How long does it take to ship from China to Georgia? This is one of the most common questions asked by importers sourcing goods from East Asia. Whether you’re shipping electronics, textiles, or bulk cargo, understanding the estimated delivery time, freight shipping service options, and customs procedures is essential for a smooth shipping experience.
In this article, we’ll break down the air freight, sea freight, rail freight, and door-to-door delivery times from China to Georgia. We’ll also explore shipping costs, customs clearance, and how to avoid shipping delays with the help of reliable freight forwarders.
Whether you’re using air express for time-sensitive shipments or sea freight offers for bulk cargo, this 2025 guide will help you choose the most cost-effective and efficient method.
Air Freight from China to Georgia: Fastest Option
If you’re handling urgent shipments or perishable goods, air freight is the fastest transportation method. Air cargo typically flies into Tbilisi International Airport (TBS), Georgia’s main arrival airport, and sometimes Kutaisi or Batumi for specific carriers.
Departure Airport in China | Arrival Airport in Georgia | Transit Time | Suitable For |
|---|---|---|---|
Guangzhou (CAN) | Tbilisi International Airport | 5–7 days | Commercial goods, samples |
Shanghai (PVG) | Tbilisi via Istanbul or Doha | 6–8 days | Urgent eCommerce or air parcels |
Shenzhen (SZX) | Tbilisi via Dubai or Baku | 6–10 days | High-value or fragile items |
Air Freight Highlights:
Air freight costs are higher than sea or rail but offer faster delivery.
Ideal for shipments under 300 kg or time-sensitive cargo.
Can include air express and door-to-door options through freight forwarders.
Common Use Cases:
Urgent inventory restock for retail
Fragile electronics needing fast transit
Samples for exhibitions or B2B buyers
How to Calculate Chargeable Weight:
Air freight is billed by chargeable weight, calculated as the greater of actual weight or volumetric weight (Length × Width × Height ÷ 6000). For lighter but bulky cargo, air shipping can be expensive—so calculating correctly saves money.
Try our Chargeable Weight Calculator to plan your shipment more accurately.
Sea Freight from China to Georgia: Affordable for Large Shipments
Sea freight is one of the most cost-effective options for transporting large volumes of cargo from China to Georgia. While Georgia has access to the Black Sea through ports like Poti and Batumi, cargo from China is usually transshipped through European hubs such as Istanbul, Constanta, or Piraeus before arriving in Georgia.
Common Shipping Routes
Origin Port in China | Route Type | Final Destination Port | Estimated Delivery Time |
|---|---|---|---|
Shanghai | via Piraeus (Greece) or Istanbul | Poti Port | 35–45 days |
Shenzhen | via Istanbul or Constanta (Romania) | Batumi Port | 38–50 days |
Ningbo | via Black Sea transshipment | Poti Port | 36–48 days |
Due to Georgia’s limited direct maritime routes, sea freight often involves sharing container space or entire container shipments transshipped via third countries.
Container Options: FCL vs. LCL
Sea freight services allow you to choose between:
Full Container Load (FCL)
You book an entire container—either a 20ft or 40ft unit—for your own goods.
Best for bulk cargo
Reduces handling damage
Lower cost per unit for large shipments
Less than Container Load (LCL)
You share container space with other shippers.
Best for smaller volumes
Flexible, but longer due to consolidation
May incur additional warehousing costs
Always consult with your freight shipping service provider to evaluate whether LCL shipping or FCL is better for your cargo volume and timeline.
Sea Freight Costs from China to Georgia
Ocean freight is generally the cheapest shipping method in terms of per-unit cost. However, pricing depends on:
Route and port congestion
Type of cargo (e.g., bulk cargo or palletized)
Container type (20ft, 40ft, high cube)
Seasonal demand and fuel surcharges
Typical freight costs for a full container (FCL):
Container Type | From Shanghai to Poti | From Shenzhen to Batumi |
|---|---|---|
20ft FCL | $1,850 – $2,150 | $1,950 – $2,250 |
40ft FCL | $2,700 – $3,100 | $2,850 – $3,250 |
You can request shipping rates online from your logistics provider or compare prices from multiple freight forwarders to ensure the best deal.
Challenges and Delays in Ocean Freight
Delays in shipping cargo by sea are often caused by:
Port congestion at transshipment hubs
Documentation issues (e.g., missing commercial invoice)
Weather disruptions or geopolitical events
Longer customs clearance procedures in some transshipment countries
To avoid delays, always coordinate early with your shipping agent and ensure all documentation is in order.
