China Sea Freight Forwarding Services
Importing and dropship imports from China present tremendous opportunities for businesses of all kinds, with sea freight offering a cost-effective and reliable solution for transporting goods at scale.
- Full-Service B2B Shipping
- LCL and FCL options for shipping to and from the China
- Economical Options for Non-Urgent Cargo
- Customs clearance paperwork fully handled
- Excellent Customer Feedback
Sea freight from China? Get a quote to the UK today
Sea Freight to/ from China
Why import from China? Post-Brexit trade deals and Amazon dropshipping make it more accessible to source products to sell online via Amazon or eBay. Changing perceptions about China-sourced products have reshaped eCommerce, and we only have to look around our homes to appreciate the diversity and quality of modern goods from China.
Importing goods from China has cost advantages due to the manufacturing power stretching from Shenzhen to Beijing. Harnessing that power for your sales activities while using a reliable, experienced freight forwarder like Barrington Freight can smooth your way to the profitable import of merchandise from China. For sea freight from China to the UK, we utilise the top shipping lines worldwide, including Maersk, MSC, COSCO, Evergreen, ONE, Hapag-Lloyd, and CMA CGM, ensuring your goods are transported with reliability and efficiency.
To begin your sea freight import or export journey with China, contact us at 01268 525 444 or request a quote for your sea freight China to UK shipping.
How Long does Sea Freight from China To UK Take?
Sea freight from China to UK typically takes between 6 to 7 weeks for both Full Container Load (FCL) and Less than Container Load (LCL) shipments. These transit times include both sailing and port handling. The total duration depends on the port of origin, destination, and whether your goods are shipped directly or as part of a consolidated load.
We service the 19 major ports in China, with most cargo currently routed into Felixstowe and Southampton. We also handle shipments from other common Chinese ports via feeder vessels connecting into these primary hubs, providing broad coverage and reliable transit options.
Get a sea freight quote from China to the UK.
Sea Freight China: Ports, Goods and Trade Activity
China is the largest exporter in the world, and sea freight plays a central role in connecting its ports to global markets. With vast manufacturing output and strategically positioned coastal infrastructure, China’s maritime freight sector continues to drive global supply chains. The country’s seaports act as vital gateways for a wide variety of goods, ranging from manufacturing parts to high-value consumer products. Popular goods sent through container shipping from China to the UK include electronics, textiles, furniture, tools, toys, and automotive parts.
China’s sea freight volumes are unparalleled, accounting for a significant share of global ocean shipping activity. In fact, 41.3% of all container traffic among the world’s 100 largest ports passed through Chinese ports in 2023. China’s maritime infrastructure includes 34 major ports and over 2,000 minor ports. Nearly every major city with coastal access supports international trade, creating a dense and efficient logistics network.
Key Ports:
- Port of Shanghai: As the world’s largest container port, it offers deep-sea and riverine access. Its scale and automation make it the cornerstone of China’s sea freight operations.
- Port of Shenzhen: Located close to Hong Kong, it’s a leading export hub and second only to Shanghai in terms of volume. It serves a high concentration of manufacturers in southern China.
Additional high-capacity ports include Tianjin, Ningbo-Zhoushan, Qingdao, and Guangzhou, all crucial nodes in the national and global shipping network.
Sea freight from China underpins a massive share of international logistics, driven by consistently high trade volumes and a comprehensive port network. As global demand and trade dynamics continue to evolve, China’s maritime sector remains at the heart of global commerce. Chinese ports are equipped to move the world’s freight; efficiently, reliably, and at scale. For companies shipping container from China to UK, choosing sea freight provides access to this huge supply network.
Commonly Serviced Chinese Ports
Important Information For Shipping To China
E-Commerce and Dropshipping? Sea Freight from China is a Smart Choice
For retailers and dropshipping businesses sourcing stock from platforms like Alibaba, sea freight becomes the most economical option once you begin importing in bulk. While courier services work well for early-stage or high-value small orders, they quickly become expensive at scale. If you’re regularly shipping to Amazon FBA, fulfilment centres, or your own warehouse, sea freight offers the best value, especially for lower-margin or high-volume products such as electronics, homeware, and tools.
