Shipping container to Australia is one of the most reliable and cost-effective methods for transporting goods from China. In this guide, we will cover container shipping costs, typical transit times, and the step-by-step process importers should know.
Table of Contents:
- Shipping container options from China to Australia
- How much to ship a 20ft container to Australia
- How much to ship a 20ft container to Australia
- How much does LCL container shipping cost to Australia
- Cost comparison with other regions
- Step-by-step process for shipping container to Australia
- How Airsupply supports your global container shipping
Shipping container options from China to Australia
FCL (Full Container Load)
- A 20ft or 40ft container is booked entirely by one shipper.
- Ideal for medium to large shipments, especially when volume exceeds 15 CBM(cubic meters).
- Benefits: cost-efficient, less handling, faster transit.
LCL (Less than Container Load)
- Multiple shippers share one container.
- Best for smaller shipments under 10 CBM.
- Benefits: lower upfront cost, flexibility.
For businesses with stable volumes, FCL shipping containers to Australia is generally the best option to ensure security and speed.
How much to ship a 20ft container to Australia
Here is a reference table for typical costs from China to major Australian ports:
| Route | Container Size | Transit Time | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shanghai to Sydney | 20ft | 15 - 20 days | $1,200 - $1,800 |
| Ningbo to Melbourne | 20ft | 16 - 22 days | $1,300 - $1,900 |
| Shenzhen to Brisbane | 20ft | 14 - 18 days | $1,250 - $1,850 |
| Guangzhou to Perth | 20ft | 18 - 24 days | $1,400 - $2,000 |
These figures illustrate the cost of shipping a 20ft container to Australia, but final costs vary depending on fuel surcharges, carrier availability, and customs duties.
How much to ship a 40ft container to Australia
For businesses moving larger volumes, a 40ft container offers nearly double the space of a 20ft unit, making it the preferred choice for break-bulk cargo, furniture, or high-volume retail orders.
Below are estimated costs for shipping a 40ft container from major Chinese ports to Australia’s key destinations:
| Route | Container Size | Transit Time | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shanghai to Sydney | 40ft | 15 - 20 days | $1,900 - $2,900 |
| Ningbo to Melbourne | 40ft | 16 - 22 days | $2,000 - $3,000 |
| Shenzhen to Brisbane | 40ft | 14 - 18 days | $1,950 - $3,050 |
| Guangzhou to Perth | 40ft | 18 - 24 days | $2,100 - $3,200 |
At ASLG, we provide customized solutions for importers worldwide. Leveraging our local expertise, Hong Kong gateway options, and trusted global carrier network, we provide cheap shipping to China with seamless customs clearance.
How much does LCL container shipping cost to Australia
For smaller shipments that don’t require a full container, LCL shipping is a flexible and economical option. Instead of paying for an entire shipping container, you only pay for the space your cargo occupies, usually calculated by cubic meters (CBM).
On average, LCL shipping from China to Australia costs around USD 80–120 per CBM, depending on the port of origin, destination, and cargo type.
Whether you opt for a FCL or LCL container, careful planning ensures efficiency, cost savings, and timely delivery. With ASLG, you benefit from professional freight forwarding services, including accurate cost estimates, flexible container options, and customs clearance expertise.
Real case study: 20ft container of apparel from China to Melbourne
One of our clients, an apparel importer in Melbourne, ordered 12,000 pieces of clothing from a factory in Guangzhou.
- Shipment size: 20ft FCL container (27 CBM).
- Route: Guangzhou → Melbourne.
Timeline:
- Cargo pickup at the factory: 5 day.
- Container stuffing & export customs clearance: 2 days.
- Sea freight: 17 days.
- Australian customs clearance & delivery: 4 days.
- Total Transit: 23–24 days.
- Cost: $1,650 (all-in, excluding import duties).
Cost comparison with other regions
While the majority of our clients ship from China, some also explore options from other regions:
- Cost of shipping a container from the USA to Australia: A 20ft container typically ranges from USD 2,200 to USD 3,000, reflecting the longer distance and higher port charges.
- Cost of shipping a 20ft container from the UK to Australia: Prices generally fall between USD 2,500 and USD 3,200, with transit times of 35–45 days.
In comparison, shipments from China offer shorter transit times and more competitive freight rates, making it the preferred choice for Australian importers seeking efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Step-by-step process for shipping container to Australia
- Booking: Reserve space with a carrier or a professional freight forwarder to secure your shipment.
- Pickup: Collect cargo directly from the supplier’s factory, ensuring proper handling and documentation.
- Container stuffing: Load and seal the goods carefully to maximize space and prevent damage during transit.
- Export customs clearance: Submit all required documentation in China, including invoices, packing lists, and export declarations.
- Sea freight: Transport the container from China to Australia using a reliable ocean freight service.
- Import customs clearance: Declare the shipment with the Australian Border Force and complete any required inspections or duties.
- Final delivery: Arrange door-to-door delivery to the consignee’s warehouse if needed.
Why Choose ASLG for Shipping Container to Australia
Working with an experienced forwarding partner like Airsupply Logistics (ASLG) ensures a seamless process:
- Expertise: Decades of experience handling China–Australia routes.
- Cost transparency: Clear breakdown of freight, customs, and delivery charges.
- Flexible options: FCL, LCL, and multimodal shipping solutions.
- Door-to-door service: From the supplier’s factory in China to the customer’s warehouse in Australia.
- Customs knowledge: Professional clearance handling to avoid delays.
Conclusion: Get your customized quote today
Shipping a container from China to Australia involves more than booking space on a vessel. Importers need to manage costs, paperwork, and customs procedures. By working with a reliable freight forwarder, you can ensure smooth delivery, predictable transit times, and minimized risks.
