Shipping Cost from China to Honduras

Introduction: Growing Trade Between China and Honduras

Shipping Cost from China to Honduras is a growing concern for global importers, especially as trade between the two countries continues to expand. From electronics and machinery to furniture, textiles, and e-commerce products, Honduran businesses are increasingly sourcing from China to benefit from competitive pricing and diverse product availability.

This surge in demand has given rise to more efficient freight shipping services, including both sea freight and air freight options. Whether you are sending a small parcel or a full container load, selecting the right shipping method, understanding overall shipping costs, and partnering with a reliable freight forwarder are essential steps in achieving on-time and cost-effective delivery.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the complete logistics process for shipping from China to Honduras — including estimated transit times, detailed freight rates, customs clearance procedures, and the benefits of door-to-door service. Whether you’re a new importer or a seasoned business, this 2025 guide will help you make smarter logistics decisions.

Main Shipping Methods from China to Honduras

When importing goods from China to Honduras, selecting the appropriate shipping method is crucial for balancing speed, cost, and cargo type. The three most common options are:

Sea Freight (Ocean Shipping)

Sea freight is the most cost-effective option for bulk shipments, large equipment, or full container loads. Depending on the volume, importers can choose:

• FCL (Full Container Load) – Ideal for large shipments that fill an entire 20ft or 40ft container.
• LCL (Less than Container Load) – Suitable for smaller shipments that share space with other cargo.

Sea transportation is slower but significantly cheaper compared to air, making it the preferred choice for high-volume or non-urgent shipments.

Air Freight

For time-sensitive cargo, air freight from China to Honduras provides faster transit and increased security. It is ideal for electronics, medical equipment, and high-value items. While the cost is higher than sea freight, the air cargo transportation process is streamlined and often includes express air freight service options.

Door-to-Door Shipping

This is the most convenient solution, especially for importers who want to avoid managing customs and local delivery. A logistics provider handles everything from pickup in China to final delivery in Honduras, whether by air transportation or sea freight.

Each method offers different benefits depending on the cargo type, budget, and required shipping time. The rest of this guide will help you compare them in detail.

Sea Freight to Honduras: FCL and LCL Options

Sea freight is the most popular and cost-effective shipping method for moving goods from China to Honduras, especially for large shipments. Whether you’re shipping heavy machinery, building materials, or retail inventory, ocean freight offers flexible solutions for all cargo sizes.

Full Container Load (FCL)

FCL shipping allows you to reserve an entire container — either a 20ft or 40ft unit — exclusively for your goods. This option offers:

• Lower cost per unit for high-volume shipments
• Reduced handling risk (no mixing with other cargo)
• Faster processing at departure and arrival ports

It’s the ideal choice when you’re shipping bulk goods directly from Shanghai, Shenzhen, Ningbo, or Xiamen China to Puerto Cortés, Puerto Castilla, or San Lorenzo in Honduras.

Less than Container Load (LCL)

LCL shipping is best for small to medium-sized cargo that doesn’t require a full container. Your goods share container space with shipments from other exporters. Key advantages include:

• Cost-sharing on container space
• Weekly departures from major Chinese ports
• Suitable for businesses testing new markets

However, LCL may involve longer transit time due to cargo consolidation and deconsolidation at the ports.

Sea Transportation Time and Reliability

Transit time for sea freight from China to Honduras typically ranges between 28 to 40 days, depending on the port combination and carrier schedule. Though slower, ocean freight offers cost-effective solutions with competitive rates and reliable schedules.

If your shipment isn’t urgent and you want to minimize shipping costs, sea freight remains the top recommendation for imports to Honduras.

Air Freight from China to Honduras: Fast and Reliable

For urgent deliveries or high-value cargo, air freight from China to Honduras is the fastest and most secure option. Although more expensive than ocean freight, air cargo is ideal for electronics, medical devices, auto parts, and other time-sensitive goods.

Key Advantages of Air Freight

• Transit time: Usually 3–7 days, depending on origin and destination
• Faster customs clearance
• Lower risk of damage or theft
• Reliable scheduling for tight deadlines

Air cargo is typically routed through major airports like Guangzhou Baiyun, Shanghai Pudong, or Shenzhen Bao’an, and arrives at Toncontín International Airport (TGU) in Tegucigalpa or Ramón Villeda Morales International Airport in San Pedro Sula.

Express Air Freight Services

For even faster delivery, importers can choose express air freight service provided by international couriers such as DHL, FedEx, and UPS. These services offer:

• Door-to-door service within 3–5 days
• Real-time tracking
• Simplified customs handling

Though express delivery is the most expensive air shipping option, it is ideal for small packages and urgent samples.

