Sea Freight

Sea Freight from Qingdao to La Spezia

Cost-effective ocean shipping service from Qingdao port to La Spezia. Comprehensive FCL and LCL container shipping solutions with reliable transit times and professional cargo handling throughout the journey.

Cost-Effective
FCL & LCL Options
Port-to-Port
Reliable Transit

Transit

40-65 days

Departures

Weekly departures

Why Sea Freight

Benefits of Sea Freight Shipping from Qingdao to La Spezia

Cost Effective

80-90% cheaper than air freight for bulk cargo

High Capacity

FCL and LCL options for any shipment size

Reliable Service

Weekly sailings from major carriers

Global Network

Direct routes to major ports worldwide

Qingdao to La Spezia sea freight connects Northern China's major export hub with Italy's efficient Ligurian gateway port. Qingdao's well-developed port infrastructure serves manufacturers across Shandong province and beyond.

Major carriers including CMA CGM, EMC (Evergreen), COSCO, MSC, and Maersk operate regular services on this route. La Spezia's position near Italy's industrial north makes it ideal for machinery, industrial equipment, textiles, and consumer goods destined for Italian manufacturing and retail markets.

Route Highlights

40-65 days

Transit Time

Weekly departures

Sailing Frequency

<0.1%

Cargo Damage Rate

FCL & LCL

Container Options

Get a Quote

Pricing Guide

Sea Freight Shipping Rates from Qingdao to La Spezia

Sea freight rates from Qingdao to La Spezia in 2026 range from $1,900 to $2,600 per 40-foot container. CMA CGM, EMC, and Maersk offer standard rates at $2,500 per 40GP and 40HQ container with 60-day transit. COSCO rates start at $2,600, while MSC provides $2,500 with 64-day transit. For 20-foot containers, rates range from $1,900 to $2,100.

Quick Rate Guide

20ft Container

Standard dry

$1,800-2,800

40ft Container

Standard dry

$2,400-4,200

LCL Shipment

Per cubic meter

$45-85/CBM

Additional Costs

Origin THC$150-250
Destination THC$200-350
BAF Surcharge$300-500
Customs Brokerage$150-400
Get Exact Quote

Delivery Timeline

Transit Times for Sea Freight from Qingdao to La Spezia

Step 1

Cargo Loading

1-2 days

Container stuffing at origin

Step 2

Export Clearance

1-2 days

Documentation and customs

Step 3

Ocean Transit

15-25 days

Sailing to destination port

Step 4

Import Clearance

1-3 days

Customs inspection and release

Step 5

Final Delivery

1-5 days

Transport to final destination

Express

20-25 Days

Direct service with priority handling

Standard

25-35 Days

Regular service with full tracking

Economy

35-45 Days

Consolidated for maximum savings

Standard transit from Qingdao to La Spezia requires 60-64 days depending on carrier selection. CMA CGM, EMC, COSCO, and Maersk all maintain 60-day schedules, while MSC services take approximately 64 days. Customs clearance at La Spezia adds 1-2 business days for routine commercial shipments.

Pricing

Container Options & Pricing

Transparent pricing for FCL and LCL shipments. All rates include standard handling.

Carrier20GP (USD)40GP (USD)40HQ (USD)Transit Time
CMA$2,000$2,500$2,50060 days
EMC$2,000$2,500$2,50060 days
COSCO$2,100$2,600$2,60060 days
MSC$1,900$2,500$2,50064 days
MAERSK$1,900$2,500$2,50060 days

Pricing Disclaimer

These prices are subject to change based on market conditions, fuel surcharges, and seasonal demand. Contact us for the most up-to-date pricing and a customized quote for your specific shipment needs. Prices shown are for standard cargo and may vary for special cargo types.

