How do I get a shipping container from China?

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Shipping containers are widely used for transporting goods across the world. They are also popular for various creative purposes, such as building homes, offices, or storage units. If you are interested in buying a shipping container from China, you might wonder how to do it and what factors to consider. In this article, we will guide you through the process of ordering a shipping container from China and provide some useful tips and resources.

Why buy a shipping container from China?

China is the largest producer and exporter of shipping containers in the world. According to Container xChange, China accounts for more than 90% of the global container output. This means that you can find a wide range of shipping containers in China, from standard 20-foot or 40-foot containers to specialized ones, such as refrigerated, open-top, or flat-rack containers.

Buying a shipping container from China also has some advantages over buying from other countries. For instance:

• You can get a lower price due to the economies of scale and lower labor costs in China.
• You can get a higher quality due to the strict standards and regulations in China.
• You can get a faster delivery due to the availability of shipping routes and services from China.

How to order a shipping container from China?

Ordering a shipping container from China is not very complicated, but it does require some planning and preparation. Here are the main steps you need to follow:

1. Confirm what goods you want to order with your Chinese supplier. You need to specify the type, size, quantity, and condition of the containers you want. You also need to provide your delivery address and contact information.
2. Choose a suitable freight forwarder or shipping agent in China. A freight forwarder or shipping agent can help you arrange the transportation, documentation, customs clearance, and insurance of your containers. You can find many reputable and reliable freight forwarders or shipping agents in China online, such as Xiaorong Global. You should compare prices, services, and reviews with others before making a decision.
3. Choose an appropriate incoterm for your shipment. Incoterms are international standard codes that indicate where the cargo shall be shipped from the supplier to the importer. They also define the responsibilities and risks of both parties involved in the transaction. The most common incoterms for shipping containers from China are:

• FOB (Free On Board): The supplier delivers the containers to the port of export in China and pays for the export clearance. The importer is responsible for arranging and paying for the ocean freight, import clearance, and delivery to the final destination.
• CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight): The supplier delivers the containers to the port of destination in the importer’s country and pays for the ocean freight and insurance. The importer is responsible for arranging and paying for the import clearance and delivery to the final destination.
• DAP (Delivered At Place): The supplier delivers the containers to a specified place in the importer’s country and pays for all transportation costs and customs duties. The importer is responsible for unloading the containers and paying any taxes or fees.

1. You should choose an incoterm that suits your budget, convenience, and risk preference. You should also communicate clearly with your supplier and freight forwarder about the incoterm you want when getting a shipping quote.
2. Pay for your order and shipment. You need to pay your supplier for the containers according to the agreed payment terms. You also need to pay your freight forwarder or shipping agent for their services according to their invoice. You can use various payment methods, such as bank transfer, credit card, PayPal, or escrow service. You should always keep a record of your payments and receipts.
3. Track your shipment and receive your containers. You can track your shipment online using the tracking number or bill of lading provided by your freight forwarder or shipping agent. You should also keep in touch with them regularly to get updates on your shipment status and any issues that may arise along the way. Once your containers arrive at your destination port or place, you need to arrange for their pickup or delivery. You also need to inspect them for any damages or defects and sign off on their receipt.

What factors to consider when buying a shipping container from China?

Buying a shipping container from China involves some risks and challenges that you need to be aware of and prepared for. Here are some factors that you should consider before making a purchase:

