With the deepening of globalization, the demand for international trade and logistics is increasing. Door-to-door Shipping services from China to France have become the first choice for many companies and individuals due to their convenience and efficiency. This article will introduce this in detail.
What is door to door shipping?
Door-to-door transportation is a comprehensive logistics service that covers the entire transportation process from the origin to the destination of the goods. This model can effectively simplify the process and save time, providing customers with a one-stop solution for both small packages and bulk goods. This service is particularly suitable for cross-border trade, cross-border e-commerce, and companies that need efficient logistics support.
Door-to-Door Shipping from China to France
Door-to-door shipping is one of the most popular comprehensive logistics options for Chinese exports to France. This service includes pickup from the Chinese factory or supplier’s warehouse, domestic transportation, international sea and air freight, French customs clearance, and final delivery to the customer’s address. For French buyers without their own warehousing or importing experience, door-to-door service eliminates intermediaries and significantly reduces communication and operational costs.
In practice, door-to-door shipping can be accomplished by ocean freight (LCL), full container load (FCL), or, when time is of the essence, air freight. Door-to-door ocean freight is typically suitable for larger goods, such as machinery, furniture, and building materials, with a transit time of approximately 30–40 days. Door-to-door air freight is suitable for high-value or urgently needed goods, typically delivering within 7–10 days.
Shipping time from China to France can be read: How Long Does it Take to Ship from China to France
Professional freight forwarding companies will provide pickup and export customs clearance services in China, and arrange import customs clearance and last-mile delivery in France. Customs clearance typically requires a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, and relevant certifications that comply with EU standards. For first-time French importers, professional logistics providers can assist with preparing customs and VAT documentation, mitigating customs clearance risks.
It’s important to note that door-to-door shipping costs are influenced by multiple factors, including cargo size, weight, shipping method, and customs clearance difficulties. Working with an experienced logistics team can ensure more stable pricing and enhanced after-sales support.
Door-to-Door Process of Shipping from China to France
- Order confirmation
The customer provides cargo information, including volume, weight, destination, etc. The freight forwarder provides transportation solutions and quotations according to demand. - Door-to-door pickup
The transportation company arranges vehicles to pick up the goods at the designated location, and completes the packaging and labeling of the goods. - Domestic Shipping
The goods are transported to international ports or airports in China by truck or rail. - Export customs declaration
The freight forwarder prepares customs documents (such as invoices, packing lists, and customs declarations) and handles all export customs clearance procedures to ensure that the goods leave the country legally. - International transportation
The goods are shipped to France by sea or air. Track the goods throughout the process to ensure transportation safety. - Import customs clearance
After the goods arrive in France, the freight forwarder provides complete customs clearance services and completes import customs clearance procedures, including paying customs duties and value-added tax. - Delivery to destination
After customs clearance, the goods are delivered to the customer’s designated address through local logistics.
What are the ways to ship from China to France?
There are three main ways to ship door to door from China to France: sea, air and rail.
Characteristics of Sea Freight
- Low cost: The transportation cost of sea freight is cheaper, suitable for bulk goods and lower value commodities.
- Suitable for bulk goods: Sea transportation has a large cargo transportation capacity and can transport a large amount of goods, including full container cargo and bulk cargo.
- Wide range of applications: Whether it is bulk cargo, container cargo, or special cargo (such as liquids, perishables, etc.), sea transportation can provide corresponding transportation solutions.
- Long transportation time: The transportation time of sea transportation is usually longer. It usually takes 20-40 days from China to France, depending on the departure port and the destination port.
- Affected by weather and sea conditions: Sea transportation is greatly affected by factors such as season, weather, and waterway congestion.
Characteristics of Air Freight
- Strong timeliness: Air transportation is the fastest mode of transportation. Usually, the air transportation time from China to France is 5-7 days, which is suitable for goods that need to be delivered quickly.
- High safety: Air transportation is usually safer, and the risk of damage or loss of goods during transportation is lower.
- Suitable for small batches of high-value goods: Due to the high cost of air transportation, it is suitable for transporting small batches, high-value, and time-sensitive goods, such as electronic products, medicines, luxury goods, etc.
- High cost: The transportation cost is high, and it is expensive for bulk goods.
- Limited capacity: The carrying capacity of air cargo is limited.
Characteristics of Rail Freight
- Fast delivery time: Compared with sea transport, rail transport takes less time, usually 15-20 days, and is suitable for goods that do not need to arrive very quickly.
- Lower cost: The cost of rail transport is lower than air transport, but slightly higher than sea transport, and is suitable for goods that seek a balance between price and delivery time.
- Convenient cross-border transportation: Through the China-Europe Express, rail transport goes directly from China to many European countries, which reduces the link of intermediate transshipment to a certain extent.
