Shipping from China to Poland

In 2024, China’s total exports to Poland are expected to reach approximately US$4.45 billion, with major products including office equipment parts, computers, and batteries. With the continued expansion of the China-Europe freight train service, there are now more options for transporting goods from China to Poland.

Businesses should consider factors such as the nature of the goods, delivery time requirements, and budget constraints when selecting a transportation method. Strategic planning is essential to ensure cost-effectiveness and reliability when choosing between sea, air, or rail transportation.

This guide will provide a detailed overview of the processes, advantages, and key considerations for each transportation method, helping you optimize your logistics strategy and enhance cross-border transportation efficiency.

Key Considerations for Shipping from China to the Poland

When planning shipments from China to the Poland, it’s essential to keep the following key factors in mind:

Cost vs. Speed: Weigh the trade-off between saving on shipping costs and ensuring rapid delivery. Different shipping methods offer varying balances between affordability and timeliness.
Type of Goods: Consider the specifics of your shipment. Factors such as size, weight, value, fragility, and any special handling requirements (like refrigeration) will significantly influence your choice of shipping method and the overall cost.
Shipping Terms (Incoterms): International trade terms—such as FOB, EXW, and CIF—define the responsibilities of both buyer and seller regarding freight, insurance, customs clearance, and more. Make sure you’re clear on which terms apply to your transaction.
Reliability and Tracking: Determine how much tracking information you need. Some shipping options offer real-time, detailed tracking, while others provide only basic updates.
Customs and Duties: All goods entering the United States must undergo customs clearance and may be subject to duties and taxes. These costs can be a significant part of your overall shipping expenses.

You can choose the most suitable shipping strategy for your needs by carefully considering each of these aspects.

What is the best way to ship from China to the Poland?

The best shipping method from China to the Poland ultimately depends on your unique needs, such as the type of goods you are shipping, your budget, and the delivery time. Here is a brief overview of the standard options:

Express shipping is the fastest and most convenient option, usually offering door-to-door service. This method is perfect for small, high-value, or urgent shipments.
Air freight is a good intermediate solution. It is faster than sea freight and less expensive than express shipping. It is particularly suitable for slightly heavier goods (usually over 150–200 kg) or goods that must arrive within a specific time frame.
Sea freight: This is the most cost-effective solution for transporting large quantities of goods. Although it is usually slower than air freight or express delivery, it is still the best option if your primary concern is to reduce costs.
Rail freight offers a fast, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly transportation solution. Trains link major Chinese cities like Xi’an and Zhengzhou with key Polish hubs such as Malaszewicze and Warsaw via the “New Silk Road.” It’s faster than sea freight, more affordable than air freight, and provides more consistent delivery times. Transit typically takes 12 to 25 days for station-to-station shipping, while full door-to-door service ranges from 25 to 35 days. This makes rail freight a practical option for transporting a wide variety of goods.

How long does it take to ship from China to the Poland?

Shipping times vary depending on the chosen method and the specific route:

Express Delivery: usually the fastest, takes about 2 – 5 days.
Air Freight: generally takes 3 – 7 days (airport to airport, not including inland transportation and customs clearance time at either end).
Sea Freight: The longest, usually 30 – 45 days or more (port to port, again not including inland transport and customs clearance times at both ends).
Rail freight is a fast, cost-effective, and eco-friendly mode of transportation. Transit time typically ranges from 12 – 25 days, with door-to-door service taking around 25 – 35 days.

Please note that these are estimated times, and the actual transit time may be affected by various factors, such as weather, port congestion, customs inspections, peak seasons, etc.

