With the deepening of China-Africa economic and trade cooperation, trade between China and Guinea is becoming more and more frequent. Whether it is machinery and equipment, construction materials, or daily goods, efficient logistics and transportation has become the key to expanding the market for companies. This article will provide detailed information on the transportation methods from China to Guinea, cost components, timeliness, and precautions to help you optimise your supply chain and reduce logistics costs.
How to ship from China to Guinea
There are two main shipping methods from China to Guinea: Ocean Freight & Air Freight. Each method has its characteristics:
- If your business requires speed, fast delivery and careful handling of your goods, you should choose Air Freight
- If cost-effectiveness and a reasonable delivery speed are your primary considerations, Ocean Freight will be your best choice
Ocean Freight
Ocean freight is a more economical way to transport large quantities of goods from China to Guinea. You can choose from full container load (FCL) or less than container load (LCL) shipping. It is ideal for large quantities of goods and bulky goods that are not time-sensitive. So, if you want to save costs and are willing to wait for a while for your goods to arrive, ocean freight is the best option.
- Full Container Load (FCL): Fills the entire container, reducing handling and potential damage.
- Less than container load (LCL): For small consignments that do not need to fill an entire container, the goods will be combined with other goods to share the cost of the container.
Air Freight
Air Freight is generally faster and is an excellent transport option for time-sensitive and temperature-controlled goods. Air Freight services offer greater flexibility in terms of transport routes and destinations, even reaching remote or inland areas. This flexibility allows companies to diversify their supply chains, including importing goods from places without direct access to water. However, it should be noted that Air Freight is more expensive than Ocean Freight.
Shipping costs from China to Guinea
Shipping costs from China to Guinea depend on a number of factors, including the shipping method, type of goods, weight, volume and the market situation. The following is an overview of the costs for Ocean Freight and Air Freight:
- Ocean Freight: the basic cost of transporting goods from the port of origin to the port of destination by sea.
- Less than Container Load (LCL): the transport and handling costs for less than container load goods, which are shared according to volume or weight.
- Port miscellaneous charges (port of departure): Miscellaneous charges incurred at the port of departure for terminal operations, loading and unloading, etc.
- Documentation charges (bill of lading, customs clearance documents): Charges for administrative procedures such as the production of bills of lading and processing of customs clearance documents.
- Fuel surcharge (BAF): Additional adjustment to freight charges due to fluctuations in fuel prices.
- Peak season surcharge (PSS): Temporary surcharge for the high demand during the peak season.
- Destination Terminal Handling Charges (DTHC): The handling charges for containers or goods at the destination port.
- Customs clearance fees: The service fees for customs brokers or agents to handle the import and export customs clearance procedures for goods.
- Customs duties and value-added tax (VAT): The customs duties and value-added tax levied on goods in the importing country.
- Inland transportation (e.g. door-to-door): The land or rail transportation fees for goods from the port to the final destination.
Ocean Freight from China to Guinea Cost
- Full Container Load (FCL): According to the latest information, the freight for a 20-foot container from major Chinese ports (such as Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou) to the port of Conakry in Guinea is roughly between 2,000 and 6,000 US dollars, depending on the route, shipping company, and market fluctuations.
- Less than Container Load (LCL): LCL charges are usually calculated based on volume, and the cost per cubic metre may range from 100 to 200 US dollars. Please consult a freight forwarder for the latest price quotation.
Air Freight from China to Guinea Cost
- According to recent data, the cost of air freight from China to Guinea is about 8-12 US dollars per kg, and the price is affected by the weight, volume of goods, and market demand.
China to Guinea Transit Time
The transit time from China to Guinea is affected by several factors, including the distance, mode of transport, season, transport route, transport disruptions, and natural disasters. However, Air Freight is generally a fast method of transport. Specific times: Let’s take a closer look.
| Transport Method | Time |
| Ocean Freight (FCL/LCL) | 40-55 days |
| Air Freight | 3-7 days |
| Express (DHL/UPS/FedEx) | 5-10 days |
Door-to-door transport from China to Guinea
Door-to-door transport refers to the direct transport of goods from their place of origin in China (e.g., factory, warehouse) to a designated address (e.g., company, warehouse, residence) within Poland. The entire process is arranged by the logistics company, which usually includes pickup, transport, customs clearance, and delivery, so the owner of the goods does not need to worry about the intermediate links.
