Shipping from China can be a major cost factor when you’re importing products for resale, e-commerce, or personal use. As the founder of a freight forwarding company with over 12 years of experience in international logistics, I’ve helped thousands of clients—from small startups to large corporations—optimize their shipping costs without compromising reliability.
If you’re asking this question, you’re likely trying to cut down on freight expenses while still getting your goods delivered on time and intact. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the cheapest shipping methods from China, and how to choose the right one based on your business needs.
What is the cheapest shipping method from China?
The cheapest shipping method from China largely depends on your cargo size, weight, urgency, and final destination. Generally, sea freight (LCL or FCL) is the most cost-effective option for large-volume or heavy shipments.
- LCL (Less than Container Load): Ideal if you’re shipping less than a full container. You share space with other shippers.
- FCL (Full Container Load): Best for bulk orders. You pay for the entire container but get better value per unit.
While this is based on if you have enough time to wait for the packages.
If you’re shipping small parcels under 21 kg, postal services like China Post, ePacket, or Air DDP are also very economical, though slower than commercial couriers.
Is sea freight always the cheapest option?
Yes, for shipments over 2 CBM or more than 100 kg, sea freight is typically the most affordable option. While it’s slower compared to air freight or express couriers, the savings can be substantial.
However, be mindful of port charges, customs clearance, and inland delivery fees. These can add up and affect the total landed cost. Choosing DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) sea shipping helps you control costs better, since it includes taxes and door-to-door delivery in one price.
Can I combine goods from multiple suppliers to save on shipping?
Absolutely. One of the best ways to reduce your shipping cost is through cargo consolidation. Instead of shipping multiple small packages separately, you can:
- Send your products to one warehouse in China (like ours).
- We consolidate everything into one shipment.
- You save on international shipping and customs fees.
This is especially effective for e-commerce sellers who source from multiple suppliers on platforms like Alibaba, Taobao, or 1688.
When is air freight cheaper than sea freight?
While air freight is generally more expensive, it can be cheaper than sea freight for small shipments (between 21–100 kg) when speed is also a priority. In those cases, standard air cargo or economy air shipping can offer a good balance between cost and time.
Plus, during off-peak seasons or promotions by airlines, we sometimes secure special air rates that beat even slow sea shipping in total cost (when warehousing and local handling fees are factored in).
How can I get cheaper express courier rates from DHL, UPS, or FedEx?
If you’re shipping small but high-value goods, express couriers like DHL, UPS, and FedEx are fast and reliable—but not always cheap. To reduce costs:
- Work with a freight forwarder (like us) who has corporate discount rates.
- Consolidate shipments instead of sending items one by one.
- Choose economy or deferred services when time is not urgent.
We ship in volume and can pass on our discounts to our clients—sometimes up to 50% off public rates.
Are there hidden costs that make “cheap” shipping more expensive?
Yes. Many importers only look at the freight rate but ignore other expenses such as:
- Destination port handling fees
- Import duties and VAT
- Storage charges if customs clearance is delayed
- Local delivery costs from port to your address
That’s why we recommend DDP shipping, where we include all costs upfront—no surprises.
Customer Case 1: This is a client who chose the cheap price freight forwarder, while at the end, they found they were cheated, and he wanted to cancel the order, and was charged a very high return fee.
Customer Case 2: This is a client who chose the cheap price freight forwarder on Alibaba, while at the end, they found they were cheated, and he wanted to cancel the order, and was charged a very high return fee.
How do I choose between LCL, FCL, air freight, and express?
Here’s a quick rule of thumb based on our 12+ years of logistics experience:
| Shipment Type | Best For | Cheapest Method |
|---|---|---|
| < 21 kg | Samples, small items | Postal service or express (via agent) |
| 21 – 100 kg | Urgent small-medium goods | Air freight or express |
| 100 – 500 kg | Medium-sized orders | LCL sea freight or economy air |
| > 500 kg or > 2 CBM | Large orders | LCL sea freight |
| > 15 CBM | Large orders | FCL sea freight |
Need help deciding? We’ll recommend the best method based on your volume, delivery deadline, and budget.
Can DDP shipping help me reduce total cost?
Yes. With DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) shipping, you pay a fixed all-in price, and we handle everything:
- Export clearance in China
- International transport
- Import duties & taxes
- Customs clearance
- Final delivery to your address
This is especially useful for clients who don’t have import licenses or are unfamiliar with customs procedures. It saves both money and time—with no surprise charges.
How do I avoid overpaying for shipping when using Alibaba suppliers?
Many Alibaba suppliers offer “shipping included” pricing, but it’s not always the best deal. Here’s why:
- They may include inflated freight costs in the product price.
- They often use slow or unreliable shipping channels.
- You have little control or visibility over the shipment.
Instead, ask your supplier for EXW or FOB pricing and let your own freight forwarder (like DFH Logistics) handle shipping. This gives you full cost control and usually better service.
How can I get a quote to compare different cheap shipping options?
The best way to find the cheapest method for your shipment is to request a tailored quote. Every shipment is different. We’ll compare:
- Sea (LCL/FCL)
- Air (standard/economy)
- Express
- DDP vs. DDU vs. port-to-port
You’ll get a breakdown of costs, transit time, and recommendations based on your unique needs.
Need personalized advice? Contact us now for a free, no-obligation shipping quote and let our team help you save on your next shipment from China.
Whether it’s your first time importing or you’re looking for a better freight solution, I’ll make sure you don’t overpay for shipping again.