• The quality of the containers: Not all containers are created equal. Some may have dents, rust, holes, leaks, or other defects that may affect their functionality and durability. You should always check the quality of the containers before buying them. You can ask for photos, videos, or inspection reports from your supplier or freight forwarder. You can also hire a third-party inspection company to verify the quality of the containers on your behalf.
• The condition of the containers: Containers can be classified into different grades based on their condition. The most common grades are:
• New or one-trip containers: These are containers that have been used only once to transport goods from China to other countries. They are in excellent condition and have no signs of wear and tear. They are also more expensive than other grades.
• Cargo-worthy or CW containers: These are containers that have been used multiple times to transport goods but are still in good condition and meet international standards for ocean shipping. They may have some minor cosmetic issues, such as scratches, dents, or paint fading, but they are still functional and durable. They are also cheaper than new or one-trip containers.
• Wind- and water-tight or WWT containers: These are containers that have been used extensively to transport goods but are still able to keep out wind and water. They may have some major cosmetic issues, such as rust, holes, leaks, or corrosion, but they are still usable for storage or other purposes. They are also the cheapest grade of containers.
• You should choose a grade of container that matches your needs and expectations. You should also check the age and history of the containers before buying them. You can find this information on the container identification number (CIN) or container safety approval plate (CSC) that is attached to each container.
• The size of the containers: Containers come in different sizes and dimensions to accommodate different types of goods and cargo. The most common sizes are:
• 20-foot standard container: This is the smallest and most widely used size of container. It measures 20 feet long, 8 feet wide, and 8.5 feet high. It can hold up to 33 cubic meters or 28 metric tons of cargo.
• 40-foot standard container: This is the largest and most versatile size of container. It measures 40 feet long, 8 feet wide, and 8.5 feet high. It can hold up to 67 cubic meters or 28 metric tons of cargo.
• 40-foot high-cube container: This is a variation of the 40-foot standard container that has an extra foot of height. It measures 40 feet long, 8 feet wide, and 9.5 feet high. It can hold up to 76 cubic meters or 28 metric tons of cargo.
• You should choose a size of container that fits your goods and cargo volume and weight. You should also consider the space and equipment available at your destination for handling and storing the containers.
• The shipping cost and time: The cost and time of shipping a container from China depend on various factors, such as:
• The distance and route between the origin and destination ports or places
• The mode and method of transportation (sea, air, rail, road, etc.)
• The availability and demand of shipping services and carriers
• The seasonality and weather conditions
• The customs regulations and procedures
• The exchange rates and fuel prices
• You should compare different shipping options and quotes from different freight forwarders or shipping agents to find the best deal for your budget and schedule. You should also factor in some buffer time for any delays or disruptions that may occur during the shipping process.

Conclusion

Buying a shipping container from China can be a rewarding experience if you do it right. By following the steps and tips we have shared in this article, you can order a shipping container from China with ease and confidence. You can also save money, time, and hassle along the way.

If you need more help or information about buying a shipping container from China, you can contact us for help

Shipping container from China to USA: Everything you need to know

Before moving your cargo from China to USA, you should be aware that there are two types of ocean shipping from China to the US: less than container loadWhat is less than container load? Less than container load (less than container load, LCL) is a shipping term that refers to the delivery of cargo in smaller quantities than a full container load. A f... More (LCLWhat is less than container load? Less than container load (less than container load, LCL) is a shipping term that refers to the delivery of cargo in smaller quantities than a full container load. A f... More) and full container load (FCL).

If you’re planning to import a small number of items that might not need a full container’s worth of space, you should consider an LCLWhat is less than container load? Less than container load (less than container load, LCL) is a shipping term that refers to the delivery of cargo in smaller quantities than a full container load. A f... More shipment, where you combine your goods with other shippers to make a full shipment. But if you have a large order of goods that takes up a lot of space, occupying an entire unit with your goods, FCL load is the way to go. If you need help with your container load read our blog on calculating container load here.

With your load in place, your next step is to find dependable and trusted shipping companies from China to the United States. Companies to consider for your China-to-USA move are:

• Maersk Line- This is a trusted shipping company that has connected Chinese businesses to the globe for nearly a century.
• Mediterranean Shipping Company- This company specializes in container shipping services from China to Canada, the United States, and North America.
• China Cosco Shipping Line- Cosco is a government-backed shipping company and a logistics supplier company in China. They currently own over 360 dry bulk vessels and 10,000 ships for container transport.

How much does it cost to ship from China to USA?

