How To Ship A Container From China To New York
If you are wondering how to ship a container from China to New York, this article will explain the process step-by-step. It will cover the cost, transit time, Incoterms, and whether to rent a container or buy one. By the end of the article, you should have a better understanding of how to ship a container from China to New York. Read on to discover how to choose the best service.
Cost
If you are planning to import goods from China, you should be aware of the costs involved. Usually, it costs around $3,500 USD for shipping a 20-foot container to New York. If you are shipping more than one container from China, the cost could be around $4,500 USD. These shipping costs include local charges, export docs, and ocean freight from China to New York. You can choose to ship your goods via Hong Kong or through one of the major ports in China.
While Chinese exporters and importers often use a weak currency, American importers should keep in mind that shipping to the U.S.A. from China requires the payment in a currency equivalent to the one being exported. Shipping to the U.S.A. from China typically requires payment in U.S. dollars. While the Chinese currency is weak, most traders prefer trading with the U.S. dollar.
The cost of shipping a container from China to New Jersey has reached a new high, with the spot rate now nearly five times higher than a year ago. The rise in shipping costs has also caused shipping companies to raise their charter rates for container ships. Until 2022, shipping companies will continue charging up to ten times what is normal for the same type of cargo. The prices are expected to stay high until 2022, according to Philip Damas, managing director of maritime consultancy firm Drewry.
Transit time
Shipping times vary significantly depending on the route and other factors, but on average, ocean containers take between 17 and 38 days to reach the New York area. Transit time does not include time spent loading and unloading the container, which can add several days to transit times. Freight forwarders will notify customers when the goods arrive near the city, so they can plan ahead accordingly. In addition, they will advise you if there is any potential delay.
Since the middle of the last century, transit times have steadily climbed, with the average for shipping a container from Shanghai to New York in May '21 reaching 45 days - a dramatic increase from pre-pandemic times of 16 days. Since then, transit time has been steadily decreasing in the East, with transit times down to 33 days on average, a significant decline from the 44-day average in November.
Before the coronavirus pandemic, goods shipped via container ship between the U.S. and China took around 40 days. After the pandemic, however, delays and hold-ups pushed the transit time to 70 days, and a few weeks longer than in spring 2020. During the pandemic, transit times spiked to 56 days. The following timeline is the average transit time for shipping a container from China to New York.
Incoterms
If you're planning on sending a container from China to New York, you need to understand Incoterms. These are international shipping terms, and suppliers in China base their pricing on these terms. Essentially, these terms specify where the shipment will be transferred to, as well as where the supplier will be paying for the shipping costs. Incoterms have three parts: the supplier's location (Fob), the destination city (CIF), and the distance.
Generally, the best method of importing goods from China is FOB (free on board), which is where the goods are loaded, then shipped. This type of shipping involves a forwarder handling the shipment from the port of loading, customs clearance, and transportation to the final market. The forwarder also will handle any customs issues that may arise. When you import goods from China, the incoterms you use should be understood.
One of the most commonly used incoterms is FOB (free on board), which balances the responsibilities of the buyer and seller. EX Works can be expensive and carries too much risk, while CIF is very risky. FCA, on the other hand, stands for "free carrier." This incoterm is used for any mode of freight shipment, and the seller's responsibility ends once the goods are cleared for export.
Buying vs. renting a container
When shipping from China to New York, comparing prices for buying vs. renting a shipping container is an important decision. While purchasing a container has a few advantages, you have to consider the cost of the shipping container and the time frame it will be needed. Additionally, buying a container means you own it forever, which can be a great benefit for long-term importers. Ultimately, buying a shipping container will save you money, but it will also require you to make a large investment.
Another key difference between buying vs. renting a shipping container is whether you want to pay a large amount up front. While renting a shipping container can be more affordable, you risk having it damaged during the shipping process. Purchasing a shipping container may also be safer, but it's not for every business. If you're unsure about the logistics of shipping a container from China to New York, here are a few things to keep in mind:
When shipping a container from China to New York, you should look for a port that allows you to receive the cargo you need. The cost of shipping a container varies greatly, depending on how many items it contains and the size. For example, new shipping containers tend to cost more than older containers. If you buy a container in bulk, you can get a bulk discount from the manufacturer and save a considerable amount of money on the shipping cost.
Chinese holidays
Planning ahead is essential when shipping a container from China to New Jersey. You should consider the Chinese New Year and the final months of the year because these holidays affect port operations in China. Chinese New Year is the most popular deadline for production and shipping, and cargo shipments are often booked well in advance. Shipping delays and quality issues are just two of the potential problems. By planning ahead, you can avoid potential problems, and ensure that your container reaches New York in time.
If you're shipping a container from China to New York during the Chinese holidays, you should be aware of them. Most factories close at least a week before and after the holiday, and they'll be closed for two weeks. When factories reopen, only about two-thirds of the workforce will be available, and some employees might never return. It's a good idea to schedule your shipping to avoid these dates, and remember to plan ahead so that you'll get the best rate possible.
Keep in mind that Chinese New Year is the most important holiday in the country. Celebrations will start about a week before the holiday. Once you find out that the supplier will be closed for the holiday, ask them when their offices and factories will reopen. This usually falls around the middle of February, so your container may not be available to ship until after the holiday. In addition, the holiday will impact the shipping schedule and you might find it impossible to take new orders in the weeks prior to the holidays.
Air freight vs ocean freight
The primary question is: Which is cheaper? Most of us would choose air freight, but the costs of air transportation can be significantly higher than the costs of ocean transportation. For example, air transport will cost 60% more than ocean freight. Besides that, shipping a container by air often avoids the costly problem of cargo congestion in ports. Therefore, manufacturers often choose air transportation to ship the container from China to New York.
The first question is: What is the difference between sea freight and air freight? Ultimately, air transportation will save you money and give you access to more markets. Additionally, sea freight can move containers via rail. However, the mode of transport you choose will depend on the customer's requirements. For example, air freight is often the best option for perishable goods that do not require refrigeration. For instance, bananas are shipped by ship because they are ripe and need a long time to travel.
While air transportation is quicker and cheaper than ocean transport, the time it takes to move your shipment is often more costly. Air shipping can take three to four days, while ocean shipping can take up to five weeks. The transit time depends on the location and the size of the container. The shipping mode will depend on the destination, and the size of the container. Some carriers offer deconsolidation services that allow you to ship smaller shipments over air freight in China.