Chad is located in central Africa and is a landlocked country. With the advancement of the “Belt and Road” cooperation, China-Chad trade has maintained steady growth, and more and more companies are concerned about how to transport goods from China to Chad efficiently and safely. This article will introduce the logistics between the two countries in detail.
How to Ship from China to Chad
As an important part of the Central African market, its demand for energy, construction, machinery, and daily consumer goods is growing. Since Chad is a landlocked country, the transportation chain is relatively complex. Generally, the following methods are used:
Sea Freight + land Freight
Sea transportation is the most common mode of transportation. It can transport various types of goods over long distances, at low cost, and can transport goods in large quantities, achieving a balance between price and capacity. Chad is a landlocked country and needs to pass through neighboring ports (Port of Douala in Cameroon and Port of Lagos in Nigeria) and then transfer by road or rail.
| Shipping Mode | Cost Range (USD) | Transit Time (Days) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sea Freight (Less than Container Load) | $50 – $100 per cubic meter | 45 – 60 days | Smaller shipments, less urgent goods |
| Sea Freight (20-foot container） | $3,500-$5,000 | 40 – 55 days | Larger shipments, bulk goods |
| Sea Freight (40-foot container） | $5,000-$6,800 | 40 – 55 days | Cost-effective for bulk goods; includes sea and inland transport. |
Air Freight
The speed and efficiency of air transportation are unparalleled. Suitable for goods with high timeliness requirements such as electronic products, fashion goods and perishable items. Provide higher security for valuable goods and ensure that your goods are closely monitored throughout the transportation process. There are not many flights to Chad and multiple transfers are required.
| Shipping Mode | Cost Range (USD) | Transit Time (Days) | Best For |
| Air Freight | $6.50-$10.0 per kg | 7-10 days | High-value or time-sensitive items |
Factors Affecting of Shipping Cost from China to Chad
The shipping cost is mainly determined by the mode of transportation and consists of multiple parts. The specific price will vary according to many factors. The following are the main factors affecting it:
Cargo volume and weight
Freight is charged based on actual weight or volume weight, whichever is greater.
Departure city and destination port
Departure and arrival costs vary from port to port.
Service type
Door-to-door service includes customs clearance and taxes, which is worry-free but more expensive.
Season and fuel surcharges
Prices will increase during peak seasons, and fluctuations in fuel prices will also affect costs.
Cargo type
Dangerous goods or special cargo require additional fees and compliance documents.
Cost of Shipping 20ft and 40ft Containers from China to Chad
Container shipping is the most commonly used mode of transportation, and charges are mainly based on the size of the container (20ft and 40ft containers). Here are the cost details for the two main types of containers:
| Departure Port (China) | Arrival Port (Chad) | 20ft Container Cost | 40ft Container Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shanghai | N’Djamena | $3050 – $5,150 | $5,400 – $6,750 |
| Shenzhen | N’Djamena | $0300 – $5,200 | $5,500 – $6,800 |
| Ningbo | N’Djamena | $3050 – $5,250 | $5,550 – $6,850 |
| Guangzhou | N’Djamena | $3000 – $5,100 | $5,300 – $6,700 |
| Qingdao | N’Djamena | $3000 – $5,100 | $5,400 – $6,700 |
The following is a reference for transportation costs to the transit port:
How Much Does it Cost to Ship from China to Nigeria
How Much Does it Cost to Ship from China to Cameroon
Shipping Time from China to Chad
Shipping time from China to Chad is affected by a variety of factors that can significantly affect the expected delivery time. Influencing factors include:
- Customs clearance: The efficiency of customs clearance procedures can vary and may cause delays, especially if documents are incomplete or customs inspections are required.
- Seasonal demand: Peak shipping seasons, such as holidays, can cause congestion at ports and airports, which can increase shipping time.
- Distance: The distance between the departure point in China and the arrival point in Chad will naturally affect the shipping time. The route taken and the stops along the way will also affect the total time.
- Weather conditions: Severe weather conditions can disrupt shipping plans, especially air freight, which is more susceptible to weather-related delays.
Understanding the average shipping time for sea and air freight can help companies develop realistic expectations for logistics planning:
| Shipping Mode | Transit Time (Days) |
|---|---|
| Sea Freight (20GP & 40GP) | 40 – 60 days |
| Air Freight | 7 – 10 days |
Learn more: How Long Does it Take to Ship from China to Nigeria?
Detailed Steps for Shipping from China to Chad
Ship from China to Chad, here are the detailed steps for shipping, which can ensure a smooth and efficient transportation process and help you complete the transportation process smoothly.
Preparation and inquiry
Prepare cargo information, consult the freight forwarder for transportation plans and quotations, and understand the estimated transportation time and quotation structure (including sea freight, land freight, customs clearance fees, etc.).
Booking and arranging export
Confirm the mode of transportation and book a container, sea freight FCL or LCL, air freight requires booking flight space.
Prepare export documents:
- Commercial Invoice
- Packing List
- Export Contract or Letter of Credit (if applicable)
- Certificate of Origin (CO)
- Customs Declaration Documents
International Transportation
From China to Chad provides real-time tracking updates so that you can monitor its progress. The advanced tracking system allows you to receive timely notifications on the status of your shipment, including any potential delays or changes in transit.
Customs clearance and transit at the port of destination
After arriving at an African port (such as Douala Port), customs clearance is done in the transit country (if import-export procedures are required) and truck transportation is arranged to Chad.
Customs clearance and receipt in Chad
The local agent or your company’s person in charge communicates with the Chad Customs to pay customs duties, value-added tax (TVA), etc.
Receipt and delivery
The goods are transported from the border to the destination (such as N’Djamena, Moundou and other cities), and a delivery receipt is provided to complete the delivery.
How to Choose Reliable Freight Forwarder?
Freight forwarders play a vital role in international logistics, acting as intermediaries between shippers and transportation services. They assist in the transportation of goods from the point of origin to the destination, ensuring that the goods are handled efficiently and in compliance with all relevant regulations. The following are key factors in choosing a freight forwarder
- African market experience: Familiar with the logistics network of Chad and surrounding countries, and understand the transit routes.
- One-stop service capabilities: Able to provide sea transportation + land transportation + customs clearance + delivery services to reduce the risks of intermediate links.
- Transparent quotations and insurance protection: Confirm the cost structure, avoid hidden fees, and purchase cargo insurance.
- Good reputation and local agent network: Ensure that there are cooperative agents at nodes such as Douala Port and N’Djamena to improve transportation efficiency.
Although transportation from China to Chad faces multiple challenges, this article shows that choosing a reasonable mode of transportation and professional freight forwarding services can greatly reduce risks and improve efficiency, and plan transportation routes and customs clearance plans in advance.