Transport China: How to Organize Transport to and from China?

Organizing the transportation of goods between Poland and China requires careful planning, taking into account various logistical and administrative aspects. Both parties—the exporting company from Europe and the importer in China—must understand the complexity of transport processes, customs procedures, and legal requirements that apply during the execution of transport to and from China. Transportation between these two countries is possible by sea, land, and air, with the choice of the appropriate option depending on the type of goods, delivery time, costs, and other factors influencing the entire transport process to China.

The first step in planning transport to China is selecting the appropriate method of transportation. For trade between China and a European country such as Poland, the most commonly chosen options are sea, rail, and air freight, as they offer various advantages depending on the customer’s needs, whether from Poland or other European countries.

Sea Freight to China

Sea freight to China is the most commonly chosen method due to its relatively low costs and the ability to transport large volumes of goods. Maritime transport from Poland to China primarily departs from Polish ports (e.g., Gdańsk, Gdynia) to major Chinese seaports such as Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Hong Kong. The transit time usually ranges from 30 to 45 days, depending on the loading and unloading ports and weather conditions. This option is recommended for large shipments or when delivery time is not the most critical factor.

The costs of shipping from Poland to China by sea depend on various factors, such as cargo weight and volume, loading and unloading locations, type of goods, seasonality, and additional services like insurance or warehousing. Sea transport to China is often chosen in the form of LCL (Less than Container Load) or FCL (Full Container Load) shipments, as it is the most cost-effective solution for large shipments. The cost of transporting a 20-foot container (TEU) from Poland to China, for example, from Gdańsk to Shanghai, typically ranges from $3,000 to $5,500. For a 40-foot container (FEU), prices range from $5,500 to $8,500. Additionally, there may be costs related to port fees, ranging from $100 to $500, and insurance costs, which typically range from 0.2% to 1% of the cargo value, potentially adding several hundred dollars to the total cost.

Rail Freight to China

Rail transport to China has gained popularity in recent years, especially after the launch of the "New Silk Road" railway network connecting China with Europe. This method is faster than sea transport (average transit time ranges from 12 to 20 days) while still being cheaper than air freight to China. The railway routes pass through Russia, Kazakhstan, and other Central Asian countries. In Poland, major rail freight hubs include Łódź and Małaszewicze. This is a good option for goods that require faster transport to China but are not extremely urgent.

The cost of rail freight from Poland to China usually ranges from $4,000 to $6,500 per 40-foot container. Additional fees related to transit through specific countries may range from $100 to $300 per section, while insurance costs typically fall between 0.2% and 1% of the cargo value.

Air Freight to China

Air transport to China is the fastest but also the most expensive option. Air cargo transport is mainly used for high-value goods or those requiring urgent delivery, such as electronics, automotive parts, or medical samples. The delivery time to China is only 4–7 days, but the cost is significantly higher than sea or rail transport.

For shipments weighing 100 kg, the cost of air freight to China typically ranges from $2,000 to $3,500. For larger shipments, such as a 1-ton shipment, prices may range from $10,000 to $15,000.

Road Transport to China

Road transport between Poland and China, while theoretically possible for FTL (Full Truck Load) shipments, is less commonly used due to the long distances and challenges associated with crossing countries such as Russia, Kazakhstan, or Mongolia. Nevertheless, in some cases, particularly for small, urgent LTL (Less than Truck Load) shipments, it can be a viable option. This requires careful planning in terms of border crossings, customs documents, fees, and route organization.

Although road transport plays a smaller role in direct shipments to and from China due to the dominance of sea, rail, and air freight, it is essential in transporting goods to transshipment terminals, ports, and railway hubs. It also plays a critical role in the final delivery stages, especially in moving goods from ports or rail terminals to their final destinations within China. For example, after goods arrive by sea in Shanghai, Tianjin, or Shenzhen, road transport may be used to distribute shipments to warehouses or directly to companies and stores in various regions of China.

The cost of road freight to China for a 20-ton shipment transported on specialized trailers may range from $15,000 to $25,000, depending on cargo specifications and transit country requirements. Some Polish transport companies specialize in full road transport to and from China, providing direct door-to-door delivery services.

Choosing a Transport Company and Customs Clearance

After selecting the appropriate transportation method, the next step is choosing a transport company to execute the shipment. This can be done either directly by contacting international transport providers or by using freight forwarding and logistics companies that manage the entire transport process. These companies offer comprehensive services, including transportation, customs clearance, and warehousing.

International transport requires fulfilling numerous formalities on both the exporter's and importer's sides. The key documents required for transportation to China include:

- Commercial invoice – provides details on the value, quantity, and specifications of the goods, as well as the seller and buyer information;

- Packing list – describes how goods are packed, including the number of packages, weight, volume, and details of the contents, assisting in customs clearance and delivery;

- Bill of Lading (B/L) or Air Waybill (AWB) – serves as proof of shipment and transport contract between the carrier and the shipper;

- Certificate of origin – required for certain goods for customs clearance;

- Conformity certificate – China requires some products, such as electronics, electrical devices, and toys, to have a certificate verifying compliance with Chinese safety and quality standards;

- Customs declaration – required for both export from Poland and import into China;

- Transport documents – confirming the shipment’s status and movement across borders;

- Insurance policy – it is advisable to insure goods during transport, particularly in sea freight, where the risk of cargo damage during transit is relatively high.

Distribution and Warehousing in China

After goods arrive in China, they must be stored and distributed. Chinese ports are highly developed, and major cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen have well-established logistics infrastructure, ensuring smooth distribution. Depending on the agreement with the importer, goods can be stored in bonded warehouses or rented facilities. Warehousing costs in bonded warehouses can range from $100 to $500 per month. From there, goods can be transported to final distribution points across China.

Multimodal and Intermodal Transport

Multimodal and intermodal transport plays a significant role in shipments to China, enabling process optimization by offering efficient solutions in terms of time and cost. For example, sea transport can be used to move goods from Poland to China, followed by land or rail transport from the port to final recipients.

Final Considerations

Organizing transport to China requires careful selection of the shipping method, thorough preparation of documentation, cooperation with freight forwarding companies, and compliance with customs and legal requirements in both Poland and China, as well as transit countries. A full understanding of the costs, pricing structures, transit times, and risks associated with international shipping is essential. By planning effectively and working with experienced professionals, safe and optimized transport to and from China can be successfully executed.