For U.S. businesses looking to tap into the massive and lucrative Chinese market, reliable shipping is an absolute must. China‘s $18 trillion economy and 1.4 billion consumers represent an attractive opportunity for companies across industries. But getting your products to customers in China requires a dependable logistics partner with global reach and local expertise.
That‘s where FedEx comes in. As one of the world‘s largest express transportation companies, FedEx provides fast, secure, door-to-door shipping services between the United States and China. Whether you‘re an e-commerce merchant, wholesaler, manufacturer or another type of shipper, FedEx likely has a solution to meet your China shipping needs.
In this in-depth article, we‘ll cover everything you need to know about shipping to China with FedEx. You‘ll learn about:
- The FedEx services available for China-bound packages and freight
- Delivery times for each FedEx shipping option to China
- Costs and factors that determine FedEx China shipping rates
- Maximum package sizes and weights for FedEx shipments to China
- Prohibited and restricted items that can‘t be shipped to China via FedEx
- Expert tips and best practices for hassle-free FedEx deliveries to China
By the end, you‘ll have all the key information needed to start shipping to China with FedEx like a pro. Let‘s dive in!
FedEx Shipping Options for Packages & Freight to China
FedEx offers several shipping options for packages and freight going from the United States to China. Here‘s an overview of the main FedEx services for China-bound shipments:
FedEx International First
This is FedEx‘s fastest international shipping service for time-sensitive packages. FedEx International First shipments to China come with a delivery commitment of 1 to 3 business days by 10:00 am. It‘s an ideal option for critical documents, high-value merchandise, and other urgent deliveries.
FedEx International Priority
FedEx International Priority offers fast, reliable, customs-cleared delivery to China in 1 to 3 business days. While not as speedy as International First, Priority is a cost-effective choice for shipments that still require prompt service. Deliveries typically occur by the end of the business day.
FedEx International Economy
For less time-sensitive packages, there‘s FedEx International Economy. This economical shipping service provides delivery to China in 2 to 5 business days. It‘s a smart option for e-commerce orders and other shipments where affordability is more important than speed.
FedEx International Priority Freight
Have large, heavy, or bulky items to send to China? FedEx International Priority Freight is your go-to choice for palletized or non-palletized freight over 150 lbs. Delivery to China occurs in 1 to 3 business days, including customs clearance.
FedEx International Economy Freight
Similar to International Priority Freight, FedEx International Economy Freight is designed for larger shipments to China. The main difference is the slower 2 to 5 business day delivery window, which allows for greater cost savings compared to the Priority service.
Key Takeaway: FedEx offers a range of international shipping services to get packages and freight of all sizes to China. Options include urgent 1 to 3-day delivery with International First and Priority, plus economical 2 to 5-day shipping with International Economy.
FedEx Delivery Times to China
As noted above, FedEx‘s shipping services to China come with estimated delivery timeframes ranging from 1 to 5 business days. But it‘s important to understand that these are not guaranteed and your actual delivery time may vary based on factors like:
- Your origin address in the U.S. (rural locations may require extra transit time)
- Your recipient‘s address in China (remote areas take longer to reach)
- Time of day your FedEx China shipment is tendered
- Shipment dimensions and weight
- Current weather conditions and transportation delays
- Customs clearance procedures and requirements
In general, major cities in eastern China like Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen have the fastest FedEx delivery times. Reaching customers in western and rural parts of China typically takes a bit longer.
To obtain the most accurate FedEx transit time and delivery date estimates for your China shipments, use the Get Rates & Transit Times tool on FedEx.com. Enter your U.S. origin ZIP code and your destination city or postal code in China, then select "Get Rates." You‘ll see the estimated delivery date and time for each available FedEx service.
FedEx China Shipping Rates & Costs
Wondering how much it costs to ship a package or freight to China with FedEx? Several variables determine your FedEx shipping rates, such as:
- Shipment weight and dimensions
- Origin and destination address
- Service selected (e.g. International First, Priority, Economy, Freight)
- Value-added services like declared value coverage, signature requirements, special handling, etc.
FedEx also applies various surcharges to China shipments, including:
- Peak Surcharge
- Fuel surcharge
- Residential delivery fee
- Dangerous goods fee (for hazardous items)
- Clearance entry fee (for duties and taxes)
- China Merchandise Processing Fee
To illustrate some real-world FedEx China shipping rates, here are a few pricing examples for a 5 lb package going from New York City to Shanghai:
- International First: $217.44
- International Priority: $208.14
- International Economy: $200.10
For the most customized and up-to-date estimate of FedEx shipping costs to China, use the Calculate Shipping Rates tool. Enter your shipment details and you‘ll get an itemized quote with your base rate and applicable surcharges.
