Who is behind this guide

My name is Marad Abdulllaev. I am the director of Myron Trade and founder of
MyronCars. For more than 15 years I have been doing business in China, and for the last five years
I have specialised in exporting cars from China to Europe.

In this article I explain how logistics for Chinese cars really works in practice – from our warehouse in China to
ports like Rotterdam and Hamburg, and then further into Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, France, Poland, Lithuania
and other European countries. The focus is on sea transport in containers, because this is the
safest and most flexible option for new cars, EVs and SUVs.

For cost calculations we use our own China Car Import Calculator – EU. You can use the same tool
to estimate logistics and total import cost for your car:
https://en.myron-trade.com/china-car-import-calculator-eu/

1. Why we ship Chinese cars in containers

There are two main ways to ship a car by sea: Ro-Ro (roll-on/roll-off) and
containers. At Myron Trade we focus on container shipping, because it offers:

• better protection from weather and port damage;
• more control over loading and fixation;
• flexible routes and schedules from Shanghai and Guangzhou;
• the possibility to combine several cars in one container and reduce the freight cost per vehicle.

For our clients in Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, France, Poland and Lithuania, container shipping is usually
the best balance between safety, price and speed.

2. Standard routes from China to European ports

Most of our cars depart from two main areas in China:

• Shanghai – one of the largest ports in the world, with frequent sailings to Northern Europe;
• Guangzhou / Shenzhen area – a key hub in South China with strong connections to European ports.

Typical European ports of discharge are:

• Rotterdam (Netherlands) – convenient for deliveries to the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium,
  France and Scandinavia;
• Hamburg (Germany) – ideal for Germany, Poland, Czech Republic and other Central/Eastern
  European countries.

Transit time from Chinese port to European port is usually 5–7 weeks, depending on the shipping
line and route. With preparation, loading and customs, the full logistics chain from car purchase to port arrival
is around 7–9 weeks.

3. Container loading schemes for cars from China

A key part of logistics optimisation is how many cars we load into one container. We usually work with three main
schemes.

3.1. One car in a 20-foot container

Container type: 20-foot
Number of cars: 1
Best for: very expensive vehicles, special projects, cars that require maximum protection or fast dispatch when there are no other cars to combine.

Advantages:

• The entire container is dedicated to one car.
• Maximum safety, minimum risk of contact with other vehicles.

Disadvantages:

• The freight cost per car is the highest, because you pay for the whole container for a single vehicle.

3.2. Two cars in a 40-foot container

Container type: 40-foot
Number of cars: 2
Best for: large SUVs, crossovers, taller vehicles.

Advantages:

• A 40-foot container is longer, so it easily fits two big SUVs or crossovers.
• Freight cost per car is significantly lower than in a single 20-foot container.

Disadvantages:

• Not always optimal for small sedans; in many cases a third car can fit if properly packed.

3.3. Three sedans in a 40-foot container

Container type: 40-foot
Number of cars: 3 (usually sedans and compact models)
Best for: standard sedans and hatchbacks with normal height.

This is our most cost-efficient scheme:

• We use special ramps and frames to place three cars inside one 40-foot container.
• All vehicles are fixed with straps and wheel chocks; sensitive parts are additionally protected.
• As a result, the cost of sea freight per car is divided by three, making logistics much more attractive.

This scheme is particularly interesting for private buyers and small dealers who want to optimise
shipping costs from China to Europe.

4. Step-by-step logistics process from China to Europe

Step 1 – Consolidation at the Chinese warehouse

After we purchase the car from a dealer or manufacturer, it is transported to our consolidation warehouse near the
port (Shanghai or Guangzhou). There we:

• check the vehicle according to the contract;
• take photos and videos for the client;
• prepare it for loading: disconnect the alarm, check fluids, set the parking brake, protect sensitive elements.

If we are loading several cars into one container, we wait until the full group is ready for consolidation.

Step 2 – Container loading and fixation

At the container terminal:

• The container is positioned for loading.
• Special steel frames or wooden structures are installed if we load three sedans.
• Cars are driven into the container and fixed with ratchet straps and wheel chocks.
• Sensitive areas (bumpers, mirrors, edges) are protected with covers and foam.
• We take pictures of the loading process for transparency.

When loading is finished, the container is sealed with a customs seal and is ready for export.

