China and Australia share one of the busiest trade corridors in the Asia-Pacific region. For shippers, shipping from China to Australia is not only about cost but also about reliability, compliance, and the ability to resolve challenges quickly. In this article, we highlight the top 10 freight forwarders from China to Australia and guide you in choosing the right partner for your business.
What can a reliable freight forwarder to Australia do?
The China–Australia trade route presents its own set of challenges: fluctuating freight rates, port congestion, strict customs regulations, and changing trade policies. A professional freight forwarder helps you overcome these obstacles by:
- Securing competitive rates for both air and sea freight
- Managing customs clearance and import permits
- Offering multimodal solutions (air + sea) to balance speed and cost
- Providing door-to-door delivery services
- Handling FBA freight forwarding seamlessly
- Ensuring safe and fast delivery of sensitive goods, including batteries, vape products, and other DG cargo
With these benefits in mind, let’s explore the Top 10 China to Australia freight forwarders and find the one that best fits your business needs.
Top 10 China to Australia Freight Forwarders
1. ASLG (Airsupply Logistics Group)
ASLG is a specialist in China-Australia freight forwarding. With strong partnerships at major Chinese ports (Shenzhen, Ningbo, Shanghai) and dedicated teams in Sydney and Melbourne, ASLG provides:
- Competitive sea freight container shipping (FCL and LCL) and air freight options
- Smooth Australian customs clearance, including complex cargo like electronics and chemicals
- Cross-border e-commerce solutions for sellers shipping to Amazon FBA warehouses
- Tailored supply chain strategies for SMEs and large enterprises
Case Study: A client in Shenzhen required shipping a 40-foot high quad (40HQ) container to Sydney during the peak season. When sea freight space became unavailable, ASLG arranged a sea-air combined plan, which reduced the total cost by 20% and ensured on-time delivery.
2. DHL Global Forwarding
DHL is a global name with strong operations in both China and Australia. They specialize in air freight solutions for urgent and high-value shipments.
- Strengths: Extensive global network, reliable transit times, premium handling.
- Best for: Businesses that prioritize speed over cost.
3. DB Schenker
Strong in ocean freight consolidation services. Provides reliable FCL and LCL solutions on high-volume China-Australia lanes. Their scale helps secure competitive contracts with carriers.
- Strengths: Strong LCL consolidation, integrated supply chain solutions.
- Best for: Medium to large businesses with consistent cargo flows.
4. Kuehne + Nagel
As one of the leading freight forwarders to Australia, Kuehne + Nagel is known for its advanced digital tracking tools and strong customs expertise.
- Strengths: Digital logistics platforms, robust compliance support
- Best for: Australian importers seeking end-to-end visibility and data-driven solutions
5. Sinotrans
Competitive in large-volume exports and has strong relationships with shipping lines. As a major Chinese state-owned freight forwarder, Sinotrans provides cost-efficient sea freight services.
- Strengths: Local port connections, bulk cargo handling.
- Best for: Large-scale exporters shipping heavy machinery and raw materials.
6. Toll Group
An Australian logistics giant with deep knowledge of local regulations. Especially strong in inland transport within Australia.
- Strengths: Domestic logistics network, reliable last-mile delivery.
- Best suited for businesses requiring comprehensive coverage across all Australian states.
7. CEVA Logistics
Operates large warehouses in Australia. Provides seamless door-to-door delivery and value-added services, such as pick-and-pack. Additionally, it combines sea and air freight solutions with advanced supply chain services.
- Strengths: Multimodal transport, warehouse management in Australia.
- Best for: Companies seeking integrated warehousing + freight forwarding.
8. Expeditors
This company specializes in compliance-heavy shipments. Their strong IT systems ensure smooth documentation and customs processes.
- Strengths: Professional clearance, tailored logistics plans.
- Best for: Businesses shipping sensitive or regulated goods.
9. Mainfreight
Headquartered in New Zealand, Mainfreight has built a strong presence across Australia. Their solutions focus on trans-Tasman and China-Australia freight forwarding solutions.
- Strengths: Flexible services tailored for SMEs, excellent customer service
- Best for: Small to mid-sized exporters seeking a reliable and long-term logistics partner
10. Panalpina (Now DSV)
DSV, after acquiring Panalpina, became one of the largest China-to-Australia freight forwarders. It is known for flexibility in multimodal solutions.
- Strengths: Scale and reach, advanced technology for cargo monitoring.
- Best for: Large corporations requiring global coverage.
How to choose the best freight forwarder
Not every shipper has the same requirements. Here’s what to consider:
1. Cargo volume & type
- FCL (Full Container Load): Best for high-volume shipments with steady demand
- LCL (Less than Container Load): Ideal for small to medium shipments where cost-sharing is important
- Air Freight: Fastest option for urgent or high-value goods
- Express Courier: Suitable for samples and small packages
2. Customs expertise
Australia enforces strict biosecurity and import regulations. Your forwarder should have proven experience managing customs clearance smoothly and accurately.
3. Cost vs. speed
A dependable forwarder provides multiple options (e.g., sea, air, or combined solutions), so you can balance budget and transit time.
4. After-sales support
Look for forwarders with established local teams in Australia to resolve issues immediately.
5. Avoiding common traps
Low-cost providers may cause delays or operate without proper licenses. Always verify certifications and ensure they have reliable support in Australia.
6. Value-added services
Request additional offerings such as warehousing, FBA preparation, cargo insurance, and real-time tracking to strengthen your supply chain.
Conclusion
In short, the right freight forwarder from China to Australia should act as a long-term logistics partner rather than just a transporter. At ASLG, we combine local expertise in China with strong clearance and distribution capabilities in Australia. Whether you need FCL, LCL, or air freight forwarding, we tailor solutions that save you time and cost.
