Proof of Insurance


Should you insure your container? 

We encourage our customers always to insure their cargo. Cargo insurance is often your only protection if your shipment is damaged or lost. 
You can find cargo insurance through the freight forwarding community or a third-party insurance agent. SeaRates can also help you find the right insurance policy for you. 
Insurance costs are typically in the region of 0.3% to 0.5% of your commercial invoice value. 

What are the major shipping ports in China?

Your factory, supplier, or freight forwarder will likely be happy to offer advice on which port is correct for you. Specific ports may prove better for you based on location, customs processes, and goods handling volumes, or perhaps your factory has a special agreement with a particular port. 

Major ocean cargo ports in China include:



Major air cargo ports in China include:


  • Pudong International Airport (PVG)
  • Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)
  • Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) (technically a Special Administrative Region of China)
  • Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU)
  • Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (HGH)
  • Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport (XMN)
  • Qingdao Liuting International Airport (TAO)
  • Xi'an Xianyang International Airport (XIY).
  • Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN)
  • Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport (SZX).


What are the major shipping ports in Australia?


Major ocean cargo ports in Australia include: 



Major air cargo ports in Australia include: 


  • Adelaide
  • Brisbane
  • Cairns
  • Darwin
  • Hobart
  • Melbourne
  • Perth
  • Sydney.


Find an accessible route from Australia to China for cargo transportation

We are constantly working on our IT tools to enhance your shipping and logistics. Reach out to the SeaRates team and open new destinations and markets expanding your services with the platform. We guarantee you the most convenient route at the best price so you can focus on growing your business.
The SeaRates platform provides you with a secure and convenient freight route at the best price. You can always contact us at [email protected] for assistance with your logistics needs.

Anna Vintsevska Anna Vintsevska

Anna – a content manager from Odesa, loves reading poetry and is passionate about writing fascinating articles. The biggest dream is to travel to Australia to save wild animals and their natural habitat

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