SEA FREIGHT FORWARDER CHINA
with better shipping rate from China
Competitive ocean freight and stable space.
The destination charge is lower than the market price for LCL.
We charge a reasonable local fee to shippers under the FOB term, in order to avoid complaints from them.
Receive loading pictures anytime you need.
Container loading supervision service in QINGDAO,SHANGHAI,SHENZHEN in China.
Vast experience in out of gauge (OOG) goods shipping.
Vast experience in Freezer Goods（20RF/40RH）goods shipping.
US,CA,AU,NZ,JP,UK Door to door service.
FCL Sea Freight Shipping from BRF LOGISTICS
FCL means that all the goods in a container belong to you, if the volume of goods is over 20CBM;it is better to use FCL. It will cut the shipping cost compared to LCL. Besides the good ocean freightBRF also can provide the best loading container solution.
- Competitive ocean freight from China to anywhere you want.
- Guidance in using a 20 foot or 40 foot, based on the size and gross weight of your package.
- Guidance on how to load the goods in the container effectively to save space and money.
- ProvideUS,CA,AU,NZ,JP,UK door to door, door to port, port to port, and port to door service.
- We charge a reasonable local fee to shippers under the FOB term, in order to avoid complaints from them.
LCL Sea Freight Shipping from China
If there is not enough goods to fill a whole 20 foot, we suggest shipping less than a container´s capacity.Just pay attention to the following. Make sure your packaging keeps the shipping goods safe because you will be sharing container space with other shippers, and confirm the destination charge for LCL shipping before shipping the goods.
- Provide competitive ocean freight rates from China.
- The destination charge is lower than the market price.
- We charge a reasonable local fee to shippers under the FOB term, in order to avoid complaints from them.
- Receive loading pictures anytime you need.Choose direct service from port to port to keep the goods safe.
OOG (Out of Guage) Sea Freight Shipping from China
We can handle not only dry cargo, but also any oversized or irregularly-shaped cargo. OOG cargo is loaded on an open top (OT) or flat rack container (FR). For OOG cargo, we will choose the best carrier based on the advantages of every shipping company.
- Competitive ocean freight.
- Vast experience handling OOG cargo and the best shipping solutions.
- Guidance on how to reinforce the goods in the container well.
- Loading container supervision for every OOG shipment.
Sea Freight: FCL vs. LCL – Which Is Right for You?
Efficient international shipping starts with the right container choice. Learn the key differences between Full Container Load (FCL) and Less-than-Container Load (LCL), their advantages, and when to use each for sea freight from Von China nach Thailand and beyond.
Was versteht man unter FCL und LCL in der Seefracht?
FCL (Vollcontainerladung): A single shipper uses the full capacity of a 20ft or 40ft container. Ideal for bulk goods, high-value items, or when shipping time and privacy matter.
LCL (Teilladung): Cargo from multiple shippers is consolidated into one container. Cost-effective for smaller shipments that don’t fill an entire container.
Vergleichstabelle: FCL vs. LCL
| Funktion | FCL | LCL |
|---|---|---|
| Container-Nutzung | Vollcontainer, der von einem Versender genutzt wird | Gemeinsam mit anderen genutzter Container |
| Kosteneffizienz | Günstiger pro Stück bei großen Mengen | Geringere Anschaffungskosten bei kleinen Stückzahlen |
| Handhabung | Vom Versender am Ursprungsort verladen/versiegelt de | Mehrfachabwicklung und Konsolidierung |
| Durchlaufzeit | Im Allgemeinen schneller (weniger Handhabungsschritte) | Slightly longer (more coordination) |
| Beschädigungsrisiko | Geringeres Risiko | Etwas höher (gemeinsamer Container) |
| Dokumentation | Einfacher | Komplexer (Konsolidierung erforderlich) |
When to Choose FCL
Your goods can fill a full container.
You prioritize speed and minimal handling.
You want greater control over packing.
You’re shipping fragile or high-value items.
When to Choose LCL
You’re shipping a small volume.
You want to minimize upfront shipping costs.
Your goods are not time-sensitive.
You have regular but smaller shipments.
Real-World Examples
E-commerce Sellers: Prefer LCL for frequent, smaller product batches.
Manufacturers: Use FCL for bulk parts or machinery deliveries.
Retailers: Mix FCL and LCL depending on product launch or restocking schedules.
Expert Tip: Combine Smart Planning with BRF LOGISTICS
Working with an experienced freight forwarder like BRF LOGISTICS can help you:
Choose the optimal shipping method (FCL or LCL).
Consolidate cargo efficiently.
Handle all documentation and customs smoothly.
Save money and avoid delays.
Häufig gestellte Fragen (FAQs)
Q1: Is LCL always cheaper than FCL?
