As a leading shipping agent in China, Linkshare has specialized in shipping from China to Germany for over 10 years. We offer comprehensive shipping solutions, including Express freight, Air freight, Sea freight, and Railway freight, to various German cities like Frankfurt, Bremerhaven, Cologne, Hamburg, Munich, Berlin, and more.
Linkshare provides fast, reliable, and cost-effective shipping from China to Germany, ensuring on-time and efficient delivery services for all your shipping needs. We handle a wide range of goods shipping from China to Germany, encompassing home decor, toys, electronics, and more.
With Linkshare service, we guarantee the best routes to get your products to the German market, full compliance with all applicable regulations, established relationships with top ocean and air carriers, seamless coordination between freight and brokerage, reliable capacity and service in Germany, and up-to-date tracking information about your shipment status.
Contact us now for the best shipping cost from China to Germany!
What are the Shipping options from China to Germany
There are four shipping options available from China to Germany:
Express Air freight
Also known as expedited shipping, this method is ideal if you want your goods delivered from China to Germany quickly. Express Air freight service providers include DHL, FedEx, TNT, and UPS. The Express cost is high, so it is suitable for small-volume cargo like samples, high-value goods and weight below 200KG. The door-to-door Express air shipping time is around 1-5 work days, and shipping cost varies on the cargo type, seasons, and Express Courier selected.
Standard Air freight
This is the second fastest shipping way compared with sea and train freight from China to Germany, you can ship by Port to Port, Door to Door or any combination according to your shipping demands. Standard Air freight is perfect for medium shipments between 100 to 500 KG that require fast but not urgent delivery like Express air; transit time is around 2-10 work days, the cost depending on the shipping volume, seasons, selected airlines and shipping routes.
Train freight
China to Europe Railway freight has been a new and popular shipping solution since 2010. It optimizes the existing railway network and goes to European countries via Kazakhstan and Russia; the rail transport hubs in China include Xi’an, Hei Fei, and Chong Qing, and the destination stations in Germany include Hamburg, Munich, and Duisburg. When importing from China to Germany, you can always opt for door-to-door train shipping directly to your address in Germany.
Sea Freight
It is the cheapest and slowest shipping solution for shipping from China to Germany and suitable for bulk quantities shipment over 2CBM without urgency; it has both FCL (full container load) and LCL (less than container load) for sea freight shipping to Germany; transit takes around 28-50 days depending on port conditions and seasons.
What are the Shipping port from China to Germany
There are many shipping ports from China to Germany, and many shipping routes you can choose from, below are the basic shipping port between China and Germany.
China Shipping ports:
Shenzhen Port
Shanghai Port
Ningbo Port
Qingdao Port
Germany Shipping ports:
Hamburg Port
Port of Bremen
Port of Cologne
Duisburg Port.
There are some other ports between China and Germany, you can choose the departure and arrival port depending on your factory location and your delivery address.
Top 10 Best Routes for Sea Shipping from China to Germany
At Linkshare China company we offer many options of routes to ship containers to Germany from China. The following are the 10 most popular busiest shipping routes to the major container port in Germany used by exporters and importers from China.
| Origin port in China | Destination port in Germany |
|---|---|
| Port of Shanghai | Port of Bremerhaven |
| Port of Shenzhen | Port of Hamburg |
| Port of Ningbo-Zhoushan | Port of Frankfurt |
| Port of Hong Kong | Port of Bremerhaven |
| Port of Guangzhou | Port of Hamburg |
| Port of Qingdao | Port of Frankfurt |
| Port of Tianjin | Port of Bremerhaven |
| Port of Dalian | Port of Hamburg |
| Port of Xiamen | Port of Frankfurt |
| Port of Yingkou | Port of Bremerhaven |
How much does it cost to ship a 20ft and 40ft container from China to Germany
How much does it cost to ship a 20ft container from China to Germany, the average price to ship a 20ft container from China to Germany is from $1150 to $3250. The shipping timeline to ship a 20 foot container from China to Germany ranges depending on the route.
How much does it cost to ship a 40ft container from China to Germany, the average price to ship a 40ft container from China to Germany is from $2150 to $4850. The shipping timeline to ship a 40 foot container from China to Germany ranges depending on the route.
Container shipping rates from China to Germany
These are the average prices to ship a container from China to Germany with the cheapest rates for loading and shipping containers from the major ports in China to Germany for 20ft and 40ft containers (FCL) with all types of cargo such as: commercial cargo, vehicles, or personal effects for international shipments from China to Germany.