Air Freight Rates

Air freight rates from China to Honduras are calculated based on chargeable weight, which is determined by the greater of actual or volumetric weight. Rates typically range between:

• $5.5 – $8.5 per kg for standard air freight
• $10+ per kg for express air courier services

Use a chargeable weight calculator to determine your total shipping fee accurately before confirming shipment.

If speed and security are your top priorities, air cargo transportation provides a fast and professional logistics solution from China to Honduras.

Door-to-Door Shipping Services

For importers who prefer a hands-off shipping process, door-to-door service from China to Honduras is the most convenient logistics solution. This service covers the entire transportation process, from picking up the goods at the supplier’s warehouse in China to final delivery at your location in Honduras.

What’s Included in Door-to-Door Shipping?

A professional logistics provider will manage all aspects of the shipment, including:

• Pickup from factory or supplier
• Export customs clearance in China
• Sea or air transportation
• Import customs clearance in Honduras
• Land transport to your warehouse or business address
• Optional temporary storage if needed

This means you don’t have to coordinate with shipping companies, customs agents, or local carriers — the provider handles everything on your behalf.

Door-to-Door via Sea Freight

Door-to-door sea freight is ideal for larger or heavier cargo. Transit time ranges from 30 to 45 days, but offers the lowest total shipping cost when compared to air.

Door-to-Door via Air Freight

Air-based door-to-door shipping is faster, with delivery times ranging from 5 to 10 days, depending on customs processing and destination port proximity. This is a common choice for e-commerce, urgent samples, and lightweight shipments.

Why Choose Door-to-Door Shipping?

• No need to deal with multiple carriers or customs brokers
• Full visibility and tracking
• Delivered duty paid (DDP) or delivered duty unpaid (DDU) options
• Reduces the risk of shipment delays or miscommunication

This service is particularly popular among first-time importers, Amazon/eCommerce sellers, and businesses that require comprehensive logistics solutions from China to Honduras.

Shipping Transit Time from China to Honduras

Understanding the average transit time is essential for planning your supply chain and meeting customer expectations. Whether you’re shipping by sea or air, delivery times from China to Honduras vary based on the origin city, shipping method, and whether door-to-door service is included.

Sea Freight Transit Time

Ocean freight is the slowest but most cost-efficient method. Estimated transit times from major Chinese ports to Honduras are:

These estimates include port handling but exclude delays caused by customs or holidays.

Air Freight Transit Time

Air freight offers much faster delivery, typically ranging from 3 to 7 days, depending on the city pair and airline schedule. For instance:

For urgent shipments, express air freight can cut delivery time down to 2–4 days, including customs clearance.

Door-to-Door Shipping Transit Time

If you choose a door-to-door solution, your total shipping time will include:

• Pickup
• Export procedures
• Main transportation
• Import customs clearance
• Last-mile delivery

Estimated total transit time:

• By sea: 35–50 days
• By air: 6–10 days

To ensure timely arrival, always confirm the shipping plan with your freight forwarder, especially during peak shipping seasons.

Shipping Cost from China to Honduras (Sea & Air Freight Rates)

The total shipping cost from China to Honduras depends on several factors, including shipping method, cargo weight and volume, Incoterms, origin and destination ports, and additional services like customs handling or last-mile delivery. Below is a breakdown of average 2025 rates to help you budget effectively.

Sea Freight Rates (FCL & LCL)

Full Container Load (FCL) Shipping Costs

These rates include ocean freight and basic handling. Customs clearance, duties, and inland delivery are charged separately.

Less than Container Load (LCL) Rates

• $80–$120 per CBM depending on route and cargo type
• Minimum chargeable volume: 1 CBM

LCL is more cost-effective for smaller shipments but may involve longer transit times and more handling.

Air Freight Rates

Standard Air Freight (100–500 kg)

Use a chargeable weight calculator to determine if your cargo will be billed by actual or volumetric weight.

Express Air Freight (e.g., DHL, FedEx)

• Small packages (5–20 kg): $12 – $18/kg
• Delivery within 3–5 days
• Includes door delivery and basic clearance

Additional Cost Considerations

• Customs clearance in Honduras: $100–$250
• Import duties and taxes: Based on product HS code
• Door-to-door service (air): Add $0.80–$1.20/kg
• Door-to-door service (sea): Add $350–$600 depending on region

Shipping rates are dynamic and may fluctuate based on fuel costs, peak season surcharges, or global freight demand. For the most accurate quote, consult a freight forwarder with an extensive network in Latin America.