Not always. While LCL costs less upfront, FCL may be cheaper per cubic meter if your cargo volume is high enough.
Q2: What is the minimum volume for FCL?
FCL is recommended when your cargo volume is around 15+ cubic meters.
Q3: Can I upgrade from LCL to FCL later?
Yes. Once your business scales and cargo volume grows, switching to FCL is a smart move.
Q4: Is FCL safer than LCL for fragile items?
Yes, because it reduces handling and there’s no mixing with other shipments.
Q5: Who handles container consolidation in LCL?
Your freight forwarder (like BRF LOGISTICS) manages consolidation and coordination.
Versandfertig?
Contact BRF LOGISTICS Today For A Customized freight Quote and Door-to-Door Delivery Service.
Sea Freight Shipping from China : The Definitive Guide
Sea freight, also called ocean freight, is the most popular methods of shipping from China to other global destinations.
If you’re importing from China, and would like to ship by sea, this guide will definitely help you.
Warum?
Because I will guide you on everything about your shipping from China by sea.
Just imagine:
In 2017 alone, China is estimated to have exported a whopping 2.2 trillion dollars’ worth goods to countries across the globe.
Guess what?
A greater percentage was by sea or ocean.
And, why sea?
Because it is affordable, reliable and convenient.
At CHINA BRF LOGISTICS, were are here to manage all your ocean freight logistics.
Let’s have a quick overview of what we offer before taking you to the nitty-gritty of ocean freight.
BRF LOGISTICS Ocean Freight Services
CHINA BRF LOGISTICS provides the best solutions and service delivery on sea freight shipping from China.
Having been in the industry for more than 10 years now, we (BRF LOGISTICS) have acquired enough experience and knowledge regarding sea freight.
This in return, makes us pretty good at providing sea freight shipping services for SMEs, big companies as well as individuals transporting goods from China.
As one of the leading China Sea freight agent, we can deliver your goods from China to any destination across the globe.
At BRF LOGISTICS, we offer you fast, affordable and reliable sea freight shipping rates and cargo delivery.
These three are the critical pillars of CHINA BRF LOGISTICS .
Our services in air, rail and most of all sea freight shipping include;
- Lagerhaltung und Vertrieb
- Frachtversicherung
- Überwachung der Containerbeladung
- Express shipping
- Custom clearance services
As I said, we have a quality experience and widespread knowledge in the sea freight shipping business.
As such, we thought it’d be wise to put up this guide to help you successfully ship goods from China to any destination in the world.
What is Sea Freight Shipping?
Sea freight or ocean freight is the process of shipping goods and parcels in a cargo ship.
The cargo ship moves on the water, whether in oceans, seas or lakes.
It is the shipping of cargo internationally with water as the primary mode of transport.
This form of shipping is an affordable solution for shipping goods to different parts of the world.
It is also convenient and quite reliable.
You know that water covers most of the earth’s landmass and that there is at least one large water mass at every corner of the earth’s continents.
This, therefore, makes sea freight a convenient mode of transporting goods to international borders.
And by the way;
Sea freight was the only mode of transportation in the industrial age.
It was only until a few decades ago when technology took over that other modes of transport started being used.
These include; air, rail, and road that became popular as trains, trucks, and planes provided people with a faster means of transportation.
Aber die Wahrheit ist:
Despite the popularity of the advanced mode of transport, the demand for sea freight has not gone down.
The reality I am sure you already know is:
It takes more time to ship goods through the water.
However, the cost-effectiveness of sea freight shipping is something which makes it a common choice of importing goods from China.
Besides, cargo ships can carry bulky goods.
So, sea freight is still a convenient way of shipping from China to other countries around the world.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Sea Freight
Don’t doubt this fact:
Sea freight is one of the best ways of transporting cargo to different parts of the world.
And at some point, you or your company will need to ship your goods via sea freight.
When that time comes, you need to know the advantages and disadvantages of sea freight shipping.
This will help you know the best way to adopt this mode of transportation to your company’s needs.
In this particular chapter, am going to show you the various advantages and disadvantages of ocean freight. Take a look.
· Advantages of Sea Freight Shipping
The various advantages of sea freight include:
1. Cost-effectiveness
Compared to other modes of shipping, i.e., air and surface; sea freight services are more cost-effective.
As a business person, I bet reducing the cost of operation is key to ensuring good revenues and continued success in business.
Reduced operational costs allow you to sell the goods to end users at a more affordable price.
This will give you an advantage over your competitors.
Because of this, sea freight shipping should be your ultimate solution to transporting your imports from China.
Note that cost efficiency is the main advantage of sea freight shipping.