Shipping Costs from China to the Poland

1. Mode of Transport and Pricing:

Sea Freight: Best suited for large shipments, sea freight typically costs between $50 – $110 per cubic meter with a transit time of 30 – 45 days.
Air Freight: Ideal for small amounts of high-value goods, air freight costs approximately $5 – $12 per kilogram and takes 3 – 7 days to deliver.
Rail Freight: Suitable for goods that have high requirements for timeliness but are unwilling to pay high air freight fees. Full Container Load (FCL) rates typically range from $5,000 – $7,500, while Less than Container Load (LCL) costs around $150 – $220 per CBM, with transit times between 12 – 20 days.
Express Delivery: Perfect for smaller, urgent shipments, express services cost roughly $15–$18 per kilogram and have a transit time of 2 – 5 days.

2. Factors Influencing Shipping Costs:

Volume and Weight: Bulky or heavy shipments usually incur higher costs.
Destination: Costs can vary based on the U.S. city, with shipments to the East Coast often pricier than those headed to the West Coast.
Market Fluctuations: Fuel prices, seasonal peaks (such as the holiday season), and international trade policies can all impact shipping rates.

3. Tips to Save on Shipping Costs:

Plan Ahead: If immediate delivery isn’t necessary, choose sea freight to benefit from lower rates.
Consolidate Shipments: Group small shipments together to share costs more efficiently.
Compare Providers: Different logistics companies offer varying rates, so it pays to shop for the best deal.

4. Additional Charges

Besides the basic shipping fee, consider extra costs such as customs duties, taxes, insurance, port fees, handling charges, storage fees, and documentation fees.

Ocean freight is the most economical choice for large, cost-sensitive shipments. If time is of the essence, air freight is faster but comes at a higher price, while express delivery is convenient for small, high-value items. Since costs can fluctuate with market conditions, it is wise to get up-to-date quotes from multiple freight forwarders before finalizing your shipment.

Air Freight from China to the Poland

Air freight offers a significant speed advantage over sea freight—delivering goods in days rather than weeks or months. This option is perfect for urgent shipments and perishable items that need quick delivery. With minimal handling along the way, air shipping is also one of the safest methods available. That said, it’s generally more expensive than sea freight. Ultimately, the choice between air and sea shipping depends on the size and weight of your shipment and the delivery schedule you require.

How much does air freight cost from China to the Poland?

Calculation Method: Charges are based on more significant actual or volumetric weight (measured in kilograms).
Price Factors: Costs vary according to route, airline, fuel surcharges, and service level. Generally, air freight is significantly more expensive than sea freight—especially for shipments over 100 kg.
Getting a Quote: It’s best to consult a freight forwarder for an accurate and current estimate.

How long does shipping by air from China to the Poland take?

Air shipments usually take between 3 – 7 days, including transit and customs clearance. Expedited services may offer even faster delivery.

Why Transit Times Vary:

Flight Availability: Limited flight frequency during peak seasons may cause additional delays.
Service Type: Standard, Express, or consolidated air freight, each having different transit times.
Customs Clearance: Efficiency at customs in China and the Poland impacts the overall transit time.
Ground Handling: The speed of cargo handling at both departure and arrival locations also plays a role.

When to Choose Air Freight:

Consider air freight in the following situations:

Time-Critical Deliveries: When goods are needed urgently—for example, to meet production deadlines or seasonal demand.
High-Value Items: Air freight generally offers enhanced security with fewer handling steps.

Perishable Goods: For items that require fast transport to maintain freshness.

What are the best Air Freight companies from China to the Poland?

This usually refers to Cargo Airlines or the Cargo Division of Passenger Airlines. Some of the major players include:

DHL
FedEx
UPS

When choosing the right supplier, it is recommended to consider the following aspects comprehensively:

Time requirements: Choosing air freight services is particularly important for urgent or perishable goods.
Cargo characteristics: The size, weight, packaging requirements, etc., of the goods may affect the transportation costs and the choice of options.
Cost budget: Air freight is generally more expensive, so budget and service quality must be comprehensively considered.
After-sales service and transparency: Real-time cargo tracking, customer support, and transportation security are all key considerations.

Express delivery from China to the Poland

What is express delivery from Poland?

