China Car Shipping Cost & Time Guide

Everything you need to know about shipping cars from China: costs, transit times, container vs RORO, and factors affecting pricing.

Step 1: Choose Shipping Method

Container: safer, can ship 3-4 cars per 40ft container. RORO (Roll-on/Roll-off): cheaper, drives on/off the ship, limited to RORO ports.

Step 2: Get a Quote

Contact exporter with: destination port, number of vehicles, vehicle dimensions. Chedoo Auto provides all-inclusive quotes within 24 hours.

Step 3: Book Space

Reserve container or RORO space. Peak season (Aug-Oct) books up early. Confirm booking 2-3 weeks before desired shipment.

Step 4: Vehicle Delivery to Port

Truck vehicles from warehouse/exporter to Tianjin port. Cost $100-500 depending on distance.

Step 5: Export Customs

Exporter handles Chinese export customs. Provides bill of lading, commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin.

Step 6: Ocean Transit

Ship sails from Tianjin to destination port. Transit varies by destination (see table below).

Step 7: Destination Clearance

Hire local customs broker, pay import duties and taxes, collect vehicle from port.

Destination	Method	Transit Time	Cost (per car)
Europe (Rotterdam)	Container	30-40 days	$1,500-2,500
Middle East (Jebel Ali)	RORO/Container	20-30 days	$1,200-2,000
Africa (Lagos)	RORO	30-40 days	$1,800-2,800
Black Sea (Constanta)	Container	28-38 days	$1,600-2,400
Red Sea (Sokhna)	RORO/Container	25-35 days	$1,400-2,200
Central Asia (Almaty)	Rail/Truck	15-25 days	$1,500-2,500

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Container or RORO - which is cheaper?

A: RORO is typically 30-40% cheaper per vehicle, but only available at ports with RORO terminals. Container shipping is more widely available and offers better protection for high-value vehicles.

Q: How many cars fit in a container?

A: A 20ft container holds 1-2 standard sedans. A 40ft container holds 3-4 cars (sedans/SUVs). Larger vehicles like pickups may reduce capacity.

Q: What affects shipping cost the most?

A: Destination port (distance), shipping method (container vs RORO), number of vehicles (more = lower per-unit cost), season (peak season costs more), and fuel prices.

Q: Is insurance included in shipping?

A: Marine insurance is usually separate, costing 0.3-0.5% of vehicle value. Always insure your shipment - it is highly recommended.

Q: Can I track my shipment?

A: Yes, most shipping lines provide container tracking via bill of lading number. Your exporter should provide regular updates and tracking links.

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