2. Can transport bulky goods
Heavy or large, sea freight shipping facilitates the safe and reliable transportation of the most massive freight in the export/import industry.
So if you’re importing bulky goods such as automobiles or machinery parts, ocean freight offers a perfect solution.
Don’t even think of going for air freight – it won’t work.
And, even if you get a chance to use one – the cost will be unimaginable.
It’s this simple, for heavy or bulky goods, go for ocean freight.
3. Provides a safe carriage of goods
Hazardous goods such as chemical goods, medicines, combustible gases, oil, petroleum products, etc. can be quite a challenge to transport.
They require very safe storage and transport conditions.
Otherwise, they can cause harm to both the vessel carrying it and the people aboard it.
In any case, planes, trucks, and trains restrict the transportation of such goods.
As such, the best means to get these goods transported safely is via sea freight.
This is because, with sea freight, you can have a specific area of the cargo ship or a container assigned for the unsafe goods.
The area/container can also be maintained at particular conditions safe for the transportation of these goods.
The temperature, humidity, and moisture can be maintained at the right levels.
Also, the container containing these goods can be kept airtight until they reach their destination.
Moreover, ocean freight shipping does not stop at any point.
It offers nonstop passage which eliminates the need for continuous stopping and refueling like planes and roadway vessels.
4. Environment-friendly
Well, for the environmentally conscious, sea freight is a good option for shipping your goods from China.
This is because it does not harm the environment like most other modes of freight transport.
Air freight, for example, tends to leave an enormous carbon footprint in the atmosphere.
This is no doubt harmful to our environment.
Note that carbon emission upsurges the temperatures of the earth, thus disrupting its ecological balance.
Again, don’t get me wrong, I am not saying that ocean freight is 100% perfect – No.
It has some disadvantages.
Let’s have a quick overview of these disadvantages.
Disadvantages of sea freight
Essentially, the downside of sea freight shipping is a combination of speed and now piracy threats.
Note however that these do not render sea freight shipping as an inefficient service.
These are only shortcomings that rate it below other modes of transport.
So, what are some of the disadvantages of sea freight?
1. Speed
The most significant shortcoming of sea freight is the speed of the transporting ships.
It tends to be slow when shipping goods from China via sea.
Often, the difference between a reliable supplier and non-reliable one is the time taken to deliver goods.
When you deliver your products faster, you get an edge over your competitors.
Unlike when you take too long to do so.
Here is a good calculator for you – Sea Distances.
Therefore, when you need to deliver products to customers faster, sea freight may not be the best option.
2. Piracy concerns
Piracy reports have been on the rise these days.
Ships are coming under attack by pirates.
They attack the vessel and steal products being transported.
This results in huge losses for businesses and individuals using ocean freight.
Sometimes, pirates even hijack the ships and demand for ransoms before releasing them.
Unfortunately, securing the release of a seized ship can take a very long time.
Also, this can lead to massive losses to business and even individuals whose cargo was on board.
For instance, if you were importing goods to resell in the local market, it means the stock will be held until the ship is released.
Moreover, products that are perishable might end up going stale.
Again, that is another loss to your business.
The threat of piracy, therefore, impacts the safety of sea freight shipping negatively.
Ship accidents are often disastrous
These accidents are rare.
But if they happen, destruction is always big, I tell you.
When a ship is involved in an accident, retrieving the cargo on board is often very difficult.
Most of the shipment is unrecoverable as it sinks into the deep waters.
In some cases, cargo like crude oil can cause water pollution when it spills into the sea.
It can lead to environmental degradation as well as the death of marine life.
Like I said earlier, sea freight is a very efficient, economical and reliable mode of shipping and its few shortcomings does not make it inefficient.
I hope, we are reading from the same script, let’s move on.
Air and Sea Freight - The Ultimate Comparison with International Shipping
When it comes to shipping goods abroad, there are two main options; to ship via air or sea.
Either of these modes of transport can be used to get goods from China to any other part of the world.
Now, unlike air, sea freight has been around for some time.
Historically, it was the only mode of transport in the industrial age.
Countries in Europe and America used ocean freight to transport goods.
Even people were using ocean freight to move from one continent to another.
Luftfracht, on the other hand, is a beneficiary of technological advancement and civilization.
Today, people want things to move faster, and air freight seems to be gaining popularity.
Of course, this is due to the rising need for faster and ideally convenient mode of transportation.
That is not to say that sea freight is no longer popular. No!
The demand for sea freight is steadily increasing day by day.
So, which of these two shipping options would you use instead
Air or sea freight – let’s find out.
Let’s compare the benefits, drawbacks, and features of both options to find out which one suits your individual/business needs better.
