DR Trans has launched a dedicated direct express service from Shanghai to Rotterdam, seamlessly connecting China's largest port with a core European hub. This route, which runs directly through the Suez Canal to Rotterdam, Europe's largest port, provides a fast and reliable channel for cargo transport between Asia and Europe.
Our Shanghai-Rotterdam route operates without transit, eliminating potential delays caused by transshipment and ensuring efficient delivery of goods to Western European markets. Goods are shipped directly from Shanghai's world-class terminals to Rotterdam, where the Port of Rotterdam boasts comprehensive port facilities and serves over 500 million consumers across Europe.
For importers and exporters seeking reliable, cost-effective shipping options between China and Europe, this direct ocean freight service is a highly cost-effective option. Below is a brief introduction and route map of the Shanghai-Rotterdam route.
Our Shanghai to Rotterdam route offers stable transit times. Under normal circumstances, transit time from departure to arrival is typically 30 to 35 days (approximately 4 to 5 weeks). This includes transit time via the Suez Canal and the North Sea. Below is our sailing schedule:
| Route | Transit Time | Departure |
|---|---|---|
| Shanghai (China) → Rotterdam (Netherlands) | ~30–35 days | every Tuesday |
Actual transit time may vary with seasons, line schedules, and port conditions.
With weekly departures, your shipments are guaranteed regular departures. DR Trans's logistics team closely monitors each departure; customers receive real-time departure and estimated arrival information. Our service helps you minimize delays and streamline supply chain planning.
Our Shanghai–Rotterdam service handles general cargo across multiple industries. Typical goods include electronics, machinery and parts, garments and textiles, furniture, plastics, toys, and automotive components. We also transport raw materials and industrial equipment, ensuring safe delivery for a broad range of products. To accommodate various cargo needs, DR Trans offers the following container options:
Standard Containers: 20′ and 40′ dry containers for general merchandise.
High-Cube Containers: 40′ HC and 45′ HC for extra-volume cargo.
Refrigerated (Reefer) Containers: Temperature-controlled units for perishables like food, pharmaceuticals or other sensitive goods.
Open-Top and Flat-Rack Containers: For over-height or heavy machinery that require top-loading or open-top access.
Tank Containers: For liquids or chemicals (subject to regulations).
LCL (Less-than-Container Load) Consolidations: For smaller shipments that do not fill a full container, we consolidate multiple customers’ cargo safely.
DR Trans handles both full container load (FCL) and less-than-container load (LCL) shipments from Shanghai to Rotterdam. This gives you flexibility. All containers are sealed and inspected before shipment to ensure safety and compliance. Our team will recommend the best container type based on your cargo size and handling requirements.
DR Trans's direct Shanghai-Rotterdam route offers significant advantages, including safety and reliability throughout the journey:
Fast, Direct Transit: Fewer intermediate stops mean shorter sea time. By avoiding extra transshipments, we cut down transit time from Shanghai by several days compared to indirect routes.
Lower Costs: The streamlined route and high volume on this line help keep shipping costs from Shanghai competitive. Customers benefit from our negotiated rates on this mainline, reducing cost per container.
European Connectivity: Upon arrival, Rotterdam’s port connects to Belgium, Germany, France, the UK, Eastern and Northern Europe via road, rail, and inland waterways. This provides seamless onward distribution across Europe. In effect, shipping from Shanghai to Rotterdam opens access to all major EU markets.
Reliable Schedule: Our established sailing timetable and priority berthing in Shanghai and Rotterdam help prevent bottlenecks. This reliability aids in planning inventory and production schedules for both importers and exporters.
Cargo Safety and Tracking: DR Trans uses GPS-enabled tracking systems, so clients can monitor shipments in real time. All cargo is covered by marine insurance options, and we follow strict packing and handling standards. Our containers meet international safety regulations to protect goods from theft, damage, or environmental factors during the voyage.
Professional Support: We help customers navigate documentation, customs clearance, and port procedures. DR Trans’s experts assist in solving any issues that arise during transit, ensuring a smooth service.
