Shipping a container from China to Saudi Arabia?

Close trade ties sustain Chinese companies exporting large quantities of commodities to Saudi Arabia. China, an Eastern manufacturing and global outsourcing powerhouse, is one of the Middle Eastern kingdom’s top three trading partners. Imports are expected to grow as Saudi Arabia seeks to diversify its economy away from its traditional oil economy.

If your business takes advantage of healthy trade flows between the two countries, your supply chain undoubtedly relies on sea or air imports from China to Saudi Arabia. For your convenience, we’ve answered your questions about different shipping options, costs, transit times, customs clearance, and import and export ports on this page.

Shipping a container from China to Saudi Arabia?

Commercial exporters and importers use sea and air freight to travel from China to Saudi Arabia. Each option has certain advantages and disadvantages, some outlined on this page.

Sea freight from China to Saudi Arabia

Less than Container Load (LCL): Transport your goods from China to Saudi Arabia in one container with other shippers’ goods, called LCL shipping. This option is often the most affordable when you need more cargo to fill a single container.

Full container Load (FCL): FCL is the term for shipping from China to Saudi Arabia, where the cargo belongs to only one shipper. You can use the container exclusively for your product for a flat fee. This is a great way to ship larger, heavier goods for a fixed price.

Air Cargo from China to Saudi Arabia

If you need to export from China to Saudi Arabia, air freight may be the right choice. However, you will need to accept higher costs, as air shipping your goods tends to be much more expensive than shipping them by sea.

How much does it cost to ship goods from China to Saudi Arabia?

While you will find differences in the time it takes to ship goods between China and Saudi Arabia, you will encounter more cost options.

Of course, air freight is more expensive than sea freight. However, for goods weighing around 100kg, the cost difference may be negligible. However, the larger the cargo, the more expensive it will be to fly by air rather than sea.

If time is sufficient, sea transport is undoubtedly the most economical mode of transportation. When you need to quickly transport goods from China to the destination of Saudi Arabia, the cost of air freight may be more reasonable.

If your cargo weighs less than 35kg, then the air and sea services offered by the freight forwarder are not cost-effective. For such small shipments, contacting an international Courier company is best. At Shipa Freight, we only accept bookings for shipments of 35kg and above.

From China Shipping goods from China to Saudi Arabia Cost time?

There is a world of difference in transit time between air and sea. LCL or FCL sea cargo takes several weeks to reach Saudi Arabia from its port of origin in China.

Air freight, on the other hand, takes only a few hours during transit, making it a reasonable option if your supply chain relies on fast shipping. Remember, though, that air, like sea, must also go through customs clearance at both ends of the shipment. In practice, it can take several days for goods shipped by air from China to reach the consignee in Saudi Arabia.

How long does it take to ship goods from China to Saudi Arabia by sea?

The time it takes to ship goods by sea from China to Saudi Arabia depends on several factors, such as:

Whether you choose to ship using LCL or FCL services
Whether your shipment clears customs without delay
Is your shipment a direct route or a stopover
Is the ship going fast or slow

With so many variables, it’s difficult to predict exactly how long sea freight will take between two countries. To give you some idea, though, here are some examples from our timeline:

Shanghai or Shenzhen to Jeddah – 36 days full container
Guangzhou to Dammam -FCL20 days, LCL 42 days
Shanghai to Dammam – 32 days FCL, 31 days LCL
Guangzhou to Jeddah – 36 days FCL, 40 days LCL
Whampoa to Dammam or Jeddah -FCL20 days
Xiamen to Dammam – 34 days LCL
Tianjin to Dammam – 40 days LCL
Qingdao to Jeddah -FCL36 days

How long does it take to air cargo from China to Saudi Arabia?

Most of the time, air freight consumes the time required for LCL/unCL and customs clearance at the originating and discharging airports.

Usually, however, air transport from Shanghai to Dammam takes about five days, and from Shanghai to Riyadh about five days. It takes three days. Other routes, as listed below, from China to customs clearance in Saudi Arabia take 6 The time to 9 days:

Guangzhou or Shenzhen to Dammam, Jeddah, or Riyadh – 8 days
Chengdu to Dammam, Jeddah or Riyadh – 9 days
Beijing to Dammam, Jeddah, or Riyadh – 6 days
Shanghai to Jeddah – 7 days
Qingdao to Jeddah – 8 days

Customs clearance in China and Saudi Arabia

China and Saudi Arabia are two countries with complicated customs procedures. That’s why working with freight forwarders familiar with trade routes from China to Saudi Arabia makes sense. Freight forwarders usually have local experts in both countries who can help your goods through customs with minimal frustration. The experts will also ensure that you provide correct and accurate information as the relevant customs authorities require.

While customs documentation requirements vary from country to country, certain forms and documents are required for export and import clearance.

For example, Chinese customs authorities will require all of the following documents for export clearance, and Saudi Customs will also require the following documents when evaluating your shipment during the import clearance process:

Packing list
Commercial invoice
Certificate of Origin
Letter of credit or other form of payment (depending on the contract between the parties)
A bill of lading by sea or an air waybill by air (Shipa freight will provide that for you) .

