Sea Freight from Xiamen to Southampton
Cost-effective ocean shipping service from Xiamen port to Southampton. Comprehensive FCL and LCL container shipping solutions with reliable transit times and professional cargo handling throughout the journey.
Transit
30-35 days
Departures
Weekly departures
Why Sea Freight
Benefits of Sea Freight Shipping from Xiamen to Southampton
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 to Southampton offers exceptional value for businesses importing machinery, electronics, and textiles into the United Kingdom market. The route provides access to multiple reliable carriers including COSCO, Evergreen, and MSC, ensuring consistent weekly departures and competitive capacity options. Your cargo benefits from modern container security systems and temperature-controlled options, particularly important for the electronics and automotive parts that frequently move through this corridor.
Southampton's strategic location provides excellent onward distribution throughout the UK and into European markets, making it ideal for businesses serving both domestic and continental customers. The deep-water facilities at both ports accommodate the largest container vessels, resulting in better economies of scale and more stable pricing compared to smaller port alternatives.
Route Highlights
30-35 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 Southampton
Current 2026 sea freight rates from Xiamen to Southampton typically range from $800 to $1,200 per twenty-foot equivalent unit (TEU), with forty-foot containers averaging $1,400 to $2,000 depending on seasonal demand and carrier selection. Peak shipping seasons from September through November can increase these base rates by 15-25%, while January through March often provides the most competitive pricing opportunities. Additional costs include documentation fees around $75-150, customs clearance averaging $200-300, and fuel surcharges that fluctuate between 8-12% of the base ocean freight rate. Smart shippers can reduce total costs by consolidating shipments to achieve full container loads, booking space 3-4 weeks in advance, and working with freight forwarders who have strong carrier relationships on this established trade lane.
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 Southampton
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 sea freight service from Xiamen to Southampton requires 30-35 days door-to-door, with the ocean voyage itself taking approximately 25-28 days via the Suez Canal route. Customs clearance at Southampton typically adds 2-4 business days, though having complete and accurate documentation can reduce this to 1-2 days for routine commercial shipments. Express services are limited on this route, but premium carriers like Maersk and CMA CGM offer slightly faster transits of 28-32 days with more predictable scheduling. To minimize delays, ensure your commercial invoices match packing lists exactly, provide detailed product descriptions for UK customs, and consider using an established freight forwarder with HMRC trusted trader status. Weather-related delays are uncommon on this route except during severe winter storms in the English Channel, which might add 1-2 days during December and January crossings.
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 | 41 days |
| Maersk | $1,700 | $1,700 | 43 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 Southampton 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
Frequently Shipped Goods: Xiamen to Southampton
From Xiamen to Southampton, we frequently transport these cargo types:
Electronics
High-tech gadgets from smartphones to industrial circuit boards
Home & Office
Flat-pack furniture, office chairs, LED lighting, and bedding
Industrial
Power generators, industrial machinery, and HVAC equipment
Retail & Fashion
Trendy clothing, athletic footwear, and textile goods
Toys & Recreation
Sports equipment, hobby electronics, and children's toys
Dangerous Goods
Lithium batteries and chemicals (requires MSDS documentation)
Documentation
Shipping Documents for the Xiamen to Southampton Route
Every shipment to United Kingdom requires proper paperwork. Here's what you need for sea freight from Xiamen to Southampton.
Universal Requirements
Details weights, dimensions, and packaging specifications
Official record of goods, their value, and parties involved
Required for duty rate determination and trade agreements
Proof of the commercial agreement between buyer and seller
Sea Freight Requirements for United Kingdom
Single Entry or Continuous Bond required for all US imports
Importer Security Filing must be submitted 24 hours before vessel departure from China
Title document for ocean cargo - required for cargo release
United Kingdom Import Specifics
Customs Bond is mandatory for both sea and air imports
ISF Filing is critical for sea freight - failure to file results in a $5,000 fine
FCC certification needed for electronic devices
FDA prior notice required for food products (filed 15 days before arrival)
Customs
Import Clearance: Xiamen to Southampton
The customs clearance process in Southampton requires accurate documentation and regulatory compliance. With sea freight, you have weeks to prepare documentation, but errors can lead to significant daily storage fees (demurrage) at the port.
Entry Type 01
Most commercial goods enter under Entry Type 01, which requires full duty payment and formal entry procedures.
UFLPA Compliance
The UFLPA requires evidence that goods were not produced using forced labor. Be prepared to provide supply chain documentation.
ISF 10+2 Filing
Submit your Importer Security Filing at least 24 hours before sailing. Failure to file carries a $5,000 penalty per shipment.
Customs Bond Requirement
You must have a valid Customs Bond before your sea freight arrives at a US port.
United Kingdom Clearance Focus Areas
FDA prior notice is required for food and pharmaceutical products
FCC certification needed for electronic devices
UFLPA compliance is a current CBP priority for all China shipments
ISF late fees are strictly enforced without exceptions
Hazardous Materials
United Kingdom Dangerous Goods Requirements
United Kingdom 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.
Universal Requirements for All DG Shipments
Packaging must display valid UN certification matching the dangerous goods classification
Provide a phone number (with country code) manned 24/7 by someone familiar with the cargo details
Complete the formal declaration document with shipper signature certifying DG compliance
Material Safety Data Sheet required in English and Chinese, dated within the last 12 months
Sea Freight DG Rules for United Kingdom
49 CFR Compliance
The US follows 49 CFR for hazmat—ensure your packaging and paperwork meet these federal standards.
ISF 10+2 DG Details
Detailed chemical composition required in ISF filing. Generic descriptions are not accepted—provide exact chemical names.
Port Security Requirements
Port security may require additional documentation or physical inspection of DG shipments.
United Kingdom Dangerous Goods Notes
Lithium batteries >100Wh are Cargo Aircraft Only
Random CBP inspections are common for DG shipments
ISF filing must include complete DG details 24 hours before departure
US requires exact chemical names—generic descriptions are rejected
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does sea freight take from Xiamen to Southampton?
Sea freight from Xiamen to Southampton typically takes 30-35 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 Southampton?
The estimated cost of shipping a 40ft container from Xiamen to Southampton ranges from $1,650 to $1,700 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 Southampton shipment?
Choosing between FCL and LCL for your Xiamen to Southampton 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 Southampton route?
Factors that can cause delays on the Xiamen to Southampton 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 Southampton?
For the fastest sea freight service to Southampton, Xiamen is an excellent choice with 30-35 days transit time. This port offers regular services with reliable transit times.
Are there direct sea freight services from Xiamen to Southampton?
Yes, there are direct sea freight services from Xiamen to Southampton offered by major carriers including COSCO, MSC, Maersk, and Evergreen. Direct services provide the fastest transit times of 30-35 days. Transshipment options via hub ports may also be available at competitive rates.
How can I calculate import duty from Xiamen, Fujian to Southampton?
Import duty from Xiamen to Southampton 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 Southampton?
Insurance for shipping from Xiamen to Southampton 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 30-35-day journey, insurance provides valuable protection against unforeseen events.
What factors affect the cost of shipping from Xiamen to Southampton?
The cost of shipping from Xiamen to Southampton 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 Southampton?
The best way to track your shipment from Xiamen to Southampton 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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