Importing from China can be very profitable — but shipping costs often eat into margins if you don’t plan carefully. Below are current cost ranges, what impacts the price, and how you can use Smart Trade Logistic to get the cheapest possible shipping.
Typical Shipping Costs (2025)
| Shipping Method | Approximate Cost | When It’s Best |
|---|---|---|
| 20 ft Full Container Load (FCL) | US$1,600–US$3,500 depending on port of origin (Shanghai, Shenzhen, Ningbo, Guangzhou etc.) and destination (typically Lagos ports). Welltrans Logistics+2Tonlexing Logistics+2 | Good for large volume, when you have enough goods to fill (or nearly fill) a container. Economies of scale kick in. |
| 40 ft FCL | US$3,000–US$5,000+ route- and season-dependent. Welltrans Logistics+2Tonlexing Logistics+2 | Bulk imports, industrial goods, wide shipments. Cheaper per unit volume than 20 ft when full. |
| LCL (Less-than-container-load) | ~US$40-US$100 per cubic meter (CBM) for smaller shipments, though local charges and handling can add to cost. Tonlexing Logistics+3Welltrans Logistics+3viputrans.com+3 | Best for smaller shipments that don’t fill a container; you share container space with others. |
| Air Freight | ~US$5-11 per kg depending on weight, pickup point, and how fast you need it. Welltrans Logistics+2Valuehandlers+2 | For urgent or high value goods, small volumes. It’s much more expensive than sea. |
Transit times for sea freight are usually around 30-45 days depending on origin and destination ports, port congestion, and handling. Welltrans Logistics+2Tonlexing Logistics+2
Factors That Increase Shipping Cost
To get “cheap shipping,” you need to manage or reduce the following cost drivers:
- Container type & fill rate – Using standard containers, filling the container fully, avoiding special containers unless necessary (e.g., reefer, open top).
- Port of origin + route – Ports closer to shipping lines, better connections reduce extra inland or feeder charges.
- Season & demand – Peak seasons (e.g. holiday season, Chinese New Year) often see surcharges and higher freight rates.
- Customs, documentation & regulatory compliance – Mistakes in paperwork, wrong HS codes, delays at Nigerian ports can lead to extra fees.
- Freight forwarder and agent charges – Transparent pricing matters. Hidden fees (terminal handling, fuel surcharges, local delivery, port handling) can inflate costs.
- Type of goods and packaging – Fragile, oversized, or hazardous goods cost more. Also heavy packing or inefficient use of container space increases cost.
Tips to Get Cheap Shipping
Here are strategies to reduce your shipping cost:
- Use FCL if possible: If you have enough goods, filling a container is almost always cheaper per unit than LCL or multiple small shipments.
- Combine or consolidate shipments: If you’re buying from multiple suppliers, coordinate shipments so you can put them in one container.
- Plan ahead: Avoid urgent or last-minute shipments, which attract premiums.
- Negotiate terms with the supplier: Sometimes FOB (free on board) vs CIF (cost, insurance, freight) terms can shift cost burdens. Ask for better supplier/packing discounts.
- Choose off‐peak periods: Shipping lines may offer lower rates when demand is lower.
- Use a good forwarder: One who is experienced with shipments from China to Nigeria, understands all regulatory requirements, customs clearance, and can help avoid hidden or surprise fees.
How Smart Trade Logistic Helps You Ship Cheaply
At Smart Trade Logistic, Lagos, we specialize in helping importers reduce total shipping cost from China to Nigeria while ensuring reliability. Here’s how we add value:
- We negotiate with carriers to get volume discounts and better routes.
- Offer supplier-pickup and consolidation services: you save by having your goods picked up in China rather than shipping separately.
- Provide transparent quotes with all fees included (sea/air freight, customs clearance, inland haulage) so no hidden surprises.
- Assist with paperwork, customs, and regulatory compliance (Form M, SONCAP, NAFDAC etc.), which prevents delays and extra charges.
- Offer flexible shipping methods (FCL, LCL, air) so you can choose based on urgency vs cost.
Example Scenario: Cheap Sea Freight with Smart Trade Logistic
Let’s say you want to import a 20 ft container of household electronics from Shenzhen to Lagos (Apapa):
- Sea freight cost: approx US$1,900-$2,500 depending on season and fill.
- Consolidation and port handling: we help ensure you get favorable charges at both ends.
- Customs clearance and delivery to your warehouse included.
With all things considered, Smart Trade Logistic might be able to offer you an all-in door-to-door price significantly lower than what you’d get if you sourced each service separately.
Contact Us for Cheap Shipping Quotes
If you want to explore how cheap your shipping could be from China to Nigeria, contact Smart Trade Logistic with your shipment details:
- What goods you’re importing
- Origin city in China (supplier location)
- Approximate weight/volume/number of boxes
- Desired delivery port in Nigeria (Lagos Apapa, Tin Can etc.)
- Whether you want full container or smaller shipments
- Whether you want us to help pay the supplier or assist at supplier’s pickup
📧 Email: logistics@smarttadeltd.com
📞 Phone/WhatsApp: +2349069943188
We’ll send you a quote that shows all costs clearly, helps you choose the best method (cheapest vs fastest), and ensures your goods arrive safely without surprise fees.
If you want, I can also write a graphic checklist or comparison table of “Smart Trade Logistic vs generic shipping agent prices” to help your clients choose you over competitors. Do you want me to prepare that?