Air freight vs. sea freight
Essentially the comparison between air freight and ocean freight is a combination of cost, speed, and reliability.
These three factors tend to influence the decisions of most businesses and individuals looking to ship products internationally.
1. Kosten
Needless, to say, cost is often a significant point of comparison when it comes to decisions like this.
The truth is, nearly all businesses are more concern of the financial viability of any type of freight.
It is for this reason that they will get quotes for both the ocean freight and sea freight.
The truth is:
Air freight tends to be more expensive compared to sea freight.
Of course, when shipping bulky goods.
Normally, weight and size determine the cost of air freight.
Just as I mentioned earlier – for bulky goods, go for ocean freight.
On the other hand, for small size consignments, air freight will be cheaper than ocean freight.
What’s the bottom line?
Contact various freight companies to know how much they charge for specific goods.
This way, you will know various rates for both ocean freight and air freight.
2. Speed
Besides cost, speed is another point of comparison when it comes to these two modes of transportation.
Without a doubt, air freight is faster ocean freight.
Goods transported by an airplane can arrive at the contracted destination one or two days after departure
On the other hand, ships can take days, weeks or even months to deliver a consignment.
It will depend on the on the destination port.
You can compare the following destinations:
- Shipping from China to U.S.A.
- Shipping from China to Canada
- Shipping from China to Australia
- Shipping from China to Thailand
- Shipping from Thailand to U.S.A.
- Shipping from Thailand to Canada and many other destinations.Of course natural calamities and political tensions may also affect the shipping speed, among other factors
So, if you want to deliver urgent packages, air freight may be your choice.
But if you have a large consignment, the main concern should be freight cost.
The speed may not be an important factor here.
3. Reliability
Shipping to international destinations is fairly reliable if done by sea.
Cargo ships undergo inspection to confirm that the goods are in condition before departure.
Also, most of the transporting vessels are designed to overcome all kinds of adverse weather conditions.
In most cases, they will maintain their schedule.
Like air, delays in ship delivery do occur, but they don’t last too long.
Considering air shipping, well planes are a recent thing.
As I said, they are here thanks to technological advancement,
But history aside, air transport is fairly reliable.
I mean, flights can be delayed due to weather and all, but airlines often have very well managed flight schedules.
So, do not ride with misconceptions when choosing either mode of shipping.
Just consider your goals and budget and then choose the type of shipping method.
Most definitely, you will get a convenient, cost effective and reliable shipping method.
It will all depend on your priorities.
Main Sea Ports in China – Know the Chinese Port You Want to Ship from
As earlier mentioned, sea freight is the main shipping mode not just China but also in international logistics.
Presently, over 90% of imports from China are shipped by sea.
And the shipping is mostly done from the ports of Dalian ,Tianjin ,Qingdao ,Shanghai , Xiamen , Ningbo and Guangzhou Shenzhen to various destinations across the globe.
Now, with your interest to trade in China, it would be best to know which ports you will be shipping your goods from.
So, here are the main seaports in China.
Hafen von Dalian
Dalian Port is an important international hub port in Dalian, Liaoning Province, China, located in Dalian Bay at the southern end of the Liaodong Peninsula. It is the core maritime gateway of the Northeast Asian economic circle, with a century old history and modern facilities.
Geographical location and strategic position
Dalian Port is located at 38 ° 55 ′ 44 ″ N and 121 ° 39 ′ 17 ″ E, with a water area of 346 square kilometers and a core port area of approximately 18 square kilometers on land. As the center of the Northeast Asian economic circle, it is a key node connecting the Pacific Ocean and the Eurasian continent. In 2024, it was designated as an international hub port by the “Liaoning Province Coastal Port Layout Plan”.
Historical evolution
In 1899, Tsarist Russia began building a commercial port, which was later taken over and expanded by Japan during the Russo Japanese War.
In 1951, the Soviet Union handed over to the People’s Republic of China, and in 1976, China’s first 100000 ton deepwater oil terminal (Nianyu Bay) was built.
Development in the 21st century: Relocation and renovation of the old port area in 2005, opening of new routes to South America, West America, Mexico, and other destinations in 2024, and approval for the expansion of the Taiping Port area in 2025.
Infrastructure and throughput capacity
Berths and terminals: It has over 70 berths of over 10000 tons, including 300000 ton crude oil terminals and ore terminals, with a container throughput capacity of 16 million TEUs (2015 data).
Cargo throughput: In 2017, it reached 451 million tons, mainly consisting of oil (60%), steel, and grain, with foreign trade throughput ranking first in the country.
Port of Tianjin
TIANJIN Xin gang is a core component of Tianjin Port, located on the north bank of the Haihe River estuary at the western end of Bohai Bay. It reopened in 1952 and now undertakes over 90% of the throughput tasks in Hong Kong.
