In the global supply chain, the shipping route from China to New Zealand occupies an important position. Whether it is a company importing goods or a personal moving need, understanding the cost structure and influencing factors of 20ft and 40ft container shipping is the key to successfully arranging logistics, which will be described in detail in this article.
Container Shipping from China to New Zealand
The shipping route between China and New Zealand is an important channel for South Pacific trade, mainly importing electronic products, machinery and equipment, textiles, furniture and building materials from China. Major ports for transportation:
- Port of Auckland: New Zealand’s largest and busiest port, more than 90% of consumer goods are imported and exported through here.
- Port of Tauranga: One of New Zealand’s largest container ports, known for its extensive container handling facilities and strategic location.
- Port of Lyttelton: The port serves the South Island and is crucial for the distribution of goods throughout the region.
The Difference Between 20ft and 40ft containers
In the field of shipping, 20-foot and 40-foot containers are the two most commonly used specifications in full container transportation. Here are the differences between the two:
| 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 |
How to Calculate of Shipping Cost from China to New Zealand
The cost of shipping containers from China to New Zealand is as follows,
Basic cost
- Ocean Freight: The basic cost of shipping containers from the loading port to the unloading port.
- THC (Terminal Handling Charge): The cost of loading and unloading containers.
- Documentation Fee: The cost of issuing documents such as bills of lading.
Additional costs
- BAF (Bunker Adjustment Factor): The fuel surcharge is adjusted according to the change of oil prices.
- PSS (Peak Season Surcharge): The peak season surcharge is charged during the peak season.
- CIC (Container Imbalance Charge): New Zealand is a region where empty containers are difficult to return, and this fee is common.
- Security inspection fees, manifest declaration fees and other miscellaneous fees.
Cost of Shipping 20ft and 40ft Container from China to New Zealand
Shipping market prices change rapidly. Ocean freight prices fluctuate over time, affected by supply and demand and carrier strategy adjustments. The following information provides an approximate cost range:
| POL (port of loading) | POD (port of discharge) | 20ft container cost | 40ft container cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shanghai | Auckland | $1550-$2150 | $2200-$3400 |
| Shenzhen | Auckland | $1500-$2200 | $2150-$3350 |
| Ningbo | Auckland | $1450-$2250 | $2250-$3250 |
| Shanghai | Tauranga | $1500-$2000 | $2150-$3350 |
| Shenzhen | Tauranga | $1650-$2150 | $2050-$3400 |
| Ningbo | Tauranga | $1500-$2200 | $2100-$3400 |
| Shanghai | Lyttelton | $1450-$2050 | $2250-$3250 |
| Shenzhen | Lyttelton | $1600-$2150 | $2150-$3350 |
| Ningbo | Lyttelton | $1550-$2250 | $2050-$3450 |
Read below for container shipping costs to other countries to help you understand more:
Cost of Shipping 20ft and 40ft Container from China to Australia
Cost of Shipping 20ft and 40ft Containers from China to Canada
Cost of Shipping 20ft and 40ft Containers from China to USA
Factors Affecting Container Cost from China to New Zealand
The shipping cost of a container from China to New Zealand is not fixed. It is affected by many variables, including:
- Departure port and destination port: distance and whether the route is direct.
- Peak and off-season: September to January is the peak season, and prices will rise.
- Shipping company selection: Different shipping companies have different shipping plans and pricing strategies.
- Cargo attributes: Special goods such as overweight, dangerous goods, and frozen goods require additional fees.
- Current market conditions: such as fuel price fluctuations, tight ship space, etc.
Customs Clearance for Shipping Container from China to Zealand
After arriving in New Zealand, the container needs to complete the customs clearance procedures. New Zealand customs supervision is relatively strict, especially:
- Declaration accuracy: the name, quantity and value of the goods must be consistent with the invoice.
- Inspection and quarantine requirements: New Zealand has strict regulations on animal and plant products and wooden packaging materials.
- Tariffs and GST: Tariffs and 15% GST consumption tax are required for amounts exceeding a certain amount.
The following are customs clearance documents
Commercial Invoice
Contains description, quantity and value of 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
Licenses, inspection and quarantine reports, etc. may be required depending on the type of goods.
By fully understanding the costs of container shipping from China to New Zealand, shippers can make more informed logistics decisions and effectively control transportation costs while ensuring the safe and timely arrival of their goods.