Express delivery usually refers to the door-to-door service provided by major international express delivery companies (such as DHL, FedEx, UPS, etc.). They are responsible for picking up the goods from the sender, transporting them through their global network, and finally delivering them to the recipient, usually including basic customs clearance services. This method simplifies the process and is especially suitable for small packages and documents.

How long does it take for express delivery from China to the Poland?

As mentioned, express delivery is usually the fastest option and can be delivered within 2 – 5 working days.

Express delivery carriers from China to the Poland

The major international express delivery giants all have a strong network of operations in China and the Poland:

DHL: known for its extensive international network and reliability.
FedEx: has a strong network in the US and reliable international services.
UPS:Also has a large network in the US and around the world.
SF Express:A local Chinese express delivery giant whose international business is also expanding.
EMS: Provided by national postal systems, sometimes cheaper, but the speed and reliability may not be as good as commercial express couriers.

How much does it cost to ship from China to the Poland?

Courier services charge by weight (usually every 0.5 kg) and have the highest unit costs of all shipping methods. However, for very light items (e.g. under 2 kg), it can be more cost-effective than Air Freight or Ocean Freight, as it eliminates many fixed costs. Costs can vary widely depending on weight, speed (Economy vs. Priority) and the specific carrier.

Documents required for shipping from China to the Poland

If you need to ship from China to the Poland or any other part of the world, you have to deal with multiple papers. But again, no need to get frustrated. This stage is not that difficult either. Just keep the documents listed below at your fingertips and you will end up mastering a big part of the process.

Packing List
Commercial Invoice
Bill of Lading
Certificate of Origin
Packing List
Letter of Credit

This list is not complete, documentation again depends on the type of goods and mode of transportation. For instance, if you are shipping hazardous goods, you need a special permit.

Sea Freight from China to the Poland

Sea freight is one of the most cost-effective shipping options, though it often takes longer than other modes. It’s ideal for transporting large volumes and is generally categorized into LCL (Less than Container Load) and FCL (Full Container Load). Your choice between LCL and FCL will depend on factors like shipment size, delivery urgency, and the nature of your goods.

LCL shipping from China to the Poland

Definition: If your shipment is not large enough to fill a full container, you can choose LCL shipping. Your goods will be shipped in the same container as several other shipments.
Advantages: For small quantities, the initial cost is lower than renting a full container.
Disadvantages:
- The unit cost (per cubic meter/ton) is usually higher than for a full container.
- The transit time may be longer because the goods need to be unloaded and sorted at the port of departure and the port of destination.
- The risk of damage or loss during multiple handling is relatively high.
Billing: Usually billed by volume (cubic meters CBM) or weight (tons), whichever generates higher costs (called W/M – Weight or Measurement).

Full container shipping from China to the Poland

Definition: You rent and use one or more full containers exclusively for your goods.
Advantages:
- Lower unit costs when the volume is large enough (usually over 15-20 cubic meters).
- Faster and more predictable transit time than LCL (port-to-port).
- The goods are in the same box from loading to unloading, reducing the number of handling times and the risk of damage.
Disadvantages: Higher total cost for small shipments.
Billing: A fixed fee is charged based on the type of container and the shipping route.

Container options for shipping from China to the Poland

The most common standard dry container types include:

20ft container: has an internal capacity of about 28 – 30 cubic meters.
40ft container: has an internal capacity of about 58 – 60 cubic meters.
40HQ: This container is about 1 foot taller than a 40ft and holds around 68 – 70 cubic meters, making it ideal for bulky but lightweight goods.

