Best Ocean/Sea Freight Forwarder in China

Winsail Logistics is a premier China-based Ocean Freight Forwarder & Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier NVOCC, offering comprehensive ocean freight solutions including FCL/LCL containers, bulk commodities, project cargo and breakbulk shipments. Winsail Logistics offer the best sea freight from China to international countries since 2013, FCL and LCL sea freight is our main shipping service, we provide both door-to-door and port-to-port sea shipping from China, we have strong cooperation with famous sea carriers like MSC, COSCO, and ZIM, PIL,OOCL, etc, so we could get best shipping rate and secured shipping space to you.

As your dedicated shipping agent, we maintain strategic partnerships with major ocean carriers to secure competitive freight rates and guaranteed vessel space. Our end-to-end services encompass container booking, cargo consolidation, warehouse storage, professional packing/loading, and complete documentation handling to ensure seamless cargo delivery from origin to destination. we endeavor to get your shipment delivered safely and on time, contact us for a free sea shipping quote for your coming shipment from China.

Table of Contents

• Sea freight service includes:
• Advantages of our sea freight service
• Sea shipping operation process
• China ports of departure---How to Choose?
• How Long does sea freight take from China?
• What documents are required for sea freight from China?
• Factors affecting shipping Cost and Time
• FCL shipping & LCL shipping

Winsail Sea Freight Service includes:

• FCL Sea Freight
• LCL Sea Freight
• Door to port
• Port to port
• Door to Door
• Export Customs clearance
• Export packing and labeling.
• Freight Insurance
• Global shipment tracking
• Buyers’ consolidation
• Making pallets in our warehouse
• Documentation (B/L, CO, License Application, FORM M, etc)
• General & Hazardous good transportation

Advantages of our Sea Freight service

Competitive Sea Freight Rates

By integrating over 100 international top-tier shipping companies and carriers, we will identify the optimal routes, taking into account both cost-effectiveness and delivery speed.

Secured shipping space

Freight is handled professionally and securely throughout the shipping process. Ship your cargo from China by Sea safe and efficient.

One stop service

Winsail Logistics provides one-stop service such as pick-up from supplier, labeling, packaging, customs declaration, trucking etc.

Professional team

6/24 online service, professional customer service team with a maximum of 10 years of experience in the freight forwarding industry.

Online tracking system

We have full online tracking system and tracking website for Sea shipping from China to keep you updated about shipping status.

On time/ Safety Delivery

We ensure safe, damage-free, and timely cargo delivery with top care for a smooth, reliable shipping experience.

China ports of departure---How to Choose?

Guangzhou port,Shenzhen port, Ningbo(Zhoushan) Port,Shanghai Port, Xiamen Port,Tianjin Port,Qingdao Port, Taiwan Port, Hongkong port.

How to Choose, its depend on the location of your cargo, near which port we will choose which one.

How Long does sea freight take from China?

The time of sea freieht will take that depends on the distance between two ports, For Middle East, sea shipping takes 15-25 days, and for Red sea.ocean shipping takes 20-30 days,for east africa,it will take 25-35 days.for west africa will take 30-45 days. For west of USA, it will take 14-18 days, For East of USA, it will take 25-35 days.

The efficiency and connection of a sea freight forwarder can minimize the time.

What documents are required for sea freight from China?

You will need below documents when you are shipping by sea from China:

1.Bill of lading- mandatory.

2.Country Of Origin - Not mandatory in China but mandatory for import customs in some countries

3.Commercial invoice-Supplier/seller will provide

4.Packaging list- Mandatory

5.Shipper's letter ofinstruction-mandatory.

Factors affecting shipping Cost and Time

Festival may have a major effect on prices and timelines due to its effect on logistics.

Freight shipments are usually fully booked days in advance due to lengthy vacation periods during important Chinese festivals.

The cost of shipping has increased as a result of the strong demand.

We have discovered that it’s preferable to schedule your cargo delivery as far in advance as you can during the Chinese New Year.

You will have to endure a protracted delivery delay if you don’t.

As a result, we provide you this knowledge to help you understand the fundamentals of this market based on our extensive experience controlling shipping time from China.

What is full container load (FCL) shipping & Less container load (LCL) shipping

Full container load (FCL) shipping

You pay for the exclusive use of an entire shipping container. Your goods are the only cargo inside that container.