Rail Freight from China to Georgia: Balanced Speed and Cost
For importers looking for a cost-effective and moderately fast transportation method, rail freight from China to Georgia offers an excellent alternative to both air and sea. It’s faster than ocean freight and significantly cheaper than air cargo.
This route is part of the China-Europe Railway Express, often complemented by road freight or ferry services through Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan before goods finally reach Georgia.
Common Rail Routes
Rail Route | Transit Time | Mode |
|---|---|---|
Xi’an → Alashankou → Baku → Tbilisi | 18–25 days | Rail + Truck |
Yiwu → Dostyk → Baku → Tbilisi | 20–28 days | Rail + Ferry + Truck |
Chongqing → Urumqi → Caspian Sea → Georgia | 21–30 days | Multimodal |
These shipments are typically handled by platforms like Agora Freight, which specialize in Eurasian multimodal logistics.
Rail Freight Process: How the Cargo Arrives
Cargo pickup from supplier’s factory in China
Rail transport across inland China to western border points (e.g., Alashankou, Horgos)
Transfer via ferry or truck through Central Asia and Caspian Sea
Final delivery to Georgia (usually Tbilisi or Rustavi)
This shipping process is well-coordinated by experienced freight forwarders who manage all documentation, tracking, and transshipment stages.
Why Choose Rail Freight?
Rail freight offers a great balance of speed, price, and reliability, especially if:
Your shipment is too large for air but not urgent enough for sea
You want to save money during peak sea seasons
You need transit times under one month
You’re shipping to inland Georgia (Tbilisi, Gori, etc.)
Typical freight costs are 30–50% lower than air and only slightly higher than sea LCL shipments.
When Is Rail Freight Ideal?
Mid-sized cargo volumes (1–10 CBM or pallets)
Electronics, textiles, industrial equipment
Importers seeking cost savings with relatively fast delivery
Door-to-Door & Express Shipping from China to Georgia
For businesses or individual importers who want a hassle-free shipping experience, door-to-door services are the most convenient. These solutions are especially popular for eCommerce sellers, SME traders, and those handling urgent shipments.
Door-to-door shipping combines multiple logistics stages—pickup in China, international transit, customs clearance, and final delivery in Georgia—into one seamless process managed by a single logistics provider.
What Is Door-to-Door Shipping?
Door-to-door service means your freight from China is collected directly from the factory or supplier and delivered to your address in Georgia (e.g., Tbilisi, Batumi, Kutaisi), including all documentation, duties, and fees.
This method can involve:
Air and sea freight as the international leg
Domestic trucking on both ends
Customs brokerage and tax settlement
Express Shipping: Fastest Delivery for Time-Sensitive Shipments
If you need faster delivery and are shipping small packages, express shipping via couriers like DHL, FedEx, or UPS is ideal. Transit times range from 3 to 7 days, depending on origin city and service type.
Method | Delivery Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|
Express Courier | 3–7 days | Small packages, urgent samples |
Air DDP | 8–12 days | B2C and lightweight cargo |
Sea DDP | 35–50 days | Bulk shipments, budget option |
Rail DDP | 20–30 days | Mid-size cargo with balance |
For all door-to-door shipments, ensure your commercial invoice, packing list, and contact details are complete to avoid customs delays.
Benefits of Door-to-Door Shipping
All-inclusive pricing: Includes freight, taxes, and delivery
Customs clearance handled for you
Flexible shipping methods (air, sea, rail)
Saves time and avoids dealing with multiple agents
Reduces risk of shipping delays
Important Notes:
Minimum chargeable weight for air DDP is usually 21–45 kg.
For sea freight DDP, container load or LCL may require longer booking times.
Ensure your cargo is properly labeled and documented to avoid issues at customs clearance.
Tip: Ask your shipping agent for the most suitable DDP line based on your cargo volume, urgency, and destination country regulations.
Shipping Costs and Transit Times from China to Georgia (2025)
Shipping from China to Georgia involves a variety of shipping methods, each offering different trade-offs in cost and delivery time. The table below provides a comparative overview of freight rates, typical transit times, and ideal use cases depending on cargo type and urgency.
