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Shipping Cost Estimator from Yiwu
Get an instant LCL and FCL sea freight estimate from Yiwu to your destination. Includes transit time and container recommendation.
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destination countries
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destination countries
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destination countries
Your shipment details
Estimates only. Rates shown are indicative ranges based on current market conditions from Yiwu / Ningbo port. Actual quotes depend on cargo type, packaging, peak season surcharges, and carrier availability. Contact us for a firm quote.
LCL vs FCL — when to choose
Shipment size
Recommended
Typical cost basis
Under 5 CBM
LCL
$40–80 per CBM
5–14 CBM
LCL
$35–65 per CBM
15–25 CBM
LCL or 20' FCL
Compare both options
25+ CBM
FCL (20' GP)
Flat container rate
55+ CBM
FCL (40' HQ)
Flat container rate
Peak season alert: Rates typically rise 30–60% during July–October (pre-holiday rush) and in February (post-Chinese New Year backlog). Book early if your delivery window falls in these months.
Select a destination and enter your CBM to see freight estimates
How Sea Freight from Yiwu Works
Most goods sourced from Yiwu ship through Ningbo Port or Shanghai Port — both within 2–3 hours of Yiwu by road. Ningbo is China's second-busiest container port and handles the majority of Yiwu export cargo. Your freight forwarder or sourcing agent collects goods from the Yiwu warehouse and delivers them to the port for loading.
There are two main options: LCL (Less than Container Load) and FCL (Full Container Load). The right choice depends on your shipment volume. As a general rule, LCL is cheaper below 15 CBM. Above 15 CBM, booking a full 20' container usually works out less per CBM.
What Affects Freight Costs from Yiwu?
Several factors move the price up or down. The biggest are shipment volume (CBM), chargeable weight, destination port, and the season. July through October is peak shipping season — carriers prepare inventory for the Western Christmas rush — and rates can spike 30–60% above off-season levels. February and March are also volatile as factories restart after Chinese New Year.
Cargo type also matters. Hazardous materials, oversized cargo, and temperature-controlled goods all carry surcharges. Standard consumer goods from Yiwu — toys, homeware, apparel, accessories — ship without special surcharges in most cases.
Port-to-Port Transit Times from Yiwu
Destination Region
Port
Transit (LCL)
Transit (FCL)
US West Coast
Los Angeles / Long Beach
18–25 days
14–20 days
US East Coast
New York / Savannah
28–38 days
25–35 days
Northern Europe
Rotterdam / Hamburg
30–38 days
28–35 days
UK
Felixstowe / Southampton
32–40 days
28–36 days
UAE (Dubai)
Jebel Ali
20–28 days
18–25 days
Australia
Melbourne / Sydney
18–26 days
16–22 days
South Africa
Durban
25–35 days
22–30 days
Brazil
Santos
35–45 days
30–40 days
Transit times are port-to-port and exclude inland transport, customs clearance, and port congestion delays. Add 5–10 days for door-to-door delivery.
Incoterms Explained for Yiwu Buyers
FOB (Free on Board) means the seller delivers goods to the port and loads them onto the ship. You pay ocean freight, insurance, and destination charges. Most Yiwu suppliers quote FOB Ningbo or FOB Shanghai.
CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight) means the supplier pays ocean freight and insurance to your destination port. You pay import duties and local delivery. CIF quotes are convenient but give you less control over freight costs.
DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) means the supplier or agent delivers goods to your door, paying all costs including duties and taxes. This is the simplest option for new importers. YiwuBuying offers DDP shipping to over 200 countries.
Not sure what your CBM is yet? Use our CBM calculator first, then come back to estimate your freight cost. Once you have both figures, the sourcing cost calculator combines freight, duties, and agent fees into a single landed cost number.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does shipping from Yiwu to the US take?
Door-to-door from Yiwu to the US West Coast typically takes 25–35 days: 3–5 days inland transport to Ningbo Port, 14–20 days sea transit, plus 5–10 days for customs and local delivery. East Coast adds 7–10 days.
Is sea freight or air freight better from Yiwu?
Sea freight costs roughly 5–10x less per kg than air freight. For shipments over 200 kg, sea is almost always the right choice. Air freight makes sense for urgent, high-value, or small orders where the product value far exceeds shipping cost.
What documents do I need to import from Yiwu?
Standard documents include: commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, and certificate of origin. Some countries also require a phytosanitary certificate, fumigation certificate, or specific product certifications. Your freight forwarder handles most of this.
Can I combine orders from multiple Yiwu suppliers in one container?
Yes — this is called cargo consolidation and it is one of the core services a Yiwu sourcing agent provides. We collect goods from multiple factories and suppliers, store them in our 13,000 m² warehouse, and ship them together in one container. This saves significantly on LCL freight costs.
Which port does cargo from Yiwu ship from?
Most Yiwu cargo ships from Ningbo Port (2.5 hours by road) or Shanghai Port (3 hours). Ningbo is generally preferred for speed and cost. For some destinations, Shanghai offers more direct routes and competitive rates. We handle the port selection based on your cargo and timeline.
Why is my freight quote higher than the estimate?
Estimates are based on standard market rates. Your actual quote may be higher due to: peak season surcharges, hazardous or oversized cargo, specific port pair pricing, insurance requirements, or additional services like door-to-door delivery and customs brokerage. Always get a firm quote before committing.