If you would like to look at some examples of the documents listed above and get more information about them, go to our Document listing page, where you can find an overview and examples.

Should you choose sea or air?

Sea Freight

Want to ship your goods from China to Saudi Arabia in a container? Sea freight is for most exporters and importers.

A way to transport goods from one port to another. A freight forwarder can help you organize FCL and LCL shipments from several container ports in China to the Saudi ports of Jeddah and Dammam.

The next section will be dedicated to helping you decide which sea freight option is right for your logistics needs.

DOS and don ‘ts for LCL shipping

Is your shipment small enough to be shipped by LCL? If you don’t need a full container yourself, you can Combine your cargo with other cargo for one container. Goods shipped this way are called LCL sea freight.

Such small shipments are usually more economical. Your freight forwarder will ship the container from China to Saudi Arabia, where everything, including yours, will be offloaded in a procedure known as “unpacking.

Part of the process. If you choose door-to-door shipping, the domestic carrier will load your cargo onto a truck and ship it from a Saudi port to your chosen destination, anywhere in the KSA.

LCL pricing can sometimes be complicated, but most quotes are broken down to make all costs transparent. If you need clarification on whether it’s LCL or FCL, you can ask for a quote each way and compare prices.

FCL shipping considerations

If you are shipping more than six pallets from China to KSA, choosing FCL sea freight may be more economical. In this case, your product

will be loaded and sealed into a 20-foot sea container. They Will keep space private from other shippers’ cargo. For 15 or more pallets, you will need a 40-foot container.

FCL shipping is usually faster than LCL shipping because there is no LCL or unpacking. Your shipment will also experience less loading and unloading en route, reducing the risk of damage or loss. FCL shipping rates may also be easier to understand because of them. They are usually based on a flat rate per container rather than complex dimensional weight calculations.

Air Freight

There are several good reasons to have your cargo shipped by air, as long as your budget allows for higher shipping costs. The speed is An obvious benefit, but there are additional advantages related to the safety and flexibility of airlines and airport operators. However, if your cargo is large enough to take up more than a few pallets, the price of air shipping can be prohibitive.

Sea Cargo Port Guide

Port of Origin Guide for Goods in China

Shanghai Port Facts:

The largest container port in the world.
There are multiple deep water and shallow water zones.
Most of the goods imported from China to Saudi Arabia depart from Shanghai.
Several shipping companies operate routes between here and Saudi Arabia’s two main ports.

Owner: Shanghai International Port Co

Annual container volume :> 40 million TEUs.

United Nations/LOCODE: CNSHA.

Zhuhai Port Facts:

Located outside Macau.
One of several ports serving South China’s Guangdong province.
The container throughput here is only about 5 percent of large ports such as Shanghai.
Despite its low throughput, the port is a major export gateway.
There are about 130 berths on the west bank of the Pearl River Estuary.

Owner: Zhuhai Port Company.

Annual container volume :>2.25 million TEUs.

UN/LOCODE: CNZUH.

WuHU Port Facts:

One of the smaller container ports in China.
Serving Anhui Province and surrounding areas.
Keep overland shipping to a minimum when your suppliers are in the area.

Owner: Wuhu Port Authority.

Annual container volume :> 500,000 TEUs.

UN/LOCODE: CNWHI.

Ningbo ZHOUshan Port FACTS:

Known for fast ship turnover and efficient container management.

Preferred for faster shipping times.
The world’s fourth busiest container port.
With advanced container management technology, it can load and unload the newest and largest ships

Owner: Ningbo Zhoushan Port Co.

Annual container volume :> 26 million TEUs.

UN/LOCODE: CNNGB

SHENZHEN Port Facts:

Among the top five container ports in the world.
Located on the Kowloon Peninsula.
Divided into East and West Hong Kong districts.
More than 130 international routes begin or end here or use it as a stopover.

Owners: Multiple owners.

Annual container volume :> 27 million TEUs.

UN/LOCODE: CNSZP.

OTHER PORTS IN CHINA

If none of the ports listed above are the ideal departure point for your cargo, Shipa Freight can also send your China export cargo from any of the following ocean shipping portals:

Tianjin
Wuhan
Chongqing
Qinzhou
Zhongshan
Guangzhou.
Qingdao
Dalian
Fuzhou
Lianyungang
Shantou
Xiamen

Goods arrive at ports in Saudi Arabia.

Jeddah Islamic Port Facts:

Located on the Red Sea coast of Saudi Arabia.
It is the second-largest container port in the Arab world.
It covers an area of more than 12 square kilometers.
Several berths can accommodate the largest container ships.
The main cargo port in Saudi Arabia.

Owner: Saudi Ports Authority.

Annual container volume :> 4 million TEUs.

UN/LOCODE: SAJED.

Dammam Port facts:

Located on the Persian Gulf, opposite Jeddah.
Much smaller than Jeddah.
An important entry point to Riyadh and its surroundings.
The route through Dammam can cut sea freight time by a day or two.

