Choose your shipping mode
FCL vs LCL vs Air Freight
Every shipment from China is different. Compare the three modes side by side to see which one fits your volume, timeline and budget.
| Full Container | Shared Container | Air Freight | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | 15+ CBM shipments | Under 15 CBM shipments | Urgent or high-value cargo |
| Typical transit time | 20–45 days | 25–50 days | 3–7 days |
| Pricing basis | Per container | Per CBM or chargeable weight | Per chargeable weight (kg) |
| Minimum volume | None — book a container at any fill level | None — pay only for space used | None — priced by weight/volume |
| Handling | Sealed at origin, no consolidation | Consolidated at origin, deconsolidated at destination | Screened & built up at origin airport |
| Best when | Large, regular or high-value volumes | Small or occasional shipments | Speed matters more than cost |
Learn more about each mode
FCL Shipping
A dedicated container for your cargo, with predictable, direct transit from China.
LCL Shipping
Share a container and pay only for the space your cargo actually needs.
Air Freight
Door-to-door in days for urgent, high-value or time-sensitive cargo.
Container Types
Choosing FCL? See 20ft, 40ft and 40ft High Cube dimensions and payloads.
Incoterms Guide
EXW, FOB, CIF, DDP — who pays and who carries the risk at each step.
China to USA
Gateway ports, transit times and what changed with US customs entry.
Bulk Cargo & Chartering
Cargo too big or too heavy for a container? See break bulk and ship chartering.
Not sure which mode fits?
Tell us about your shipment and we'll recommend the right option.
Get a quote