Cargos ships from China to Poland

2025-07-10

Cargos ships from China to Poland

Bilateral trade volume from January to May 2025: a total of US$18.822 billion, a year-on-year increase of 6.1%. Among them:

China's exports to Poland: US$17.073 billion, a year-on-year increase of 8.9% (mainly electromechanical products, textiles, furniture, etc.)

China's imports from Poland: US$1.749 billion, a year-on-year decrease of 15.2% (mainly imported dairy products, meat, electromechanical equipment, etc.)

International logistics companies are like bridges, linking the transportation of goods between the two countries, so let us understand what are the transportation routes from China to Poland.

Air vs. Sea vs. Rail vs. Truck Freight to Poland (Comparison)

Factor	Air Freight	Sea Freight	Rail Freight	Truck Freight
Transit Time	3–7 days	35–45 days	12–18 days	14–20 days
Cost (Example)	$5–$15/kg	$0.5–$2/kg	$1.5–$4/kg	$3.5–$6.5/km (FTL)
Max Cargo Size	1,000 kg/piece	20–40 ft containers	40 ft containers	24–33 pallets/truck
Best For	Urgent, high-value	Bulk, non-urgent	Balanced cost/speed	Door-to-door (EU)
Customs Speed	Fastest (24h)	Slowest (3–5 days)	Moderate (2–3 days)	Moderate (2–3 days)
Carbon Footprint	Highest	Lowest	Medium	High

AIR FREIGHT FROM CHINA TO POLAND

Key Air Freight Routes (China → Poland)

Volumetric Weight=(L×W×H)/6000

Chargeable weight = actual or volumetric (whichever is higher)

July 2025 Air Freight Rate Forecast (China → Poland)

Route	Price/kg (USD)	Min. Charge	Transit Time	Key Airlines	Flight Frequency	Transit Times
Shanghai (PVG) → Warsaw (WAW)	$4.20 – $7.80	$180–$350	3–5 days	LOT Polish, China Eastern	Daily	2–5 days
Beijing (PEK) → Warsaw (WAW)	$4.50 – $8.20	$200–$400	4–6 days	Air China, Lufthansa Cargo	weekly	2–5 days
Shenzhen (SZX) → Kraków (KRK)	$4.80 – $9.00	$220–$450	5–7 days	Qatar Airways, Cargolux	weekly	2–5 days
Guangzhou (CAN) → Warsaw (WAW)	$4.00 – $7.50	$170–$330	3–6 days	China Southern, Turkish Cargo	weekly	2–5 days

Advantages of Air Freight to Poland

1. Speed (Fastest Option – 3-7 Days Door-to-Door)

Best for urgent shipments (e.g., spare parts, medical supplies, e-commerce).

Direct flights from major Chinese airports

2. High Security & Low Risk of Damage

Minimal handling compared to sea/rail, reducing theft and damage risks.

Ideal for fragile/high-value goods (electronics, luxury items, pharmaceuticals).

3. Flexible for Small Shipments

No minimum volume (unlike sea LCL or rail, which require consolidation).

4. Simplified Customs Clearance

Priority processing at Polish airports (e.g., Warsaw Chopin Airport).

5. Reliable Schedules

Daily flights ensure frequent departures (unlike weekly sea/rail routes).

6. Temperature-Controlled Options

Cold chain logistics for perishables (food, vaccines, biologics).

Disadvantages of Air Freight to Poland

1. High Cost (5–10x More Expensive Than Sea Freight)

Not economical for heavy/bulk shipments (e.g., furniture, raw materials).

2. Strict Weight & Size Limits

Max weight per piece: Typically 100–1,000 kg (varies by airline).

Size restrictions: Oversized cargo (e.g., machinery) often requires special approval.

3. Limited Capacity

Cargo space competes with passenger flights (limited availability during peak seasons).

How to Reduce Air Freight Costs?

Consolidate Shipments: Combine multiple orders to reach 500+ kg for bulk discounts.

Use Regional Airports: Flying into KRK (Kraków) instead of WAW may save $0.50/kg.

Pre-Clear Customs: Submit documents early to avoid storage fees (~€2/day per m³).

Book Off-Peak: Mid-month flights (10th–20th July) often have lower rates.