| Container shipping service from China to Germany | Type of container | Ocean freight rates from China to Germany: |
|---|---|---|
| How much does it cost to ship a container from Shanghai China to Germany. | 20 foot container FCL 40 foot container FCL | average price from: $1150 20FT average price from: $3150 40FT |
| How much does it cost to ship a container from Shenzhen China to Germany. | 20 foot container FCL 40 foot container FCL | average price from: $2150 20FT average price from: $3850 40FT |
| How much does it cost to ship a container from Ningbo-Zhoushan China to Germany. | 20 foot container FCL 40 foot container FCL | average price from: $2150 20FT average price from: $3850 40FT |
| How much does it cost to ship a container from Hong Kong China to Germany. | 20 foot container FCL 40 foot container FCL | average price from: $2150 20FT average price from: $3850 40FT |
| How much does it cost to ship a container from Guangzhou China to Germany. | 20 foot container FCL 40 foot container FCL | average price from: $2150 20FT average price from: $3850 40FT |
| How much does it cost to ship a container from Qingdao China to Germany | 20 foot container FCL 40 foot container FCL | average price from: $2150 20FT average price from: $3850 40FT |
| How much does it cost to ship a container from Tianjin China to Germany | 20 foot container FCL 40 foot container FCL | average price from: $1150 20FT average price from: $3150 40FT |
| How much does it cost to ship a container from Dalian China to Germany | 20 foot container FCL 40 foot container FCL | average price from: $2150 20FT average price from: $3850 40FT |
| How much does it cost to ship a container from Xiamen China to Germany | 20 foot container FCL 40 foot container FCL | average price from: $2150 20FT average price from: $3850 40FT |
| How much does it cost to ship a container from Yingkou China to Germany | 20 foot container FCL 40 foot container FCL | average price from: $2150 20FT average price from: $3850 40FT |
Express shipping price per kilogram from China to Germany
Generally speaking, Express freight is the most expensive and fastest shipping option to Germany. Express Air is usually carried out by air couriers, which allows you to ship packages up to 300kg per shipment quickly; check below express delivery per kilogram dated 24-December 2023 from China to Germany for your information.
Express Air freight per kilogram:
| Carrier | Weight | Price Range(USD) | Weight | Price Range(USD) | Weight | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FedEx | ≥21kgs | 8.7-9.8 | ≥69kgs | 6.8-8.3 | ≥100kgs | 6.9-7.8 |
| UPS | ≥21kgs | 8.5-10.2 | ≥69kgs | 7.0-8.5 | ≥100kgs | 7.2-8.4 |
| DHL | ≥21kgs | 8.9-10.8 | ≥69kgs | 7.2-8.9 | ≥100kgs | 7.5-8.8 |
Air freight rates from China to Germany
Generally speaking, standard air freight is with port-to-port service, and the cost is more economical if you have a larger shipment over 300 kg; the minimum charge weight is 45 kg for standard air freight service. Also, the exact shipping cost differs via shipping route.
The direct shipping route to Germany costs more, and the indirect shipping route costs much less with a longer delivery time; check below the Standard air freight per kilogram dated 24 December 2023 from China to Germany for your information.
Standard Air freight per kilogram
| Port of Origin | City | Weight | Price (USD) | Weight | Price (USD) | Weight | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shenzhen/Shanghai/Ningob | Cologne | ≥45kgs | 6.5-7.9 | ≥100kgs | 5.5-6.9 | ≥300kgs | 5.2-6.8 |
| Hamburg | ≥45kgs | 6.4-7.6 | ≥100kgs | 5.2-6.8 | ≥300kgs | 5.0-7.4 | |
| Munich | ≥45kgs | 6.8-8.3 | ≥100kgs | 5.8-7.5 | ≥300kgs | 5.5-6.8 | |
| Frankfurt | ≥45kgs | 6.2-7.5 | ≥100kgs | 5.4-7.2 | ≥300kgs | 5.2-7.0 |
Railway shipping cost from China to Germany
Compared with Express Air shipping and Standard Air freight, Railway transport is much cheaper and more economical; this is ideal if you are shipping bulk goods but don’t want to wait too long like sea freight.
Check below the railway freight per kilogram dated 24 December 2023 from China to Germany for your information. Please note train freight per KG cost, including import customs clearance and duties, so we only need you to receive goods at your doorstep.
Railway freight per KG
| City | Weight | Price Range(USD) | Weight | Price Range(USD) | Weight | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hamburg | ≥21kgs | 1.9-4.5 | ≥100kgs | 1.7-2.8 | ≥300kgs | 1.5-2.5 |
| Munich | ≥21kgs | 1.9-4.5 | ≥100kgs | 1.7-2.8 | ≥300kgs | 1.5-2.5 |
| Frankfurt | ≥21kgs | 1.9-4.5 | ≥100kgs | 1.7-2.8 | ≥300kgs | 1.5-2.5 |
Shipping time from China to Germany
The shipping time from China to Germany varies by shipping options, port of origin, and port of destination; below is the reference shipping time for your information.
Express Shipping takes about 1-5 work days for door-to-door delivery. The speed of Express Air is fast, but the cost is also the highest.
Standard air freight takes about 3-10 working days, depending on the cargo volume and the shipping route you choose. Shipping via direct air freight is faster and can take only two days. Shipping via in-direct air freight could take as long as a week; if you opt for door-to-door shipping, the duration will take 6-14 days.
Train freight transit takes about 16 days for the train freight from the start station to the destination station; rail transit times take around 28-40 days for door-to-door shipping, including container loading & unloading, import customs clearance and duties, and last-mile delivery.