Standard

20ft FCL

6.1m × 2.4m × 2.6m

See 20GP rates above

Extra Height

40ft High Cube

12.2m × 2.4m × 2.9m

See 40HQ rates above

Less than Container

LCL Shipment

Per CBM

From $45/CBM

Custom

Special Cargo

Various

Get custom quote

Equipment

Container Types Available

20ft Dry Container

Standard general cargo container

40ft Dry Container

High capacity for large shipments

40ft High Cube

Extra height for bulky cargo

20ft Refrigerated

Temperature-controlled cargo

Open Top Container

For oversized cargo loading

Flat Rack Container

Heavy machinery and equipment

Track Record

Reliable Service

Our Qingdao to La Spezia corridor represents years of refined expertise and thousands of successful shipments.

15+

Years Experience

25K+

Containers Shipped

99.5%

On-Time Delivery

24/7

Support Available

Process

How Our Sea Freight Process Works

Quote & Booking

1-2 days

Get a customized quote and book your container.

Collection & Export

2-3 days

We collect cargo and handle export documentation.

Ocean Transit

12-20 days

Your cargo travels safely across the ocean.

Port Handling

2-3 days

Customs clearance and port procedures completed.

Final Delivery

1-2 days

Cargo delivered to your specified destination.

Key Documents

Certificate of Origin
Commercial Invoice
Packing List
Customs Entry Form
Bill of Lading (B/L)

See full documentation requirements below

Cargo Types

What Ships from Qingdao to La Spezia?

Businesses regularly ship the following product categories from Qingdao to La Spezia, Italy:

Electronics

Digital devices, communication equipment, and electronics

Furniture

Ready-to-assemble home and office furniture

Industrial

Industrial equipment, energy systems, and production tools

Retail

Fashion items, sports gear, and household goods

Oversized Cargo

Project cargo, specialized equipment, and bulk materials

Dangerous Goods

Lithium batteries and chemicals (requires MSDS documentation)

Documentation

Documentation for Qingdao to La Spezia Shipments

Every shipment to Italy requires proper paperwork. Here's what you need for sea freight from Qingdao to La Spezia.

Universal Requirements

Certificate of Origin

Required for duty rate determination and trade agreements

Commercial Invoice

Official record of goods, their value, and parties involved

Packing List

Details weights, dimensions, and packaging specifications

Contract/Purchase Order

Proof of the commercial agreement between buyer and seller

Sea Freight Requirements for Italy

Customs Entry FormRequired

Country-specific customs documentation for clearance

Bill of Lading (B/L)Required

Title document for ocean cargo - required for cargo release

Import DeclarationRequired

Customs declaration form for the destination country

Key Points for Italy

1

Local agent/broker recommended for smooth customs clearance

2

Contact destination customs for specific import requirements

3

HS Code accuracy is critical for correct duty calculation

4

Import licenses may be required for restricted goods

Customs

Italy Customs Process

Getting your cargo through Italy customs involves multiple stages of verification and documentation review. With sea freight, you have weeks to prepare documentation, but errors can lead to significant daily storage fees (demurrage) at the port.

Customs(National Customs Authority)

Import Declaration

All sea cargo requires formal declaration through the national customs system.

Duty Payment

Complete duty assessment and payment to obtain cargo release.

Documentation Review

Customs will verify all shipping documents including commercial invoice and packing list.

Key Italy Import Considerations

1

Contact destination customs for specific import requirements

2

Local customs broker recommended for smooth clearance

3

Import licenses may be required for restricted goods

4

HS Code accuracy is critical for correct duty calculation

Hazardous Materials

Italy Dangerous Goods Requirements

Italy has specific requirements for dangerous goods in addition to international IMDG Code (International Maritime Dangerous Goods) standards. Sea freight allows larger quantities but requires careful planning for extended transit times.

NTSA

Universal Requirements for All DG Shipments

UN-Rated Packaging

Outer packaging must bear the UN certification mark confirming it can withstand the specific hazards

24-Hour Emergency Contact

A 24/7 emergency number is mandatory; the contact must understand the hazardous materials involved

MSDS/SDS Documentation

Provide recent Safety Data Sheets in English and Chinese—documents older than 1 year are rejected

Dangerous Goods Declaration

Shipper must complete and sign the official Dangerous Goods Declaration form

Sea Freight DG Rules for Italy

Local Compliance

Check destination country rules for additional DG compliance needs.