Geographical location and history
The port is located at the westernmost end of Bohai Bay. It was officially opened in 1952, the first international container shipping route was launched in 1973, the world’s first traditional container terminal was automated in 2019, and a “smart zero carbon” terminal was built in 2021.
Operational data
Cargo throughput: reaching 363 million tons by 2022 Container throughput: Exceeding 20 million TEUs by 2022 Iron ore transportation: Railway transportation accounts for 65% and single bridge operation efficiency increases by 30% Environmental achievements: Carbon emission intensity has decreased by 16% in the past decade, and the utilization rate of shore power for self owned ships is 100%.
Functional positioning
As a maritime gateway to the Beijing Tianjin Hebei region, our business covers international shipping, bulk cargo transshipment, and automobile logistics distribution. It is one of the most important comprehensive ports in northern China.
Hafen von Qingdao
Key Features of Qingdao Port
1. Port Capacity
2. Cargo Types
3. Freight Services
Global Connections of Qingdao Port
Port Operations and Shipping Companies
Logistics Services at Qingdao Port
Hafen von Shanghai
Shanghai Port is an important port in Shanghai, China. It is located in the middle of the coastline of Chinese Mainland and at the mouth of the Yangtze River. It connects the southern and northern coasts of China with the world ocean, and then runs through the Yangtze River basin, the inland rivers of Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Anhui, and the the Taihu Lake Lake basin.
Historical evolution
The history of Shanghai Port can be traced back to the Sui Dynasty (589-604 AD), and the establishment of Huating Town marked the formation of the earliest inland port in the Shanghai area. After the signing of the Sino British Treaty of Nanjing in 1842, Shanghai became one of the trading ports. The construction of the International Shipping Center was launched in 1996, and the first phase of the Yangshan Deepwater Port was completed and put into operation in 2005, further consolidating its position as a global shipping hub.
Geographical location and facilities
The land area of the port is composed of the south bank port area of the Yangtze River estuary, the north bank port area of Hangzhou Bay, the Huangpu River port area, and the Yangshan Deepwater Port area, with a water area of 3620.2 square kilometers (2005 data). As of 2021, container trade has been established with 221 countries and regions worldwide, with over 80 international shipping routes.
Throughput and Status
In 2023, the container throughput reached 49.158 million TEUs, maintaining the world’s top spot for 14 consecutive years. By 2024, it will surpass the 50 million TEUs mark and become the world’s first port to achieve this data. In January 2025, the monthly throughput exceeded 5 million TEUs for the first time
Port of Ningbo-Zhou Shan
Ningbo Zhoushan Port is a port located in Ningbo City and Zhoushan City, Zhejiang Province, China. In 2024, its cargo throughput was 1.377 billion tons, ranking first in the world for 16 consecutive years. Its container throughput was 39.3 million TEUs, ranking third in the world.
Port Overview
Ningbo Zhoushan Port is a first-class port opened to the outside world in China, an international hub seaport, formed by the merger and reorganization of the original Ningbo Port and Zhoushan Port. Ranked seventh in the global international shipping center by 2025, it has 20 port areas, 205 deep-water berths of over 10000 tons, over 300 shipping routes, and covers more than 600 ports in over 200 countries and regions.
Core advantages
Global leader in throughput:
By 2024, the cargo throughput will reach 1.377 billion tons, ranking first in the world for 16 consecutive years; The container throughput is 39.3 million TEUs, ranking third in the world.
The only port in the world with two “million container level” single container terminals (Chuanshan Port Area and Meishan Port Area).
Top hardware facilities:
There are 129 ultra large deep-water berths of over 50000 tons, which can accommodate the world’s largest 400000 ton mining ship and 24000 TEU container ship.
By 2024, the container throughput of Meishan Port Area will exceed 10 million TEUs, becoming the fourth “10 million TEUs” berth group in the world.
Functional positioning
1. Core business: iron ore transfer, crude oil transfer, liquid chemical storage and transportation, coal and grain storage and transportation, important energy base in East China region.
2. Intermodal transportation network:
There are over 100 sea rail intermodal routes, radiating to 16 provinces across the country. By 2025, the cumulative business volume of the “Yiwu Ningbo Zhoushan Port” route will exceed 1 million TEUs.
There are 10 direct routes between the Yangtze River and the sea, and the China Europe freight trains reach more than 50 countries
Hafen von Xiamen
The Port of Xiamen was opened in 1843 and is located in the southeastern part of Fujian Province, in Xiamen and Zhangzhou cities. It is situated at the mouth of the Jiulong River, facing the East China Sea, adjacent to the Taiwan Strait, and facing Taiwan and the Penghu Islands across the water.
