FTZ re-distribution
A pharma company stores temperature-sensitive goods in Shanghai FTZ, re-distributing across Asia without paying Chinese import duties. Our team manages bonded inventory and cross-docking.
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East China · Regional Office
Freight forwarder in Shanghai
Ship from the world's busiest port with our longest-running mainland team. FTZ bonded logistics, Yangtze Delta factory pickups, and more carrier options than anywhere else.
- 47M+
- 3.5M+ tonnes
- 2001
Inside the office
Inside our Shanghai office
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Why this port
Why ship from Shanghai
Yangshan Deep Water Port — #1 worldwide (since 2010).
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#1
Port worldwide
47M+ TEUs — more connections and frequency than any other port on earth.
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FTZ
Free Trade Zone
Bonded warehousing, streamlined customs, deferred duties.
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25+
Years presence
Our longest mainland office — deep relationships with carriers and customs.
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20%
Of China's GDP
The Yangtze River Delta is China's most productive economic zone.
- World's busiest container port since 2010
- Phase 4 automated terminal — AI-driven, near-zero error
- FTZ: bonded warehousing + simplified customs
- Yangtze River Delta = 20% of China's GDP
Real-world examples
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Services
What we handle from Shanghai
Full-service freight forwarding and logistics — same standards as every SINO office.
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Sea & air routes
Shipping routes from Shanghai
Estimated transit times for sea freight. Air freight available for most destinations in 3–7 days.
Japan / Korea 3-5 days Daily sailings
Southeast Asia 6-10 days —
Europe (North) 22-28 days Via Suez
Mediterranean 20-25 days —
US West Coast 14-18 days Trans-Pacific express
US East Coast 25-32 days —
Australia / NZ 14-18 days —
Europe (Rail) 18-20 days Duisburg/Hamburg
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Sectors served
Industries we serve from Shanghai
Key manufacturing and export sectors in the Shanghai region.
- Automotive parts
- Chemicals & pharmaceuticals
- Machinery & equipment
- Textiles & consumer goods
- E-commerce
- Financial services
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Field guide
Shipping from Shanghai
Everything you need to know about freight forwarding from Shanghai — from port capabilities to practical tips for importers.
Shanghai: the world's busiest container port since 2010
Shanghai Port has held the title of the world's busiest container port for over a decade, handling more than 47 million TEUs annually. The port's Yangshan Deep-Water Terminal, connected to the mainland by the 32km Donghai Bridge, is one of the most automated container facilities on earth. For shippers, this volume translates into unmatched carrier options — virtually every major shipping line calls at Shanghai, offering direct services to every major port worldwide. This carrier density creates competition that keeps rates competitive, particularly on the transpacific and Asia-Europe trade lanes.
The Shanghai Free Trade Zone advantage
The China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone was the country's first FTZ when it launched in 2013, and it remains the most developed. For freight forwarding operations, the FTZ offers streamlined customs procedures, bonded warehousing without time limits, and simplified foreign exchange transactions. Our Shanghai office on the 46th floor of LUMINA Tower manages FTZ operations for clients who need to store, process, or redistribute goods without paying Chinese import duties. This is particularly valuable for companies using Shanghai as an Asian distribution hub — goods can be held in the FTZ and shipped to final destinations across Asia as orders come in.
Yangtze River Delta: China's largest economic region
The Yangtze River Delta (YRD) encompasses Shanghai, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Anhui provinces — a region with a combined GDP exceeding $4 trillion. The YRD produces everything from automotive components (Suzhou, Wuxi) to textiles (Shaoxing, Keqiao), pharmaceuticals (Hangzhou), and heavy machinery (Nanjing). Our Shanghai office coordinates pickups across the entire delta, with regular trucking routes to all major industrial cities. For importers sourcing from multiple YRD suppliers, we consolidate at our Shanghai facility and ship from Yangshan — one booking covering dozens of suppliers.
