With the continuous growth of China-Australia trade, more and more companies and individuals need to ship goods from China to Australia. Transportation costs are often one of the key factors affecting decision-making. Companies and individuals are constantly seeking more efficient and economical transportation methods. This article will introduce the cheapest transportation methods between the two countries in detail.
China-Australia Trade Background
In recent years, bilateral trade between China and Australia in the fields of agricultural products, minerals, machinery and equipment, clothing, furniture and electronic products has continued to grow.
In cross-border transport, the following transport cost elements are of most concern:
- Choice of transport mode (air vs sea)
- Difference in distance and cost between the port of departure and the port of destination
- Type of goods (heavy goods/light goods)
- Whether tax is included, whether delivery is included
- Loading form (full container load FCL vs less than container load LCL)
Shipping from China to Australia
Transportation from China to Australia usually depends on the weight and size of the goods. The following are the characteristics of different modes of transport:
Sea Freight
For businesses that handle large quantities of goods, sea transport is the preferred mode of transport. Sea transport is usually more economical than air transport. Container ships have the ability to carry large quantities of goods and provide ample space for various types of goods. They can accommodate various types of goods, including oversized and heavy items that other modes of transport cannot handle.
Air Freight
For businesses that focus on speed and reliability, air transport is an indispensable mode of transport. Air transport is the fastest mode of transport and is ideal for time-sensitive cargo transportation. Regular flights ensure timely delivery and minimize delays. Enhanced security measures at airports reduce the risk of theft and damage.
Shipping Cost from China to Australia
The cost of shipping from China to Australia varies depending on a number of factors. Here is an approximate cost of shipping between the two countries, which is usually made up of the following costs
- International shipping: from Chinese ports/airports to Australia
- Port of departure charges: warehousing, loading and unloading, customs clearance fees, etc.
- Port of destination charges: trailers, terminal fees, customs clearance, etc.
- Customs clearance fees: Australian import customs clearance service fee
- Tariffs & GST: charged based on the value of the goods, 10% GST is a common tax rate
- Insurance costs: freight insurance, calculated based on the value of the goods
- Destination delivery fee: delivery to the final destination (such as warehouses, stores)
| Shipping Method | From China to Australia (Rate) |
|---|---|
| Sea Shipping (20ft Container) | Approx. $800 for a 20ft container |
| Sea Shipping (40ft Container) | Approx. $1,500 for a 40ft container |
| LCL Sea Shipping | Approx. $5 to $10 per cubic meters (m3) |
| Door-to-door Shipping | Approx. $7.5 to $8.5 per kgs |
| Air Shipping | Approx. $450 for 100kg (Approx. USD 4.5 per kilo) |
| Express Shipping | Approx. $4.5 to $6.5 per Kgs |
Learn more about shipping rates to other regions below:
How Much does it Cost to Ship from China to New Zealand
How Much Does it Cost to Ship from China to Indonesia
Cheapest Shipping Method from China to Australia
Sea transportation is the first choice for most companies and individuals to ship from China to Australia because it has the lowest cost. There are two main types of shipping services: LCL and FCL
Full Container Load (FCL)
FCL is one of the most economical methods, especially suitable for bulk goods with a volume of more than 15 cubic meters or heavy weight. The goods are enough to fill a container (20GP, 40GP, 40HQ) suitable for a single customer loading, high customs clearance efficiency, lower unit price, controllable overall cost, and lower loss risk.
Less than Container Load （LCL）
LCL is suitable for customers with cargo volume between 1-15 cubic meters. Although the cost is slightly higher than FCL, it is much lower than air freight. There is no need to bear the cost of the entire container, which is suitable for flexible and small-volume exports. Packing with other goods may cause delays, and the LCL fee and destination port devanning fee are relatively high.
