Sea Freight from Shanghai to La Spezia
Cost-effective ocean shipping service from Shanghai port to La Spezia. Comprehensive FCL and LCL container shipping solutions with reliable transit times and professional cargo handling throughout the journey.
Transit
40-65 days
Departures
Weekly departures
Why Sea Freight
Benefits of Sea Freight Shipping from Shanghai 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
Sea freight from Shanghai to La Spezia connects China's largest container port with one of Italy's most efficient Mediterranean gateways. La Spezia, located in the Ligurian Sea, serves as a key entry point for Northern and Central Italy, with excellent rail connections to Milan, Turin, and the broader Po Valley industrial region.
Major carriers including CMA CGM, OOCL, COSCO, MSC, and Maersk operate regular services, ensuring reliable weekly capacity. The Port of La Spezia is renowned for its operational efficiency and quick turnaround times, making it a preferred choice for time-sensitive shipments destined for Italy's industrial heartland.
Route Highlights
40-65 days
Transit Time
Weekly departures
Sailing Frequency
<0.1%
Cargo Damage Rate
FCL & LCL
Container Options
Pricing Guide
Sea Freight Shipping Rates from Shanghai to La Spezia
Current 2026 sea freight rates from Shanghai to La Spezia range from $1,900 to $2,600 per 40-foot container. MSC offers the most competitive transit at 48 days with rates from $2,500 per 40GP and 40HQ container. CMA CGM quotes $2,500 with 50-day transit, while COSCO rates start at $2,600. For 20-foot containers, rates range from $1,900 to $2,100. Additional costs include fuel surcharges of $200-350, Shanghai terminal handling of approximately $200-300, and Italian customs processing fees of €100-150.
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
Delivery Timeline
Transit Times for Sea Freight from Shanghai 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
Ocean transit from Shanghai to La Spezia typically requires 48-52 days depending on carrier selection. MSC offers the fastest service at approximately 48 days, while CMA CGM and Maersk maintain 50-day schedules. OOCL and COSCO services take approximately 52 days. Italian customs clearance at La Spezia generally processes within 1-2 business days, with the port's modern facilities enabling efficient cargo handling and release.
Pricing
Container Options & Pricing
Transparent pricing for FCL and LCL shipments. All rates include standard handling.
| Carrier | 20GP (USD) | 40GP (USD) | 40HQ (USD) | Transit Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CMA | $2,000 | $2,500 | $2,500 | 50 days |
| OOCL | $2,000 | $2,500 | $2,500 | 52 days |
| COSCO | $2,100 | $2,600 | $2,600 | 52 days |
| MSC | $1,900 | $2,500 | $2,500 | 48 days |
| MAERSK | $1,900 | $2,500 | $2,500 | 50 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 Shanghai 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 daysGet a customized quote and book your container.
Collection & Export
2-3 daysWe collect cargo and handle export documentation.
Ocean Transit
12-20 daysYour cargo travels safely across the ocean.
Port Handling
2-3 daysCustoms clearance and port procedures completed.
Final Delivery
1-2 daysCargo delivered to your specified destination.
Key Documents
See full documentation requirements below
Cargo Types
Top Cargo Categories: Shanghai to La Spezia
Businesses regularly ship the following product categories from Shanghai to La Spezia, Italy:
Electronics
Electronic devices, mobile technology, and computing hardware
Furniture
Modern furniture, seating, and storage solutions
Industrial
Manufacturing equipment, mechanical systems, and industrial gear
Retail
Toys, clothing, and fitness accessories
Oversized Cargo
Large equipment, industrial vehicles, and building supplies
Dangerous Goods
Regulated items such as lithium-ion cells and chemical compounds
Documentation
Documentation for Shanghai to La Spezia Shipments
Proper documentation ensures smooth customs clearance for your sea freight shipment to La Spezia. Your cargo will be accompanied by a Bill of Lading (B/L) as proof of transport.
Universal Requirements
Lists package contents, dimensions, and gross/net weights
Official record of the trade agreement
Proves goods were manufactured in China (for duty benefits)
Lists product descriptions, pricing, and transaction parties
Sea Freight Requirements for Italy
Customs declaration form for the destination country
Country-specific customs documentation for clearance
Title document for ocean cargo - required for cargo release
Key Points for Italy
HS Code accuracy is critical for correct duty calculation
Import licenses may be required for restricted goods
Local agent/broker recommended for smooth customs clearance
Contact destination customs for specific import requirements
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.
Documentation Review
Document review is standard procedure for all commercial imports.
Duty Payment
Pay applicable duties and taxes before your cargo can clear customs.
Import Declaration
A customs declaration must be filed for all commercial sea freight before cargo release.
Key Italy Import Considerations
Import licenses may be required for restricted goods
HS Code accuracy is critical for correct duty calculation
Contact destination customs for specific import requirements
Local customs broker recommended for smooth clearance
Hazardous Materials
Dangerous Goods Shipping to La Spezia
Shipping dangerous goods from Shanghai to La Spezia requires compliance with IMDG Code (International Maritime Dangerous Goods) standards and Italy-specific regulations. Sea freight allows larger quantities but requires careful planning for extended transit times.
Universal Requirements for All DG Shipments
Outer packaging must bear the UN certification mark confirming it can withstand the specific hazards
Provide recent Safety Data Sheets in English and Chinese—documents older than 1 year are rejected
A 24/7 emergency number is mandatory; the contact must understand the hazardous materials involved
Shipper must complete and sign the official Dangerous Goods Declaration form
Sea Freight DG Rules for Italy
Port Authority Notification
Most ports require advance notification before dangerous goods vessel arrival.
IMDG Code Compliance
International maritime DG standards apply to all ocean freight hazardous cargo.
Local Compliance
Check destination country rules for additional DG compliance needs.
Key Points for Italy Hazmat
IATA DGR applies stricter standards for air freight
IMDG Code governs sea freight dangerous goods
Contact destination customs for specific national requirements
Lithium batteries face enhanced restrictions
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does sea freight take from Shanghai to La Spezia?
Sea freight from Shanghai 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 Shanghai to La Spezia?
The estimated cost of shipping a 40ft container from Shanghai 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 Shanghai to La Spezia shipment?
Choosing between FCL and LCL for your Shanghai 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 Shanghai to La Spezia route?
Factors that can cause delays on the Shanghai 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 Shanghai should I choose for the fastest service to La Spezia?
For the fastest sea freight service to La Spezia, Shanghai is an excellent choice with 40-65 days transit time. Shanghai and Ningbo ports offer frequent sailings and excellent connectivity.
Are there direct sea freight services from Shanghai to La Spezia?
Yes, there are direct sea freight services from Shanghai 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 Shanghai, Shanghai to La Spezia?
Import duty from Shanghai 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 Shanghai, Shanghai to La Spezia?
Insurance for shipping from Shanghai 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 Shanghai to La Spezia?
The cost of shipping from Shanghai 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 Shanghai to La Spezia?
The best way to track your shipment from Shanghai 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.
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