• When to Use It: When your cargo is large enough to fill a container (or nearly fill it—typically above 15-20 CBM (cubic meters)).
• How it Works: Your goods are packed into a container at your factory or warehouse. The container is then sealed, and that seal remains intact until it reaches your destination warehouse. It is not opened during transit.
• Container Sizes: The most common sizes are 20ft (holds ~33 CBM) and 40ft (holds ~67 CBM).
• Key Advantages:
  • Cost-Effective for Large Volumes: On a per-cubic-meter basis, it's almost always cheaper than LCL.Security & Safety: Since the container is sealed and not opened, there is less risk of damage, loss, or theft from handling.Speed: Fewer handling steps mean it is often faster. There's no waiting at a warehouse to consolidate other shipments.
  • Simpler Process: Fewer touchpoints usually mean fewer documents and less complexity.

Less than Container Load (LCL) Shipping

Definition: You pay for the portion of a container that your goods occupy. Your shipment is consolidated with goods from other shippers into one full container.

• When to Use It: When your cargo volume is too small to justify the cost of a full container (typically under 15 CBM).
• How it Works: You deliver your shipment to a CFS (Container Freight Station), which is a special warehouse for consolidation. A freight forwarder groups your goods with other companies' shipments destined for the same port. Once the container is full, it's shipped. At the destination port, the container is taken to another CFS, deconsolidated, and each shipment is picked up by its respective owner.
• Key Advantages:
  • Cost-Effective for Small Volumes: You only pay for the space you use.Accessibility: Makes international shipping feasible for small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) and even individuals.
  • Flexibility: You can ship any quantity, no matter how small.

Key Differences at a Glance: FCL vs. LCL

Feature	FCL (Full Container Load)	LCL (Less than Container Load)
Cargo Volume	High (Usually >15 CBM)	Low (Usually <15 CBM)
Cost Structure	Price for the entire container	Price per cubic meter (CBM) or ton
Container Sharing	No. Your goods only.	Yes. With other shippers.
Risk of Damage/Theft	Lower (sealed, less handling)	Higher (more handling at CFS)
Transit Time	Generally faster (direct)	Generally slower (consolidation)
Customs Clearance	For your entire container	For your individual shipment within the container
Ideal For	Large businesses, large orders	SMEs, samples, small batches

How to Choose Between FCL and LCL?

1.Calculate Your Volume (CBM): Measure the length x width x height (in meters) of your cartons and add them up.

2.Get Quotes: Get both FCL and LCL quotes from a freight forwarder for your specific route.

3.Compare the Cost: For volumes around 15-18 CBM, an FCL quote might be surprisingly competitive with an LCL quote. It's often worth paying a little more for FCL for the added speed and security.

4.Consider Other Factors: How time-sensitive is your shipment? How valuable or fragile are the goods? The security and speed of FCL might be worth the extra cost even for a slightly under-filled container.

Consideration for LCL freight shipping

If you shipment cannot fill an entire container, our LCL shipping service from China is always available. You goods need to be sent to my warehouse in China, we will combine multiple shipments into a single container  to load in China and deliver them to the destination port as your require

LCL shipping means your goods will share space with goods from other companies. It also means that your delivery might take a little bit longer, because of both the packing and unpacking process.

The cost of LCL shipping is usually calculated based on the volume or weight of the cargo, whichever is greater. charging a minimum freight charge per cubic meter.

LCL is recommended for a volume between 0-15 CBM. However, it may vary depending on the port of departure.

FCL is for large, dedicated shipments, while LCL is for smaller shipments that are grouped together to save costs. The choice depends entirely on the size, nature, and requirements of your cargo.

Which types of Containers are used in sea freight?

Here is a comprehensive guide to the most common types of shipping containers, categorized by their design and purpose.

1. Standard Dry (Van) Containers

These are the most common workhorses of the industry, used for general dry cargo.

Description: Fully enclosed, weather-proof steel boxes with rigid side walls and a door on one end.

Common Sizes: 20ft (20'DV), 40ft (40'DV), and 40ft High Cube (40'HQ). High Cube containers are 1 foot taller (9'6" vs. 8'6"), offering more cubic capacity.

Cargo Examples: Boxed goods, pallets, bags, machinery, furniture, clothing, and any other dry goods that are not sensitive to temperature extremes.

2. Refrigerated Containers (Reefers)

Temperature-controlled containers for perishable goods.

