The cargo delivery time will depend on the type of transport used and the specific ports of departure and arrival.
Shipping to Italy by Sea
Transit times for sea transportation can vary based on whether you select Full Container Load (FCL) or Less-than-Container Load (LCL) services:
- Full Container Load (FCL):
- From major Chinese ports like Shanghai, Shenzhen, or Ningbo to Genoa or Trieste typically range from 25 to 30 days. This duration can vary depending on factors such as the specific ports of departure and arrival, weather conditions, and any potential delays.
- Less-than-Container Load (LCL):
- Shared container shipments often require extra time for consolidation, which adds to the transit time. Typical LCL from China to Italy can take 28 to 35 days, depending on the ports and any delays in handling.
Shipping to Italy by Air
Air freight is mainly used for high-priority goods. While flight times are short, factors such as cargo handling, customs clearance can influence the overall transit time.
Standard transit times for air freight:
Direct flights between major Chinese airports like Shanghai Pudong (PVG), Beijing Capital (PEK), or Guangzhou Baiyun (CAN) to Leonardo da Vinci Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO) usually take about 11 to 13 hours. However, the overall delivery time, including customs clearance can range from 1 to 3 days. For example:
- Shanghai to Rome: Typically reaches within 2 days.
- Beijing to Rome: Usually takes around 2-3 days.
Express service:
If you need an even faster solution, express shipping offers the quickest delivery option. Express services use dedicated air freight and often provide faster processing times, including priority handling through customs. Express from China to Italy can generally be completed within 1 to 2 days, making it the best choice for extremely time-sensitive requests like perishable goods, electronics, or high-priority documents.
Understanding these timelines can significantly impact your supply chain planning. Whether you’re shipping from Shenzhen or another major Chinese city, knowing shipping times from China to Italy will help you make informed decisions.
If you’re looking for the best freight forwarder from China to Italy, consider working with experienced logistics providers who offer reliable and efficient solutions tailored to your shipping needs.
Shipping from China to Italy transit time and price (April 2025)