Money-Saving Tip: Businesses that ship regularly to China should consider signing up for a FedEx business account. Account holders may receive discounts of up to 29% on FedEx export services to China.
Size & Weight Limits for FedEx China Shipments
FedEx has specific size and weight limits for international shipments, including those bound for China. For packages, the maximum weight is 150 lbs per unit. Heavier items must be shipped via FedEx International Priority Freight or International Economy Freight.
The maximum length for a FedEx package is 108", while the max length plus girth can‘t exceed 130". Girth is calculated by measuring the distance around the thickest part of the package.
Certain items like rugs, mailing tubes, and rolled fabrics may qualify for FedEx‘s Oversize Packages service. This allows for packages up to 165" in length and 300 lbs in weight.
FedEx freight shipments to China, whether palletized or non-palletized, are subject to a maximum weight of 2,200 lbs per unit. The maximum size for freight is 70" x 80" x 90".
Items Prohibited from FedEx Shipment to China
When shipping to China with FedEx, it‘s critical to be aware of the items that are prohibited or restricted from entry by Chinese customs authorities. Trying to ship banned goods could lead to your package being seized, returned, or destroyed. In some cases it may even result in fines or legal penalties.
China‘s prohibited and restricted items list is quite extensive. Some of the key items to avoid putting in your FedEx China shipments include:
- Weapons, ammunition, and explosives
- Replica and inert munitions
- Perishable foods and beverages
- Fresh produce like fruits and vegetables
- Soil and sand
- Seeds and plants
- Tobacco and e-cigarettes
- Lithium batteries
- Used smartphones
- Radio transmitters and other communications equipment
- Drones and unmanned aerial vehicles
- Counterfeit money and merchandise
- Hoverboards
Note that this is just a small sampling of China‘s prohibited and restricted goods. To see the full list, check the official website of China Customs. When in doubt about the legality of an item, contact FedEx or your customs broker for guidance before shipping.
5 Expert Tips for Smoother FedEx Deliveries to China
Shipping to China with FedEx is fairly straightforward, especially for businesses accustomed to international sales. But there are some key steps you can take to better ensure your China-bound packages arrive safely, securely, and without delay. Here are five pro tips to keep in mind:
1. Double-check the delivery address. With a country as large as China, it‘s imperative to use complete and accurate delivery addresses. Be sure to include the recipient‘s name, street address, city, province, and postal code. If shipping to a major city, add the district name too. The destination phone number should be provided as well.
2. Use FedEx Delivery Manager. Sign up for FedEx Delivery Manager to access a suite of free tools for managing your FedEx China shipments, including the ability to request a vacation hold, provide delivery instructions, receive tracking alerts, and more. It‘s an easy way to stay on top of your packages every step of the way.
3. Create detailed customs documentation. Avoiding customs delays is a must when shipping to China. Ensure your FedEx China shipments clear customs swiftly by providing complete, accurate import documentation like the commercial invoice and certificate of origin. Fully describe your products, quantities, weights, values, and country of manufacture. Use the correct HS codes to classify your items.
4. Choose the right packing materials. Proper packaging is essential for any shipment, but especially for long journeys to China. Use sturdy, corrugated cardboard boxes free of rips or dents. Individually wrap fragile items with bubble wrap, packing peanuts, air pillows, or other cushioning. Apply packing tape to completely seal edges and seams. Affix shipping labels to the largest surface.
5. Consider cargo insurance. While FedEx is incredibly reliable, accidents can still happen when shipping around the globe to China. Give yourself added peace of mind with FedEx cargo insurance. Declare the total value of your shipment on the FedEx air waybill and you‘ll be protected against loss or damage up to $1,000 or your item‘s full value, whichever is less.
The Bottom Line
FedEx makes shipping to China easy, fast, and economical for U.S. businesses of all sizes and types. With multiple express and freight delivery options, FedEx can accommodate virtually any China shipping scenario while offering exceptional service and reliability.
Of course, sending packages or pallets to the world‘s most populous country does require careful attention to detail. From selecting the right FedEx service level to filling out customs paperwork to choosing appropriate packaging, it‘s important to dot your i‘s and cross your t‘s. The extra effort will help ensure your FedEx shipments reach their Chinese destination without a hitch.
Still have questions about FedEx China shipping? Reach out to your FedEx account executive for personalized assistance. Or contact FedEx Customer Service anytime for general inquiries, rate quotes, and expert advice on getting your products into the hands of Chinese buyers.