- Not suitable for all goods: Not all goods are suitable for rail transport, and special goods may not adapt to the environment of rail transport.
Door to Door Shipping Cost from China to France in 2025
| Shipping Method | From China to France (September 2025 Cost) |
|---|---|
| Sea Shipping (20ft Container) | Approx. USD 2,500 for a 20ft container |
| Sea Shipping (40ft Container) | Approx. USD 3,350 for a 40ft container |
| LCL Sea Shipping | Approx. USD 120 per cubic meter (m³) |
| Air Shipping | Approx. USD 480 for 100kg (USD 4.8 per kg) |
| Rail Freight | Approx. USD 9,500 to 12,000 for a full load |
| Door-to-Door Shipping | Approx. USD 5.0 to 10 per kg or USD 200 per m³ |
| DDP Air Freight | Approx. USD 5.2 to 12 per kg |
| DDP Sea Freight | Approx. USD 150 to 300 per cbm (m³) |
| DDP Rail Freight | Approx. USD 200 to 350 per cbm (m³) |
| Express Shipping | Approx. USD 12.5 per kg |
To learn more about shipping prices from China to France, please click here:
- How Much Does it Cost to Ship from China to France?
- Cost of Shipping 20ft and 40ft Containers from China to France
Advantages of Door-to-Door Shipping from China to France
Convenient and time-saving
One of the most significant advantages of door-to-door shipping is its convenience. Shippers can avoid the hassle of coordinating with multiple freight providers. Time is saved and the risk of miscommunication and errors is minimized.
Cost effective
While door-to-door shipping may seem more expensive due to the comprehensive services it offers, it is often more cost-effective in the long run. Door-to-door shipping reduces the possibility of unexpected fees, such as duties or warehousing fees, as these are often included in the service package.
Reduce the risk of damage and loss
With door-to-door shipping, goods are handled by fewer parties, reducing the likelihood of damage or loss. The comprehensive nature of the service often includes insurance, providing additional protection for the shipment.
If you are interested in door-to-door shipping from China to other European countries, you can click to read the corresponding post:
- Door-to-Door Shipping from China to Germany
- Door-to-Door Shipping from China to Italy
- Door-to-Door Shipping from China to Spain
DDP Shipping from China to France
DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) shipping means the seller covers all shipping costs, duties, and VAT from China to the buyer’s designated location in France. This option eliminates the complexities of customs clearance and taxation for buyers and is particularly suitable for cross-border e-commerce sellers, individual customers, or first-time importers into France.
For DDP shipping, shippers must confirm in advance France’s customs rates, VAT regulations, and the relevant EU standards for the product, such as CE certification and RoHS. Freight forwarding companies typically include shipping, insurance, duties, and VAT in their quotes, allowing sellers to manage their entire logistics process while maintaining a manageable cost.
DDP can be achieved through air or sea freight. Air DDP offers faster delivery times but higher costs, while sea DDP is more suitable for large, heavy shipments and is economical, but requires advance planning. For small e-commerce packages, DDP can be integrated with express delivery networks for efficient delivery.
In practice, sellers must provide accurate product declaration information; failure to do so may result in customs clearance delays or additional duties. Experienced logistics companies will assist in verifying product codes and declared values to ensure compliance with customs regulations and reduce risks.
Learn more: DDP Shipping from China
Door to door freight forwarding company from China to France
When it comes to door-to-door shipping from China to France, choosing the right freight forwarder is crucial, and Ubest Shipping can be your partner:
Expertise and Experience
Professional freight forwarders have an in-depth understanding of international shipping regulations, documentation requirements, and logistics management. Expertise ensures that shipments comply with all legal and regulatory standards, reducing the risk of delays and penalties.
Integrated Services
Freight forwarders offer a wide range of services, including customs clearance, insurance, warehousing, and transportation. This integrated approach streamlines the shipping process and ensures that all aspects of shipping are handled efficiently.
Tailor-made Solutions
Ubest Shipping provides customized logistics solutions based on the specific needs of each customer, ensuring that shipments are handled with the utmost care and efficiency.
Global Network
Ubest Shipping has a large global network of partners and agents that can seamlessly coordinate shipments across multiple countries and regions. This extensive network ensures that shipments move smoothly at every stage of the shipping process.
Advanced Technology
Ubest Shipping utilizes cutting-edge technology to provide real-time tracking and monitoring of shipments. This transparency allows customers to be informed of the status of their shipments at all times.
Service Attitude
The Ubest Shipping team is committed to providing excellent customer service. Any questions or concerns are promptly addressed to ensure you have a smooth and worry-free experience.
Learn more: How to Choose China Freight Forwarder
Door-to-door shipping service from China to France aims to provide customers with efficient and reliable logistics solutions. By understanding and choosing a reliable freight forwarder through this article, customers can not only save costs, but also ensure that the goods are delivered safely and quickly.