Jordan, as a major port country in the Middle East, attracts a large number of Chinese exporters and importers for cross-border trade. China, as a global manufacturing center, exports various goods worldwide. Container shipping, as one of the core modes of transportation in international trade, has become the preferred method for cross-border transportation due to its safety, stability, and controllable costs.
Shipping Containers from China to Jordan
Shipping containers from China to Jordan by sea is a common method of transport, typically taking 20 to 35 days.
Route and Time for Container Shipping from China to Jordan
In international trade, shipping routes, transit times, and delivery cycles are key factors. Below are the main shipping routes and transit times for container shipments from China to Jordan:
Shanghai → Aqaba (Direct)
This route is the most direct and is typically served by multiple shipping companies. Transit time is approximately 20 to 30 days, depending on the season and the shipping company.
Guangzhou → Aqaba (Direct or Transit)
This route offers the option of direct shipping or transshipment via other Middle Eastern ports. Transit time is typically between 22 and 32 days, depending on the chosen transshipment port.
Shenzhen → Aqaba (Transit via Dubai or Jeddah)
Since there are usually no direct routes from Shenzhen Port to Aqaba Port, goods may need to transit through Dubai or Jeddah ports. Transit time is typically 25 to 35 days.
Ningbo → Aqaba Port (Direct or Transit)
There are few direct routes from Ningbo to Aqaba, and transit through other ports such as Dubai and Jeddah is usually required. Transit time is typically between 22 and 30 days.
20ft & 40ft Container Shipping Cost from China to Aqaba, Jordan
Container shipping is one of the most common modes of transport in Sea Freight. 20-foot and 40-foot containers are two of the most frequently used standard sizes. Due to the factors mentioned above, the following is a detailed breakdown of the shipping costs for 20-foot and 40-foot containers:
20-foot Container (20ft)
- Dimensions: Length 6.1m × Width 2.44m × Height 2.59m
- Capacity: Approximately 33 cubic meters
- Suitable Cargo: Suitable for small batches or light cargo, especially small and lightweight goods.
40-foot Container (40ft)
- Dimensions: Length 12.19m × Width 2.44m × Height 2.59m
- Capacity: Approximately 67 cubic meters
- Suitable Cargo: 40-foot containers are suitable for bulky cargo or large-volume goods.
| Origin (China) | Destination (Jordan) | 20ft Container Cost | 40ft Container Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shanghai | Aqaba | $1,800 – $2,500 | $2,500 – $3,800 |
| Shenzhen | Aqaba | $1,750 – $2,550 | $2,350 – $3,450 |
| Ningbo | Aqaba | $1,650 – $2,250 | $2,450 – $4,050 |
| Qingdao | Aqaba | $1,500 – $2,300 | $2,100 – $3,600 |
| HongKong | Aqaba | $1,650 – $2,350 | $2,150 – $3,850 |
For example, Jordan importers shipping electronics from China typically choose 40ft containers due to volume efficiency, while SMEs importing spare parts often prefer LCL or 20ft containers.
Differences Between LCL and FCL and the Composition of Shipping Costs
Hidden Costs of Shipping from China to Jordan
Hidden Costs of Shipping from China to Jordan: A Detailed Look at BAF, PSS, THC, Demurrage, and Detention Charges
Besides the basic ocean freight, container shipping involves a series of additional costs that should be understood in advance to avoid budget overruns:
- Bunker Adjustment Factor (BAF): This is a fee adjusted by the shipping company based on fluctuations in oil prices.
- Port Charges: Port charges are incurred during cargo loading, unloading, and storage operations at import and export ports.
- Document and Documentation Fees: Fees for bills of lading, customs declarations, export documents, etc.
- Customs Duties and Import Taxes: Calculated based on the type of cargo and declared value.
- Insurance Costs: It is recommended to purchase cargo insurance to protect against loss or damage.
- Demurrage and Container Demurrage Fees: Fees incurred beyond the free storage or usage time.
- Inland Transportation Costs: Includes trucking fees within China and transportation costs within Jordan (e.g., from Aqaba to Amman).
| Surcharge | What It Is | Typical Amount | How to Avoid / Minimize |
|---|---|---|---|
| BAF (Bunker Adjustment Factor) | Fuel surcharge tied to oil prices | $200 – $600 per container | Non-negotiable; included in most all-in quotes |
| PSS (Peak Season Surcharge) | Carriers add this during high-demand periods | $300 – $1,000 per container | Book outside peak windows (avoid Jan–Feb, Sep–Nov) |
| THC (Terminal Handling Charge) | Port loading/unloading at both ends | $100 – $250 per container per port | Standard charge; verify if your quote includes both origin and destination THC |
| Documentation Fee | Bill of Lading issuance, export/import filing | $50 – $150 | Usually flat; ask for it to be included in the quote |
| Demurrage | Storage fee when your container sits at Aqaba Port beyond free days | $50 – $150 per day (20ft) | Pre-clear customs documents before vessel arrival |
| Detention | Late return fee when you keep the container beyond the free rental period | $50 – $100 per day | Arrange inland trucking in advance; unload quickly |
How to Save on Container Shipping Costs
Saving on container shipping costs is a crucial step for businesses. The following strategies can help optimize logistics costs:
Book in Advance
Booking shipping space early avoids peak season price increases.
Choose the Right Container Type
Avoid small shipments occupying large containers, reducing wasted space.
Less than Container Load (LCL)
For customers with smaller shipments, LCL offers a greater cost advantage.
Partner with Professional Freight Forwarders
They can provide more competitive rates and DDP door-to-door solutions.
Avoid Peak Shipping Seasons
For example, shipping during off-seasons or periods of low demand, such as Chinese New Year and Christmas, can effectively reduce transportation costs.
Optimize Port Selection
Choosing ports with high shipping frequency and efficient customs clearance (such as Shenzhen and Ningbo) can reduce delays and additional fees.
Precautions for Container Shipping from China to Jordan
Container shipping is one of the safest logistics methods globally. To ensure the safety of your goods during transit, we recommend the following:
- Use high-quality packaging materials to enhance shock and moisture protection.
- Purchase cargo insurance to protect against unforeseen losses.
- Choose a reliable freight forwarding company and track your cargo status in real time.
- Ensure all documents and customs declaration information are accurate.
Container shipping from China to Jordan is a vital trade route connecting the Middle East and Asia. Understanding the cost structure and transit time in this article can effectively reduce costs and improve supply chain efficiency.
If you are interested in the cost of shipping containers from China to other Middle Eastern countries, you can read:
- Cost of shipping 20ft & 40ft containers from China to Kuwait
- Cost of shipping 20ft & 40ft containers from China to Iraq
- Cost of Shipping 20ft & 40ft Containers from China to Syria
- Cost of Shipping 20ft & 40ft Containers from China to Saudi Arabia
- Cost of Shipping 20ft & 40ft Containers from China to Iran
- Cost of Shipping 20ft & 40ft Containers from China to Egypt
