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FCL Sea Freight
from China Worldwide
Dedicated containers
from China
Full container shipping, or FCL, gives your goods their own container from China to the agreed destination. It can suit larger orders when sharing a container would be less practical or cost more overall. Tell us what you are shipping and where it needs to go so we can check container size, shipping routes and delivery arrangements.
- Your goods in their own container
- Arrival port and delivery arrangements checked
- Loading, unloading and empty-container return planned
Your own shipping container.
NZ-owned
Based in Shenzhen
Supplier coordination
Destination service checks
Is FCL shipping right for you?
FCL means Full Container Load: you book a container for your shipment rather than sharing it with other importers. Your goods do not have to fill every part of the container. We compare their packed size, weight and handling needs with the cost of sharing a container.
For destination details, see full container shipping to New Zealand or full container shipping to Australia. For smaller loads, compare LCL sea freight, or view all international freight options.
Your own container
Shipping costs
Shipping time
Delivery options
Start with the delivery country and address. Tell us who will arrange customs clearance and whether the receiving site can accept and unload a container. A price for shipping to a port does not automatically include delivery inland.
Also agree where the empty container will be returned and how much time is allowed for unloading. Our door-to-door freight service explains how to plan delivery. Customs, inspections and packaging rules must be checked for the country receiving your goods.
How FCL shipping works
Review destination and load
Agree China loading
Confirm the route
Delivery and container return
Tell us whether the container will be loaded at your supplier’s site or another agreed location in China. If goods come from several suppliers, send each supplier’s location, packing details and expected ready date so we can plan loading.
Before the ship arrives, the person receiving the goods or their customs agent needs the documents required to clear them. Agree who arranges customs clearance, transport from the port, unloading and return of the empty container.
Shipping time
and costs
Shipping time depends on the destination, sailing and any transfer between ships. Customs checks, container availability and delivery appointments can also affect the dates. Ask for an estimate to your chosen collection or delivery point.
Compare the full cost, including port handling and local transport. Check who pays for inspections, storage, waiting time and keeping the container beyond its allowed return period. Those costs may be separate from the sea-freight price.
Before your goods arrive
Documents before shipping
Packing and equipment
Receiving and return
Receiving your container overseas
Tell us whether you want the container shipped to a terminal, depot or your address. Inland transport, customs clearance and unloading need to be included in the plan; they are not automatically part of a port-only price.
Door-to-door freight can help coordinate delivery beyond the port. If you prefer to receive cartons or pallets after a shared container is unpacked, compare LCL sea freight.
Plan your international
FCL shipment
Send the destination country and postcode, where the container will be loaded in China, and a list of the packed goods. Tell us how you will unload so we can check the container and delivery options.
- Not sure which method fits? We can help.
- Multiple suppliers? Tell us about your goods.
- Packing list ready? Add it to your enquiry.
Tell us about your shipment
Shipping under 50kg? A US$15 administration fee applies if you are not sourcing through Prestige Sourcing. This applies to all shipping methods.
For most shipments under 100kg, you or your supplier will need to arrange delivery to the nominated warehouse in China. Pickup depends on the supplier’s location; check with us before sending the goods.
Have your packing list and full shipment details?
Complete the detailed quote →
International FCL FAQs
Is FCL available to every country and address?
Send the destination country, full address and cargo details. We will check the route, container equipment and receiving arrangements before confirming the booking.
How do I compare delivery to a port with delivery to my address?
Compare quotes for the same goods and journey. A price ending at the port may leave you to pay separately for customs, port handling and transport to your address. Ask for the full cost before choosing.
Who manages container return overseas?
Agree who will unload the container, who returns it and how much time is allowed. Ask who pays if unloading or return is delayed. The arrangements depend on the service at your destination.
Can I use NZ or Australian container rules elsewhere?
No. Use the dedicated NZ/AU guides for those destinations. For another country, confirm its official import, packaging and container-release requirements.
What does the delivery estimate include?
Ask where the journey starts and ends, and whether the estimate includes customs checks and local delivery. The dates depend on your route and the services included in your quote.
What do you need for a quote?
Start with your name, email, destination country and city, and what you are shipping. If known, add the packed size and weight, supplier’s location, date the goods will be ready and the receiver’s details.
Does the under-50kg administration fee apply?
A US$15 administration fee applies under 50kg if you are not sourcing through Prestige Sourcing, across all methods. Send your goods details so we can check the available service.
Where can I check the import requirements?
Use the international customs and shipping guide for documents and checks to prepare before shipping. Check the destination country’s official import guidance and agree who handles customs before sending the goods.
Ready to ship from China?
Tell us the country, cargo and required delivery point to assess your FCL options from China.