SEA FREIGHT FROM CHINA TO POLAND

Main Shipping Routes & Transit Times

Route	Ports Involved	Transit Time	Key Features
Direct to Gdańsk	Shanghai/Ningbo/Shenzhen → Gdańsk	28-35 days	Fastest sea route to Poland
Via Hamburg/Rotterdam	Chinese ports → EU hub → Truck to Poland	35-45 days	More frequent sailings
Baltic Sea Route	Qingdao/Dalian → Klaipeda (LT) → Truck	32-40 days	Alternative for Eastern Poland

Container Types & Costs (2025 July Rates)

Container Type	Capacity	Price Range	Best For
20' Standard (FCL)	33 m³ / 28 CBM	$800-$1,800	Small shipments (10-12 pallets)
40' Standard (FCL)	67 m³ / 56 CBM	$1,200-$2,500	Medium shipments (20-24 pallets)
40' High Cube (FCL)	76 m³ / 68 CBM	$1,400-$2,800	Light bulky cargo
LCL (per m³)	-	$50-$150	Shipments <15 m³

*Note: Rates vary by season (Q4 peaks +20-30%) and fuel surcharges*

Key Polish Ports

Gdańsk (Main deep-water port)

Capacity: 2.5M TEU/year

Direct China calls: COSCO, MSC, Maersk

Gdynia (Complementary port)

Specializes in Ro-Ro and project cargo

Szczecin-Świnoujście (Western Poland)

Better for German border deliveries

Top Shipping Lines

Carrier	China-Poland Service	Frequency
COSCO	Direct to Gdańsk	Weekly
MSC	Via Rotterdam	3x weekly
Maersk	Via Hamburg	2x weekly
ONE	Via Klaipeda	Weekly

Advantages of Sea Freight to Poland

1. Most Cost-Effective for Large Shipments

Ideal for bulk cargo (e.g., furniture, machinery, raw materials).

2. High Capacity (No Size/Weight Restrictions)

Ships full container loads (FCL) or less-than-container loads (LCL).

Can transport heavy & oversized cargo (e.g., vehicles, industrial equipment).

3. Global Port Coverage

Connects all major Chinese ports (Shanghai, Ningbo, Shenzhen) to Gdańsk (Poland’s main port).

4. Stable & Predictable Schedules

Weekly departures from China → Poland.

Best for long-term inventory planning.

Disadvantages of Sea Freight to Poland

1. Slowest Transit Time (35–45+ Days)

Port congestion (e.g., Rotterdam) can add delays.

Not suitable for urgent shipments.

2. Complex Customs & Documentation

Requires Bill of Lading (B/L), commercial invoice, and customs clearance.

3. Higher Risk of Damage/Theft

Multiple handlings (port transfers, loading/unloading).

Moisture & salt corrosion risk for sensitive goods.

4. Limited Flexibility

Once shipped, no route changes possible.

Last-mile trucking needed from port to final destination.

RAIL FREIGHT FROM CHINA TO POLAND

Main Rail Routes (China → Poland)

Route	Key Stations	Transit Time	Frequency
Chengdu → Łódź	Chengdu → Malaszewicze → Łódź	12-14 days	3-4x weekly
Xi'an → Warsaw	Xi'an → Brest → Warsaw	14-16 days	2-3x weekly
Chongqing → Małaszewicze	Chongqing → Kazakhstan → Małaszewicze	13-15 days	Daily
Zhengzhou → Poznań	Zhengzhou → Belarus → Poznań	15-18 days	Weekly

Note: Małaszewicze (PL) is Poland's main rail border hub for China-Europe trains.

Container Types & Costs (2025 July Rates)

Container Type	Price Range	Capacity	Best For
40' Standard (FCL)	$4,000-$7,000	56-58 CBM	General cargo
40' High Cube	$4,500-$7,500	68-76 CBM	Light bulky goods
20' Standard	$3,000-$5,000	28-33 CBM	Small shipments
LCL (per m³)	$90-$150	-	Partial loads

Price factors:

Westbound (China→EU) typically 15-20% cheaper than eastbound

Peak season surcharges (Q4) may apply

Key Polish Rail Terminals

Terminal	Location	Specialization
Małaszewicze	East Poland	Main China-EU gateway
Łódź OT Logistics	Central PL	E-commerce hub
Poznań Terminal	West Poland	Automotive cargo
Warsaw Rail Port	Capital	General cargo

Advantages of Rail Freight to Poland

1. Faster Than Sea, Cheaper Than Air

Transit time: 12–18 days (vs. 35+ days for sea, 3–7 days for air).