Sea freight, LCL, is considerably cheaper than FCL but takes more time to ship your cargo. LCL freights take anywhere from 28 to 40 days from port to port.
The average transit time, sailing, and vessel schedule to ship your container from China to Germany from the major ports in China.
| Continent of origin | Country of origin | Port of origin | Port of destination | Transit time (days) | 20DV FCL 40HQ FCL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asia | China | Port of Shanghai | Port of Bremerhaven | 35 | $3150 |
| Asia | China | Port of Shenzhen | Port of Frankfurt | 40 | $3850 |
| Asia | China | Port of Ningbo-Zhoushan | Port of Hamburg | 38 | $3850 |
| Asia | China | Port of Hong Kong | Port of Bremerhaven | 39 | $3850 |
| Asia | China | Port of Guangzhou | Port of Frankfurt | 40 | $3850 |
| Asia | China | Port of Qingdao | Port of Hamburg | 42 | $3850 |
| Asia | China | Port of Tianjin | Port of Bremerhaven | 42 | $4850 |
| Asia | China | Port of Dalian | Port of Frankfurt | 17 | $1150 |
| Asia | China | Port of Xiamen | Port of Hamburg | 20 | $2150 |
| Asia | China | Port of Yingkou | Port of Bremerhaven | 20 | $2250 |
If you go for door-to-door shipping, the duration can take 40-48 days.
When is the Best Time to Ship From China to Germany
Freight charges are heavily influenced by season when importing from China.
During seasonal peaks, shipping costs are much higher as demand overtakes supply in the market.
Shipping companies are likely to increase their costs when there is intense demand regardless of lean services.
When scheduling your shipment, consider these events that can drastically affect freight rates, so try to avoid shipping from China during the times below.
- Chinese New Year: Chinese New Year takes place from late January to early February.
- Chinese national holiday starts every October 1st and continues for an entire week.
- Dragon Boat Festival: There may be better times to schedule your shipments than the traditional Chinese holiday. This holiday takes place every June; the dates follow the 5th day of the 5th month in the lunar calendar.
An early booking is crucial if you don’t want to get caught up with the surges during peak seasons.
Door To Door Shipping From China To Germany
Definition
Door-to-door, as the name implies, refers to the full logistics service from the shipper’s door or designated location (China) to the consignee’s door or designated location (Germany). Regardless of the mode of transportation (air, sea, rail), door-to-door service ensures that the goods can reach the final destination directly, achieving seamless connection throughout the process.
What Are The Ways Of Door-To-Door Shipping From China To Germany
- Delivery Duty Unpaid (DDU): Under the DDU terms, the seller is responsible for shipping the goods to Germany, but the buyer is responsible for paying duties, taxes, and customs clearance fees when the goods arrive. This option can save some costs for the seller, but requires the buyer to deal with local customs and additional fees.
- Delivered Duty Paid (DDP): DDP is a hassle-free option where the seller is solely responsible for delivering the goods to the buyer’s doorstep, including all duties, taxes, and customs clearance fees. This method ensures a seamless and stress-free experience for the buyer, as all costs and responsibilities are borne by the seller.
- LCL (Less than Container Load) Door-to-Door: For smaller shipments that do not need to fill a full container, LCL door-to-door service is an affordable option. In this method, multiple smaller shipments are consolidated into a single container, reducing costs while ensuring efficient delivery to the final destination.
- FCL (Full Container Load) Door-to-Door: For larger shipments that can fill an entire container, FCL door-to-door service offers the advantages of security and efficiency. The container is sealed at the origin and not opened until it reaches the destination, minimizing handling and damage risks.
- Air Freight Door-to-Door: For urgent and high-value shipments, Air Freight Door-to-Door service guarantees the fastest delivery. This method ensures that the goods are picked up from the shipper, airlifted to the destination country, cleared by customs, and delivered directly to the recipient’s address.
DDP Shipping From China To Germany
Definition
DDP, the full name is Delivered Duty Paid, which means “Delivery at Destination Duty Paid”. Under this logistics method, the seller bears all costs and risks from the origin (China) to the destination (Germany), including but not limited to transportation costs, insurance premiums, customs clearance fees, tariffs and VAT. The buyer only needs to receive the goods at the destination without any additional costs.
Door to Door (DDP) Air Freight Costs per Kg from China to Germany table.
| Origin (China) | Destination (Germany) | Product Type | +100 kg Price (USD/kg) | +300 kg Price (USD/kg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beijing | Berlin | General Goods | $10 | $9 |
| Shanghai | Munich | General Goods | $10.50 | $9.50 |
| Guangzhou | Frankfurt | General Goods | $11 | $9 |
| Shenzhen | Hamburg | General Goods | $11.50 | $9.50 |
| Chengdu | Cologne | General Goods | $12 | $10 |
| Beijing | Berlin | DGR Goods | $12 | $10 |
| Shanghai | Munich | DGR Goods | $11.50 | $9.50 |
| Guangzhou | Frankfurt | DGR Goods | $11 | $9 |
| Shenzhen | Hamburg | DGR Goods | $10.50 | $8.50 |
| Chengdu | Cologne | DGR Goods | $10 | $8 |