Independent reference · Prices in USD
华China Car Price IndexModels · Prices · Export Trade

Logistics & shipping

How cars move out of China, what it costs per unit, and the Incoterms that decide who pays for — and who carries the risk on — each leg of the journey.

Shipping methods & costs

Indicative per-unit ocean freight from major Chinese ports (Shanghai, Ningbo, Guangzhou) to the Gulf. Rates fluctuate with fuel, season and capacity.

RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off)

$600 – $1,500 / unit

China → Gulf approx. 18–28 days

Pros:
Cheapest per unit for running vehicles; fast loading; ideal for volume.
Cons:
Only drivable vehicles; less protection; fewer sailings on some routes.

Container (1 unit / 20ft)

$1,500 – $3,000 / unit

China → Gulf approx. 20–30 days

Pros:
Maximum protection; works for non-running cars and added parts.
Cons:
Highest per-unit cost when shipping a single vehicle.

Container (2–4 units / 40ft HC)

$900 – $1,600 / unit

China → Gulf approx. 20–30 days

Pros:
Protection of a container with cost split across multiple cars.
Cons:
Requires careful racking/bracing; needs full-load volume to be efficient.

EV block stow (special handling)

$800 – $1,800 / unit

Route-dependent

Pros:
Compliant handling of lithium battery vehicles on approved carriers.
Cons:
Some carriers restrict EV state-of-charge; book early, capacity is tight.

Incoterms explained

The Incoterm in your contract defines exactly where the seller's responsibility ends and yours begins. FOB and CIF are the trade defaults for vehicles.

TermWho pays freightRisk transfersBest for
EXWEx WorksBuyer (all from factory gate)At seller's premisesExperienced importers with their own China logistics agent.
FOBFree On BoardBuyer (from named China port)When goods are loaded on the vesselThe trade default — control your own ocean freight and insurance.
CIFCost, Insurance & FreightSeller (to destination port)When goods are loaded on the vesselBuyers wanting a landed-at-port price with freight handled.
CFRCost & FreightSeller (freight) / Buyer (insurance)When goods are loaded on the vesselBuyers who arrange their own marine insurance.
DAPDelivered At PlaceSeller (to agreed destination)At the named destination, duties unpaidTurnkey delivery where the buyer still clears customs.

Practical shipping tips

  • Book EV capacity early. Many carriers cap the number of lithium-battery vehicles per sailing and require a limited state of charge (often 30–50%).
  • Match method to volume. RoRo wins on cost for running cars at volume; a shared 40ft container is efficient for 2–4 units that need protection.
  • Insure on CIF + duty. Marine insurance (typically ~0.5–1.5% of value) should cover the landed value, not just FOB.
  • Pre-clear documentation. Commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, certificate of origin and conformity certificates (SABER, SONCAP, NOM, etc.) should be ready before the vessel arrives to avoid demurrage.

Indicative planning figures · reviewed June 2026