China Eastern Cargo is the dedicated air freight division of China Eastern Airlines, one of China’s largest carriers. For businesses importing from China, especially those dealing with urgent and high-value goods, China Eastern Cargo provides a fast and reliable alternative to sea freight. With a fleet of wide-body aircraft and global partnerships, the airline connects major Chinese cities to North America, Europe, the Middle East, and beyond.
In this article, we will cover what China Eastern Cargo is, how it works across different transportation modes, the relevant terms and conditions importers must know, its performance in different regions, practical tips to avoid problems, and three real-world case studies with detailed cost breakdowns.
1.What is China Eastern Cargo?
China Eastern Cargo is the freight business of China Eastern Airlines, established to handle air cargo services from China to global markets.
- Headquarters: Shanghai, China.
- Fleet: Over 750 aircraft, including Boeing 777F freighters and Airbus wide-body jets.
- Coverage: More than 200 destinations worldwide.
- Services: General cargo, express shipments, perishable goods, and pharmaceuticals.
Its strong presence in Shanghai (PVG – Pudong International Airport) makes it a major gateway for Chinese exports.
2.What Does It Do?
China Eastern Cargo provides:
- Scheduled Freighter Services – Regular flights for high-volume cargo.
- Bellyhold Cargo – Utilizes cargo space in passenger aircraft.
- Temperature-Controlled Logistics – Ideal for pharmaceuticals and perishables.
- Express Handling – Priority cargo services for urgent shipments.
- Charter Services – For oversized or urgent project cargo.
3.Role in Different Modes of Transportation
| Mode | Use Case | Transit Time | Cost (per kg) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air Cargo (Freighter) | Electronics, urgent goods | 3–6 days | $4.50–$6.50 | High-value shipments |
| Passenger Aircraft Bellyhold | Clothing, small electronics | 4–8 days | $3.00–$4.50 | Light cargo |
| Multimodal (Air + Truck) | China to Europe, via hub | 7–12 days | Mixed | E-commerce |
| Courier Partnerships | DHL, UPS, FedEx | 3–7 days | Higher | Small parcels |
Air freight is significantly faster than sea freight but costs about 4–6 times more per unit weight.
4.Relevant Terms and Conditions
When shipping with China Eastern Cargo, consider the following:
- Air Waybill (AWB) – Mandatory for air freight shipments.
- Chargeable Weight – Based on actual or volumetric weight, whichever is higher.
- Dangerous Goods – Subject to IATA regulations.
- Fuel Surcharge – Fluctuates monthly.
- Storage Fees – Apply if cargo isn’t picked up promptly at destination airport.
5.Performance Across Countries
| Route | Avg. Transit Time | Cost (per kg) | Common Challenges |
|---|---|---|---|
| China → USA (Los Angeles) | 4–6 days | $5.50–$6.50 | Customs clearance delays |
| China → Europe (Frankfurt) | 3–5 days | $4.80–$6.00 | Capacity limits during peak |
| China → Middle East (Dubai) | 3–4 days | $4.20–$5.50 | Smooth customs |
| China → Australia (Sydney) | 4–6 days | $4.50–$5.80 | Biosecurity inspections |
| China → Africa (Nairobi) | 6–8 days | $6.20–$7.00 | Limited flight frequency |
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6.How to Avoid Common Problems
Forwarding experts suggest:
- “Always calculate volumetric weight before booking,” notes TopChinaFreight consultants.
- Book space in advance during September–December (peak season).
- Use temperature-controlled packaging for perishables.
- Ensure documents match HS codes to prevent customs rejections.
- Consider cargo insurance for fragile or high-value goods.
7.Real-World Case Studies
Case 1: China → USA (Los Angeles, Air Freight)
- Goods: Smartphones (5000 units)
- Unit Price: $280
- Total Value: $1,400,000
- Route: Shanghai PVG → LAX
- Cost Breakdown:
- Freight: $5.90/kg × 3,500 kg = $20,650
- Fuel Surcharge: $1,200
- Customs Duties: $9,800
- Delivery (LAX → Warehouse): $1,600
- Total: $33,250
- Transit Time: 5 days
- Outcome: Goods arrived before sales season, generating early market advantage.
Case 2: China → Germany (Frankfurt, Pharmaceuticals)
- Goods: Temperature-sensitive medicines (10 tons)
- Unit Price: $50
- Total Value: $500,000
- Route: Shanghai → Frankfurt (direct flight)
- Cost Breakdown:
- Freight: $4.90/kg × 10,000 kg = $49,000
- Cold Chain Handling: $4,500
- Customs & Duties: $7,800
- Local Delivery: $2,200
- Total: $63,500
- Transit Time: 4 days
- Outcome: Cold chain maintained at 2–8°C, shipment cleared without issue.
8.conclusion
China Eastern Cargo provides a fast and reliable air freight option for global importers. With its wide network and specialization in electronics, perishables, and e-commerce, it is a strong choice for businesses that prioritize time over cost. However, success with air cargo requires careful planning around volumetric weight, customs compliance, and proper documentation. Partnering with an experienced China forwarder agent ensures efficiency and cost control.
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FAQ:
Q1.What is the difference between a freighter and bellyhold cargo?
Freighters carry only cargo, while bellyhold cargo is loaded under passenger flights.
Q2.Which airport in China is best for exports?
Shanghai Pudong (PVG) is the largest hub for China Eastern Cargo.
Q3.Can China Eastern Cargo handle dangerous goods?
Yes, under IATA regulations, with proper documentation.
Q4.Is air freight always charged by weight?
It’s charged on actual or volumetric weight, whichever is higher.
Q5.What goods are best suited for China Eastern Cargo?
Electronics, pharmaceuticals, and time-sensitive shipments.