Ocean logistics is 6–12% of your landed cost and 100% of your on-time-delivery risk. This guide covers the operational details that trip up buyers on their first China order.
Panels per 40'HQ (620W)
620–680
~400 kW
Ex-China → Rotterdam 40'HQ
$2,100–2,900
May 2026
Transit time to EU
32–40 days
Shanghai → Rotterdam
In-transit damage rate
<0.4%
with proper pallets
Container capacity by wattage
| Module wattage | Panels per 40'HQ | kW per container | Pallets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 555W (PERC) | 744 | 413 kW | 24 |
| 585W (TOPCon) | 680 | 398 kW | 22 |
| 620W (TOPCon L) | 620 | 384 kW | 20 |
| 630W (HJT) | 620 | 391 kW | 20 |
Freight rates May 2026 (per 40'HQ)
| Origin | Destination | USD |
|---|---|---|
| Shanghai | Rotterdam | $2,100–2,900 |
| Ningbo | Hamburg | $2,300–3,000 |
| Shenzhen | Los Angeles | $1,600–2,400 |
| Shanghai | Santos | $2,400–3,200 |
| Shenzhen | Jebel Ali | $1,300–1,800 |
| Shanghai | Sydney | $2,000–2,700 |
Incoterms — which one to choose
- EXW — you take title at the factory. Only for buyers with a China-based logistics partner.
- FOB — supplier delivers to port; you own freight and insurance. Best for buyers with volume freight contracts.
- CIF — supplier covers freight and insurance to destination port. Best for occasional buyers — but comparison-shop CIF quotes because supplier margins vary.
- DDP — supplier delivers to your warehouse duty-paid. Convenient but 5–8% more expensive; avoid unless timelines demand it.
Damage prevention
- Vertical stacking on ISPM-15 heat-treated wooden pallets, foam corners, PET strapping
- Silica gel packs against condensation on trans-Pacific routes
- Maximum 2 pallets high in the container; blocks and braces required
- Insist on container video at loading — routine on Chinese.Solar marketplace shipments
Frequently asked questions
QShould I use FOB or CIF?
CIF for first-time buyers under 5 containers per year — simpler and supplier absorbs freight risk. FOB once you have a freight forwarder relationship and volume above 10 containers per quarter.
QIs marine cargo insurance really necessary?
Yes. 110% of CIF value at $1.20–2.00 per $1,000 insured is trivial vs the cost of a container lost overboard or damaged in port handling.
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