When shipping from China to Australia, one of the biggest questions for importers and eCommerce sellers is: Should I choose sea freight or air freight? Both methods have their own strengths, costs, and timelines. Today’s article will break down the key differences between sea freight and air freight from China to Australia, helping you make an informed decision.
Overview of China–Australia trade and shipping routes
Australia is one of China’s key trading partners, importing a range of products, including electronics, textiles, machinery, and household items.
Freight from China to Australia typically departs from major ports, such as Shanghai, Shenzhen, Ningbo, Guangzhou, and Qingdao. And arrives at Australian ports including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, and Fremantle.
For air cargo, key airports are Guangzhou (CAN), Shanghai (PVG), and Beijing (PEK), with arrivals at Sydney (SYD), Melbourne (MEL), and Brisbane (BNE).
Air freight from China to Australia
If speed and reliability are your top priorities, air freight from China to Australia is your best choice.
Advantages:
- Fast transit time: Usually 3–7 days, including customs clearance.
- Ideal for urgent or seasonal shipments.
- High security: Less handling and lower risk of damage or loss.
- Perfect for high-value or perishable goods, such as electronics, fashion items, or medical supplies.
Air freight from China to Australia price
Air freight rates depend on cargo weight, volume, and route, but generally range between USD 5 ~ 10 per kilogram.
For example:
- A 100 kg shipment of electronic accessories might cost around USD 600 to 900.
- A 500 kg pallet could range from USD 2,800 to 4,500, depending on the departure airport, airline, and delivery destination in Australia.
Always remember, prices may fluctuate during peak seasons (such as November to January) and due to fuel surcharges.
When to choose air freight
- You need fast delivery to meet customer demand or restock quickly.
- Your cargo is small, lightweight (typically under 500–1000 kg total).
- You want to minimize warehousing time.
However, if your shipment is bulky, heavy, or not time-sensitive, air freight from China to Australia may not be the most cost-effective option.
Sea freight from China to Australia
Sea freight from China to Australia remains the most popular and economical method for large shipments. It’s especially suitable for FCL (Full Container Load) and LCL (Less than Container Load) cargo.
Advantages
- Cost-effective: The best option for heavy, bulky, or large-volume shipments.
- Flexible container options: Choose from 20ft, 40ft, 40HQ, and special containers designed for oversized, refrigerated, or dangerous goods.
- Versatile handling: Suitable for almost all cargo types — from general merchandise to machinery, raw materials, and chemicals.
Sea freight time from China to Australia
Transit time varies by route and port, but typically:
- Shanghai to Sydney: 18–22 days
- Shenzhen to Melbourne: 20–25 days
- Ningbo to Brisbane: 22–30 days
Including customs clearance and inland delivery, the total sea freight time from China to Australia usually ranges from 25 to 35 days.
Sea freight cost from China to Australia
Shipping costs depend on container size, route, and season.
Here are some general cost ranges for reference:
FCL (Full Container Load):
- 20ft container: USD 1,000–1,800
- 40ft container: USD 1,800–2,800
LCL shipping from China to Australia:
- Typically charged by CBM (Cubic Meter), ranging from USD 50–120 per CBM, depending on volume, port, and destination.
Additional costs may include port charges, customs fees, and local delivery. Planning ahead and consolidating shipments can help reduce total expenses.
When to choose sea freight
- Your shipment is large or heavy (typically over 1,000 kg or 3 CBM).
- You’re not in a hurry and can allow several weeks for transit.
- You want the lowest cost per unit for bulk shipments.
- Your goods are non-perishable and durable, such as furniture, machinery, or construction materials.
Cost comparison: Sea vs air freight
| Method | Transit Time | Cost Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Freight | 3 - 7 days | USD 5 - 10 per kg | Urgent, lightweight, high-value cargo |
| Sea Freight (FCL) | 18- 30 days | USD 1000 - 2500 per container | Bulk or heavy goods |
| Sea Freight (LCL) | 25 - 35 days | Based on CBM (USD 50 - 120 per CBM) | Small shipments or mixed cargo |
In short, air freight saves time, while sea freight saves money.
Factors to consider when choosing between sea and air freight
Before booking your shipment, ask yourself the following questions:
1. How urgent is my delivery?
If you need to restock quickly or meet seasonal demand, air freight is the smarter choice.
2. How big and heavy is my shipment?
Sea freight is more economical for large or heavy cargo, especially when the volume exceeds 1,000 kg or 3–5 CBM.
3. What’s my budget?
If keeping costs low is a priority, sea freight offers a much lower cost per unit.
4. What type of products am I shipping?
Fragile, high-value, or perishable goods are better suited for air freight, which ensures faster transit and higher security.
Additionally, air freight often clears customs more quickly, while sea freight may involve additional paperwork and longer port handling times.
Final thoughts
Choosing between sea and air freight from China to Australia ultimately depends on your priorities — speed, cost, and cargo type.
At Airsupply (ASLG), we specialize in shipping from China to Australia, offering reliable, flexible, and fully customized freight solutions to meet your specific needs.
Why us:
- Direct partnerships with major airlines and shipping lines, ensuring competitive rates and stable capacity.
- Weekly LCL and FCL sailings from key Chinese ports such as Shenzhen, Shanghai, Ningbo, and Guangzhou to major Australian destinations.
- Door-to-door service, including customs clearance, documentation, and local delivery.
- Expertise in general cargo, oversized freight, and dangerous goods (DG) shipments.
- Dedicated support team offering real-time shipment tracking and fast response.