Door-to-door transport generally has two modes: DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) and DDU (Delivered Duty Unpaid):
- DDP: The logistics company is responsible for customs clearance and payment of import taxes and fees, and the recipient does not need to pay additional customs duties.
- DDU: The recipient is responsible for paying import duties and VAT, and the customs clearance fee is lower.
Benefits of door-to-door delivery
- Convenience: No need for multiple intermediaries and complicated coordination, saving you time and effort.
- Cost predictability: Get an all-inclusive quote that covers all duties, taxes and fees for accurate cost planning and budgeting.
- Reduced risk: Minimise the risk of damage or loss and ensure your goods arrive intact.
- Time efficiency: Fast delivery for time-sensitive goods helps you meet tight deadlines and maintain business continuity.
- Full support: Door-to-door service provides end-to-end support, including documentation, customs clearance and final delivery, ensuring a seamless shipping experience.
China to Guinea shipping routes
Shanghai to Conakry
Shipping from Shanghai to Conakry is an efficient route across major sea lanes that helps facilitate trade. This transit route usually goes via the South China Sea, across the Indian Ocean to West Africa. The average transit time for this sea route is about 35-45 days.
Shanghai to Port Kamsar
Cargo transported from Shanghai to the port of Kamsar takes a strategic sea route via the South China Sea, the Indian Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean. The estimated transit time is around 30 days, covering various international waters and shipping lanes.
Shenzhen to Conakry
Cargo transported from Shenzhen to Conakry usually takes a seamless sea route across the South China Sea, through the Indian Ocean, around the Cape of Good Hope and across the Atlantic Ocean to the coast of Conakry. The estimated transit time is around 35-40 days.
Shenzhen to Port Kamsar
Cargo transported from Shenzhen to Port Kamsar must cross the South China Sea and the Indian Ocean, skirt the African coast, and enter the Atlantic Ocean. This route usually takes 30-35 days to transport.
Ningbo to Conakry
The cargo route from Ningbo to Conakry is dynamic and passes through major sea lanes. The typical transit time is around 35-45 days, depending on seasonal changes and ocean conditions. The total distance is approximately 14,000 nautical miles, and the route passes through the South China Sea, the Indian Ocean, the Cape of Good Hope, and finally into the Atlantic Ocean to Conakry.
Ningbo to Port Kamsar
Cargo transportation from Ningbo to Port Kamsar requires crossing major sea routes, including the South China Sea and the Indian Ocean. The estimated transit time is approximately 35 days, and the voyage is approximately 11,000 nautical miles, which is conducive to efficient cargo transportation.
How to find the best shipping company from China to Guinea
When you are looking for the best carrier to ship goods from China to Guinea, you need to look for the following:
- Compare shipping companies and rates: Look for reasonable prices from reputable shipping companies.
- Look for specialisation: Look for companies that specialise in handling your type of goods. For example, if your goods require temperature-controlled storage, make sure your preferred shipper has the necessary facilities.
- Check the shipping method: Make sure the shipping provider offers your preferred shipping method. For example, if you want Sea-Air Freight, make sure it is available.
- Strong network: Make sure they have shipping agents, brokers and other relevant logistics entities to enhance the smooth transport of your goods.
- Cost transparency: Avoid shipping companies that charge you hidden or additional fees at the last minute. Do a quick search for the company on Reddit or Google to see if there are any similar complaints. If so, look for another company that offers transparent pricing.
- Responsive customer support: Look for reliable and responsive customer service. You should be able to contact the carrier and get a quick response from someone.
Why choose Hongocean for your shipping services
- Comprehensive coverage: Hongocean connects key regions with seamless logistics, providing Ocean Freight, Air Freight, customs clearance and reliable door-to-door delivery.
- Competitive pricing: Affordable pricing for both 20-foot and 40-foot containers.
- Reliable expertise: Years of experience ensure safe and timely delivery.
- Tailored solutions: Customised services to meet your unique needs.