Together, these advantages make the Shanghai–Rotterdam direct line a secure and efficient choice for shipping from China to Europe.
Our Shanghai to Rotterdam shipping process is designed to be seamless and transparent. Below are the key steps:
Consultation and Booking: Contact DR Trans with your shipping details (cargo type, weight/volume, timeline). We provide a quote and advise on the best container option (FCL or LCL).
Pickup and Export Preparation: We arrange pickup of goods from your supplier or warehouse in China. Cargo is consolidated and loaded into containers at a bonded yard near Shanghai Port.
Customs Clearance (China): DR Trans handles export customs documentation. All paperwork (commercial invoice, packing list, export declaration, etc.) is prepared and submitted to Chinese authorities.
Port Loading: Containers are loaded onto a booked vessel in Shanghai. We ensure compliance with China’s port regulations and IMDG rules for any special cargo. The ship sails on schedule for Rotterdam.
Ocean Transit: During the ~30–35 day voyage via the Suez Canal, we provide regular voyage updates. Clients can track the vessel’s progress. DR Trans monitors the journey to react to any delays (weather, port strikes) and keep customers informed.
Customs Clearance (Rotterdam): Before arrival, we arrange Dutch import documentation. Upon docking, cargo undergoes local inspections as needed. Because Rotterdam has streamlined customs for EU imports, clearance is typically efficient.
Delivery to Destination: From Rotterdam, we organize the final transportation. Options include pick-up by truck, rail shipment to inland Europe, or container unloading at a nearby depot. The cargo is delivered to the consignee’s warehouse or specified address in Europe.
Throughout the process, our logistics coordinators provide proactive communication. Clients receive shipment updates at each stage – from departure in Shanghai to final delivery. This detailed support ensures confidence and visibility for every shipping time from Shanghai to Rotterdam.
A: Costs depend on container size, current freight rates, and surcharges. As a rough range, a 40-foot full container load (FCL) is currently in the ballpark of $4,500–$6,500 for Shanghai–Rotterdam. (For example, recent data shows 40′ rates around $4,951–$6,601.) However, prices fluctuate with demand and fuel costs. DR Trans provides a tailored quote based on your shipment details. We also arrange LCL shipments, where you pay only for the space used.
Case 1: Electronics to Europe. A retailer in Germany needed consumer electronics shipped from Shanghai. They chose DR Trans’s LCL service to control costs. We consolidated their pallets with other cargo bound for Rotterdam. The shipment sailed under our direct weekly departure and arrived in Rotterdam in 33 days. After local customs clearance, DR Trans arranged trucking to the consignee’s warehouse in Munich (Germany). The timely delivery allowed the retailer to stock new products for a seasonal sale.
Case 2: Machinery Export. A Chinese manufacturer exported industrial pumps in three 40′ containers to the Netherlands. Using our FCL service, we coordinated packing and secured special lashing for the heavy equipment. The direct sailing took 32 days, and customs at Rotterdam was completed smoothly. The machinery was then delivered by road to the end customer in France. The client highlighted that the direct service reduced risk and cutting transit time compared to previous routes with multiple stops.
Case 3: Fashion Apparel. A European distributor shipped mixed apparel items from Shanghai. They opted for two 40′ HC containers. DR Trans handled the bookings and expedited customs duties calculations. With door-to-door service, their cargo reached Rotterdam and then rail-linked to a warehouse in Poland in about 34 days total. The consistent schedule allowed them to plan inventory in advance.
These examples show how DR Trans’s Shanghai to Rotterdam line serves varied cargo types and customer needs, always aiming to reduce complexity and meet schedule expectations.
To book shipments or get a quote on the Shanghai–Rotterdam express route, please contact DR Trans through any of the following channels:
Email: arthur@dear-railway.com
Phone: +86 13958449762
Our logistics specialists are available 24/7 to answer questions about shipping from Shanghai, scheduling, and pricing. Let DR Trans optimize your supply chain with our professional Shanghai–Rotterdam shipping service – get in touch today for fast, reliable freight solutions.
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