Sea Freight from Xiamen to Felixstowe
Cost-effective ocean shipping service from Xiamen port to Felixstowe. Comprehensive FCL and LCL container shipping solutions with reliable transit times and professional cargo handling throughout the journey.
Transit
28-32 days
Departures
Weekly departures
Why Sea Freight
Benefits of Sea Freight Shipping from Xiamen to Felixstowe
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
Shipping from Port of Xiamen (CNXMN) to Port of Felixstowe (GBFXT) offers exceptional value for businesses moving substantial cargo volumes to the United Kingdom. Major carriers like COSCO, MSC, and Maersk operate regular services on this route, providing reliable weekly departures with excellent cargo handling standards at both terminals. Your goods benefit from modern container security systems and climate-controlled options, which proves essential for electronics, textiles, and machinery commonly shipped from Xiamen's manufacturing hub.
The Port of Felixstowe handles over 4 million containers annually and serves as the UK's largest container port, giving you direct access to Britain's major distribution networks without costly inland transfers. This route particularly benefits importers of consumer goods, automotive parts, and industrial equipment who prioritize cost efficiency over speed.
Route Highlights
28-32 days
Transit Time
Weekly departures
Sailing Frequency
<0.1%
Cargo Damage Rate
FCL & LCL
Container Options
Pricing Guide
Sea Freight Shipping Rates from Xiamen to Felixstowe
Current sea freight rates from Xiamen to Felixstowe range from $1,200 to $1,800 per 20-foot container (FCL) and $85 to $120 per cubic meter for less-than-container loads (LCL) in 2026. Container rates fluctuate based on seasonal demand, with peak pricing typically occurring during August through October as retailers prepare for holiday inventory. Additional costs include a bunker adjustment factor of roughly $150-250 per container, documentation fees around $75-100, and UK customs clearance averaging $180-220 depending on cargo complexity. Smart shippers reduce costs by booking during off-peak months, consolidating shipments to achieve full container loads, and working with freight forwarders who have established relationships with both Xiamen exporters and UK customs brokers.
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 Xiamen to Felixstowe
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 Xiamen to Felixstowe typically requires 28-32 days port-to-port, with vessels making stops in Singapore, Colombo, and Rotterdam before reaching the UK. Premium services from carriers like ONE and Evergreen can reduce this to 26-28 days by utilizing faster vessels with fewer intermediate stops. UK customs clearance at Felixstowe generally takes 1-3 business days for standard commercial goods, though complex shipments requiring inspections may extend this to 5-7 days. Expedite your cargo processing by ensuring complete and accurate documentation, pre-clearing customs where possible, and choosing experienced UK customs agents familiar with your specific product categories.
Pricing
Container Options & Pricing
Transparent pricing for FCL and LCL shipments. All rates include standard handling.
| Carrier | 40GP (USD) | 40HQ (USD) | Transit Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| MSC | $1,650 | $1,650 | 45 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
Contact for pricing
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 Xiamen to Felixstowe 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: Xiamen to Felixstowe
This route serves as a major trade lane for various goods. Common shipments from Xiamen to Felixstowe include:
Electronics
Consumer electronics including phones, computers, and lithium-ion batteries
Home & Office
Modern furniture, ergonomic office equipment, and home lighting
Industrial
Heavy machinery, renewable energy components, and industrial tools
Retail & Fashion
Fast-fashion apparel, footwear, and synthetic textiles
Toys & Recreation
E-bikes, electric scooters, and educational toys
Dangerous Goods
Regulated items such as lithium-ion cells and chemical compounds
Documentation
Documentation for Xiamen to Felixstowe Shipments
Proper documentation ensures smooth customs clearance for your sea freight shipment to Felixstowe. 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 United Kingdom
Single Entry or Continuous Bond required for all US imports
Title document for ocean cargo - required for cargo release
Importer Security Filing must be submitted 24 hours before vessel departure from China
United Kingdom Import Specifics
Customs Bond is mandatory for both sea and air imports
FDA prior notice required for food products (filed 15 days before arrival)
FCC certification needed for electronic devices
ISF Filing is critical for sea freight - failure to file results in a $5,000 fine
Customs
United Kingdom Customs Process
Getting your cargo through United Kingdom 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.