IMDG Code Compliance

International maritime DG standards apply to all ocean freight hazardous cargo.

Port Authority Notification

Most ports require advance notification before dangerous goods vessel arrival.

Key Points for Italy Hazmat

1

Contact destination customs for specific national requirements

2

IMDG Code governs sea freight dangerous goods

3

IATA DGR applies stricter standards for air freight

4

Lithium batteries face enhanced restrictions

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does sea freight take from Qingdao to La Spezia?

Sea freight from Qingdao to La Spezia typically takes 40-65 days for port-to-port transit. Actual delivery time may vary by 2-5 days depending on vessel schedules, customs clearance, and final delivery arrangements.

What is the estimated cost of shipping a container from Qingdao to La Spezia?

The estimated cost of shipping a 40ft container from Qingdao to La Spezia ranges from $2,500 to $2,600 depending on the carrier and service level. LCL rates typically start around $45-85 per CBM. Contact us for current rates and a customized quote.

Should I choose FCL or LCL for my Qingdao to La Spezia shipment?

Choosing between FCL and LCL for your Qingdao to La Spezia shipment depends on cargo volume. FCL (Full Container Load) is more cost-effective for shipments over 15 CBM, while LCL (Less than Container Load) is better for smaller volumes under 10 CBM. FCL also offers faster transit and lower risk of damage.

What documents do I need to ship from China to Italy?

Documents required to ship from China to Italy include: Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Bill of Lading, Certificate of Origin, and customs declaration forms. Additional certificates may be required depending on your product type.

What factors can cause delays on the Qingdao to La Spezia route?

Factors that can cause delays on the Qingdao to La Spezia route include port congestion, adverse weather conditions, customs inspections, incomplete documentation, and peak season volume. Planning ahead and ensuring accurate documentation helps minimize delays.

Which port in Shandong should I choose for the fastest service to La Spezia?

For the fastest sea freight service to La Spezia, Qingdao is an excellent choice with 40-65 days transit time. This port offers regular services with reliable transit times.

Are there direct sea freight services from Qingdao to La Spezia?

Yes, there are direct sea freight services from Qingdao to La Spezia offered by major carriers including COSCO, MSC, Maersk, and Evergreen. Direct services provide the fastest transit times of 40-65 days. Transshipment options via hub ports may also be available at competitive rates.

How can I calculate import duty from Qingdao, Shandong to La Spezia?

Import duty from Qingdao to La Spezia is calculated based on the HS code of your goods, the declared value (CIF), and Italy's tariff rates. Italy applies duties based on product classification. A customs broker can provide accurate duty estimates.

Do I need insurance to ship from Qingdao, Shandong to La Spezia?

Insurance for shipping from Qingdao to La Spezia is highly recommended though not legally required. Marine cargo insurance typically costs 0.3-0.5% of cargo value and covers loss or damage during transit. Given the 40-65-day journey, insurance provides valuable protection against unforeseen events.

What factors affect the cost of shipping from Qingdao to La Spezia?

The cost of shipping from Qingdao to La Spezia is affected by container type and size, cargo weight and volume, fuel surcharges, seasonal demand, carrier selection, and additional services like customs clearance. Peak seasons (August-October) typically see higher rates due to increased demand.

What is the best way to track my shipment from Qingdao to La Spezia?

The best way to track your shipment from Qingdao to La Spezia is through our online tracking portal using your Bill of Lading number. You'll receive real-time updates on vessel location, estimated arrival, and customs status. Our team also provides proactive notifications for any schedule changes.

Get Your Sea Freight Quote

Ready to ship from Qingdao to La Spezia? Get a competitive quote for your cargo. Our team will respond within 24 hours.

10K+
Shipments
delivered
50+
Destination
countries
24hr
Quote
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