Guide
Express shipping from China: couriers, costs and volume weight
Express couriers deliver from China in 2 to 5 working days. They charge for the space a parcel takes as well as for its weight. A special line takes 7 to 12 days and costs less, so use express for samples and urgent goods.
By Noel Murphy, Co-founder · Updated
Volume weight calculator
- Volume weight
- 0 kg
- The courier charges for
- 0 kg
Length × width × height ÷ 5000. A courier charges the greater of the two weights.
The couriers
DHL, FedEx and UPS run their own aircraft and deliver door to door. DHL has its main European hub in Leipzig. FedEx and UPS have their main hubs in the United States. EMS is the express service of the postal network. TNT is part of FedEx. Aramex has its base in the Middle East.
We quote the couriers that serve your address, and you choose by price or by speed.
How volume weight works
An aircraft runs out of space before it runs out of lift. For that reason a courier measures each carton and works out a volume weight:
length × width × height in centimetres ÷ 5000 = volume weight in kilograms
You pay for the greater of the two weights.
A soft toy in a 50 × 50 × 50 cm carton weighs 1 kg on the scale. Its volume weight is 25 kg. The courier charges for 25 kg.
Surcharges to expect
- Fuel. Couriers change this surcharge with the price of oil. Our express rates include it.
- Remote area. Couriers add a fee for postcodes far from their depots. Check the postcode before you promise a price.
- Address correction. A wrong postcode or street costs a fee and a day.
- Oversize. A long or heavy carton costs more to handle.
- Batteries. Goods with lithium batteries need extra handling, and some services refuse them.
Express or special line
| Point | Express | Special line |
|---|---|---|
| Typical time | 2 to 5 working days | 7 to 12 days |
| Weight | 0.5 to 500 kg | From 0.5 kg |
| Delivery | One courier, door to door | Shared flight, then a local carrier |
| Sensitive goods | Limited | Accepted on our Hong Kong route |
| Duty paid for you | On request | On request |
A special line shares a flight to one region and hands the parcel to a local carrier. We run lines to the United States, the United Kingdom, Europe, the Middle East and Southeast Asia.
Who pays the duty
On standard terms the receiver pays import duty and tax when the parcel arrives. A receiver who refuses to pay causes a return, and the sender pays for it.
With DDP we pay the duty and tax, and the receiver pays nothing at the door.
The invoice
Customs reads the commercial invoice before it releases an express parcel. Write what the goods are, what they contain and what they cost.
| Vague | Clear |
|---|---|
| Toy | Plastic action figure, PVC |
| Parts | Replacement phone screen, LCD |
| Clothes | Men’s cotton T-shirt |
See labels and customs forms for the full list.
Questions
Which couriers ship express from China?
DHL, FedEx, UPS, EMS, TNT and Aramex. We book all of them from our Shenzhen warehouse, and we are a level 1 agent for DHL, UPS and FedEx in Hong Kong.
How can I lower the volume weight?
Use a carton that fits the goods. Vacuum-pack clothing and soft goods. Ask us to repack before we ship.
Does the express price include import duty?
Not as standard. The receiver pays duty and tax on arrival. Ask for DDP and we pay them for you.
Is express or a special line better for online orders?
A special line suits most online orders. It takes 7 to 12 days, costs less, and can include the duty. Use express for urgent or valuable parcels.