Shipping Method | Estimated Delivery Time | Shipping Costs (Reference) | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|
Express Shipping (DHL/FedEx/UPS) | 3–7 days | $4.5 – $6.5/kg (for <21kg) | Urgent shipments, samples |
Air Freight (100–300kg) | 5–8 days | $2.5 – $4.5/kg | Time-sensitive bulk cargo |
Air DDP | 8–12 days | $3.0 – $5.5/kg (all-included) | Light B2C parcels, electronics |
Rail Freight (LCL/FCL) | 18–30 days | $60 – $120/CBM | Mid-sized commercial shipments |
Rail DDP | 20–30 days | $120 – $200/CBM (all-included) | Balanced speed & cost shipments |
Sea Freight (FCL 20ft) | 35–45 days | $1,550 – $1,850/container | Large, cost-sensitive cargo |
Sea Freight (FCL 40ft) | 40–50 days | $2,000 – $2,500/container | Heavy and non-urgent shipments |
Sea DDP (LCL) | 38–55 days | $100 – $150/CBM (all-included) | LCL cargo for SMEs or startups |
Rates may vary depending on seasonality, surcharges, and cargo characteristics. Always confirm with your freight forwarder before booking.
What Affects Shipping Costs?
Cargo volume & weight: Billed by CBM (cubic meter) or chargeable weight
Destination city: Tbilisi, Batumi, Kutaisi, etc.
Incoterms: Whether you choose EXW, FOB, CIF, or DDP
Customs declaration & taxes: Included in DDP, not in CIF/FOB
Type of goods: Fragile, hazardous, or perishable items may have extra fees
Save Money by Optimizing:
Combine multiple small shipments into one container load
Use rail freight instead of air if time allows
Avoid peak seasons (e.g., Chinese New Year, Black Friday)
Request bulk shipping rates for repeated cargo
Use our CBM Calculator to plan and compare your load volume before choosing a shipping option.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Shipping from China to Georgia
What documents are required for customs clearance in Georgia?
To complete customs clearance successfully, the following documents are usually required:
Commercial invoice
Bill of lading or air waybill
Import license (if applicable)
Certificate of origin (optional, but recommended)
Tip: Always ensure your shipping agent double-checks document accuracy to prevent delays.
Do I need to hire a freight forwarder to ship goods to Georgia?
While it’s not mandatory, working with professional freight forwarders greatly simplifies the international shipping process. They can help you:
Book carriers
Manage transshipment logistics
Handle customs clearance
Advise on optimal shipping methods
Especially for new importers, a forwarder helps avoid common mistakes and shipping delays.
What’s the difference between LCL and FCL shipments?
FCL (Full Container Load): You book the entire shipping container for your goods.
LCL (Less than Container Load): You share the container with others, paying only for your cargo space.
LCL is ideal for smaller shipments but may take longer due to consolidation and deconsolidation processes.
Can I ship personal items from China to Georgia?
Yes. Personal effects can be shipped via air, sea, or express courier. However:
Personal shipments still require a commercial invoice
Declare all contents clearly to avoid customs clearance issues
Check for import restrictions on electronics, batteries, food, etc.
What causes shipping delays from China to Georgia?
Delays can result from:
Incomplete or incorrect documentation
Port congestion during peak season
Weather disruptions or route diversions
Unexpected customs inspections
Choosing a reliable shipping agent and planning early are key to reducing risk.
Which is the main arrival airport in Georgia for air cargo?
Most air freight and express shipping services arrive at:
Tbilisi International Airport (TBS) – Main cargo and customs hub
Secondary arrivals may include Kutaisi (KUT) or Batumi (BUS)
What’s the cheapest option for shipping cargo from China to Georgia?
The cheapest option depends on your cargo size and urgency:
Under 21 kg: Use China Post or express economy
100–500 kg: Rail freight or Sea DDP
Over 1 CBM: LCL shipment via sea freight
Tip: Use sea freight offers for bulky goods and ask about container space sharing to cut costs.
Ship from China to Georgia with Tonlexing – Fast, Reliable, Cost-Effective
Navigating the world of freight shipping services can be complex—but with the right partner, shipping goods from China to Georgia becomes smooth, transparent, and hassle-free.
At Tonlexing, we specialize in providing door-to-door, air, sea, and rail freight solutions tailored to your budget and timeline. Whether you’re moving one pallet or a full container, we simplify your international shipping with:
- End-to-end logistics support
- Seamless customs clearance
- Competitive freight rates with no hidden fees
- Real-time tracking and proactive updates
- Expert guidance on the best shipping methods
Ready to Get a Shipping Quote?
Contact our team now for a free consultation.
We’ll help you calculate your cargo volume, compare options, and get your goods moving.
Get a Free Quote Today
Or message us directly on WhatsApp
Tonlexing – Your trusted freight forwarder for cost-effective, on-time shipping from China to Georgia.
