Guide
How long does shipping from China take?
Express takes 2 to 5 working days. Air freight takes 5 to 10 days. A special line takes 7 to 12 days, and a postal packet takes 10 to 20 days. Sea freight sails for 7 to 30 days by route, and customs and delivery add days at each end.
By Noel Murphy, Co-founder · Updated
Shipping times by method
| Method | Typical time | Weight | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Express | 2 to 5 working days | 0.5 to 500 kg | Samples and urgent parcels |
| Air freight | 5 to 10 days | From 21 kg | Bulk cargo that cannot wait for a ship |
| Special line | 7 to 12 days | From 0.5 kg | Parcels that can wait a week, and sensitive goods |
| Postal packet | 10 to 20 days | 0.1 to 2 kg | Light goods of low value |
| Sea freight | 7 to 30 days sailing, by route | From 1 cubic metre | Large or heavy cargo |
These are our published ranges from Shenzhen, checked in October 2026.
Sea freight times by route
| Route from Shenzhen | Sailing time |
|---|---|
| US West Coast | 14 to 16 days |
| Europe | 25 to 30 days |
| Southeast Asia | 7 to 10 days |
Sailing time runs from port to port. A container also waits for the ship, clears customs twice and travels by truck or rail to your door. Plan for those days too.
What adds time
- Packing. We pack a standard request within 24 hours. Goods that still wait for a supplier cannot leave.
- Export customs. A clear description and the right HS code keep this step short.
- Flights and sailings. Shared containers leave each week. A missed cut-off costs a week.
- Import customs. Customs can hold a shipment to check the papers or the goods.
- The last mile. A wrong postcode or a failed delivery adds days at the end.
Holidays that slow every method
- Chinese New Year falls in late January or February. Factories close for a week or more, and carriers run a reduced service.
- National Day closes most of China from 1 to 7 October.
- November to mid-December is the peak season. Space on aircraft and ships fills early.
Order early before each of these periods. See why shipments from China arrive late.
How to choose
Start with the date you need the goods. Then look at the weight.
- Under 2 kg and no hurry: a postal packet.
- Under about 20 kg and needed this week: express.
- Under about 20 kg and needed in two weeks: a special line.
- Over 21 kg and needed in two weeks: air freight.
- Pallets or more, planned a month ahead: sea freight.
Find the routes and the rules for your country in our shipping guides by country.
Questions
What is the fastest way to ship from China?
Express. A courier such as DHL, FedEx or UPS delivers to most addresses in 2 to 5 working days.
What is the cheapest way to ship from China?
For a parcel under 2 kg, a postal packet. For large or heavy cargo, sea freight costs the least per kilogram.
How long does sea freight from China take?
Sailing time from Shenzhen is 14 to 16 days to the US West Coast, 25 to 30 days to Europe and 7 to 10 days to Southeast Asia. Add time for customs and for delivery from the port.
Do weekends and holidays count?
Express times are in working days. Chinese New Year, the October holiday week and the weeks before Christmas add time to all methods.