With the continuous strengthening of trade between China and Malaysia, more and more Chinese exporters and Malaysian importers choose to use container transportation to complete the circulation of goods. This article will introduce the cost of container transportation in detail.
Container Shipping from China to Malaysia
China and Malaysia are both important partners of the “Belt and Road” initiative. The logistics routes between the two countries are mature and the transportation methods are diverse. Sea freight has become the most common mode of freight due to its large capacity, high cost performance and stable routes. About 90% of the goods are transported by sea.
Introduction to 20ft and 40ft containers
Containers are standardized cargo carrying tools in sea transportation, which are easy to load and unload and transport. The most common ones are 20 feet and 40 feet:
| Category | 20ft container | 40ft container |
| Volume | 33 cubic meters | 67 cubic meters |
| Maximum loading weight | 28 tons | 26 tons |
| Applicable scenarios | Heavy goods, small amounts of goods | Large but light goods |
| Freight comparison | Unit freight is higher | Total freight is high, but unit cost is more cost-effective |
Learn more: How to Choose 20ft and 40ft Containers
Factors Affecting Container Shipping Cost
Container shipping costs from China to Malaysia are affected by many factors, including but not limited to:
- Port of departure and port of destination: different ports have different costs and voyages.
- Peak and off-season: Freight rates increase during peak seasons (such as Double 11 and around the Chinese New Year).
- Cargo type: Dangerous goods and refrigerated goods will be subject to surcharges.
- Oil price fluctuations: will affect the bunker surcharge (BAF).
- Space shortage: prices will rise when supply is tight.
- Whether customs clearance and delivery are included: whether to choose DDU/DDP service will affect the cost.
Cost of Shipping 20ft and 40ft Container from China to Malaysia
Sea freight from China to Malaysia is mainly charged by the size of the container (20ft and 40ft). The following are the costs of shipping from major ports in China to different ports in Malaysia:
| POL (Port of China) | POL (Port of Malaysia) | 20ft Container Cost | 40ft Container Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shanghai | Klang | $500–$750 | $900–$1200 |
| Shenzhen | Klang | $650–$850 | $900–$1300 |
| Ningbo | Klang | $550–$800 | $950–$1250 |
| Shanghai | Penang | $520 – $750 | $950–$1300 |
| Shenzhen | Penang | $600 – $840 | $900–$1350 |
| Ningbo | Penang | $550 – $850 | $900 – $1450 |
| Shanghai | Gudang | $600 – $800 | $920 – $1340 |
| Shenzhen | Gudang | $550 – $770 | $940 – $1250 |
| Ningbo | Gudang | $530 – $850 | $950 – $1300 |
Read below for container shipping costs to other countries to help you understand more:
Cost of Shipping 20ft and 40ft Containers from China to Philippines
Cost of Shipping 20ft and 40ft Container from China to Thailand
Cost of Shipping 20ft and 40ft Container from China to Indonesia
Additional Charges for Shipping Container from China to Malaysia
Although the container transport quotation seems clear, there may still be the following additional charges:
- THC (Terminal Handling Charge): collected by the shipping company or agent after arrival
- Documentation fee, cargo release fee: collection and handling fees at the destination port
- Demurrage/demurrage: charged after exceeding the free container days
- Customs inspection fee: if spot-checked by the Malaysian Customs, you need to pay the inspection-related fees
Container Customs Clearance from China to Malaysia
After the container arrives in Malaysia, it needs to go through customs clearance procedures. Malaysia’s customs supervision is relatively strict. In particular, the following are customs clearance documents
Commercial invoice
Contains the description, quantity and value of the goods.
Packing list
Details the packaging and loading details of the goods.
Bill of lading
The transportation contract between the carrier and the shipper.
Certificate of origin
Document proving the origin of the goods.
Special documents
Depending on the type of goods, licenses, inspection and quarantine reports, etc. may be required.
With a comprehensive understanding of the above content, importers and exporters can plan container transportation plans from China to Malaysia more accurately, effectively control logistics costs, and avoid potential risks, so that the goods can arrive in Malaysia smoothly.