Home / China shipping cost calculator (how it works)
China shipping cost calculator (how it works)
Shipping cost from China is not one number: it is ocean freight plus origin local charges plus destination charges plus duty. This page gives the formula and a worked example, then links to live lane medians.
The formula
Total cost = ocean freight + origin charges + destination charges + duty & VAT + insurance + inland haulage
| Component | Typical basis | Included in published median? |
|---|---|---|
| Ocean freight | USD per container (FCL) or per CBM/RT (LCL) | Yes |
| Origin THC + documentation + booking | CNY per container | No |
| Destination THC + clearance + delivery | USD/EUR per container | No |
| Duty + import VAT | % of customs value | No |
| Cargo insurance | %~0.1–0.3% of insured value | No |
Worked example (40HQ, China → Rotterdam)
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Ocean freight (lane median) | USD 3,992 |
| Origin local charges (est.) | USD 250 |
| Destination THC + clearance (est.) | EUR 320 |
| Total before duty | ≈ USD 4,600 |
Use the live rate search for the ocean freight number, then add origin and destination charges from your forwarder.