How to Import Containers from China — Everything You Need to Know

Importing containers from China is a key step for businesses looking to tap into global supply chains.

At Twings Supply, we specialize in facilitating smooth, efficient, and cost-effective container shipping from China to the United States and beyond. This guide covers the critical steps, considerations, and strategies to ensure your imports are successful.

What are the Steps to Import Goods from China via Shipment Containers?

The following are the general steps to import goods from China via container shipping.

1. Research and Identify Reliable Suppliers
   Begin by researching suppliers on platforms like Alibaba, Global Sources, or attending trade fairs. Evaluate their credibility by checking reviews, certifications, and conducting factory audits when possible.
2. Request Product Samples
   Ask for product samples to verify the quality and ensure the supplier can meet your expectations before finalizing the deal.
3. Negotiate Contracts and Agreements
   Once satisfied, negotiate terms including pricing, payment conditions, production timelines, and delivery schedules. Create a clear contract to avoid misunderstandings.
4. Verify Compliance and Certifications
   Ensure the supplier’s products meet U.S. import regulations, such as FDA approval for food items or compliance with safety standards for electronics.
5. Choose the Best Shipping Method
   Decide between Full Container Load (FCL) or Less than Container Load (LCL), and select sea freight or air freight based on your budget, timelines, and cargo size.
6. Book Your Shipment
   Coordinate with a trusted freight forwarder like Twings Supply to secure space with carriers, prepare shipping schedules, and handle necessary documentation.
7. Prepare the Necessary Documentation
   Gather required documents, including the commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, and bill of lading. Ensure your freight forwarder assists with customs compliance.
8. Conduct Quality Inspections
   Arrange for pre-shipment inspections to confirm the goods meet quality and quantity requirements before shipping.
9. Track Your Shipment
   Monitor the progress of your shipment through tracking tools provided by your freight forwarder to ensure it arrives on schedule.
10. Clear Customs and Pay Duties
    Work with your freight forwarder to navigate customs clearance by submitting all required documentation and paying any import duties or taxes.
11. Arrange Final Delivery
    Once cleared, arrange for transportation of your goods from the port to your final destination through local delivery services or warehousing solutions.

By following these detailed steps, you can ensure a smooth and efficient import process from China. At Twings Supply, we guide you through each stage, offering expert support to make your import experience stress-free.

Preparing Your Shipping Container

Properly preparing your shipping container ensures the safety of your goods during transit. This includes:

• Choosing the right container size.
• Securing your cargo with appropriate packaging and labeling.
• Confirming container loading specifications with your supplier.

Different Sizes and Types of Shipping Containers

Choosing the right shipping container is crucial for ensuring the safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness of your imports. Shipping containers are available in different sizes and specialized types, designed to accommodate diverse cargo needs. Here’s an in-depth look:

Shipment Container Sizes

1. 20-Foot Containers
   • Dimensions: Approximately 20 feet long, 8 feet wide, and 8.5 feet high.
   • Capacity: Holds up to 33 cubic meters or roughly 25-28 metric tons, depending on the type of cargo.
   • Best For: Smaller shipments or heavy goods like machinery, metals, and tiles. Their compact size also makes them suitable for ports or warehouses with space restrictions.
2. 40-Foot Containers
   • Dimensions: About 40 feet long, 8 feet wide, and 8.5 feet high.
   • Capacity: Offers up to 67 cubic meters of space and can carry similar weight limits as the 20-foot container.
   • Best For: Large shipments or lightweight, voluminous goods like furniture, textiles, or consumer goods.
3. 40-Foot High-Cube Containers
   • Dimensions: Same length and width as a standard 40-foot container but with an additional foot of height (9.5 feet high).
   • Capacity: Ideal for taller or bulkier items requiring extra vertical space.
   • Best For: Goods such as mattresses, large machinery, or stacked items that exceed standard container height.
4. 45-Foot High-Cube Containers
   • Dimensions: Approximately 45 feet long, 8 feet wide, and 9.5 feet high.
   • Capacity: Provides up to 85 cubic meters of space, accommodating larger shipments without exceeding weight limits.
   • Best For: Businesses looking to maximize cargo volume while maintaining efficiency in shipping costs. This container size is particularly beneficial for companies that frequently ship large quantities of goods but want to optimize their logistics by reducing the number of containers used.
5. Special Note on 53-Foot Containers
   • Dimensions: About 53 feet long, 8.5 feet wide, and typically around 9.5 feet high.
   • Capacity: Offers even greater volume than standard containers and is tailored for the North American market.
   • Best For: Ideal for large-scale shipments in the U.S., particularly in trucking logistics where maximizing load capacity is essential. The increased length allows businesses to transport more goods per trip, leading to cost savings and improved delivery efficiency.

