How do I get a shipping container from China?

Shipping containers are widely used for transporting goods across the world. They are also popular for various creative purposes, such as building homes, offices, or storage units. If you are interested in buying a shipping container from China, you might wonder how to do it and what factors to consider. In this article, we will guide you through the process of ordering a shipping container from China and provide some useful tips and resources.

Why buy a shipping container from China?

China is the largest producer and exporter of shipping containers in the world. According to Container xChange, China accounts for more than 90% of the global container output. This means that you can find a wide range of shipping containers in China, from standard 20-foot or 40-foot containers to specialized ones, such as refrigerated, open-top, or flat-rack containers.

Buying a shipping container from China also has some advantages over buying from other countries. For instance:

• You can get a lower price due to the economies of scale and lower labor costs in China.
• You can get a higher quality due to the strict standards and regulations in China.
• You can get a faster delivery due to the availability of shipping routes and services from China.

How to order a shipping container from China?

Ordering a shipping container from China is not very complicated, but it does require some planning and preparation. Here are the main steps you need to follow:

1. Confirm what goods you want to order with your Chinese supplier. You need to specify the type, size, quantity, and condition of the containers you want. You also need to provide your delivery address and contact information.
2. Choose a suitable freight forwarder or shipping agent in China. A freight forwarder or shipping agent can help you arrange the transportation, documentation, customs clearance, and insurance of your containers. You can find many reputable and reliable freight forwarders or shipping agents in China online, such as Xiaorong Global. You should compare prices, services, and reviews with others before making a decision.
3. Choose an appropriate incoterm for your shipment. Incoterms are international standard codes that indicate where the cargo shall be shipped from the supplier to the importer. They also define the responsibilities and risks of both parties involved in the transaction. The most common incoterms for shipping containers from China are:

• FOB (Free On Board): The supplier delivers the containers to the port of export in China and pays for the export clearance. The importer is responsible for arranging and paying for the ocean freight, import clearance, and delivery to the final destination.
• CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight): The supplier delivers the containers to the port of destination in the importer’s country and pays for the ocean freight and insurance. The importer is responsible for arranging and paying for the import clearance and delivery to the final destination.
• DAP (Delivered At Place): The supplier delivers the containers to a specified place in the importer’s country and pays for all transportation costs and customs duties. The importer is responsible for unloading the containers and paying any taxes or fees.

1. You should choose an incoterm that suits your budget, convenience, and risk preference. You should also communicate clearly with your supplier and freight forwarder about the incoterm you want when getting a shipping quote.
2. Pay for your order and shipment. You need to pay your supplier for the containers according to the agreed payment terms. You also need to pay your freight forwarder or shipping agent for their services according to their invoice. You can use various payment methods, such as bank transfer, credit card, PayPal, or escrow service. You should always keep a record of your payments and receipts.
3. Track your shipment and receive your containers. You can track your shipment online using the tracking number or bill of lading provided by your freight forwarder or shipping agent. You should also keep in touch with them regularly to get updates on your shipment status and any issues that may arise along the way. Once your containers arrive at your destination port or place, you need to arrange for their pickup or delivery. You also need to inspect them for any damages or defects and sign off on their receipt.

What factors to consider when buying a shipping container from China?

Buying a shipping container from China involves some risks and challenges that you need to be aware of and prepared for. Here are some factors that you should consider before making a purchase:

• The quality of the containers: Not all containers are created equal. Some may have dents, rust, holes, leaks, or other defects that may affect their functionality and durability. You should always check the quality of the containers before buying them. You can ask for photos, videos, or inspection reports from your supplier or freight forwarder. You can also hire a third-party inspection company to verify the quality of the containers on your behalf.
• The condition of the containers: Containers can be classified into different grades based on their condition. The most common grades are:
• New or one-trip containers: These are containers that have been used only once to transport goods from China to other countries. They are in excellent condition and have no signs of wear and tear. They are also more expensive than other grades.
• Cargo-worthy or CW containers: These are containers that have been used multiple times to transport goods but are still in good condition and meet international standards for ocean shipping. They may have some minor cosmetic issues, such as scratches, dents, or paint fading, but they are still functional and durable. They are also cheaper than new or one-trip containers.
• Wind- and water-tight or WWT containers: These are containers that have been used extensively to transport goods but are still able to keep out wind and water. They may have some major cosmetic issues, such as rust, holes, leaks, or corrosion, but they are still usable for storage or other purposes. They are also the cheapest grade of containers.
• You should choose a grade of container that matches your needs and expectations. You should also check the age and history of the containers before buying them. You can find this information on the container identification number (CIN) or container safety approval plate (CSC) that is attached to each container.
• The size of the containers: Containers come in different sizes and dimensions to accommodate different types of goods and cargo. The most common sizes are:
• 20-foot standard container: This is the smallest and most widely used size of container. It measures 20 feet long, 8 feet wide, and 8.5 feet high. It can hold up to 33 cubic meters or 28 metric tons of cargo.
• 40-foot standard container: This is the largest and most versatile size of container. It measures 40 feet long, 8 feet wide, and 8.5 feet high. It can hold up to 67 cubic meters or 28 metric tons of cargo.
• 40-foot high-cube container: This is a variation of the 40-foot standard container that has an extra foot of height. It measures 40 feet long, 8 feet wide, and 9.5 feet high. It can hold up to 76 cubic meters or 28 metric tons of cargo.
• You should choose a size of container that fits your goods and cargo volume and weight. You should also consider the space and equipment available at your destination for handling and storing the containers.
• The shipping cost and time: The cost and time of shipping a container from China depend on various factors, such as:
• The distance and route between the origin and destination ports or places
• The mode and method of transportation (sea, air, rail, road, etc.)
• The availability and demand of shipping services and carriers
• The seasonality and weather conditions
• The customs regulations and procedures
• The exchange rates and fuel prices
• You should compare different shipping options and quotes from different freight forwarders or shipping agents to find the best deal for your budget and schedule. You should also factor in some buffer time for any delays or disruptions that may occur during the shipping process.

Conclusion

Buying a shipping container from China can be a rewarding experience if you do it right. By following the steps and tips we have shared in this article, you can order a shipping container from China with ease and confidence. You can also save money, time, and hassle along the way.

If you need more help or information about buying a shipping container from China, you can contact us for help