Container Type	External Dimensions (L×W×H)	Internal Dimensions (L×W×H)	Volume	Max Payload	Tare Weight
20GP	6.06 m × 2.44 m × 2.59 m	5.90 m × 2.35 m × 2.39 m	28-30 m³	24,000 kg	2,300 kg
40GP	12.19 m × 2.44 m × 2.59 m	12.03 m × 2.35 m × 2.39 m	58-60m³	30,480 kg	3,700 kg
40HQ	12.19 m × 2.44 m × 2.89 m	12.03 m × 2.35 m × 2.69 m	68-70 m³	30,480 kg	4,100 kg

Other special container types include reefers (refrigerated containers) for transporting goods that require temperature control, open-top containers for extremely high goods, and flat rack containers for oversized or heavy goods.

How long does Ocean Freight from China to the Poland take?

Ocean Freight transit times are affected by a number of factors, in particular, the origin and destination ports:

Port-to-port shipping from major Chinese ports—like Shanghai, Shenzhen, Ningbo, and Qingdao—to key Polish ports such as Gdansk and Gdynia typically takes about 30 – 45 days. Actual transit times can vary depending on the specific ports of departure and arrival, the carrier chosen, whether the route is direct or involves transshipment, as well as sea conditions and port congestion.

POL	POD	Average Transit Time (in days)
Shanghai	Gdansk	30 – 35
Shenzhen	Gdansk	30 – 35
Ningbo	Gdansk	30 – 35
Qingdao	Gdansk	31 – 35

These times refer only to Ocean Freight (port-to-port). You also need to add the time it takes for the container to travel from the factory to the port of departure, port handling, customs clearance and then from the port of destination to the final destination.

How much does it cost to ship a container from China to the Poland? (FCL Cost)

FCL Ocean Freight is a cost item that fluctuates greatly. It is heavily influenced by global economic conditions, fuel prices, shipping alliance strategies, port congestion, the balance of supply and demand for containers, and seasonal factors such as shipping peaks before and after holidays. During and after the pandemic, freight rates fluctuated dramatically, with a 20-foot container costing anywhere from $1,100 – $2,400. Prices may have come down relatively, but real-time quotes still need to be obtained based on specific routes and times. A 40-foot container may cost between $1,400 and $3,100 or even more or less. This is just a very rough range. Obtaining real-time quotes is highly recommended.

POL	POD	LCL	Rate (USD/20GP)	Rate (USD/40GP)
Shanghai	Gdansk	$85-$160	$2050-$3050	$3000-$4900
Shenzhen	Gdansk	$80-$155	$1900-$2900	$3050-$4850
Qingdao	Gdansk	$90-$140	$1950-$2950	$3050-$4750
Ningbo	Gdansk	$85-$150	$2000-$3000	$3150-$4850
Shanghai	Gdynia	$85-$160	$1950-$2850	$3050-$4700
Shenzhen	Gdynia	$80-$155	$1800-$2800	$3100-$4800
Qingdao	Gdynia	$90-$165	$2050-$2950	$3050-$4750
Ningbo	Gdynia	$85-$145	$2000-$2950	$2950-$4850
Shanghai	Szczecin	$80-$150	$1850-$2750	$3150-$4750
Shenzhen	Szczecin	$85-$160	$1950-$2850	$3000-$4900
Qingdao	Szczecin	$70-$145	$2000-$3000	$3100-$4800
Ningbo	Szczecin	$95-$165	$1950-$2900	$3050-$4950

What is the cost of LCL from China to the Poland?

LCL costs are calculated based on W/M (weight tons or volume cubic meters, whichever is greater). For example, the possible price is 50-150 USD per cubic meter/ton, but this is also a very rough estimate. In addition to the basic ocean freight, LCL also has more fixed surcharges, such as port handling charges, documentation fees, unpacking fees, etc. Therefore, even if the unit price does not seem high, the total cost needs to be carefully calculated. When the volume of your goods reaches a certain level (for example, 10-15 CBM), it may be more cost-effective to rent a 20-foot full container.

Shipping Route	Rate (USD/CBM)	Transit Time (Days)
Gdansk	$ 23.00	30 – 50
Gdynia	$ 26.00	20 – 30
Szczecin	$ 26.00	20 – 30

What are the best Ocean Freight companies in China?

