How to Ship Freight from China to Greece？

2025-04-26

Shipping freight from China to Greece involves several steps and requires careful planning to ensure timely and cost-effective delivery. Here's a professional guide on how to do it:

1. Determine the Type of Freight
- LCL (Less than Container Load): If you don't have enough goods to fill a container, LCL allows you to share a container with other shippers.
- FCL (Full Container Load): If you have enough goods to fill a standard 20-foot or 40-foot container, FCL is often more cost-effective and secure.

2. Choose the Shipping Mode
- Sea Freight: The most common and cost-effective method for large shipments.
- Port-to-Port: From major Chinese ports (e.g., Shanghai, Shenzhen, Ningbo) to Greek ports (e.g., Piraeus, Thessaloniki).
- Transshipment: Some routes may involve transshipment at a hub port in Europe.
- Air Freight: Faster but more expensive. Suitable for smaller or high-value shipments.
- Airports: Major airports include Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) and Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) in China, and Athens International Airport (ATH) in Greece.

3. Select a Freight Forwarder
- Experienced Freight Forwarder: Choose a reliable freight forwarder with experience in China-Greece routes. They can handle documentation, customs clearance, and local transportation.
- Services Offered: Ensure they provide end-to-end services, including pickup, delivery, and any necessary warehousing.

4. Prepare Documentation
- Commercial Invoice: Detailing the value and description of the goods.
- Packing List: Listing the contents and packaging details.
- Bill of Lading (B/L): Issued by the carrier, serving as a receipt and document of title.
- Certificate of Origin: May be required to determine the goods' origin.
- Customs Documentation: Including import and export declarations.

5. Customs Clearance
- China Export: Ensure compliance with Chinese export regulations.
- Greece Import: Prepare for Greek import duties, taxes, and customs inspections.
- HS Codes: Ensure accurate classification of goods using the Harmonized System (HS) codes.

6. Arrange Transportation
- Inland Transportation in China: Arrange for trucks to transport goods from your facility to the port of departure.
- Inland Transportation in Greece: Arrange for trucks to transport goods from the port of arrival to the final destination.

7. Insurance
- Cargo Insurance: Consider purchasing insurance to protect against loss or damage during transit.

8. Track and Trace
- Real-Time Tracking: Use the tracking number provided by your freight forwarder to monitor the shipment's progress.

9. Delivery and Unloading
- Final Destination: Ensure that the goods are unloaded and checked at the final destination in Greece.

Example Timeline
- Sea Freight: Typically takes 20-30 days, depending on the port of departure and arrival.
- Air Freight: Typically takes 3-7 days.

Cost Considerations
- Sea Freight: Generally more economical for large shipments but slower.
- Air Freight: More expensive but significantly faster.
- Additional Costs: Include customs duties, taxes, and local transportation.

Conclusion
Shipping freight from China to Greece involves multiple steps and requires careful coordination. By selecting a reliable freight forwarder, preparing the necessary documentation, and choosing the appropriate shipping mode, you can ensure a smooth and efficient shipping process.

If you need further assistance or specific recommendations, feel free to ask!