How much does it cost to ship a 40 foot container from China?
The cost to ship a 40-foot container from China varies depending on the destination, season, and shipping company. On average, prices range from $2,000 to $4,000 USD for ocean freight. Additional fees such as customs clearance, insurance, and local delivery may apply. It’s best to get a detailed quote from a freight forwarder based on your specific shipment details.
How long does it take to ship from China to Portugal?
From my experience, shipping from China to Portugal usually takes about 30 to 40 days by sea freight, which is the most economical option for bulk orders. If I need something faster, air freight takes around 5 to 10 days, but it costs more. For urgent small packages, express shipping can deliver in just 3 to 5 days. So, the delivery time really depends on how quickly you need the goods and your budget.
What are the rates for shipping from China to Portugal in 2025?
As a frequent importer from China to Portugal, here are the typical shipping rates I’ve seen in 2025 based on the method and shipment type:
| Shipping Method | Estimated Cost (2025) | Transit Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ocean Freight (FCL) | $2,300 – $4,500 (40ft container) | 30–40 days | Bulk cargo, cost-efficient |
| Ocean Freight (LCL) | $50 – $100 per CBM | 30–45 days | Small loads, shared container |
| Air Freight | $4 – $8 per kg | 5–10 days | Medium-size, time-sensitive goods |
| Express Shipping | $10 – $15 per kg | 3–5 days | Urgent, lightweight parcels |
| Door-to-Door | $150 – $300 per CBM / $8–$15 per kg | Varies (7–35 days) | Simplified logistics, all-inclusive |
Note: Rates vary based on volume, weight, port locations, and fuel surcharges. I always recommend getting updated quotes from freight forwarders for accuracy.
What are the most popular routes from China to the Portugal?
As someone who frequently ships goods from China to Portugal, I’ve found that some of the most popular sea routes depart from major Chinese ports like Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Ningbo, heading to Lisbon or Sines, Portugal’s main seaports. These routes are reliable, have frequent sailings, and offer good connections for both FCL and LCL shipments. For air freight, flights from Shanghai Pudong or Guangzhou to Lisbon Airport are commonly used, especially when I need faster delivery.
Best Freight Forwarder from China to the Portugal
As someone who regularly ships goods from China to Portugal, choosing the right freight forwarder is key to saving time, cost, and avoiding customs delays. Here are some of the best freight forwarders I’ve used or researched, with a quick comparison:
| Freight Forwarder | Services Offered | Strengths | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sino Shipping | Sea, air, express, DDP | China-Europe expertise, good rates | sinoshipping.com |
| DFH Logistics | Air, sea, express, warehousing | Fast response, flexible shipping options | dfhfreight.com |
| Winsky Freight | Sea, air, Amazon FBA, express | Good for small businesses & eCommerce | winskyfreight.com |
| SHIPHUB | Freight comparison platform | Lets you compare multiple forwarders | shiphub.co |
| Maersk (via agents) | Ocean freight (FCL/LCL), customs support | Reliable global network | maersk.com |
| DHL Global Forwarding | Air & ocean freight, customs, express | Ideal for time-sensitive shipments |