- Quote valid for
- 7 days
- Packing and collection prices current as at
- 20 August 2026
- Shipment weight
- We accept shipments from 50 kg; for regular shipments, 150 kg or more is generally more cost-effective
- Density on road routes
- 100 kg/m³
- Storage at the warehouse in Guangzhou
- free, there is no paid storage
Freight rates depend on the route, the product category and cargo density: over 2026 they changed more than 10 times, which is why a quote is valid for 7 days. Prices for warehouse operations are published below and are current as at 20 August 2026.
Why the per-kilogram rate is not the cost of a supply
The per-kilogram rate is the price of one leg, the international freight. Before that leg the goods have to be bought, collected from the factory, brought to the warehouse, received, counted, inspected and packed. After it, they have to be cleared, delivered to the city and unloaded.
When only the rate is compared, the difference moves into other lines: collection charged as incurred, a separate fee for palletising, no inspection of the goods. The total to the shelf is higher, and defects are found at your own warehouse.
What the total is made of
| Block | What it depends on |
|---|---|
| Inland delivery within China | Distance to Guangzhou, weight and volume: a $20–50 surcharge or as incurred by the carrier |
| Supplier payment | Invoice amount, settlement method, exchange rate on the payment date |
| Goods receipt and warehouse operations | Number of boxes and line items, piece count, measuring. Storage is free |
| Inspection of the goods | Depth: piece count, visual check, sampling, buyer's checklist |
| Packing and palletising | Packing layout: from $5 per place, a crated pallet $30 per cubic metre |
| International freight | Route, mode of transport, weight, volume, density, category |
| Cargo insurance | The mandatory cover is provided by the carrier and depends on the route: Kazakhstan by road – $5 per kg, for the other routes we confirm when quoting |
| Documents and last mile | Supply scheme, labelling, city and type of address, unloading |
We show each main stage as a separate line item. This makes it clear which services account for the cost and which can be left out – for example, large boxes may not need palletising, while goods from a new factory may warrant a more thorough inspection.
The prices we do publish
Warehouse and packing operations do not depend on how loaded a route is, so we state those figures in advance. The prices below are current as at 20 August 2026.
Packing and palletising
| Type of packing | Price | When it is used |
|---|---|---|
| Crated pallet | $30 per cubic metre | Palletised shipment, fragile or high-value goods, transhipments en route |
| Bag and tape | $5 per place | Basic protection of a cardboard box against moisture and scuffing |
| Cardboard corner with a bag | $6 per place | Boxes with soft corners, stacking inside the vehicle |
| Wooden crate for small boxes | $15–25 | Small heavy places: equipment, glass, ceramics |
We choose the layout after measuring: it depends on the weight of the place, the type of goods and the number of transhipments. What we pack and how, by category – the cargo we carry.
Collection of cargo within China
Collection is charged as incurred by the carrier or as a surcharge of $20–50 per shipment. The amount depends on the distance to Guangzhou, the weight of the consignment and the number of addresses. Collection from each supplier is a separate line.
Storage at the warehouse
There is no paid storage at all: for regular clients the cargo is stored free of charge while the shipment is being built. There is no rate for storage beyond a period, so the notion of a "free storage period" does not exist in our terms either. Long-term accumulation for a specific task is discussed case by case – warehouse in Guangzhou.
Shipment weight: we accept from 50 kg; at 150 kg and above, fixed costs usually have less impact on the cost per kilogram
We accept shipments from 50 kg. At 150 kg and above, fixed costs usually have less impact on the cost per kilogram.
- 50 kg – the minimum at which dispatch is possible
- 150 kg – the weight from which the price per kilogram becomes more even
- Weight can be topped up with a second supplier: consolidation into one shipment
Density and volumetric weight: why the invoice grows at the same weight
Freight is charged on the greater of two figures: actual weight or volumetric weight. Density is the ratio of the shipment's weight to its volume, kilograms per cubic metre.
| Route | Calculation threshold | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Road routes | 100 kg/m³ | A shipment denser than 100 kg/m³ is charged on actual weight, a lighter one by volume |
| Air express | No threshold at all | A place is paid for on volumetric weight, and the coefficient is set by the carrier's rate card on the specific route |
We calculate density after goods receipt, once the shipment has been measured at the warehouse in Guangzhou, not from what the factory says. If the cargo is light, we propose repacking and show how the quote changes. Lead times on the routes do not change because of this: delivery lead times.
Cargo insurance: what is covered and what it costs
The mandatory insurance cover is provided by the carrier, and its amount depends on the route. It is not an option: the cover comes with the carriage.
| Route and transport | Cover |
|---|---|
| Kazakhstan, road | $5 per kg |
| Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Europe | Cover confirmed when quoting |
Standard cover on some current routes may exclude cargo damage. The exact exclusions and terms of any additional policy are set out in the documents issued by the relevant carrier or insurer.