Rail freight from Shanghai to Europe
The China-Europe Railway Express has transformed overland trade between China and Europe. From Shanghai, rail services reach Hamburg, Duisburg, Madrid, and Warsaw in 18-22 days — roughly half the transit time of sea freight at a fraction of the cost of air freight. Our Shanghai team books rail freight for clients shipping automotive parts, machinery, and high-value consumer goods to Europe. Rail is particularly attractive during peak shipping season (August-October) when ocean freight rates spike and vessel space is scarce. It's the sweet spot between sea and air — faster than ocean, cheaper than air.
Selecting a freight forwarder in Shanghai
Shanghai's freight forwarding market is mature and competitive, with both global logistics giants and specialized local operators. The right choice depends on your specific needs. For general cargo on major trade lanes, large forwarders offer volume-based rates. But for complex operations — multi-supplier consolidation, FTZ bonded logistics, or time-sensitive shipments during peak season — you need a forwarder with deep local knowledge and operational flexibility. SINO Shipping has operated in Shanghai since 2001, making it our longest-running mainland office. Our 25 years of local experience, combined with our Hong Kong HQ's international network, gives clients the best of both worlds.
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Process
How it works
Three steps from your supplier's door to your warehouse. We handle everything in between.
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Tell us your needs
Share your supplier location, cargo details, and destination. Use our form, WhatsApp, or email.
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Get a quote in 24h
Our Shanghai team sends you rates, transit times, and a clear shipping plan within one business day.
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We handle the rest
Pickup, customs, freight, and delivery — tracked end-to-end. One contact, one invoice, zero stress.
Ready to ship from Shanghai?
Get a tailored quote from our Shanghai team. We'll respond within 24 hours with rates, transit times, and a clear plan.
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Office card
Our Shanghai office
Address
Room 4603-4605, 46/F, LUMINA, No. 175 Long Yao Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai
上海市徐汇区龙耀路175号星扬西岸中心46楼4603-4605室
Details
- Established 2001
- Class A licensed, NVOCC certified
- Regional Office
Contact
- +86 21 6093 3688
- Mon-Fri 9:00-12:00 / 13:30-18:00
- Contact form
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Questions
Frequently asked questions
About freight forwarding from Shanghai.
Why is Shanghai the top choice for freight forwarding in China?
Shanghai has the world's #1 container port by volume (47M+ TEUs), China's largest Free Trade Zone, and Pudong Airport — the country's 2nd busiest air cargo hub. It's also the financial capital of China with direct access to the Yangtze River Delta manufacturing base.
What is the Shanghai Free Trade Zone?
The Shanghai FTZ offers streamlined customs procedures, bonded storage, reduced administrative requirements, and favorable tax policies for international trade. Goods can enter and leave the zone with minimal customs intervention, making it ideal for distribution and re-export operations.
How long does shipping from Shanghai take?
Sea freight from Shanghai: 5-8 days to Japan/Korea, 18-22 days to Northern Europe, 14-18 days to US West Coast, 25-30 days to US East Coast. Air freight: 2-5 days to most global destinations via Pudong Airport.
What industries does the Shanghai region serve?
The Yangtze River Delta around Shanghai is China's largest economic region, producing automotive parts, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, machinery, textiles, and consumer goods. It accounts for roughly 20% of China's GDP.
How much does shipping from Shanghai cost?
Shanghai offers some of China's most competitive rates due to carrier density. FCL 20ft to US West Coast: $2,500-4,000, to Europe: $2,000-3,500. LCL from $40-70/CBM. Rates vary by season — peak season (Aug-Oct) can be 30-50% higher.
Can you pick up from my supplier in Jiangsu or Zhejiang?
Yes. Our Shanghai office covers the entire Yangtze River Delta: Suzhou, Wuxi, Hangzhou, Nanjing, and beyond. We arrange factory pickup, consolidation, and shipment from Yangshan port.
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Get started
Ship from Shanghai with confidence.
Our Shanghai team handles everything — from booking to delivery. Same standards as every SINO office, with deep local knowledge.