Description: Insulated containers with an integrated, powered refrigeration unit. They can maintain a specific temperature range (both cooling and heating) and often control humidity.

Common Sizes: 20ft and 40ft, including High Cube.

Cargo Examples: Fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, dairy products, pharmaceuticals, flowers, and certain chemicals.

3. Open Top Containers

For cargo that is too tall to fit inside a standard container or must be loaded from the top.

Description: Similar to a standard container but has a convertible top. It can be covered by a removable, waterproof tarpaulin roof instead of a solid steel roof.

Common Sizes: 20ft and 40ft.

Cargo Examples: Machinery with tall protrusions, large industrial parts, timber, or goods that require crane loading from above.

4. Flat Rack Containers

For heavy, oversized, or awkwardly shaped cargo that doesn't fit in a standard box.

Description: Have a flat floor and two solid end walls that are either fixed or collapsible. They have no side walls and no roof.

Types:

Fixed-End Flat Racks: Permanent end walls.

Collapsible Flat Racks: End walls can be folded down to save space when the container is empty and being returned.

Common Sizes: 20ft and 40ft.

Cargo Examples: Machinery, vehicles, boats, large pipes, construction equipment, and industrial structures.

5. Open Side Containers

For cargo where full side access is needed for loading and unloading.

Description: Similar to a standard container but have doors that run the full length of the side, in addition to the doors at the end.

Common Sizes: 20ft and 40ft.

Cargo Examples: Useful when the cargo is packed in a way that makes end-loading difficult, or when the unloading site has limited space to open the standard doors.

6. Tank Containers

For liquid, gas, or powder cargo.

Description: A stainless steel tank mounted within a standard container frame. This allows it to be stacked and handled like any other container.

Common Size: Typically 20ft.

Cargo Examples: Chemicals, fuels, cooking oils, milk, wine, spirits, and liquefied gases.

7. Ventilated Containers

For cargo that requires airflow to prevent spoilage like condensation or mold.

Description: Look like standard containers but have passive ventilation systems (natural air vents) along the top and bottom side rails to allow air to circulate.

Common Sizes: 20ft.

Cargo Examples: Coffee beans, cocoa, spices, seeds, and other agricultural products that "respire."

8. Specialized Containers

For very specific types of cargo.

Bulk Containers: For transporting dry, unpackaged bulk goods like grains, sand, or fertilizer. They have hatches on the top for loading and sometimes on the bottom for discharge.

Car Carriers: Specifically designed with built-in ramps or decks to transport vehicles.

Insulated Containers: Similar to reefers but without the active refrigeration unit. They simply provide thermal insulation to protect cargo from external temperature changes.

Half-Height Containers: Typically 20ft long and half the height of a standard container. Designed for dense, heavy cargo that needs to be easily shoveled out (e.g., stones, coal, scrap metal).

Quick Reference Guide

Container Type	Key Feature	Best For
Standard Dry Van	Enclosed, weather-proof	General dry goods (boxes, pallets, bags)
Reefer	Temperature-controlled	Perishables (food, pharmaceuticals)
Open Top	Removable tarpaulin roof	Over-height cargo, top-loading
Flat Rack	No sides/roof, fixed ends	Heavy, oversized machinery, pipes
Open Side	Full-length side doors	Easy side access for loading/unloading
Tank Stainless	steel tank inside frame	Liquids, gases, powders
Ventilated	Passive air vents	Agricultural goods needing airflow

Choosing the right container is crucial for the safety of your cargo, cost efficiency, and compliance with shipping regulations. A qualified freight forwarder can advise on the best and most economical type for your specific shipment.

The size and capacity of the container,and how many pallets it can hold?

1.20ft Standard Container

This is the workhorse for smaller shipments.

Internal Dimensions (approx.):

Length: 5.9 m (19.4 ft)

Width: 2.35 m (7.8 ft)

Height: 2.39 m (7.9 ft)

Door Opening: 2.34m x 2.28m (7.7ft x 7.5ft)

Capacity:

Volume: ~33 m³ (1,172 cu ft)

Max Payload (Weight): ~28,230 kg (62,200 lbs) – but this is often limited by road weight restrictions to around 21,700 kg (48,000 lbs).

How many pallets?

11 EUR Pallets (1200x800mm):

This is the most efficient configuration.

10 pallets can be loaded lengthwise (5.9m / 1.2m = 4.91 rows -> so 5 rows of 2, totaling 10).