It is a vital gateway to the southeast coast of China and a gateway to Fujian. Xiamen Port includes the ten major port areas of Xiamen City and Zhangzhou City, with a total natural coastline of about 899 kilometers and a planned dock coastline of about 94 kilometers.
The main port resources are distributed around Xiamen Bay and Dongshan Bay. Xiamen Port is a part of Xiamen Special Economic Zone, with a sea area of 275 square kilometers. It is divided into an inner port and an outer port, mainly responsible for foreign trade transportation tasks between Xiamen City and Fujian Province, as well as for the transit of certain materials in Jiangxi Province.Xiamen Port has developed transportation, forming a three-dimensional transportation system of land, sea, and air. The railway transportation has the Yingxia Railway as the main line, which connects with branch lines such as the Waifu Line, Zhanglong Line, and Zhangquan Line within the province. The highways in Xiamen are connected to the provincial highways through Gaoji Seawall, Xiamen Bridge, Haicang Bridge, etc., forming a transportation network with Fuxia and Xiazhang main roads as the backbone, and connected to the national highway network through 319 National Highway, 324 National Highway, and multiple expressways.
Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport has 75 domestic and international routes, and is only a half-hour drive from major ports such as Dongdu and Haicang. Water transportation routes can connect to China’s coastal areas, the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River, and ports around the world, while inland rivers can connect to the main and tributaries of the Jiulong River and township docks. Xiamen Port has a convenient collection and distribution network, and the railway dedicated line that directly connects to the front of the port is connected to the national railway network through the Yingxia Line.
The coastal route is 561 nautical miles north of Shanghai and 201 nautical miles north of Fuzhou; Located 222 nautical miles east of Keelung, 165 nautical miles east of Kaohsiung, 130 nautical miles east of Taichung, and 102 nautical miles east of Penghu in Taiwan Province; South to Guangzhou 389 nautical miles and Hong Kong 287 nautical miles. Passenger transportation is available through routes such as Hong Kong, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Wenzhou, Haikou, Shantou, etc.
Dongdu Port Area: Dongdu Port Area includes the Dongdu, Heping, and Wutong operation areas. We have 53 berths with a designed throughput capacity of 38.79 million tons per year, including a container throughput capacity of 2.9 million TEUs per year.
Plan the Dongdu Port Area, mainly to maintain container transportation, develop international cruise ships, and gradually expand modern logistics and shipping services to Taiwan. Planning for 2016, Xiamen Port Area Planning Picture. In 2016, Xiamen Port Area Planning Picture formed a dock shoreline of 9500m, integrating 52 productive berths, including 24 deep-water berths, with a comprehensive throughput capacity of nearly 36 million tons, including a container throughput capacity of 3 million TEUs.
Hafen von Shenzhen
Shenzhen Port is an important port in Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China. It is located in the south of the the Pearl River Delta, adjacent to Hong Kong, China. It is a world-class port with the largest container throughput in the world. In 2024, the container throughput will exceed 30 million TEUs.
Overview of Shenzhen Port
Shenzhen Port is an international shipping center in southern China, with a port code of 44021300 (CNSZX). As an important symbol of China’s reform and opening up, Shenzhen Port has become one of the top four ports in terms of global container throughput after more than 40 years of development. In 2024, the container throughput exceeded 30 million TEUs, and the liquefied natural gas (LNG) unloading volume reached 13.5 million tons, ranking first in the country.
Geographical location and distribution of port areas
Shenzhen Port is located on the east bank of Lingdingyang Bay, the estuary of the Pearl River, and is divided into two port areas:
Western Port Area: including ports such as Shekou, Chiwan, Mawan, Dongjiaotou, and Fuyong, mainly engaged in container and general cargo transportation.
Eastern Port Area: With Yantian Port Area as the core, it has a natural deep-water channel that can accommodate 200000 ton ultra large container ships. By 2024, the throughput of Yantian Port Area will reach 15.039 million TEUs, accounting for more than 50% of the total volume of Shenzhen Port.
Infrastructure and operational capabilities
Berths and Channels: Hong Kong has 113 berths of 500 tons or more, including 26 deep-water berths of 10000 tons. The Yantian Port Channel has a water depth of 18 meters and can achieve all-weather two-way navigation for ultra large ships.
Airline Network: As of 2024, Shenzhen Port has opened over 239 international routes, covering more than 300 ports in over 100 countries and regions worldwide, with nearly 100 weekly direct flights to Europe and America.
International Shipping Incoterms (Here are the Most Common Trade Terms Explained)
1. Free on Board Shipping (FOB)
As such, the consigner ceases all liability for damages and cost during and upon delivery.