| POL (port of loading) | POD (port of discharge) | LCL Shipping | 20ft container cost | 40ft container cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shanghai | Sydney | $100-$180/CBM | $850-$1850 | $1800-$3000 |
| Shenzhen | Sydney | $80–$160/CBM | $900-$1900 | $1750-$2950 |
| Ningbo | Sydney | $85–$170/CBM | $1000-$1700 | $1850-$2850 |
| Shanghai | Melbourne | $90–$160/CBM | $950-$1950 | $1850-$2800 |
| Shenzhen | Melbourne | $90–$180/CBM | $900-$1700 | $1500-$3000 |
| Ningbo | Melbourne | $90–$175/CBM | $850-$1850 | $1750-$2850 |
| Shanghai | Brisbane | $95–$170/CBM | $800-$1900 | $1850-$2850 |
| Shenzhen | Brisbane | $90–$180/CBM | $900-$1700 | $1700-$2800 |
| Ningbo | Brisbane | $95–$170/CBM | $850-$1950 | $1850-$2950 |
| Shanghai | Fremantle | $100–$180/CBM | $950-$1850 | $1850-$2800 |
| Shenzhen | Fremantle | $85–$165/CBM | $900-$1800 | $1950-$2850 |
| Ningbo | Fremantle | $90–$150/CBM | $1000-$2000 | $1800-$2800 |
How to Further Reduce Shipping Cost from China to Australia
Use the following strategies to reduce the cost of shipping from China to Australia:
Choose direct flights instead of transshipment routes
Avoid transit, save time and surcharges.
Make good use of off-season opportunities
The peak season (September-December) has a significant increase in sea freight prices, so try to ship in advance.
Pack goods neatly on pallets
Reduce the occupied volume and reduce the cost of LCL.
Cooperate with freight forwarders familiar with China-Australia routes
Experienced freight forwarders can provide better LCL resources and customs declaration strategies.
Use DDU or DDP mode
If the consignee is inexperienced, DDP (tax-inclusive customs clearance) is more stable.
Long-term cooperation bargaining mechanism
Establish a long-term relationship with freight forwarders to obtain bulk preferential prices.
Why Choose Ubestshipping
Ubestshipping offers competitive prices, diverse service options such as DDU and DDP, and reliable logistics solutions, making it a top choice for businesses looking to ship efficiently and economically from China to Australia.
Cost-effective Shipping Solutions
One of the great strengths of Ubestshipping is its cost-effective shipping solutions. We offer a range of services and tailor solutions to suit different budgetary needs. This versatility ensures that you don’t overpay for unnecessary services.
Comprehensive Service Options
Ubestshipping offers more than just shipping services. They manage a variety of logistics needs, including DDU and DDP services. This means they take care of import duties and taxes, streamlining your shipping process.
- DDU (Delivered Duty Unpaid): This is suitable if you want to control the customs process.
- DDP (Delivered Duty Paid): This is ideal if you want to conveniently handle all customs fees.
Reliability and Credibility
Logistics is all about trust. Ubestshipping is known for its reliability, ensuring that your goods arrive on time and in good condition. Committed to maintaining high standards of service, making it the first choice for businesses seeking a reliable partner.
Customized solutions for different needs
Whether you are shipping a single container or managing a complex supply chain, we can provide logistics solutions tailored to your specific needs. This flexibility helps optimize operations and improve customer satisfaction.
- Customized routes: for your schedule and cargo type.
- Personalized customer service: dedicated support team to help at every stage.
Common Precautions for Shipping from China to Australia
When shipping from China to Australia, pay attention to the following matters to avoid trouble
- Cargo insurance: Ocean shipping has high risks, and it is recommended to purchase insurance (about 0.3%-0.5% of the value of the goods).
- Risk of false declaration: Australian customs inspection is strict, and false declaration of the value of goods is prone to fines or detention.
- Completeness of customs clearance documents: Invoices, packing lists, and certificates of origin must be true and consistent.
- Restrictions on sensitive goods: Food, cosmetics, and plants require special declarations.
- Packaging standards: Wooden packaging must comply with IPPC standards and be labeled.
If cost-effectiveness is the primary consideration for transportation from China to Australia, the overall logistics costs can be significantly reduced by rationally planning the delivery time, choosing the right port and cooperating with professional freight forwarders through this article.