The 11th pallet is turned and fits in the remaining space at the door.

10 Standard US Pallets (48"x40"):

They are slightly wider, so you can typically fit 10 (5 rows of 2) with very little wasted space.

Important Note: These numbers assume a tight "pinwheel" or "turn" loading pattern. Loading them all facing the same direction (for easier unloading) typically reduces the count to 9 or 10.

2. 40ft Standard Container

The most common container for large shipments, offering better value per cubic meter than a 20ft.

Internal Dimensions (approx.):

Length: 12.03 m (39.5 ft)

Width: 2.35 m (7.8 ft)

Height: 2.39 m (7.9 ft)

Door Opening: 2.34m x 2.28m (7.7ft x 7.5ft)

Capacity:

Volume: ~67.7 m³ (2,390 cu ft)

Max Payload (Weight): ~28,600 kg (63,000 lbs) – again, often road-limited to ~26,500 kg (58,500 lbs).

How many pallets?

24-25 EUR Pallets (1200x800mm):

They fit perfectly in 12 rows of 2 (12.03m / 1.2m = 10.02 rows -> so 10 full rows of 2, plus space for more at the end with a turn).

20 Standard US Pallets (48"x40"):

They fit perfectly in 10 rows of 2 (12.03m / 1.219m = 9.87 rows -> so 10 rows of 2).

3. 40ft High-Cube Container

This is now the most popular container type globally. The extra foot of height is crucial for lightweight but voluminous cargo.

Internal Dimensions (approx.):

Length: 12.03 m (39.5 ft)

Width: 2.35 m (7.8 ft)

Height: 2.69 m (8.10 ft) <- The key difference

Door Opening: 2.34m x 2.58m (7.7ft x 8.5ft)

Capacity:

Volume: ~76.3 m³ (2,694 cu ft) - 12% more volume than a standard 40ft.

Max Payload (Weight): Similar to the standard 40ft (~28,600 kg).

How many pallets?

The same as a Standard 40ft.

The pallet count is determined by the floor area, not the height. You can still fit 24-25 EUR or 20 US pallets.

The advantage is you can stack goods higher on top of each pallet, making it ideal for lightweight items (e.g., paper goods, pillows, plastic products).

4. 45ft High-Cube Container (Pallet Wide)

This is a specialized container designed specifically to maximize pallet loading, primarily used in domestic routes in the US and on certain trade lanes.

Internal Dimensions (approx.):

Length: 13.55 m (44.5 ft)

Width: 2.45 m (8.0 ft) <- Key feature: wider than standard containers.

Height: 2.69 m (8.10 ft)

Door Opening: 2.44m x 2.58m (8.0ft x 8.5ft)

Capacity:

Volume: ~86 m³ (3,040 cu ft)

Max Payload (Weight): ~27,600 kg (61,000 lbs)

How many pallets?

27 Standard US Pallets (48"x40"):

The extra width and length allow for a perfect grid of 3 pallets wide by 9 rows long (13.55m / 1.219m = 11.11 rows -> so 9 full rows of 3).

This is the most efficient container for US-standard pallets.

Summary Table

Container Type	Internal Volume	EUR Pallets (1200x800mm) US Pallets (48"x40")
20ft Standard	33 m³ (1,172 cu ft)	11  10 Best for smaller, heavier shipments
40ft Standard	67.7 m³ (2,390 cu ft)	24  20 Most common size for general cargo
40ft High-Cube	76.3 m³ (2,694 cu ft)	24  20 Extra height for voluminous cargo
45ft High-Cube	86 m³ (3,040 cu ft)	26  27 Extra width & length for US pallets

Critical Factors That Affect Pallet Count:

Loading Pattern: "Pinwheeling" (turning every other pallet) maximizes space but can make unloading difficult.

Pallet Overhang: Pallets must not overhang, as this can damage the container and other cargo.

Cargo Weight: You will almost always hit the maximum weight limit (especially in a 40ft) long before you run out of space for heavy goods like metal or liquids.

Cargo Stacking: The number of pallets is a floor calculation. How high you can stack boxes on each pallet depends on the container's internal height and the strength of your cartons.

Loading Skill: An experienced forklift driver can pack a container more efficiently than an inexperienced one.

Always confirm the exact internal dimensions with your shipping line or freight forwarder,

as they can vary slightly by manufacturer.