The world’s major container shipping companies operate on the China – Poland route, including:

Maersk
MSC
COSCO

Similarly, as a shipper, you will usually book space and handle transport through a freight forwarder. The freight forwarder will select the right option from among these shipping companies for you and negotiate a price based on your needs and budget.

How to ship from China to the Poland: Brief Steps

For beginners, it is advisable to work with a professional freight forwarder. Here are the basic steps:

Step1: Find a Reliable Freight Forwarder

Start by partnering with an experienced international freight forwarder who understands the logistics, documentation, and compliance requirements of China—Poland trade.

Hongocean is a China-based freight forwarder helping small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) and e-commerce companies move goods efficiently and affordably.

Step2: Choose the Right Shipping Method and Carrier

Select the transportation method that best fits your cargo type, volume, delivery time, and budget:

Sea Freight: A most cost-effective option for large, non-urgent shipments. Offers FCL (Full Container Load) and LCL (Less than Container Load) options. Longest transit time.
Rail Freight: The China-Europe Railway Express connects Chinese cities with key European hubs. It is faster than the sea, cheaper than air, and offers reliable delivery time.
Air Freight is the fastest option and is ideal for small, high-value, or time-sensitive shipments. However, it comes at a higher cost.
Express Courier Services (e.g., DHL, UPS, FedEx) offer fast, door-to-door delivery for small packages and documents. This is the most expensive option.

Your freight forwarder will book cargo space and coordinate with carriers based on your preferred method.

Step3: Pickup or Move Your Goods from the Supplier

Work with your freight forwarder to arrange pickup from your supplier, factory, or warehouse. They’ll transport the goods to the appropriate port, airport, or rail terminal for export.

Step4: Prepare All Required Documentation

Accurate paperwork ensures smooth customs clearance. Essential documents typically include:

Commercial Invoice: Details of the buyer and seller, item descriptions, unit prices, total value, Incoterms, etc.
Packing List: Specifies each package’s weight, dimensions, and contents.
Transport Documents:
- Bill of Lading (B/L) for sea freight
- Air Waybill (AWB) for air shipments
- CIM/SMGS Consignment Note for rail freight
Certificate of Origin (if required)
Importer’s EORI Number: Required for all EU importers, including those in Poland.
Additional Documents (if applicable): Import licenses, inspection certificates, etc., depending on the product category.

Step5: Estimate Duties and Taxes

Customs Duties: Poland uses the EU’s TARIC (Integrated Tariff of the European Communities) system, where duties are based on the goods’ HS code.
Value Added Tax (VAT): Polish imports are subject to VAT. The taxable value includes the cost of goods, freight, insurance, and customs duties. The standard VAT rate in Poland applies unless exemptions exist.

Step6: Confirm and Pay All Related Charges

Beyond shipping and customs charges, confirm any additional costs with your freight forwarder, such as:

Customs clearance fees
Port or terminal handling charges
Documentation or administration fees
Storage fees (if goods are delayed at the port or terminal)

Step7: Customs Clearance in Poland

Your freight forwarder or customs broker will file the import declaration upon arrival in Poland (via port, airport, or rail terminal). Once duties and VAT are paid, customs will release the shipment.

Step8: Arrange Final Delivery in Poland

After customs clearance, arrange for last-mile delivery to the recipient’s warehouse, distribution center, retail store, or customer address. Your freight forwarder or a local logistics provider can handle this.

Conclusion

Shipping from China to the Poland involves many steps and considerations. Understanding the different shipping methods (Express, Air Freight, Ocean Freight) and their advantages and disadvantages, knowing the cost structure (especially landed costs), and making good use of professional freight forwarders and customs brokers will greatly simplify the process. Careful planning, comparison, and ensuring that all documents are in order will ensure that your goods cross the Pacific Ocean to their destination more smoothly and economically.