Shipping from China in 2026: Lead Times, Rates and Pitfalls
Comparing sea, rail and air freight: what to choose for your cargo and budget.
The choice of shipping method directly affects the final cost of goods.
Sea freight
The cheapest option for large batches. Transit to Moscow — 45–60 days.
Rail
The best balance of price and speed: 18–25 days, stable rates.
Air freight
For urgent and high-value cargo: 5–10 days, but 4–6 times more expensive than rail.
What to watch out for
- Incoterms: FOB vs EXW — different areas of responsibility
- Customs clearance: allow 3–5 days
- Cargo insurance — from 0.3% of value
SinoBridge managers pick the optimal route for every order and handle the paperwork.