Step 3 – Export customs clearance in China

Myron Trade handles export customs procedures:

• registering the export declaration;
• submitting the commercial invoice, packing list, contract and other required papers;
• coordinating with the Chinese customs office.

After clearance, the container is loaded onto a vessel. From this moment you receive the
Bill of Lading (B/L), confirmation of the sailing date and the expected arrival date at the
European port.

Step 4 – Sea transport and tracking

During the ocean voyage you can track the container:

• via the shipping line’s website using the container number or B/L number;
• via our logistics updates, where we inform you about departure, transshipment (if any) and estimated arrival.

The ship passes through international sea routes and usually arrives in Europe in five to seven weeks.

Step 5 – Arrival at the European port

At the port of discharge (Rotterdam, Hamburg or another EU port):

• The container is unloaded from the vessel and moved to the container yard.
• Your customs broker or logistics partner arranges import customs clearance using the documents prepared by Myron Trade.
• After customs release, the container is moved to a warehouse or terminal where it is opened.
• Cars are carefully driven out of the container, checked for external damage and prepared for inland transport.

At this stage we can also organise temporary storage if needed.

Step 6 – Inland transport within Europe

From the port we can organise delivery to:

• Germany: by car transporter or trailer to cities like Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt, Hamburg;
• Netherlands and Belgium: short-distance road delivery;
• Poland and Lithuania: by car transporter or truck from German or Dutch ports;
• France and Italy: via long-distance trucking or combined routes.

Delivery options include:

• multi-car transporters,
• single-car trailers,
• or collection directly from the terminal, if local regulations allow.

5. How we calculate logistics cost per car

The total logistics price from China to Europe includes several components:

• transport from the Chinese dealer to our warehouse;
• container loading and fixation;
• port handling in China;
• ocean freight for a 20-foot or 40-foot container;
• marine insurance;
• terminal handling charges in Europe;
• unloading and inland transport, if required.

Because we often ship two or three cars in one container, we can optimise the cost per vehicle. To make our
calculations transparent, we use a dedicated online tool – and we opened it for clients as well.

China Car Import Calculator – EU
https://en.myron-trade.com/china-car-import-calculator-eu/

In the calculator you can:

• enter vehicle data and price in China;
• choose the pickup city (Shanghai or Guangzhou);
• select the European port of discharge;
• see how freight, insurance and typical port charges affect the final landed cost.

This is exactly how we plan logistics for our own shipments.

6. Why work with Myron Trade / MyronCars for Chinese car logistics

When you import a car from China, logistics is not just about booking a ship. You need a partner who:

• knows the Chinese market and local ports;
• has its own export licence and can issue the correct documents;
• understands the specifics of European ports and customs;
• can combine cars into containers and reduce freight cost per vehicle;
• is transparent about every step and every euro.

Our mission at Myron Trade and MyronCars is to build an open, honest ecosystem
for importing cars from China to Europe. You see:

• where your car is at every stage;
• how the logistics chain looks from dealer to your country;
• what you pay for container, freight, handling and inland transport.

For customers in Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, France, Poland, Lithuania and other EU countries, this means
less risk, predictable timelines and clear numbers.

7. Short FAQ about shipping cars from China to Europe

How long does it take to ship a car from China to Europe by sea?

From loading at the Chinese port to arrival in Europe it usually takes 5–7 weeks. Including
preparation, documentation and customs, plan around 7–9 weeks from purchase to port collection.

Is my car safe inside a container?

Yes. Cars are fixed with professional frames and straps, wheels are blocked, and sensitive parts are protected.
A closed container protects the vehicle from weather, salt and accidental damage in the port.

What is cheaper: one car in a 20-foot container or several cars in a 40-foot container?

In most cases, three sedans in one 40-foot container give the best price per car. One car in a
20-foot container is the most expensive option per vehicle but can be chosen for very valuable cars or urgent
shipments.

Can I track my car during the voyage?

Yes. You receive the container or Bill of Lading number and can track the vessel online. We also provide regular
updates about departure and estimated arrival date.

To which European countries do you deliver?

We ship mainly to Rotterdam and Hamburg, and from there we organise deliveries
to Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, France, Poland, Lithuania and other EU countries via road transport.

If you are planning to buy an EV, hybrid or SUV in China and ship it to Europe, you can start by checking
logistics and total import cost in our calculator and then contact us for a detailed quotation based on your
preferred model and destination.