If you import from China to Nigeria, choosing the right shipping company can cut thousands off your landed cost. This guide explains how to compare the cheapest carriers and freight forwarders, realistic cost ranges for sea and air, tips to avoid hidden fees, and which companies commonly offer the best value on China→Lagos/Tin-Can routes.
Why sea (FCL/LCL) is usually cheapest for large shipments and when air makes sense.
Typical cost ranges and what affects price (container size, port, seasonality, incoterms).
Actionable checklist to get accurate, lowest quotes every time.
1) Sea vs Air — which is cheapest?
For bulk shipments, sea freight (FCL/LCL) is almost always the cheapest per unit cost when shipping China→Nigeria; air is faster but far more expensive per kg. Use sea freight for pallets/containers and air for urgent/small, high-value parcels.
2) Typical cost ranges.
20ft FCL (sea): generally runs in the low-thousands USD (varies by season & port).
40ft FCL (sea): higher than 20ft; expect several thousand USD depending on timing and port.
Air freight: often priced per kg; expect multiple dollars per kg (can be $6–$15/kg or more depending on weight/route).
Note: these are ballpark ranges — always get at least three competitive quotes and confirm whether quotes are door-to-door (DDP) or port-to-port.
3) Top carriers & forwarders to request quotes from
Maersk, COSCO, CMA CGM, Evergreen — major ocean carriers with regular services to West Africa.
Regional/global forwarders & specialized China→Nigeria providers like Jike Logistics, CargoFromChina (CFC), GIG Logistics (GIGL) — good for door-to-door and smaller businesses.
4) How to compare quotes (checklist)
1. Incoterm (FOB, CIF, DAP, DDP) — defines which costs the shipper pays.
2. Transit time & route (direct vs transshipment).
3. All-in landed cost: freight + origin charges + destination charges + customs clearance + duty + local delivery.
4. Container type / weight vs volumetric (air freight uses volumetric calculations).
5. Surcharges & peak season fees (Q4 often higher).
5) Tips to lower your shipping cost
Consolidate small orders into FCL or use LCL consolidation.
Negotiate weekly/monthly rates if you ship regularly.
Choose ports with lower handling fees (compare Apapa vs Tin-Can for Lagos).
Use local Nigerian forwarders with China desks — they often secure better DAP/DDP deals.
FAQ
Q1: Which is the cheapest way to ship goods from China to Nigeria?
A1: For large/bulky shipments, sea freight (FCL or LCL) is cheapest per unit. Air is for urgent or small high-value shipments. Always compare door-to-door (DDP) vs port-to-port quotes.
Q2: How much does a 20ft container from China to Lagos cost?
A2: Costs vary by season/route and carrier; ballpark ranges are in the low-thousands of USD — always get updated quotes from at least three forwarders before booking.
Q3: Which shipping companies serve China→Nigeria reliably?
A3: Major ocean carriers (Maersk, COSCO, CMA CGM, Evergreen) and specialist forwarders with China desks (e.g., Jike, CargoFromChina, local Nigerian forwarders) commonly service this route.
Q4: Should I pay for DDP or handle clearance myself?
A4: DDP is convenient but usually more expensive. If you have a trusted local customs broker, self-clearing with negotiated port handling and trucking often saves money — provided you’re comfortable managing the process.
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