Sea freight is ideal when you can plan ahead. The longer transit time (typically 6–7 weeks) is offset by lower per-unit shipping costs and a much smaller carbon footprint. You can choose between Full Container Load (FCL) or Less than Container Load (LCL), depending on your shipment size and frequency.
We also help e-commerce clients choose the most suitable Incoterms when buying from Chinese suppliers. Choosing the right terms can reduce costs, avoid customs delays, and simplify your entire shipping process. Our expert team will guide you through these options to ensure a smooth, cost-effective import process from start to finish.
“When importing from China, I strongly recommend considering FOB (Free on Board) or EXW (Ex Works) terms. CIF quotes from overseas suppliers can look cheap, but they often come with hidden charges once the goods arrive in the UK. With FOB or EXW, you stay in control of the shipping costs and avoid nasty surprises.”
Why Choose Barrington Freight for Sea Freight China to UK
At Barrington Freight, we provide a full-service sea freight solution for clients’ container shipping from China to the UK. We are experienced in sending sea freight from China to UK, we support importers and exporters alike, offering expert guidance and hands-on help at every stage of the journey to ensure smooth, cost-effective delivery.
Our support goes beyond transport. We help with:
- Customs clearance – All UK-side documentation and declarations handled to avoid delays and penalties
- Marine insurance – Optional cover to protect your cargo throughout transit
- Export packing – Safe, compliant packaging to international standards
- 3PL warehousing – Inventory handling for businesses needing storage or consolidation
- Competitive pricing – Already got a quote? We’ll do our best to beat it
We understand the pressure on margins when importing from overseas, which is why we focus on transparency, value, and reliability. Our network covers major Chinese ports with flexible FCL and LCL options to suit your volume, urgency, and budget. Inland haulage and customs coordination in the UK are all part of our end-to-end service.
Whether you’re new to international sourcing or a seasoned logistics manager, our team is here to make China sea freight simple. From factory collection to final delivery, we manage every step with accuracy and care, keeping you informed, compliant, and in control from start to finish.
Explore Your Options
More Than Just Sea Freight: Freight from China to the UK
Depending on the size and value of your shipments, as your China shipping agent, we offer a variety of comprehensive freight services from China:
Rail freight from China to the UK typically takes around 30 days from the point of dispatch to final delivery. There are no size or weight restrictions, making it suitable for bulky and heavy goods.
- Pros: quicker than sea freight, more cost-effective than air, eco-friendlier option, reliable schedules, and good tracking.
- Cons: not as fast as air, and restricted goods (e.g. military-related items).
Air freight from China to the UK
Typically taking between six and 18 days from China to your delivery address. As a guide, air freight will be cheaper than courier for shipments over 100 kg (FOB) or 200 kg (EXW China).
- Pros: speed but not as fast as courier services, convenience and security, trace and track consignments, and usually limited delays.
- Cons: expensive and a poor carbon footprint.
Get a free sea freight shipping quote to or from the China today
Shipping costs from China to the UK
You can read more on Costs to Import from China. Costs of shipping calculations consist of the following:
- Shipping costs by ship, plane, or train
- Import duty from China to the UK is made up of customs duty and, if applicable, ‘excise duty’
- Value Added Tax (VAT) payable
- Marine insurance
Read the complete list of our top tips for import, calculating the landed cost of your goods, shipping terms and arranging to ship.
Our top tips for Importing from China
- Understand your import objectives.
- Get an EORI number before you import from China.
- Source suppliers carefully.
- Use a well-drafted contract to reduce risks.
- Choose a suitable freight method for your China to UK shipping.
- Understand your shipping costs.
- Keep in HMRC’s good books by sorting paperwork and payments.
- Keep up to date with Brexit’s impact on China’s imports.
- Understand the applicable UK Trade Tariffs.
- Know your commodity codes.
- Be aware of the taxes and duties on UK imports.
- Find out if you need an import licence for goods from China.
We are friendly, easy to work with, honest and we do not charge the earth.
The quickest way to get help if you are considering importing from China, or exporting, is to get in touch so we can talk you through the process and advise on the best approach for your business. We are your experienced China import to ensure your goods reach the UK on time, in perfect condition and ready to boost your bottom line. For more information about how we can help, reach out to our sales team on 01268525444 or email sales@barringtonfreight.co.uk.
