When you need to transport goods from China to Australia, the first problem you face is whether to choose sea or air transportation. You need to make a comprehensive judgment based on the nature of the goods, time requirements and specific service contents.
1. Sea transportation: Low-cost and shouldering the main responsibility, suitable for "slow-paced" goods
Core advantage: Low price
Sea freight: Taking large quantities of goods as an example, the full container price for sea freight from Shanghai to Australia is approximately 4,000 to 7,000 RMB per 20-foot container, and the less-than-container load (LCL) price is about 200 to 400 RMB per cubic meter. The dedicated line price for general cargo sea transportation to Australia is approximately 55 yuan per jin (0.5 kilograms) for the first weight and 13 yuan per jin for additional weight.
Air freight: The price is approximately 50 to 80 RMB per kilogram. Some service providers offer tiered pricing. If the weight exceeds 11 kilograms, the first weight fee will be waived. The overall price is significantly higher than that of sea freight
2. Suitable scenarios
Large furniture items, household appliances, moving luggage, e-commerce inventory (non-emergency replenishment), mechanical equipment, building materials and other heavy goods
3. Disadvantage: Slow! And the risks are concentrated.
(1) Delivery time: 15-30 days (may be delayed to 45 days during peak season)
(2) Risk points: LCL (Less Than Container Load) requires filling up all the containers, which may result in a delay of 2 to 3 weeks. The Australian customs has strict requirements for wooden packaging (a fumigation certificate is required). Damp weather may cause goods to get damp (especially electronic products).
Ii. Air Freight: Buying time with money, the first choice for urgent items
Core advantage: As fast as lightning
Sea transportation: The transportation time is relatively long, usually taking 15 to 30 days, and the specific time is affected by factors such as weather and shipping routes.
Air freight: It has a relatively fast delivery time, usually completed within 3 to 10 working days, and is suitable for goods with high requirements for delivery time.
2. Suitable scenarios:
Urgent documents, contracts, samples, high-value goods (jewelry, precision instruments), restocking of best-selling items on e-commerce platforms (missing the sales season will result in even greater losses)
3. Be cautious about concealing costs
(1) Cost scheme: The quoted price often does not include the fuel surcharge (currently about ¥15/kg) + security inspection fee (¥5/kg);
(2) Volumetric weight charge: Length × width × height (cm)÷6000. Foam boxes may double the freight!
(3) Customs clearance minefield: Australia has extremely strict reviews for the air transportation of batteries and liquids, and requires MSDS certification.
Finally, the key to making a decision on China-Australia freight transportation: Heavy, large, not urgent → sea transportation; Light, small and fast → Air transport
