A Guide to Shipping and Logistics Between China and the United Arab Emirates
The high costs associated with shipping from the Far East to the Middle East can be an off-putting factor for many businesses, but there are ways to keep costs low and shipments running smoothly. Don’t put off shipping from China to the UAE, instead let the experts help you find the best freight rates and offer easy access to all necessary documentation.
Understanding Shipping Costs and Logistics
Whatever you’re shipping, the first thing every shipper wants to know is the total cost. It is beneficial to familiarise yourself with all associated costs well in advance if possible. Anticipated costs include:
- Carrier charge
- Peak season surcharge
- Bunker adjustment factor (BAF)
- Terminal handling charge (THC)
- Customs duty
- Delivery or pick-up fees
We work with reliable freight forwarders across the world, meaning we supply you with the best freight rates for your business. You can check prices on the SeaRates Online Freight Marketplace by inputting the place of loading and discharge, date, and type of shipment.
Packing and Container Optimization
Container space is often overlooked, but you can save money if you know what to look for. Optimising the space will also ensure that your goods are placed safely and securely within the container. Load Calculator can be used for stuffing a Full-Container load (FCL) or Less-Container Load (LCL). For FCL shipping, if your shipment is large enough, it will be stuffed into its own container. LCL shipping is intended for smaller quantities, meaning your goods will share container space with another shipper’s cargo. While LCL shipments may take longer to arrive, it is more cost-effective when you’re transporting low quantities.
Transit Times from China to the UAE
One of the essential steps in the shipping process is planning your shipment route. This will not only help you prepare for unexpected events, but also ensure that your cargo reaches its final destination on schedule. With China being such a vast country, the time it takes to ship to the UAE will depend a great deal on the ports of origin and destination.
Ocean Transit Times (FCL)
| Port of Origin | Port of Destination | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Chiwan | Jebel Ali | 18 days |
| Guangzhou | Sharjah | 25 days |
| Wuhan | Jebel Ali | 29 days |
| Shanghai | Jebel Ali | 30 days |
| Ningbo | Sharjah | 36 days |
Air Transit Times
Air freight naturally offers a faster route that will still take a few days to arrive at its destination. It’s worth considering weighing up the pros and cons before making a final decision.
| Airport of Origin | Airport of Destination | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Shanghai-Pudong | Dubai International | 5 days |
| Shanghai | Abu Dhabi | 6 days |
| Guangzhou | Sharjah | 8 days |
| Chengdu | Dubai International | 10 days |
Relocating Belongings and Vehicles from the UAE
Moving is often considered one of the most stressful life events. It can also be very expensive. Since there are so many international movers and packers in the UAE, you shouldn’t just go with the cheapest or the first option you come across. It is a big mistake to cut corners to keep costs down. It is important to get comparison quotes from a few moving companies, including checking international accreditation, looking at the company’s experience and reading reviews.
Shipping Your Car from the UAE
Looking to ship your car from the UAE? The cost of car shipping can depend on many different variables. Factors affecting the car shipping cost include:
- Location: The farther away it is, the higher the cost.
- Time of Year: In peak seasons, such as summer, car shipping becomes more expensive.
- Vehicle Type and Size: Heavier cars are more difficult to ship, and modifications like roof racks also add to the charges.
- Methods of Shipment: Options include Dedicated Containers, Consolidation Containers, or RO-RO Carriers.
The roll-on, roll-off (RO-RO) method is one of the most popular methods of vehicle transport. For this method, the car must be in working condition since it has to be driven up a ramp onto a ship. Alternatively, a consolidation container allows you to ship your car with two or more other cars if you’re looking for a more economical option.