Freight is where sourcing budgets are won or lost. The right shipping mode and Incoterms keep your landed cost low and your timelines predictable; the wrong ones quietly erode your margin.
This guide compares your main options for moving goods out of China and explains how to keep shipments visible and clearing customs without drama.
Sea freight vs. air freight
Sea freight is the most cost-effective option for most orders and is ideal for large or heavy shipments, with transit times typically of 25–40 days to India and the Middle East. Air freight is far faster — often 3–7 days — but costs significantly more, making it best for urgent, light or high-value goods.
Many importers use a blend: sea freight for routine replenishment and air for launches, samples or stock-outs.
FCL vs. LCL: how much are you shipping?
By sea, you choose between a Full Container Load (FCL) and Less than Container Load (LCL). FCL is more economical and lower-risk once your volume fills most of a container; LCL lets smaller shipments share a container but costs more per unit and adds handling.
Understand the cost components
Freight quotes bundle several charges. Knowing what sits inside a quote helps you compare forwarders fairly and avoid surprise fees at destination.
- Ocean or air freight base rate
- Origin charges and export clearance
- Destination terminal handling and clearance
- Customs duty and local taxes
- Last-mile delivery to your warehouse
Incoterms and tracking
Incoterms decide who arranges and pays for each leg. EXW puts everything on you; FOB hands over at the Chinese port; DDP delivers to your door with duties paid. For most importers, FOB or DDP through a trusted partner offers the best balance of cost and simplicity.
Insist on shipment tracking and proactive updates so you always know where your goods are and can plan around any delays.
Frequently asked questions
Is sea or air freight better from China?
Sea freight is cheaper and suits large or non-urgent orders; air freight is faster and suits urgent, light or high-value goods. Many importers use both depending on the shipment.
What is the difference between FCL and LCL?
FCL is a full container booked for your goods alone — economical once you have the volume. LCL shares a container with other shippers, which suits smaller loads but costs more per unit.
How long does shipping from China take?
Air freight typically takes 3–7 days; sea freight usually 25–40 days to India and the Middle East, plus customs clearance at destination.
What does DDP shipping mean?
Delivered Duty Paid means the seller or your sourcing partner handles freight, export and import clearance, duties and delivery to your address — the simplest option for the buyer.