Usually, the cost to ship from China to USA is higher when you are shipping a container from China. The main factor for this high cost is the sheer volume of goods being shipped out of China daily.

This massive amount of traffic requires a lot of resources and infrastructure, which can drive up shipping container costs on this route. Additionally, ocean freight shipping rates can be expensive due to the long-distance boxes cover via international shipping routes.

As you can see several elements are at play that lead to high costs, including the high demand for Chinese exports, the type of container leasing agreement you have, supply and demand, current market trends and fluctuations, and the logistical challenges associated with moving large quantities of cargo worldwide. However, despite these costs, many businesses continue to source their products from China because it remains one of the largest and most competitive manufacturing hotspots in the world.

 20ft and 40ft shipping container price from China to USA

When it comes to leasing a container on this route, finding affordable rates can get a little tricky as the costs are dependent on many factors mentioned earlier in this blog. That’s why it’s important to rent containers from transparent marketplaces like Container xChange. On our platform, you can see prices upfront, negotiate further, and make sure you’re leasing containers at the best rates.

To give you a better understanding of the rates on our platform, we have covered the pick-up charges for 20ft and 40ft units for the China to USA stretch.

• The pick-up charge for a 20ft box from Shangai to Dallas is US $188 as of October 2023.
• The pick-up charge for a 20ft box from Shenzhen to Kansas City is US $240 as of October 2023.
• The pick-up charge for a 40ft box from Shangai to Long Beach is US $195 as of August 2023.
• The pick-up charge for a 40ft box from Qingdao to Houston is US $240 as of August 2023.

Note: The rates above are based on the transactions made on the xChange platform and are subject to changes.

Get to see more prices on our leasing dashboard and take advantage of our competitive rates today.

Shortest and longest routes for shipping container from China to USA

You now know that freight rates can be expensive due to the long-distance units have to travel internationally, so let’s explore the shortest route you can take for the China-US stretch to save money.

Fastest and shortest route: Shanghai to Port of Long Beach; the average transit time is 15 to 20 shipping days. In October, the pick-up charge for a 20ft box on this stretch was US $500. And a 40ft HC cost US $370.

The next fastest route to ship your unit is from the port of Tianjin to Los Angeles with a transit time of 17 to 22 days. For this route, the pick-up charge for a 20ft box was US $260 as of October.

Slowest and longest route: From the port of Guangzhou to New York, the estimated transit time is between 30 and 42 days. For a 20ft container, the pick-up charge in this location in October was US $200.

The next longest route is from the port of Shenzhen to Miami, with an average transit time of 45 days. From Shenzhen to Miami, the pick-up charge for a 40ft HC was US $550 as of  October.

Note: The rates above are based on the transactions made on the xChange platform and are subject to changes.

If you want to check out actual leasing one-way rates from China to the USA, our product xChange Insights will give you comparative data for pick-up charges, free days, and per diems for different stretches. Try Insights for free, today!

How to secure a container from China to USA

If you’re now ready to secure a unit from China to USA let xChange lend a helping hand. Here’s how you can get your box in a few easy steps:

• Log on to www.containerxchange.com
• Choose ‘I want to use containers’
• Type in your pick-up and drop-off locations and hit ‘search’
• You will get a list of available containers on that stretch
• You can ‘view details of the suppliers and the deals they’re offering. You can see what multiple suppliers are offering and compare the rates.
• Then you can choose a supplier you like after seeing their reviews and ratings
• Connect with them directly via chats and calls on the platform
• Interact with them to compare and negotiate deals and terms
• Choose a rate that suits your budget, close your deal, and get your cargo moved from China to the USA.

You can also connect with bigwigs in the industry on our platform such as Seaco Global, Cosco, Trident, SeaCube, and other trusted names. So come and check out our leasing marketplace to grab a great deal on your box by clicking the banner below.