ISF 10+2 Filing
Importer Security Filing must be submitted 24 hours before the vessel departs China. Non-compliance results in a $5,000 fine per violation.
Entry Type 01
Entry Type 01 is the standard classification for commercial sea freight requiring formal customs processing.
Customs Bond Requirement
All US imports require either a Continuous Bond (for frequent importers) or a Single Entry Bond (for occasional shipments).
UFLPA Compliance
All China-origin cargo is subject to UFLPA scrutiny. Importers must be able to verify ethical sourcing.
United Kingdom Clearance Focus Areas
UFLPA compliance is a current CBP priority for all China shipments
FDA prior notice is required for food and pharmaceutical products
ISF late fees are strictly enforced without exceptions
FCC certification needed for electronic devices
Hazardous Materials
Dangerous Goods Shipping to Felixstowe
Shipping dangerous goods from Xiamen to Felixstowe requires compliance with IMDG Code (International Maritime Dangerous Goods) standards and United Kingdom-specific regulations. Sea freight allows larger quantities but requires careful planning for extended transit times.
Universal Requirements for All DG Shipments
Complete the formal declaration document with shipper signature certifying DG compliance
Provide a phone number (with country code) manned 24/7 by someone familiar with the cargo details
Packaging must display valid UN certification matching the dangerous goods classification
Material Safety Data Sheet required in English and Chinese, dated within the last 12 months
Sea Freight DG Rules for United Kingdom
Port Security Requirements
Port security may require additional documentation or physical inspection of DG shipments.
ISF 10+2 DG Details
Detailed chemical composition required in ISF filing. Generic descriptions are not accepted—provide exact chemical names.
49 CFR Compliance
The US follows 49 CFR for hazmat—ensure your packaging and paperwork meet these federal standards.
United Kingdom Dangerous Goods Notes
ISF filing must include complete DG details 24 hours before departure
Random CBP inspections are common for DG shipments
Lithium batteries >100Wh are Cargo Aircraft Only
US requires exact chemical names—generic descriptions are rejected
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does sea freight take from Xiamen to Felixstowe?
Sea freight from Xiamen to Felixstowe typically takes 28-32 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 Xiamen to Felixstowe?
The estimated cost of shipping a 40ft container from Xiamen to Felixstowe ranges from $1,650 to $1,650 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 Xiamen to Felixstowe shipment?
Choosing between FCL and LCL for your Xiamen to Felixstowe 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 United Kingdom?
Documents required to ship from China to United Kingdom 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 Xiamen to Felixstowe route?
Factors that can cause delays on the Xiamen to Felixstowe 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 Fujian should I choose for the fastest service to Felixstowe?
For the fastest sea freight service to Felixstowe, Xiamen is an excellent choice with 28-32 days transit time. This port offers regular services with reliable transit times.
Are there direct sea freight services from Xiamen to Felixstowe?
Yes, there are direct sea freight services from Xiamen to Felixstowe offered by major carriers including COSCO, MSC, Maersk, and Evergreen. Direct services provide the fastest transit times of 28-32 days. Transshipment options via hub ports may also be available at competitive rates.
How can I calculate import duty from Xiamen, Fujian to Felixstowe?
Import duty from Xiamen to Felixstowe is calculated based on the HS code of your goods, the declared value (CIF), and United Kingdom's tariff rates. United Kingdom applies duties based on product classification. A customs broker can provide accurate duty estimates.
Do I need insurance to ship from Xiamen, Fujian to Felixstowe?
Insurance for shipping from Xiamen to Felixstowe 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 28-32-day journey, insurance provides valuable protection against unforeseen events.
What factors affect the cost of shipping from Xiamen to Felixstowe?
The cost of shipping from Xiamen to Felixstowe 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 Xiamen to Felixstowe?
The best way to track your shipment from Xiamen to Felixstowe 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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