Shipment Container Types

1. Standard Dry Containers
   • Purpose: General-purpose containers designed for a variety of non-perishable goods.
   • Features: Weatherproof with solid walls, floors, and roofs to protect cargo from external elements.
   • Best For: Electronics, clothing, and consumer goods.
2. Refrigerated Containers (Reefers)
   • Purpose: Equipped with cooling systems to maintain a controlled temperature for perishable goods.
   • Temperature Range: Typically between -25°C to +25°C.
   • Best For: Food, pharmaceuticals, and temperature-sensitive chemicals.
3. Open-Top Containers
   • Purpose: Designed without a fixed roof, allowing goods to be loaded from above.
   • Features: Often used for oversized cargo that cannot fit through standard container doors.
   • Best For: Machinery, construction materials, and other bulky items.
4. Flat Rack Containers
   • Purpose: Constructed with collapsible sides and no roof for easy handling of heavy and oversized cargo.
   • Features: Designed to support extreme weights and allow loading from any direction.
   • Best For: Vehicles, industrial equipment, or large pipes.
5. Tank Containers
   • Purpose: Specialized containers for transporting liquid cargo.
   • Features: Built with secure tanks inside a metal frame to safely carry chemicals, fuels, or food-grade liquids.
   • Best For: Oils, juices, and hazardous liquids.

Choosing the Right Container

Selecting the appropriate container involves assessing:

• Cargo Volume and Weight: Larger volumes often require 40-foot containers, while heavier cargo may fit better in smaller containers to avoid weight limits.
• Cargo Type: Perishable items demand reefers, while machinery may need flat racks.
• Destination and Regulations: Some countries have restrictions on certain container types or dimensions.

At Twings Supply, we guide you in choosing the ideal container for your shipment, ensuring cost efficiency and safe transport. Our expertise ensures your goods reach their destination in optimal condition, no matter the size or type of shipment.

How to Choose the Best Shipping Method for Shipping Containers from China to the US

Sea Freight vs. Air Freight Shipping from China

Sea freight is the most cost-effective solution for large or bulky shipments, as container pricing is based on volume rather than weight. While it typically takes 20–40 days for goods to arrive, it is ideal for non-urgent items like raw materials or machinery.

Air freight, on the other hand, is the fastest method, with transit times ranging from 2–7 days depending on the route. Though it comes with a higher price tag, it is perfect for lightweight, high-value, or time-sensitive shipments such as electronics or perishables.

Shipping containers are generally not transported via air freight. Air freight is typically used for smaller, lighter, and time-sensitive shipments, while shipping containers are large, heavy, and designed for sea or land transport.

However, cargo planes can carry large shipments, including oversized items, but they typically use unit load devices (ULDs), which are smaller, more compact containers suited for air transport, not the standard shipping containers used for sea freight.

LCL (Less than Container Load) vs. FCL (Full Container Load) Shipping Method

LCL shipping consolidates your cargo with other shipments, allowing businesses with smaller loads to share container costs. While it is budget-friendly for lower volumes, consolidation and deconsolidation can slightly increase handling time.

FCL shipping gives you exclusive use of an entire container, providing greater security and quicker handling at ports. It is the best choice for bulk orders or high-value goods where full capacity utilization justifies the cost.

At Twings Supply, we assess your needs and offer customized solutions to ensure your cargo is shipped in the most efficient and cost-effective manner.

What Do You Need for Customs Clearance When Importing from China?

Import Duties and Taxes

Understanding the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) codes for your products is essential to accurately determine applicable duties and taxes, which can vary depending on the product type and country of origin.

Our team at Twings Supply can guide you through the classification process to avoid unexpected charges and ensure compliance with U.S. trade regulations. Properly classifying your goods also helps streamline the customs clearance process, reducing potential delays.

Required Documents

Essential documents include:

• Commercial invoice.
• Packing list.
• Bill of lading.
• Import permits or licenses (if applicable).

How much Does Importing Containers from China Cost?

The cost of importing containers from China varies depends on various factors aside from the shipping method, such as the container size and the shipping distance, and on other cases, on the weight. Smaller containers, such as 10ft and 20ft, typically cost between $1,800 and $5,000 to ship. Larger 40ft containers generally range from $3,500 to over $9,000, with costs influenced by factors like cargo weight and transportation distance.

Below is an example of breakdown of container shipping prices:

Other Factors Affecting Shipping Costs

• New vs. Used Containers: New containers are generally more expensive due to their pristine condition and durability. Used containers are a cost-effective alternative, but may show signs of wear.
• Specialty Containers: Refrigerated containers or those with special modifications can have significantly higher costs due to their specific requirements for temperature control and insulation.
• Destination port and delivery terms (e.g., FOB or CIF).
• Other fees such as port handling, customs inspections, and storage charges.

To estimate the total exact costs, combining product price, shipping fees, customs duties, and any additional handling fees, Twings Supply offers its assistance in its transparent pricing to help you budget accurately.

What are the Common Challenges When Importing from China?

Dealing with Shipping Delays

Delays can arise due to port congestion, weather conditions, or documentation issues, potentially disrupting your supply chain. Partnering with an experienced freight forwarder ensures proactive measures to minimize disruptions and provides real-time updates to help you adjust your plans effectively.

Handling Quality Control Issues

Inspections before shipment help mitigate risks and ensure your products meet required standards. Implementing quality assurance measures, such as pre-production samples and production line checks, adds an extra layer of security to avoid costly returns or disputes.

Navigating Regulations and Compliance

Staying informed about U.S. and international trade regulations is critical to ensuring smooth customs clearance. Twings Supply not only keeps you updated on compliance requirements but also assists with accurate documentation to prevent penalties or delays.

Ready to Start Your Import Journey?

At Twings Supply, we make importing containers from China a seamless experience. Our expertise, comprehensive services, and dedication to customer satisfaction, as a top freight forwarder partner, ensure your goods arrive safely, on time, and within budget. Contact us today to discuss your shipping needs and get a free quote.

Back to top: How to Import Containers from China?