Sea and Air Freight from China – Reliable Transport Solutions for Global Supply Chains

China remains one of the most important trading partners for Germany, the European Union and Switzerland. Industries such as manufacturing, mechanical engineering, electronics, textiles, chemicals, automotive, e-commerce and high-tech sectors depend on reliable transport corridors between China and Central Europe. In this context, sea freight, air freight and specialized break bulk cargo solutions play a central role in maintaining stable and resilient supply chains.

As a Swiss-based freight forwarder with an international focus, TLS-Cargo GmbH provides comprehensive transport solutions for companies importing goods from China to Germany, the EU and Switzerland—including container transport (FCL & LCL), project cargo (break bulk), air freight connections and onward distribution.

This article outlines the most important logistics solutions from China, highlights strategic advantages and explains what companies should consider when managing global supply chains.

1. Sea Freight from China – Stable Supply Chains Between Asia and Europe

Sea freight remains the backbone of global trade and the most economical transport solution for large volumes.

China operates some of the world’s most efficient seaports, including:

• Shanghai
• Shenzhen
• Ningbo-Zhoushan
• Guangzhou / Nansha
• Qingdao
• Tianjin
• Xiamen
• Hong Kong

TLS-Cargo organizes regular sailings from all major Chinese ports to Europe’s key ports:

• Hamburg
• Rotterdam
• Antwerp
• Bremerhaven
• Genoa / La Spezia
• Koper

From there, we manage onward distribution to Germany and Switzerland, including customs clearance, truck delivery and optional onward transport to Italy.

Key Advantages of Sea Freight from China

• Lowest transport cost per cubic meter or per ton
• High capacity
• Stable schedules
• Globally standardized processes
• Ideal for large volumes, serial production and regular supply chains
• Seamless integration into multimodal transport concepts

Average transit times from China to the EU range between 28 and 40 days, depending on port and routing.

2. FCL – Full Container Load for Maximum Planning Reliability

Companies importing goods from China on a regular basis typically rely on FCL container transport.

We offer:

• 20’GP
• 40’GP
• 40’HC
• Open Top
• Flat Rack
• Reefer containers

An FCL container remains sealed throughout the entire transport chain, providing:

• High cargo security
• Fixed, predictable costs
• No mixing with third-party cargo
• Improved supply chain planning
• Streamlined customs clearance and documentation

FCL is suitable for machinery, technical components, consumer goods, textiles, furniture, electronics, automotive parts and e-commerce products.

3. Break Bulk Cargo – When Goods Do Not Fit into Containers

Many industrial goods manufactured in China are too large, too heavy or too long for standard containers. In such cases, break bulk cargo is the optimal solution.

Break bulk cargo is ideal for:

• Heavy machinery
• Industrial plants
• Steel structures
• Turbines, generators and compressors
• Modules and plant components
• Tanks and pressure vessels
• Oversized project cargo

As an experienced heavy-lift and project logistics provider, we handle:

• Technical pre-planning and surveying
• Heavy-lift handling in Chinese ports
• Sea transport on break bulk or multi-purpose vessels
• Discharge at European ports
• Onward transport to Germany and Switzerland
• Permits for oversized transport
• Low-bed and modular vehicles for final delivery

Why Break Bulk from China Remains Essential
China is one of the world’s leading producers of industrial large-scale components. For European projects in energy, infrastructure, manufacturing and construction, break bulk transport remains indispensable.

4. Air Freight from China – The Fastest Solution for Time-Critical Imports

For urgent, high-value or sensitive shipments, air freight is the most reliable transport option.

We operate through major Chinese airports:

• Shanghai (PVG)
• Shenzhen (SZX)
• Guangzhou (CAN)
• Hong Kong (HKG)
• Beijing (PEK)

with delivery to key European air freight hubs:

• Frankfurt (FRA)
• Munich (MUC)
• Amsterdam (AMS)
• Zurich (ZRH)
• Basel (BSL)
• Geneva (GVA)

Transit times: typically 2–6 days door-to-door.

Advantages of Air Freight

• Fastest transport mode
• Highest security standards
• Ideal for valuable goods such as electronics, spare parts and pharmaceuticals
• Predictable lead times
• Reduced inventory levels through lean logistics

Air freight is particularly suitable for:

• Electronics
• Fashion and retail
• Pharmaceuticals
• Mechanical engineering
• E-commerce
• Medical technology
• Automotive spare parts and just-in-time supply

5. From European Port to Switzerland – A Complete Transport Chain

After arrival in the EU, we manage:

• Discharge and terminal handling
• Import customs clearance
• Transfer from port to logistics hubs
• Onward transport by truck or rail

Final delivery throughout Switzerland, including Zurich, Bern, Basel, Lucerne, Geneva and St. Gallen.

Our door-to-door process includes:

• Pickup at your supplier in China
• Loading and export customs clearance
• Sea or air freight to Europe
• EU import customs and transfer to Switzerland
• Final delivery to the consignee

We ensure full transparency, traceability and regulatory compliance across the entire supply chain.

6. Multimodal Logistics Solutions for Maximum Efficiency

Many companies combine transport modes to balance cost and speed:

• Sea + truck
• Sea + rail
• Air + truck
• Break bulk + specialized vehicles
• Containers + cross-docking

Smart multimodal combinations help reduce lead times and optimize costs without compromising reliability.

Request a Quote for Transport from China
We provide transparent, tailor-made quotations for:

• Sea freight (FCL)
• Break bulk cargo
• Air freight
• Onward transport in Germany and Switzerland
• Customs clearance and documentation management
• Fast, professional and reliable.