As trade between China and France continues to expand, more small and medium-sized businesses are paying close attention to shipping timelines from China to France. Whether by sea, air, or rail, each mode of transportation comes with its own timeframe and cost structure. Choosing the right shipping method is critical for managing logistics schedules and controlling costs. In this article, we’ll break down the typical shipping times, outline the transportation processes, and share practical tips to help you reduce shipping costs from China to France.
Shipping Times from China to France
Sea freight is one of China and France’s most commonly used shipping methods, especially for large shipments of non-urgent goods. Shipping times can vary depending on the specific route and port, but generally, you can expect the following timeframes:
| POL (port of loading) | POD (port of discharge) | Shipping time (days) |
|---|---|---|
| Shanghai | Le Havre | 30-35 days |
| Shenzhen | Le Havre | 28-35 days |
| Qingdao | Le Havre | 26-34 days |
| Ningbo | Le Havre | 28-33 days |
| Shanghai | Marseille | 25-35 days |
| Shenzhen | Marseille | 27-33 days |
| Qingdao | Marseille | 25-35 days |
| Ningbo | Marseille | 26-34 days |
| Shanghai | Brest | 25-33 days |
| Shenzhen | Brest | 28-32 days |
| Qingdao | Brest | 26-35 days |
| Ningbo | Brest | 30-35 days |
The main shipping routes include departures from Shanghai, Ningbo, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou, arriving at major ports in France such as Le Havre and Marseille. Please note that shipping times may be extended during peak seasons (such as September to December each year) or when port congestion occurs.
Air Freight Time from China to France
Air freight is the fastest transportation option, ideal for high-value goods that need to meet tight delivery deadlines. It’s typically divided into direct and connecting flights. Popular routes include flights from Shanghai Pudong, Guangzhou Baiyun, Beijing Capital International Airport to Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) or Lyon Saint-Exupéry (LYS) Airports. Air freight delivery times generally fall within the following ranges:
| Departure Airport (China) | Arrival Airport (Canada) | Shipping time (days) |
| Shanghai Pudong | Charles de Gaulle | 4-7 days |
| Guangzhou Baiyun | Charles de Gaulle | 3-7 days |
| Beijing Capital | Charles de Gaulle | 4-6 days |
| Shanghai Pudong | Lyon Saint Exupery | 4-7 days |
| Guangzhou Baiyun | Lyon Saint Exupery | 3-6 days |
| Beijing Capital | Lyon Saint Exupery | 3-7 days |
| Shanghai Pudong | Marseille Provence | 4-6 days |
| Guangzhou Baiyun | Marseille Provence | 4-7 days |
| Beijing Capital | Marseille Provence | 5-7 days |
Factors Affecting Transportation Time from China to France
The mode of transport doesn’t just determine transportation time; several key factors also influence it:
- Customs Clearance Speed: The time required for customs clearance in China and France can vary, depending on the type of goods being shipped and how complete the declaration documents are.
- Weather Conditions: Adverse weather events, such as typhoons or heavy snowstorms, can cause delays in shipping schedules or flight departures.
- Port Congestion: Port congestion, especially during peak seasons or special circumstances like strikes or pandemics, is a common issue that can lead to delays.
- Transit Arrangements: Some shipments must pass through third countries, which adds to the total transit time.
- Logistics Company Efficiency: The processing speed of different freight forwarders or shipping companies can vary, affecting the speed of cargo pickup, loading/unloading, customs clearance, and final delivery.