How to track shipping containers from China to USA

After you’ve secured your box and sent your cargo on its way, you can keep an eye on your box as it moves from China to USA with our near real-time tracking feature. Here’s what you’ll get:

• Pick-up reminders
• Return schedules
• Container close to destination update
• Route changes
• Overview of the number of free days left
• Misuse warnings
• Auto-alert system in the event of delays, discharges, container rollovers, or lengthy wait times.
• ETA

  What is estimated time of arrival? Estimated time of arrival, commonly known as ETA, is a frequently used term globally to denote the time of coming. In the shipping & logistics industry, it is ... More

Lease your box on our platform today to reap the benefits of our tracking feature right away.

What documents are required to import goods from China to USA

Another very important component to keep in mind when moving goods from China to the US is to be wary of the documents you need for this one way container move. Any missing documents will cause issues in shipping container clearance and may lead to your container not making it onto the ship itself.

The documents you’ll need:

• Freight shipping forms
• Bill of lading
• Commercial invoice
• Certificate of origin
• Inspection certificate
• Destination control statement
• Shipper’s export declaration
• Export packing list
• Insurance certificate

Latest updates on the China to USA route

Currently, with export volumes already declining from Asia, carriers appear to be working to maintain volumes. There’s also been a decline in rates from the China to USA front. The freight rates from China ports to western USA ports decreased by 3.4% from last month. At the same time, ocean rates to eastern USA ports fell by 5.4%, respectively, from the previous month.

With the rising costs of operations in China and the country’s political trade tensions with the US, many foreign investors have sought to complement their China operations by shifting some of their production to other lower-cost countries in Asia such as Vietnam.

Also, the relentless ongoing Panama Canal drought is having far-reaching consequences for container logistics which include several operational hurdles and disruptions to trade flows between China and USA.

To get more insights like these into the current market trends and updates happening in the industry download a free copy of our report, Where are All the Containers.

Get your shipping container from China to USA at top rates on Container xChange

While you would have usually spent days finding a vetted supplier or sourcing the right kind of container for your cargo, Container xChange makes it a simpler process that can be completed within a few minutes! You can choose any container type and container condition you need at competitive rates that you won’t find in any other souring channels.

Plus, you can keep your transaction safe with our easy payment handling feature – the xChange wallet. And get one consolidated bill to pay at the end of the month – it’s that easy!

Source a container for one-way move from trusted suppliers on xChange

That’s not all! Do you know what the best part is? Well, by leasing a container one way on our platform you’ll help curb empty container repositioning!

On our platform, you can find vetted container suppliers looking to move their boxes from China to the USA and negotiate deals and terms with them directly to source your box. We also have a standard one-way leasing agreement on Container xChange.

During the one-way leasing transaction, all members sign the BIMCO contract to evade confusion as both parties remain informed and are on the same page. With this, you can avoid the hassle of networking by yourself and scheduling endless calls and lengthy email exchanges with multiple companies about contracts and terms.

Shipping a container from China to USA just got super easy! Don’t wait any longer; make your move while the rates are also low in the market currently and bag a great deal on your box right now by clicking the banner below.

Shipping container from China to USA: Common FAQs

How much does it cost to ship a container from China to the US?

Usually, the costs are high to ship a container from China. One major factor that contributes to high costs is the sheer volume of goods being shipped out of China daily. This massive amount of traffic requires a lot of resources and infrastructure, which can drive up shipping container costs from China to USA. Additionally, ocean freight shipping rates can be expensive due to the long distances in international shipping routes.

How long does a shipping container take to travel from China to the US?

One of the fastest transit times to ship a container from China to USA is the route from Shanghai China to Port of Long Beach California with an average transit time of 15 to 20 shipping days. The next fastest route to ship your unit to USA is from China is from the port of Tianjin to Los Angeles transit time of 17 to 22 days. The longest and slowest transit time to ship a box from China to USA is from the port of Guangzhou China to New York, with an estimated average transit time between 30 and 42 days.

How much does it cost to import a 20ft container from China to the US?

The price to move a 20ft box from China to USA depends on many factors such as the container type and condition, location of the port, supply and demand, market situation, and the shipping route chosen.