If the shipment value exceeds the mandatory cover, additional insurance can be arranged separately. We do not publish rates for optional cover; we confirm the current rate when preparing the quote – insurance and packing.
What the quote includes and what is charged separately
| Included in the quote | Charged separately |
|---|---|
| Collection from the supplier and delivery to the warehouse | Customs duties and taxes under official import |
| Storage until dispatch, there is no paid storage | Long-term accumulation for a specific task |
| Checklist inspection and photo report | Extended inspection and an independent laboratory |
| The carrier's mandatory insurance cover | A voluntary policy for value above the cover |
| International freight on the route | Packing: $5, $6 or $15–25 per place, $30 per cubic metre of crating |
| Preparation of transport documents | Customs broker services in the country of import |
The lines on the right are not hidden in small print: items that apply to your shipment appear in the quote separately and with a price. Which documents travel with the shipment – supply documents.
Why the quote is valid for 7 days
The quote is valid for 7 days because freight rates move with the market. The packing and collection prices used in the quote are stated as at 20 August 2026.
- The freight rate depends on how loaded the route is and on the season
- The exchange rate affects the supplier payment
- The factory price can change between the quote and the payment
- If the 7 days have passed, we requote and show what has changed
How the cost of cargo differs from the official scheme
Cargo usually has a lower freight rate. Official import adds customs duties, taxes and document work. The VAT treatment, eligibility to record the goods on the company's books and permit requirements all depend on the country of import, the importer's tax status and the specific arrangement. Compare the total landed cost, including taxes.
- Under cargo we count: collection, warehouse, inspection, packing, freight, last mile
- The official scheme adds the contract, customs duties and taxes, broker work, labelling
- On a one-off small shipment the official scheme is more expensive: the costs fall on a smaller volume
We calculate both options on the same shipment: official import from China. Cover and lead times by route – Kazakhstan and Europe.
Terms for regular supplies
There is no published grid of terms for regular supplies. Terms for a regular volume are calculated separately: weight and number of shipments per month, how stable the product range is, the number of suppliers and the delivery scheme.
What to send for an accurate quote
| Parameter | Why it is needed | If you do not have the data |
|---|---|---|
| Number of boxes and the weight of each | Actual weight, checking the 50 kg minimum | We use the factory's figures |
| Box dimensions | Volume and density relative to 100 kg/m³ | The quote will be preliminary |
| Value of the goods on the invoice | Basis for payments and for comparison with the carrier's mandatory cover | For cargo it can be left out |
| Number of suppliers | Cost of collection at $20–50 and of consolidation | We confirm it from the factory addresses |
| Delivery city and scheme | Last mile and the document set | We calculate both options |
With this data the quote comes out line by line. The form is on the page supply quote. If some of the data is unknown, send what you have.
FAQ
How much does shipping from China cost per kilogram?
We do not publish a per-kilogram rate: it depends on the route, the product category and the density of the shipment. Instead of a single figure we give a quote by block: collection at $20–50 or as incurred by the carrier, free storage, inspection, packing from $5 per place, freight, documents. The quote is valid for 7 days, and warehouse operation prices are stated as at 20 August 2026.
How much do packing and palletising cost?
Bag and tape – $5 per place, cardboard corner with a bag – $6 per place, wooden crate for small boxes – $15–25, crated pallet – $30 per cubic metre. The prices are current as at 20 August 2026. We choose the layout after the shipment has been measured at the warehouse.
How much does storage at your warehouse cost?
There is no paid storage at all: for regular clients the cargo is stored free of charge while the shipment is being built. We have no rate for storage beyond a period. Long-term accumulation for a specific task is discussed case by case before goods receipt.
Why was I charged for more weight than my boxes actually weigh?
Most likely the shipment was charged on volumetric weight: on road routes the calculation threshold is 100 kg/m³, and a shipment lighter than that density is charged by volume. On air express there is no threshold at all, a place is paid for on volumetric weight with a coefficient from the carrier's rate card on the route. Density is fixed after measuring in Guangzhou.
What does the insurance cover and how much does it cost?
Mandatory cover is provided by the carrier and varies by route: for road freight to Kazakhstan, it is $5 per kg; for Ukraine, Uzbekistan and Europe, we confirm the cover when quoting. Standard cover on some current routes may exclude cargo damage. The carrier's or insurer's documents set out the exact exclusions and terms of any additional policy: insurance and packing.
Is there a minimum shipment weight from China?
Yes, we accept shipments from 50 kg. At 150 kg and above, fixed costs usually have less impact on the cost per kilogram. If one supplier cannot provide that volume, goods from several factories can be combined through consolidation.
Do the terms change if I ship regularly?
There is no published grid of terms: terms for a regular volume are calculated separately on your own flow – weight and number of shipments per month, product range, number of suppliers, delivery scheme. You can start with a test shipment in parallel with your current provider: switching provider.
Send us your shipment details and we will return a quote by block
We need the product range, the number and weight of boxes, dimensions, the delivery city and the scheme: cargo or official import.
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