sea
Sea
For shipments where cost efficiency and cargo volume matter more than speed.
China → Europe route
Shipping from China to Europe
Compare transport options, understand the shipment process and build a logistics plan around your cargo, destination and timing requirements.
Quick Route Overview
Start with the shipment: supplier locations, cargo profile, destination and delivery requirements all shape the plan.
A coordinated route can include pickup, consolidation, export preparation, international transport, customs-related arrangements and final delivery planning.
Mode selection
Sea vs Air vs Rail
rail
Rail
A route option that may provide a balance between speed and cost for suitable origins, destinations and cargo.
air
Air
For time-sensitive, higher-value or replenishment shipments where speed is a priority.
Door-to-Door Process
- Supplier
- Pickup
- Consolidation
- Export preparation
- International freight
- Customs-related arrangements
- Final delivery
China Origin
- Confirm supplier locations, cargo readiness and collection requirements before selecting a transport plan.
- When multiple suppliers are involved, consolidation can be considered where the shipment and route allow.
Destination
- Plan the destination country, final delivery location and any destination-side handling requirements together.
- The importer setup and delivery point help determine the information required for the shipment plan.
Transit Time Factors
- Transit planning depends on origin, destination, cargo readiness, selected mode and routing conditions.
- Consolidation, export preparation and destination-side requirements can affect the shipment sequence.
Shipping Cost Factors
- Cargo dimensions, weight and packing affect chargeable freight considerations.
- Origin collection, international transport, destination handling and final delivery scope affect the overall plan.
- The selected transport mode and shipment readiness can change the cost factors that need to be assessed.
Customs & EORI
- Customs requirements and available clearance arrangements are assessed according to the destination country, cargo and importer setup.
- EORI, commodity information and importer responsibilities should be considered before shipment planning is finalised.
Documents Required
- Commercial invoices, packing lists and transport documents are commonly reviewed as part of shipment preparation.
- The documents needed can depend on the cargo, origin, destination and applicable importer requirements.
Incoterms
- Incoterms help clarify where supplier and buyer responsibilities meet in the logistics process.
- Review the agreed Incoterm alongside pickup, export preparation and destination delivery requirements.
Cargo Considerations
- Share accurate dimensions, weight, packaging, commodity details and any handling requirements when requesting a freight plan.
- Certain goods may need additional checks before a route and handling approach can be assessed.
FAQ
Which transport mode should I consider?
Sea, rail and air can be compared against the cargo, origin, destination, timing requirements and overall shipment priorities.
What information helps plan a shipment?
Supplier locations, cargo details, destination, delivery requirements and the agreed Incoterm give the planning conversation a practical starting point.
Start with the shipment