Cost of 20ft and 40ft Containers from China to France
Container shipping costs can vary widely based on several key factors. The container size—typically 20-foot or 40-foot—plays a major role in determining the price. Distance is another crucial factor, with longer routes generally leading to higher costs. In addition, current fuel prices, port fees, documentation costs like bills of lading, and seasonal demand fluctuations can all impact the final shipping price. Below are the detailed container shipping costs from China to France:
| POL (port of loading) | POD (port of discharge) | 20ft container cost | 40ft container cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shanghai | Le Havre | $2050-$3250 | $4000-$4200 |
| Shenzhen | Le Havre | $2100-$3300 | $4050-$5250 |
| Qingdao | Le Havre | $2050-$3250 | $4050-$5250 |
| Ningbo | Le Havre | $2000-$3400 | $4050-$5350 |
| Shanghai | Marseille | $2050-$3450 | $4050-$5200 |
| Shenzhen | Marseille | $2000-$3200 | $4000-$5300 |
| Qingdao | Marseille | $2050-$3350 | $4050-$5200 |
| Ningbo | Marseille | $2000-$3150 | $4050-$5150 |
| Shanghai | Brest | $2050-$3250 | $4050-$5250 |
| Shenzhen | Brest | $2050-$3250 | $4000-$5300 |
| Qingdao | Brest | $2000-$3300 | $4000-$5200 |
| Ningbo | Brest | $2050-$3100 | $4050-$5150 |
China to France Transportation Process
The typical transportation process for goods moving from China to France involves the following steps:
- Goods Preparation: Ensure that product packaging, labeling, and export documents are complete and ready for shipping.
- Booking or Reservation: Contact a freight forwarder or shipping company to secure cargo space or book a flight.
- Export Customs Clearance: Complete the necessary export customs declaration and inspection procedures in China.
- Loading and Departure: The goods are loaded onto the chosen vessel or aircraft and begin their international journey.
- Arrival at French Port/Airport: The goods are unloaded at the destination port or airport.
- Import Clearance: French customs authorities review all documents, collect duties and taxes, and perform any necessary inspections.
- Door-to-Door Delivery: After clearing customs, the goods are transported to their final destination, typically by truck or another suitable means.
Tips for Reducing Transportation Costs
To help minimize logistics costs when shipping from China to France, consider these strategies:
- Plan Transportation Schedules Carefully: Prepare your inventory in advance to avoid additional charges during peak seasons.
- Consolidate Cargo Volumes: Try to fill entire containers or share containers with other companies to improve loading efficiency and reduce costs.
- Optimize Packaging Volume: Streamline packaging to reduce unnecessary space, which can lower the billable weight and volume.
- Select Cost-Effective Freight Forwarders: Rates can vary widely between freight forwarders, so be sure to compare quotes from multiple providers to find the best deal.
- Choose the Right Trade Terms: Use EXW, FOB, or CIF based on your specific needs to properly allocate logistics responsibilities and associated costs.
- Monitor Customs Clearance Policies: Stay informed about customs clearance regulations in France and prepare all necessary documents in advance to avoid delays and additional charges at the port.
How Freight Forwarders Optimize Shipping from China to France
Freight forwarders play a vital role in simplifying and optimizing international shipments. Here’s how they help streamline the transportation process from China to France:
- Mode Selection: Recommending the most suitable transport method—sea, air, rail, road, or multimodal—based on your cargo type, budget, and required delivery timeline.
- Consolidation Services: Offering Less than Container Load (LCL) solutions by combining shipments from multiple clients into a single container, helping reduce costs for those not needing Full Container Load (FCL) service.
- Carrier Booking & Rate Negotiation: Using established relationships with carriers to secure shipping space and negotiate competitive freight rates on your behalf.
- Documentation & Customs Clearance: Managing all required documentation—such as the bill of lading, commercial invoice, packing list, and certificate of origin—and handling customs procedures in China and Turkey.
- End-to-End Logistics Management: We provide complete door-to-door service, including cargo pickup, packaging, international transport, customs clearance, and final delivery, resulting in a more seamless experience and greater cost predictability.
- Route Optimization: Selecting efficient shipping routes and less congested ports reduces delays and improves delivery times.
- Real-Time Tracking: Offering shipment tracking systems for greater visibility and peace of mind throughout shipping.
- Insurance Arrangements: Help secure cargo insurance to protect your goods against damage, loss, or other unforeseen risks during transit.