2. Reliable & Fixed Schedules

Regular departures (e.g., Chengdu–Łódź, Xi’an–Warsaw).

Less affected by port congestion

3. Simplified Customs via "Silk Road" Routes

Single customs check at EU border (Małaszewicze, Poland).

No need for multiple transshipments (unlike sea).

Disadvantages of Rail Freight to Poland

1. Limited Routes & Capacity

Only major Chinese hubs (Chongqing, Chengdu, Xi’an) connect to Poland.

No door-to-door service (requires trucking from rail terminals).

2. Weather & Border Delays

Winter disruptions (-30°C in Kazakhstan/Russia).

Customs bottlenecks at Belarus-Poland border.

3. Less Flexible Than Trucking

No last-minute changes once train departs.Strict weight limits

TRUCK FREIGHT FROM CHINA TO POLAND

Trucking Routes from China to Poland

Primary Route:
China → Kazakhstan → Russia → Belarus → Poland

Main Border Crossings:

Belarus-Poland: Terespol (PL) / Brest (BY)

Alternative: Kaliningrad (Russia) → Poland (if avoiding Belarus)

Distance: ~8,000–9,000 km (depending on origin in China)

Transit Time: 14–20 days (door-to-door, including customs)

Costs of Truck Freight

Service Type	Cost Estimate	Details
Full Truckload (FTL)	€3,500–€6,500	For 24–33 pallets (or 1–2 TEU equivalent)
Less-than-Truckload (LTL)	€1.5–€3 per km	Shared space (cost depends on volume)
Door-to-Door Delivery	+€500–€1,500	Includes Polish last-mile delivery

Factors Affecting Cost:

Cargo weight/volume (max. 24 tons per truck in EU)
Seasonal demand (winter = higher prices)
Fuel surcharges and toll fees
Required Documents
Commercial Invoice (with HS codes)
Packing List
CMR Waybill (standard for international road transport)
T1 Transit Document (for EU customs)
Certificate of Origin (e.g., Form A for Chinese goods)
Product Certifications (CE, GOST, etc.)

Advantages of Truck Freight to Poland

1. Door-to-Door Delivery (Best for Last-Mile Logistics)

Direct transport from warehouse to destination (no port/rail transfers).

Ideal for final-mile delivery in Poland or the EU.

2. Fastest Overland Option (Compared to Rail/Sea)

Transit time: 2–5 days (within Europe) or 14–20 days (from China via road).

No waiting for vessel/train schedules，Daily departure.

3. Flexible & Customizable

Real-time route adjustments (avoid delays, traffic, or border issues).

Suitable for urgent shipments (when air is too expensive).

4. No Transshipment (Lower Risk of Damage)

Goods stay on one truck from pickup to delivery.

Better for fragile or high-value cargo.

5. Works for Partial Loads (LTL) or Full Loads (FTL)

Less-than-truckload (LTL) available for smaller shipments.

Full-truckload (FTL) for large, dedicated transport.

Disadvantages of Truck Freight to Poland

1. Highest Cost Per Kilometer (Compared to Rail/Sea)

Fuel surcharges & toll fees add extra costs.

2. Border Delays & Customs Checks

Long queues at Poland’s borders (e.g., Belarus, Germany).

Requires T1 Transit Document for EU customs.

3. Limited Capacity (Weight & Size Restrictions)

Max 22 tons per truck in the EU

Oversized cargo may require special permits.

4. Weather & Road Risks

Winter conditions (snow, ice) can cause delays.

Higher accident/theft risk compared to rail/sea.

SHIPPING FROM CHINA TO POLAND: TRANSIT TIME

SHIPPING MODE	TRANSIT TIME	DESCRIPTION
Sea Freight (LCL and FCL)	40 days	Varies depending on route and load type (LCL or FCL).
Air Freight	2 to 5 days	The fastest option, ideal for time-sensitive shipments.
Express Shipping	2 to 3 days	Slightly faster than regular air freight, for urgent deliveries.
Rail Freight	20 to 25 days	Balances speed and cost, increasingly popular for its efficiency.

