Ocean Freight · China → United Kingdom
Ocean Freight from China to United Kingdom
16 port combinations connect China and United Kingdom in our network. The shortest, Shenzhen → Southampton, is 9,613 nautical miles; transit across the lane ranges 23–38 days port to port.
- Distance
- 9,613 nm
- Transit
- 23–38 days
- Service
- FCL & LCL
Lane at a glance
Route facts
GoForwarder books full-container (FCL) and consolidated (LCL) space on this lane, coordinates pickup and export in China, and hands the cargo to import clearance and final delivery in United Kingdom.
- Origin
- China
- Destination
- United Kingdom
- Distance
- from 9,613 nm (17,803 km)
- Estimated transit
- 23–38 days
- Routing via
- Suez Canal, Strait of Malacca, Strait of Gibraltar and Bab-el-Mandeb
- Equipment
- FCL 20', 40', 40' HC · reefer · LCL
- Incoterms
- EXW · FCA · FOB · CIF · DAP · DDP
Network
Main port pairs
| Origin | Destination | Distance | Transit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shenzhen | Southampton | 9,613 nm | 23–34 days |
| Guangzhou | Southampton | 9,624 nm | 23–34 days |
| Shenzhen | Felixstowe | 9,759 nm | 24–34 days |
| Guangzhou | Felixstowe | 9,770 nm | 24–34 days |
| Xiamen | Southampton | 9,821 nm | 24–34 days |
| Xiamen | Felixstowe | 9,967 nm | 24–35 days |
| Ningbo | Southampton | 10,253 nm | 25–36 days |
| Shanghai | Southampton | 10,313 nm | 25–36 days |
| Ningbo | Felixstowe | 10,398 nm | 25–36 days |
| Shanghai | Felixstowe | 10,458 nm | 25–36 days |
| Qingdao | Southampton | 10,635 nm | 26–37 days |
| Dalian | Southampton | 10,779 nm | 26–37 days |
| Qingdao | Felixstowe | 10,781 nm | 26–37 days |
| Dalian | Felixstowe | 10,924 nm | 27–38 days |
| Tianjin | Southampton | 10,926 nm | 27–38 days |
| Tianjin | Felixstowe | 11,072 nm | 27–38 days |
How it works
From quote to delivery
- 01
Quote and booking
Send cargo details on WhatsApp; we confirm the rate and book vessel space from China.
- 02
Pickup and export clearance
We coordinate container release, pickup and export customs in China.
- 03
Ocean transit
Sailing China → United Kingdom: about 23–38 days port to port, with tracking until arrival.
- 04
Import clearance
Customs clearance in United Kingdom, coordinated with our customs broker partners.
- 05
Final delivery
Drayage from the terminal to your warehouse, with proof of delivery.
Checklist
Documents and cost drivers
Documents to import into United Kingdom
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Bill of lading (B/L)
- Certificate of origin
- Import declaration under United Kingdom customs rules
What drives the price on this lane
- Base ocean freight (per container for FCL, per CBM for LCL)
- Bunker / fuel surcharges (BAF) and peak-season surcharges
- Terminal handling at origin and destination (THC)
- Documentation and B/L fees
- Customs clearance at both ends
- Drayage from the port to the final address
- Cargo insurance
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
How long does ocean freight from China to United Kingdom take?+
Estimated transit is 23–38 days port to port. Direct services sit at the low end; transshipment, peak season or inspections push it to the high end.
How far is China from United Kingdom?+
The shortest pair is 9,613 nm (17,803 km) by sea via the Suez Canal, Strait of Malacca, Strait of Gibraltar and Bab-el-Mandeb.
How much does ocean freight from China to United Kingdom cost?+
It depends on container size or volume (CBM), the season and surcharges. Send your cargo details on WhatsApp and we reply with a written quote.
FCL or LCL — which one do I need?+
Below roughly 15 m³, consolidated LCL is usually cheaper. Above that, a 20-foot container starts to pay off; a 40-foot container fits about 67 m³.
What documents do I need to import into United Kingdom?+
Commercial invoice; Packing list; Bill of lading (B/L); Certificate of origin; Import declaration under United Kingdom customs rules.
From China to other destinations in United Kingdom
Ready to move your cargo?
Send origin, destination and cargo details — we reply with a written quote.