When customers shop online or ship goods internationally, one of the most common delivery options they encounter is standard shipping. But what exactly does it mean? How long does it take? And how does it compare to economy or express shipping options? Read on to get more information.
What is standard shipping?
Standard shipping refers to the regular delivery method offered by most carriers, a balance between cost and speed.
It’s not as fast as express shipping but significantly quicker than economy options; But it is ideal for most non-urgent shipments, where predictable delivery and reasonable pricing are the top priorities.
For example, a standard shipping from China to the U.S. or Europe may include pickup, consolidation, and ocean or air freight. It also covers customs clearance and local delivery to the consignee’s address.
What is the standard shipping time?
The standard shipping time varies based on several factors, such as the shipping mode, distance, and customs clearance speed.
Let’s look at some typical transit times from China to major regions:
| Destination | Sea | Air |
|---|---|---|
| USA | 25–35 days | 7–10 days |
| EU | 30–40 days | 7–12 days |
| UK | 25–35 days | 6–10 days |
| Middle East | 20–30 days | 5–8 days |
| Mexico | 30–40 days | 8–12 days |
These estimates include both transit and customs processing.
In some cases, shipments may arrive faster depending on port efficiency, airline schedule, or the chosen freight forwarder.
What is the difference between economy and standard shipping?
Many shippers confuse standard vs. economy shipping, but they’re not the same.
| Feature | Economy | Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | Slowest option (low priority) | Moderate speed (balanced) |
| Cost | Cheapest | Slightly higher, but faster |
| Tracking | Limited tracking | Full tracking available |
| Delivery Reliability | Lower consistency | Higher reliability |
| Use Case | Non-urgent, low-value items | Regular business or eCommerce shipments |
In other words, economy shipping saves money, while standard saves time — and most importers find the latter worth the small price difference.
Typical shipping from China to major destinations
When shipping from China, standard delivery can take different forms depending on your destination and cargo type.
- To the U.S. and Canada: Many freight forwarders offer DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) solutions that include full customs clearance and door-to-door delivery.
- To Europe and the UK: Sea–rail hybrid routes are popular for balancing cost efficiency and reliability.
- To the Middle East: Air freight and LCL shipping services are commonly used for mixed or smaller shipments.
- To Mexico and Latin America: Ocean freight remains the most common option, often involving transshipment through U.S. ports.
Choosing an experienced China-based freight forwarder like Airsupply ensures optimized routing, competitive rates, and consistent transit times.
When should you choose this shipping method?
You should consider standard freight shipping if you:
- Need a balance between cost and delivery time.
- Ship regularly but not urgently.
- Want better tracking and reliability than economy services.
- Have medium-volume shipments that are not time-sensitive.
However, if your cargo is time-critical or high-value, express air freight may be the better option. On the other hand, if your shipment is bulk or non-urgent, economy or sea freight could help you reduce costs.
Conclusion
To sum up, standard shipping offers a practical and balanced solution for most importers, combining reasonable speed, affordability, and reliability.
Whether you’re shipping electronics, textiles, or dangerous goods, choosing the right logistics partner in China can make all the difference.
Airsupply, a professional freight forwarder, ensures your shipment arrives on time, fully compliant, and at the best possible cost.