Owner: Saudi Ports Authority.

Annual container volume :>1.5 million TEUs.

UN/LOCODE: SADMM.

Flying Your Freight: Airport Guide

China origin airport

Shanghai Pudong Airport Facts:

Located about 30 kilometers east of Shanghai.
One of two airports serving Shanghai and surrounding areas.
One of the largest cargo airports in the world.
Has received awards such as the Diamond Award for Excellence in Air Cargo from Air Cargo World 2019.

Airports Served in Saudi Arabia: None.

Shanghai to Saudi Arabia for cargo operators only: none.

IATA code: PVG.

Qingdao Airport Facts:

Known as the Flow Pavilion and is surrounded by the city, hence the name.
There are few opportunities for airport expansion.
Its successor, Qingdao Jiadong Airport, will soon take it over.

Airports served in Saudi Arabia: None.

Qingdao to Saudi Arabia single ship operator: none

Iata code: tao.

Chengdu Airport facts:

Handling more than 500,000 tons of air cargo.
The fifth busiest cargo airport in China.
Currently, there are no direct cargo or passenger flights between Chengdu and airports in Saudi Arabia.

Airports served in Saudi Arabia: None.

Chengdu to Saudi Arabia for cargo operators only: none.

Iata code:ctu.

Zhengzhou Airport facts:

Serves the capital of Henan Province, China.
Xinzheng International Airport is an air cargo gateway.
It is the only international airport in the province.
The busiest cargo airport in central China.

Saudi Arabia Service airports: None.

Zhengzhou to Saudi Arabia pure cargo operators: none.

Iata code:cgo.

Beijing Airport facts:

The second busiest airport in the world and the busiest in China, both for passengers and air cargo.
It offers good road and rail connections.
It can be used for air shipments from many northern and central China provinces.

Airports served in Saudi Arabia: None.

Beijing to Saudi Arabia for cargo operators only: none.

IATA code: PEK.

Other airports in China

If you are looking for an alternative originating airport for goods from China to Saudi Arabia, Shipa Freight Air Freight quotes can be provided for the following ports in China:

Wuhan (capital of Hubei Province)

Xiamen
Hongqiao, Shanghai
Guangzhou.
Shenzhen

Arriving at the airport in Saudi Arabia

Riyadh Airport FACTS:

Officially known as King Khalid Airport.
Convenient for destinations in the South Central region.
It has one of China’s few direct air routes, shipping Chinese imports from Guangzhou Baiyun.

China Internet Airport: Guangzhou.

China to Riyadh cargo plane operator: Saudi Arabian Cargo Company.

IATA code :RUH.

Jeddah Airport FACTS:

Known as King Abdulaziz International Airport.
Located north of Jeddah.
The terminus of direct flights from Guangzhou, China.
It is ideal for goods bound for western China.

China Internet Airport: Guangzhou.

Operator of China-Jeddah cargo line: Saudi Arabian Cargo Company.

IATA code: JED.

Dammam Airport FACTS:

It is the ideal arrival airport for cargo bound for the eastern region of Saudi Arabia.
The third Saudi Air cargo gateway.
The most convenient unloading airport, the cargo’s final destination, is in Dammam, Jubail, Rastanullah, Khobar, Qatif, or Dahran.

Connected airports in China: None.

Cargo operators only from China to Dammam: none.

IATA code: DMM.

Why ship from China to Saudi Arabia with Shipa Freight?

Importing from China to Saudi Arabia is easier than you think. We can ship your air and sea cargo on time in the most affordable way. Our state-of-the-art online platform allows you to manage the entire shipping process in one place, ultimately speeding up your supply chain. No more need to coordinate multiple agencies.

Here are the advantages of shipping with us:

Online quote: Receive it immediately.
Online booking and payment: Fast home delivery.
One platform: Manage all your imports and exports in one place.
Customs Clearance: A complex process that is taken care of for you.
Shipping documents: Always know what to prepare.
Customer service: At your service 24/7 via phone, email and chat.
Compliance: Always in compliance with international shipping regulations.

Why should you work with Dantful?

Dantful is a Dantful in China, specializing in international logistics for import and export business. We work with businesses large and small to regularly ship and air cargo from China to Saudi Arabia. For importers from Saudi Arabia, we have the following reasons for you to choose us as a Dantful for your shipments from China.

l Responsive and efficient

l Communication

l Professional, agile and accurate

l Our logistics expertise, local and global connections

l cost-saving

l Focus, concentration

l Higher focus and tailored transportation solutions

As one of the leading Dantfuls serving Saudi Arabia, whatever you want, transport, no matter the mode of transport, with our logistics knowledge and expertise, local connections and global network, and our insight into global trade, we are committed to simplifying your supply chain.

If you are interested in shipping from China to Saudi Arabia (Jeddah, Dammam, Riyadh), whether by sea or air, contact Dantful for transportation solutions and quotes for your China-UAE cargo and start a stress-free door-to-door shipping experience.