Shipping From China

Ship from China to Thailand

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Shipping from China to Thailand: Freight, Transit Time, and Customs Clearance Guide

In the dynamic world of international trade, shipping goods from China to Thailand is a common endeavor for businesses and individuals alike. When it comes to this shipping route, several key aspects need to be considered, including freight options, transit times, and customs clearance requirements. WanHao Freight, with its extensive experience and global network, can be your reliable partner in navigating these aspects.

Freight Options

Ocean FCL (Full Container Load)

  • How it works: Ocean FCL is ideal for large - volume shipments. When you choose this option, your goods occupy an entire shipping container. Containers come in standard sizes such as 20 - foot (20GP) with an internal volume of about 28 cubic meters and a payload capacity of around 21 tons, 40 - foot (40G) with an internal volume of about 58 cubic meters and a payload of about 26 tons, and 40 - foot high - cube (40HQ) with an internal volume of about 68 cubic meters and a payload of about 26 tons. There's also the 45 - foot high - cube (45HQ) with an internal volume of about 86 cubic meters and a payload of about 27 tons.

  • Cost: The cost of Ocean FCL is calculated based on the type of container, the shipping route, and additional charges. The main components of the cost include the ocean freight (O/F), which is the base charge for transporting the container across the ocean. There are also origin - related charges such as the origin receiving charge (ORC), which is a fee for handling the container at the departure port. In addition, there may be charges like the documentation fee (DOC) for processing the necessary paperwork. For example, the ORC for a 20 - foot container might be around USD 141 - 269 (or equivalent in local currency at the origin port), and the DOC fee could be around CNY 300 per bill.

  • Transit Time: Transit times from major Chinese ports like Shanghai, Shenzhen, or Ningbo to Thai ports such as Laem Chabang or Bangkok usually range from 7 - 12 days. However, this can be affected by factors such as the shipping route (direct or with transshipment), port congestion, and weather conditions. For instance, if there is a typhoon in the South China Sea during the shipping period, it may cause delays.

Ocean LCL (Less than Container Load)

  • How it works: Ocean LCL is suitable for smaller shipments that do not require a full container. Multiple shippers' goods are consolidated into a single container. At the origin, a freight forwarder like WanHao Freight collects different shipments destined for the same general area in Thailand. These shipments are then grouped and loaded into a container. At the destination port in Thailand, the container is unloaded, and the goods are sorted and distributed to their respective consignees.

  • Cost: Ocean LCL is priced per cubic meter (CBM) or per ton, whichever is greater. The cost includes the ocean freight per unit volume or weight, a container freight station (CFS) charge at the origin for handling and consolidating the goods, and other charges such as the destination delivery charge (DDC) at the Thai port. For example, the CFS charge at the origin might be around USD 5 per CBM, and the DDC at the destination could vary depending on the port and the volume of the shipment.

  • Transit Time: Transit times for Ocean LCL are generally a bit longer than FCL. It usually takes 10 - 15 days from major Chinese ports to Thailand. This is because of the additional time required for consolidation at the origin and de - consolidation at the destination. Also, if there are issues with other shipments in the same container during customs clearance, it can cause further delays.

Airfreight

  • How it works: Airfreight offers a fast and reliable way to ship goods from China to Thailand. Goods are transported by cargo planes from major Chinese airports like Beijing Capital International Airport, Shanghai Pudong International Airport, or Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport to airports in Thailand such as Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok or Phuket International Airport. Airlines have specific schedules for cargo flights, and most shipments are handled through freight forwarders who manage the entire process from pick - up at the shipper's location in China to delivery at the consignee's location in Thailand.

  • Cost: Airfreight is relatively more expensive compared to ocean freight. The cost is determined by the weight and volume of the shipment (using the volumetric weight calculation if the volume - to - weight ratio is high). There are also additional charges for handling, documentation, and security. For example, for a small package weighing 5 kilograms, the airfreight cost from Shanghai to Bangkok could be around USD 50 - 80, depending on the airline and the service level.

  • Transit Time: Transit times for airfreight are much shorter. Usually, it takes only 1 - 3 days from China to Thailand, making it an excellent option for urgent shipments or high - value, time - sensitive goods.

International Express

  • How it works: International express services such as DHL, FedEx, UPS, TNT, and EMS are known for their speed and door - to - door delivery. WanHao Freight, as an agent for these international express giants, can arrange for the pick - up of your goods from your location in China and ensure their prompt delivery to the recipient in Thailand. These services often have dedicated delivery networks, with their own aircraft and ground transportation fleets in many regions.

  • Cost: The cost of international express depends on the weight, dimensions, and destination of the shipment. Express services typically offer different service levels, such as economy, standard, and express, each with a different price point. For example, sending a 2 - kilogram package from Shenzhen to Bangkok with DHL Express could cost around USD 30 - 50 for a standard service.

  • Transit Time: International express services are extremely fast, with transit times usually ranging from 2 - 5 days. This makes them suitable for small, high - value items or documents that need to reach the destination quickly.

Customs Clearance in Thailand

Documentation Requirements

  • Commercial Invoice: A detailed commercial invoice is required, which includes information such as the description of the goods, quantity, value, unit price, and the name and address of the shipper and consignee. The invoice should be accurate and in English.

  • Bill of Lading/Air Waybill: For ocean shipments, the bill of lading serves as a receipt of goods and a contract of carriage. For air shipments, the air waybill is used. These documents must be properly filled out with all relevant information about the shipment.

  • Packing List: A packing list details the contents of each package, including the quantity, weight, and dimensions of the goods in each package. It helps customs officials to verify the goods during the clearance process.

  • Certificate of Origin: If applicable, a certificate of origin may be required to determine the origin of the goods. This can be important for tariff calculations and for determining eligibility for certain trade agreements.

Customs Duties and Taxes

  • Threshold: In Thailand, if the declared value of the shipment (including the cost of goods, insurance, and freight) exceeds THB 1,500, customs duties and taxes are applicable.

  • Duty Rates: Duty rates vary depending on the type of goods. For example, some consumer goods may have a duty rate of 10 - 30%, while certain luxury items may have higher duty rates. Additionally, there may be value - added tax (VAT) and other taxes levied on the imported goods. The VAT rate in Thailand is generally 7% of the value of the goods plus the duty amount.

Prohibited and Restricted Goods

  • Prohibited Goods: Goods such as drugs, counterfeit products, and certain types of weapons are strictly prohibited from being imported into Thailand.

  • Restricted Goods: Restricted goods require special permits or licenses for import. Examples include alcohol, tobacco, and certain types of electronic devices. For instance, importing alcohol may require a permit from the relevant Thai authorities, and there are limits on the quantity that can be imported without additional documentation.

Get a Quote

To get an accurate quote for shipping from China to Thailand, it's best to contact WanHao Freight directly. You can provide details such as the type of goods (including dimensions, weight, and quantity), the origin and destination addresses, and your preferred shipping method. WanHao Freight's team of experts will then calculate the cost based on the specific requirements of your shipment and provide you with a detailed quote. Whether you are shipping a small parcel via international express or a large - scale commercial shipment using Ocean FCL or LCL, WanHao Freight can offer competitive rates and reliable services.

In conclusion, shipping from China to Thailand involves a careful consideration of freight options, transit times, and customs clearance requirements. By choosing WanHao Freight as your logistics partner, you can ensure a smooth and efficient shipping experience, whether you are engaged in international trade or simply sending personal items. With their comprehensive services and expertise in international shipping, WanHao Freight can help you navigate the complexities of shipping from China to Thailand's international seaports and ensure your goods reach their destination safely and on time.

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