Bearings are essential components in countless industrial applications, and China remains one of the world’s largest bearing manufacturing and export bases. However, for foreign buyers—especially bearing importers, distributors, and equipment manufacturers—the biggest concern after product quality is often logistics cost. As is well-known bearings are metal-based and relatively heavy, so transportation fees can significantly impact your landed cost.
In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the transportation methods, packaging options, Incoterms (delivery terms), and shipping costs when purchasing bearings from China—so you can make informed, cost-effective sourcing decisions.
What Transportation Methods Are Available for Purchasing Bearings from China?
There are three main modes of international transportation for exporting bearings from China: ocean freight, air freight, and railway freight. The choice depends on the buyer’s location, order size, delivery urgency, and logistics strategy.
1.1 Ocean Freight (Sea Shipping)
When to choose it:
- Best for bulk orders or shipments over 300 kg or 1 CBM
- Ideal for large volumes and non-urgent timelines
- Most cost-effective method for international bulk cargo
Minimum shipment size:
- LCL (Less than Container Load): ≥ 1 CBM or 300 KG
- FCL (Full Container Load): 20ft or 40ft container
1.2 Air Freight
When to choose it:
- When urgency is a key concern
- When the order is small but high in value
- Common for sample orders or emergency replenishment
Minimum shipment size:
- No minimum, but ideal for < 200 KG
- Prices are charged by actual or volumetric weight, whichever is higher
1.3 Railway Freight (for Europe and Central Asia)
When to choose it:
- For deliveries to Europe, Central Asia, Russia, and some Belt & Road countries
- Mid-volume orders with moderate urgency
- More stable pricing than air freight, faster than sea
Minimum shipment size:
- Typically ≥ 200 KG or 0.5 CBM
- Most forwarders consolidate LCL shipments for rail
Comparison Table: Transport Cost, Time, and Advantages
| Mode | Min. Weight/Volume | Estimated Price (USD/kg) | Transit Time | Regions | Key Advantages |
| Ocean | ≥ 300 kg / 1 CBM | $0.3 – $0.8/kg | Asia: 7–15 days | Asia, North America, EU, Africa | Lowest cost for heavy goods |
| EU: 25–35 days | Suitable for bulk shipments | ||||
| NA: 25–40 days | |||||
| SA: 35–45 days | |||||
| Africa: 30–45 days | |||||
| Air | < 200 kg | $5 – $10/kg | Asia: 3–5 days | Global | Fastest delivery, suitable for urgent orders |
| EU: 5–7 days | |||||
| NA: 5–7 days | |||||
| SA: 7–10 days | |||||
| Africa: 7–10 days | |||||
| Railway | ≥ 200 kg / 0.5 CBM | $2 – $4/kg | EU: 15–25 days | Europe, Russia, Central Asia | Balanced cost and delivery speed |
How Many Packaging Methods Are There for Bearings?
Chinese bearing manufacturers offer a variety of packaging methods tailored to customer needs and order sizes:
2.1 Individual Box Packaging
- Each bearing in a branded or neutral box
- Preferred for retail-ready or OEM orders
- Slight cost increase (around $0.10–$0.50/piece)
2.2 Plastic Tube Packaging
- Several bearings packed into plastic tubes
- Cost-efficient, used for bulk orders
- Minimal additional cost
2.3 Vacuum or Anti-Rust Packaging
- Sealed in anti-corrosion plastic film
- Necessary for long-term storage or sea shipment
- May add $0.05–$0.20/unit depending on the material
2.4 Wooden Crates or Pallets
- For LCL/FCL ocean freight to prevent damage during stacking
- Usually included in export packaging cost
What Delivery Terms Can Chinese Bearing Manufacturers Provide?
Chinese exporters commonly offer the following international trade terms (Incoterms):
| Incoterm | Seller Bears Costs For | Buyer Bears Costs For | Who Handles Export/Import? |
| EXW (Ex-Works) | Product only | All shipping, export, import | Buyer |
| FOB (Free on Board) | Local transport + export clearance + loading on vessel | Freight, insurance, import | Seller exports, Buyer imports |
| CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight) | Same as FOB + freight + insurance | Import customs, duties | Seller exports, Buyer imports |
| DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) | All costs incl. duties/taxes | None | Seller handles all logistics |
| DAP (Delivered at Place) | All except import duties/taxes | Import duties, taxes | Seller ships to destination, buyer clears customs |
Conclusion
Shipping bearings from China is not inherently expensive— but the total cost depends on the shipping method, order size, delivery urgency, and the Incoterm you choose.
- For large volumes, ocean freight offers the best cost-performance ratio.
- For urgent or small orders, air freight is faster but costlier.
- Rail transport is a reliable middle-ground for Europe and Central Asia.
- Packaging options and Incoterms can also impact final pricing and responsibility.
By working with an experienced Chinese supplier who offers flexible logistics solutions, clear cost breakdowns, and customized packaging, you can optimize both your supply chain cost and delivery efficiency.
If you’re considering sourcing bearings from China and want expert support on cost-effective shipping plans, feel free to contact us.
Please click on the following link to read the various settlement methods for purchasing bearings from China.
