Bofeng Logistics provides international sea freight logistics services from major Chinese ports to Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia is an important trade partner of China globally. Bofeng Logistics cooperates with multiple shipping lines, offering both Full Container Load (FCL) and Less than Container Load (LCL) transport modes.
I. Route Overview
Saudi Arabia is a key global trade partner of China, with bilateral trade volume growing steadily. Major import and export goods include machinery and equipment, building materials, electronic products, chemicals, and daily consumer goods. Dammam Port (DAM) — the largest port on Saudi Arabia's east coast, close to the capital Riyadh; Jeddah Port (JED) — the largest port on Saudi Arabia's west coast, gateway to the Red Sea.
Bofeng Logistics maintains cooperation with multiple shipping lines on this route, offering FCL, LCL, customs clearance, warehousing, insurance, and door-to-door one-stop services.
II. Ports of Origin and Destination
2.1 Main Ports of Origin in China
| Port of Origin | Region | Advantage | Suitable Cargo |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shanghai Port | East China | Primary departure port | Cargo from East China/Yangtze River Delta |
| Shenzhen Port (Yantian) | South China | Southern China departure port | Cargo from Pearl River Delta |
2.2 Main Destination Ports in Saudi Arabia
Dammam Port (DAM) — largest port on Saudi Arabia's east coast, close to the capital Riyadh; Jeddah Port (JED) — largest port on Saudi Arabia's west coast, gateway to the Red Sea.
III. Main Shipping Lines
| Shipping Line | Advantage Route | Sailing Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| COSCO Shipping | Leading capacity on Middle East routes | Multiple sailings per week |
| Maersk | Stable service on Middle East routes | Multiple sailings per week |
| MSC | Comprehensive coverage on Middle East routes | Multiple sailings per week |
IV. Full Container Load (FCL) Service
4.1 Available Container Types
| Container Type | Internal Dimensions (L×W×H) | Suitable Cargo |
|---|---|---|
| 20GP | 5.90×2.35×2.39m | Heavy cargo, chemicals, hardware and building materials |
| 40GP | 12.03×2.35×2.39m | Light bulky cargo, furniture, textiles |
| 40HQ | 12.03×2.35×2.69m | High-volume cargo, electronic products, machinery |
4.2 Estimated Transit Time
| Origin Region | Destination Port | Direct/Transshipment | Estimated Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| South China (Shenzhen) | Dammam | Direct | Approx. 15-20 days |
| East China (Shanghai) | Dammam | Direct | Approx. 18-25 days |
| South China (Shenzhen) | Jeddah | Direct or transshipment | Approx. 18-25 days |
Note: The above transits are estimates. Actual transport time is subject to shipping line routing, transshipment hub connections, port operation efficiency, weather, and other factors. Please confirm at the time of booking.
V. Less than Container Load (LCL) Service
For small batch cargo, Bofeng Logistics offers LCL sea freight from China to Saudi Arabia. LCL cargo is charged based on the greater of volume or weight (RT = Revenue Ton), 1 CBM = 1000 KG. LCL shipments can be arranged from South China/East China.
VI. Shipping Terms and Value-Added Services
| Term | Description | Applicable Scenario |
|---|---|---|
| FOB China Port | Seller responsible up to origin port, buyer arranges sea freight | Buyer-designated forwarder |
| CIF Saudi Arabia Port | Seller responsible for sea freight + insurance to destination port | Seller controls transport |
| DDP Saudi Arabia Door | Seller responsible for entire journey to designated address in Saudi Arabia (including customs clearance and duties) | Door-to-door service |
Value-Added Services: Export customs clearance, destination customs clearance agent, trucking pickup, warehousing and transshipment, transport insurance.
VII. Operational Notes for Saudi Arabia Route
7.1 Documentation Requirements
- Bill of Lading (B/L), Commercial Invoice, Packing List
- Invoice must state detailed product name and HS code
- Some products require Certificate of Origin
7.2 Customs and Compliance
- Saudi Customs applies SASO certification standards for imported goods
- Some products require Saber system compliance certificates
- Dammam Port, near the capital Riyadh, suitable for central and eastern cargo
- Jeddah Port, gateway to the Red Sea, suitable for western cargo
- Free time at destination port is typically 5-7 days
7.3 Important Notes
- Book 2-3 weeks in advance; during peak season, book 3-4 weeks in advance
- Special cargo (batteries, chemicals, etc.) must confirm compliance requirements in advance
- Free time at destination port is typically 3-7 days; demurrage charges apply beyond that
VIII. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: How long does sea freight take from China to Saudi Arabia?
South China to Dammam approx. 15-20 days, East China approx. 18-25 days.
Q2: How to choose between Dammam and Jeddah ports?
Dammam is close to Riyadh, suitable for central and eastern cargo. Jeddah is the Red Sea gateway, suitable for western and Mecca region cargo.
IX. Extended Reading
- Export Sea Freight Full Process
- International Sea Freight Operations Manual: Major Global Routes and Ports
- International Sea Freight Operations Manual: How to Choose Direct vs Transshipment
X. Contact Us
Get real-time quotes and customized logistics solutions for sea freight from China to Saudi Arabia:
- Phone: 130-7567-8958
- Email: info@zhbfwl.com
- Online Inquiry: Get Sea Freight Quote
This article was created by the professional team at Bofeng Logistics, based on 20 years of international sea freight operational experience. If you have sea freight needs to Saudi Arabia, please contact Bofeng Logistics for a customized solution.