SHIPPING RATE FROM CHINA TO POLAND

SHIPPING MODE	SUITABILITY	COST (JULY 2025)	NOTES
LCL (Rail, Warsaw)	Small-volume, groupage cargo	$190 per m³	Best value for small importers; direct to central Poland
FCL (20′ container, Sea – Gdansk)	Mid-size shipments	$2,300	Gdansk: Poland’s busiest port, excellent for bulk
FCL (40′ container, Sea – Gdansk)	Large shipments	$3,700	Competitive for high-volume Polish trade
FCL (Truck, China – Poland)	Faster inland delivery	$6,750	Perfect for time-sensitive shipments to Poland’s interior
FCL (40′ container, Rail – Mala)	Big volumes, fast	$6,350	Efficient for Polish distribution hubs
Air Freight	High-value/urgent cargo	$4.30 per kg	4–5 days; main gateways: Warsaw, Katowice
Express Shipping	Small parcels, urgent	$5–$15 per kg	Door-to-door, courier, fast-track Polish customs

VAT, customs duties and local regulations importing into Poland

1. Polish Import VAT (Podatek VAT)

Standard VAT Rate: 23% (applies to most goods)

Reduced Rates:

8% – Some foods, medicines, hotel services.

5% – Basic groceries (e.g., bread, milk), books, medical devices.

How It’s Calculated:

VAT = (CIF Value + Customs Duty + Other Fees) × VAT Rate

CIF Value = Product Value + Shipping Cost + Insurance

Who Pays?

The Polish importer (company or individual) must pay VAT during customs clearance.

If shipping under DDP (Delivered Duty Paid), the seller covers VAT.

2.Customs Duties

Product Category	HS Code Range	Customs Duty (Avg.)	Notes
Electronics (phones, computers)	84-85	0-5%	Most IT products are duty-free
Clothing & Textiles	61-63	10-12%	Higher for synthetic fibers
Footwear	64	8-17%	Leather shoes typically higher
Furniture	94	0-7%	Wooden furniture ~5%
Toys & Games	95	0-4.7%	CE marking required
Machinery/Industrial Equipment	84	0-4.5%	Some agricultural machinery 0%
Automobiles & Parts	87	3-10%	EVs often lower
Pharmaceuticals	30	0-6%	With special certifications
Plastic Products	39	3-6.5%	Higher for disposable plastics
Steel/Aluminum Products	72-76	0-10%	Anti-dumping duties may apply
Ceramics/Glassware	69-70	0-8%	Tableware ~6%
Food Products	01-24	5-35%	Dairy/meat highest
Wines & Alcohol	22	0-32%	Sparkling wine ~15%
Jewelry	71	2-8%	Precious metals higher
EU tariff query: https://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/dds2/taric/taric_consultation.jsp?Lang=en

Key Notes:

Duty-Free Threshold: Shipments ≤€150 value (excluding shipping/insurance)

Trade Agreements: Chinese goods may qualify for 0% duty with proper Form A certificate

Agricultural Products: Often have quotas or seasonal rates

Excise Goods: Alcohol/tobacco have additional excise taxes

How to Check Exact Rates:

Search EU TARIC database: https://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/dds2/taric

Use Polish Customs calculator: https://www.gov.pl/web/kas

Need specific duty rates? Provide the HS code or product details for exact calculation.

3. Poland/EU special regulations

CE certification: Electronic products, machinery, toys, etc. must be affixed with the CE mark and comply with EU safety standards.

REACH regulations: Chemicals must be registered and meet environmental requirements.

Food/drugs: Approval from the Polish health department is required (such as GIS certification).

Packaging labels: must be in Polish/EU languages, indicating ingredients, origin, etc.

4. Other costs

Customs handling fees: about 20~50 euros (charged by Polish customs).

Storage fees: If the goods are detained in the customs warehouse (about 0.5~2 euros/day/cubic meter).

Agency customs clearance fees: If you entrust a freight forwarder, about 100~300 euros/ticket.

If you want to know more about the cargos ships from China to Poland, Please feel free to contact：Lora Yang E-mail: sales02@viputrans.com SKYPE|WECHAT|WHATSAPP|MOB:+86 13424468029