Note that in FOB, the seller only handles the cost of availing the goods at the docking point and that of loading the consignment onboard.
2. Cost, Insurance and Freight (CIF) Shipping
CIF stands for cost, insurance, and freight.
It is a trade term used only for sea freight that is not containerized.
Und was noch?
In this shipping method, the quotation given to the buyer is inclusive of all costs of delivery and insurance.
This is meant to guarantee the buyer of compensation in case goods are lost or damaged in transit.
The seller, in this case, assumes all responsibility for delivery of the shipment up to the destination port.
From this point onwards, liability shifts to the buyer.
Note that in CIF, the seller records a sale only after the goods leave the destination port.
The buyer also records an increase in inventory at this point.
3. Cost and Freight (C&F) Shipping
- Mehrwertsteuer
- Import duty（Some countries offer certificates of origin without tariffs）
- Docking charges
- Kosten für die Zollabfertigung
- Warehouse fees
- Port charge fees
- Fuel surcharge, etc.
4. DDP/DDU
DDU (Delivered Duty Unpaid)
After the seller transports the goods to the designated destination in the importing country, the delivery is completed on the transportation vehicle, and all transportation risks and costs (excluding import taxes and fees) are borne by the seller. The buyer is responsible for handling import customs clearance, paying tariffs and value-added taxes, and bearing additional costs and risks incurred due to delayed customs clearance.
DDP (Delivered Duty Paid)
In addition to bearing transportation risks and costs, the seller also needs to handle import customs clearance procedures, pay tariffs and value-added taxes, and complete unloading and delivery at the designated destination. The buyer is not required to bear any costs or risks in the import process.
Applicable scenarios:
DDU: Suitable for buyers who have import qualifications or are familiar with customs clearance processes, which can reduce seller risks;
DDP: Suitable for scenarios where the seller wishes to simplify the transaction process or where the buyer lacks import capability.
5. EXW
Why Businesses Choose Sea Freight: Key Advantages of Ocean Shipping
Sea freight remains one of the most widely used transportation methods in global trade. Despite the rise of air freight and express services, ocean shipping continues to dominate international logistics, especially for bulk cargo, heavy goods, and long-distance shipments.
Whether you are importing from China or exporting to global markets, understanding why companies choose sea freight can help you optimize your logistics strategy and reduce transportation costs.
This article explains the key reasons businesses rely on sea freight and what makes it the preferred choice for many international shipments.
1. Cost-Effective for Large-Volume Shipments
The biggest advantage of sea freight is its affordability. Compared with air freight, ocean shipping costs significantly less per kilogram, especially for:
Schüttgut
Heavy industrial equipment
Large commercial orders
Oversized or project cargo
Because vessels can carry thousands of containers at once, the transportation cost per unit is much lower. For businesses importing heavy goods—such as machinery, steel, aluminum products, building materials, or furniture—sea freight provides the best cost-performance ratio.
2. Ideal for Heavy, Bulky, and Oversized Cargo
Sea freight can accommodate items that are impossible or too expensive to ship by air, including:
Extra-long pipes
Oversized machinery
Baustoffe
Vehicles and equipment
Large pallets and crates
With options like FCL (Vollcontainerladung), LCL (Teilladung), und breakbulk shipping, sea freight provides flexibility for all types of cargo, regardless of size or weight.
3. Environmentally Friendly and Lower Carbon Emissions
Companies focusing on sustainability often prefer sea freight because:
Vessels produce lower carbon emissions per ton-kilometer
Shipping large quantities at once reduces environmental impact
Many shipping lines now use cleaner fuel and energy-efficient vessels
Choosing sea freight supports greener supply chains, increasingly important for corporate ESG goals.
4. Stable and Reliable for Long-Distance Trade
Although transit times are longer than air freight, sea freight is:
Reliable: predictable schedules and fixed weekly sailings
Stable: lower disruption risks compared to air capacity fluctuations
Consistent: ideal for regular long-term supply chains
For businesses planning monthly or quarterly imports, ocean shipping provides a steady, dependable logistics solution.
5. Supports Global Trade Routes With Extensive Coverage
Sea freight offers unmatched global connectivity. Major shipping lines operate routes that connect:
Asia → North America
Asia → Europe
China → Australia & New Zealand
China → Middle East & Africa
With a global network of ports and inland facilities, sea freight allows businesses to reach almost any market worldwide.
6. Flexible Shipping Options (FCL, LCL, Ro-Ro, Breakbulk)
Sea freight provides multiple transport modes:
FCL (Vollcontainerladung)
Best for large volumes; offers better security and cost-efficiency.
LCL (Teilladung)
Ideal for small to medium shipments; shared container space lowers cost.
