China to the Philippines: Tips on saving money on consolidated shipping revealed!
Whether it is e-commerce sellers replenishing goods, sending personal luggage, or shopping on Taobao for transshipment, choosing the right logistics method is really important when sending things from China to the Philippines!
Many people come up and ask: "How much does it cost per kilogram?"
But in fact, we should first ask: Is my thing urgent? Is it a large item or a small item?
Today’s article will help you understand: Air freight ✈️ and sea freight 🚢 How to choose the most cost-effective option👇
1. Air freight: fast, but expensive
Suitable for the crowd:
Send documents, small parcels, samples, urgently needed items (such as mobile phones, clothes, cosmetics)
✅ Advantages:
· Fast delivery: 3-4 working days to major cities such as Manila
· Low loss rate and quick delivery to your doorstep
❌ Disadvantages:
· High price: 36 yuan/kg
· Bulky and heavy items are not cost-effective
📌 Little reminder:
Products with batteries, liquids, powders, and imitation brands must go through sensitive channels and do not send them randomly.
2.
Sea freight: slow, but economical
Suitable for the crowd:
Send furniture, home appliances, bulk merchandise, moving luggage, and non-urgent daily necessities
✅ Advantages:
· RMB 870-1,200 per cubic meter, more than half cheaper than air freight, with low prices starting from RMB 325 for 0.3 cubic meters
· Friendly for large and overweight items
❌ Disadvantages:
· Longer lead time: 15–25 working days
· Fragile items must be packed in reinforced packaging (wooden frames are recommended)
📌 Little reminder:
Shipping by sea is billed by cubic meter (CBM) (volume/weight ratio 500kg=1CBM). It is not recommended to ship small items by sea.
3. Common sense about container shipping (save money tips that many people don’t know)
✅ What is Consolidated Shipping?
The items you buy on Taobao, Pinduoduo, and JD.com are first sent to the domestic consolidation warehouse, and then combined into one package before being sent to the Philippines.
✅ Why consolidate shipping?
· Save shipping costs: Combined parcel delivery saves worry and cost
· Save trouble: no need to connect multiple express delivery yourself
· Safer: reinforced packaging to reduce damage
✅ Air Consolidation vs Sea Consolidation
· Small items and urgent items → Consolidated by air freight
· Large items, no rush → Consolidate shipping by sea
❗3 pitfalls in container shipping, don’t step on them:
1. Don’t falsely declare the value (it will be troublesome if caught by customs)
2. Ask in advance whether customs clearance & door-to-door delivery are included.
3. Don’t store goods for too long. Storage fees will be charged if you exceed the deadline.
Four write at the end
Whether it is your first time to send something to the Philippines or you are an old e-commerce seller, remember one core principle:
Don’t pursue speed → go by sea
Pursue speed → take air transport