Ro-Ro (Roll-on/Roll-off)
Used for vehicles, machinery, and wheeled cargo.
Breakbulk & Project Cargo
Custom handling for oversized or irregular items.
This flexibility makes ocean freight suitable for almost every industry.
7. Safe and Secure for All Cargo Types
Modern sea freight includes advanced handling, monitoring, and containerization technologies:
Sealed, tamper-resistant containers
Temperature-controlled reefer containers
Bulk and liquid cargo safety systems
Real-time vessel tracking
Professional port handling operations
These measures ensure goods remain protected throughout the entire journey.
8. Lower Risk of Restrictions Compared to Air Freight
Certain items face stricter air transport limitations, including:
Gefahrstoffe
Oversized goods
High-density cargo
Certain chemicals or battery products
Sea freight provides more flexible solutions for these restricted goods, making it the preferred option for many manufacturers.
Fazit
Sea freight remains the backbone of global logistics because it is cost-effective, reliable, flexible, environmentally friendly, and capable of handling all cargo types. For companies that regularly import or export goods worldwide, ocean shipping provides the best long-term value and capacity.
By partnering with a professional freight forwarder like BRF Logistics, businesses can enjoy:
Optimized sea freight routes
Lower transportation costs
Efficient customs clearance
Zuverlässige Lieferung von Tür zu Tür
Expert handling of complex cargo
Sea freight continues to be the smart, sustainable choice for international trade.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Sea Freight Services
BRF Logistics provides reliable and cost-effective Sea Freight solutions from China to worldwide destinations. Our ocean shipping services include FCL, LCL, door-to-door delivery, customs clearance, and complete international freight management.
Sea Freight is an international transportation method that moves cargo by ocean vessels between ports. It is one of the most economical solutions for large-volume and heavy shipments.
BRF Logistics provides professional ocean freight services connecting major Chinese ports with destinations worldwide, helping businesses transport goods safely and efficiently.
BRF Logistics provides a complete range of ocean freight solutions, including:
- FCL (Full Container Load): Dedicated container shipping for large-volume cargo.
- LCL (Less than Container Load): Consolidated shipping for smaller shipments.
- Door-to-Door Sea Freight: Complete transportation from supplier to final destination.
- Port-to-Port Shipping: International ocean transportation between ports.
- Project Cargo Shipping: Solutions for oversized and heavy cargo.
Sea Freight is widely used in international trade because it offers:
- Lower transportation costs compared with air freight
- Large cargo capacity
- Suitable for heavy and oversized shipments
- Flexible container options
- Reliable international shipping networks
- Suitable for long-distance global trade
For businesses importing large quantities from China, sea freight is usually the most cost-effective transportation solution.
| Kategorie | FCL | LCL |
|---|---|---|
| Container-Nutzung | One customer uses one full container | Mehrere Kunden teilen sich einen Container |
| Am besten geeignet für | Large volume shipments | Small and medium shipments |
| Kosten | More economical for large cargo | Pay only for used space |
| Handhabung | Weniger Handhabung und geringeres Beschädigungsrisiko | More handling due to consolidation |
Sea freight transit time depends on the destination port, shipping route, vessel schedule, and customs clearance process.
| Route | Voraussichtliche Transportdauer |
|---|---|
| Von China in die USA | 18–35 Days |
| Von China nach Kanada | 25–40 Days |
| Von China nach Europa | 30–45 Days |
| Von China nach Australien | 15–30 Days |
| Von China nach Südostasien | 5–15 Days |
BRF Logistics provides sea freight services from major Chinese export ports, including:
- Hafen von Shanghai
- Hafen Ningbo-Zhoushan
- Hafen von Shenzhen
- Yantian Port
- Hafen von Qingdao
- Guangzhou Port
- Hafen von Xiamen
- Hafen von Tianjin
We select the most suitable port and shipping route based on cargo location, destination, and delivery requirements.
Yes. BRF Logistics provides professional customs clearance support for international sea freight shipments.
- Ausfuhrzollanmeldung in China
- Koordination der Einfuhrzölle
- Prüfung der Handelsrechnung und des Lieferscheins
- Hilfe bei der HS-Code-Zuordnung
- Customs documentation support
- Delivery coordination after clearance
BRF Logistics provides dependable ocean freight solutions with global coverage and professional logistics management.
- Wettbewerbsfähige Seefrachtraten
- Strong carrier partnerships
- Experienced international shipping team
- FCL and LCL expertise
- Versandlösungen von Tür zu Tür
- Professionelle Unterstützung bei Zollangelegenheiten
- Sendungsverfolgung in Echtzeit
From small LCL shipments to full container projects, BRF Logistics provides flexible sea freight solutions for global businesses.