Explore more shipping guides:

• Shipping Cost from China to Vietnam
• Shipping cost from China to Poland
• Shipping Cost from China to Austria
• Shipping Cost from China to Costa Rica
• Shipping Cost from China to Every Country

Honduran Ports and Airports for Imports

Choosing the right destination port or airport in Honduras can impact your shipping time, inland transportation cost, and clearance efficiency. Here are the main logistics hubs for receiving international cargo:

Major Seaports in Honduras

Puerto Cortés

• Largest container port in Honduras
• Handles the majority of FCL and LCL shipments
• Equipped with modern customs and scanning systems
• Ideal for goods arriving from Shanghai, Ningbo, Xiamen, and Shenzhen China

Puerto Castilla

• Serves the northern Caribbean coast
• Common destination for shipments from Guangzhou China
• Suited for general cargo and agricultural inputs

San Lorenzo Port

• Located on the Pacific side (Gulf of Fonseca)
• Strategic for reaching southern Honduras and nearby countries
• Often used for cargo from Shenzhen and Hong Kong China

These major container ports are connected to Honduras’ main highways and logistics zones, supporting efficient onward delivery.

Main Airports for Air Cargo

Toncontín International Airport (TGU) – Tegucigalpa

• Handles commercial and air cargo transportation
• Located near the capital, ideal for central Honduras distribution
• Used for both standard air freight and express delivery

Ramón Villeda Morales International Airport (SAP) – San Pedro Sula

• Modern cargo terminal for air freight services
• Ideal for shipments headed to industrial zones in northern Honduras
• Supports door to door service for businesses in San Pedro Sula

When choosing your shipping route, coordinate with your freight forwarder to determine the most efficient port or airport based on final delivery address and transportation infrastructure.

Customs Clearance and Import Duties in Honduras

Successfully navigating customs clearance is critical to avoiding delays, penalties, or unexpected costs when shipping from China to Honduras. Whether you’re using air freight, sea freight, or door-to-door shipping, understanding the clearance process and local import regulations is essential.

Customs Clearance Process in Honduras

Here’s a simplified breakdown of the import customs clearance process:

1. Arrival of goods at port or airport
2. Submission of documents, including:
   • Commercial invoice
   • Bill of lading or air waybill
   • Packing list
   • Certificate of origin (if required)
3. Customs inspection and classification
4. Calculation and payment of import duties and taxes
5. Release of cargo for final delivery

Hiring a reliable logistics provider or freight forwarder can ensure smoother clearance, especially if you’re unfamiliar with local procedures.

Import Duties and Taxes

Import duties in Honduras are based on the CIF value (Cost + Insurance + Freight). Key charges include:

• Import duty: 5% to 15% depending on product category
• Sales tax (ISV): 15% (applies to most goods)
• Customs processing fee: Fixed amount or small percentage

To avoid surprises, you should check your product’s HS code and consult with a customs broker.

DDP vs DDU: What’s the Difference?

• Delivered Duty Paid (DDP): The seller/freight forwarder pays all import duties and delivers the goods to your door. It’s a hassle-free option but includes higher upfront shipping cost.
• Delivered Duty Unpaid (DDU): You, the importer, handle duties and taxes upon arrival. This option gives more control but requires local customs knowledge.

Tip: Many small and medium-sized businesses prefer DDP for simplicity, especially when using door-to-door shipping services from China.

Proper preparation and choosing the right Incoterm can help you minimize clearance delays and extra costs when importing to Honduras.

Choosing the Right Freight Forwarder

A professional and experienced freight forwarder plays a crucial role in ensuring your goods are shipped smoothly from China to Honduras. From coordinating shipping routes and booking containers to handling customs clearance and final delivery, your forwarder is your logistics backbone.

What to Look for in a Freight Forwarder to Honduras

When selecting a logistics provider, consider the following criteria:

• Proven experience with Latin American shipments
• Strong presence in both China and Honduras
• Ability to handle FCL, LCL, and air freight
• Clear breakdown of shipping fees and freight rates
• Full support with delivered duty paid (DDP) or delivered duty unpaid (DDU) terms
• Transparent communication and shipment tracking
• Familiarity with Honduran import regulations

Working with a freight forwarder that understands the shipping process and transportation requirements for Central America can help you avoid unexpected costs, delays, and documentation issues.

Comprehensive Logistics Solutions

Look for a forwarder that offers comprehensive logistics solutions, including:

• Pickup from supplier in Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Shanghai, or Ningbo
• Multimodal shipping options (air + sea + land transport)
• Local partnerships for temporary storage or warehousing in Honduras
• Expertise in hazardous materials shipping if applicable
• Custom-built shipping plans based on your business model and cargo type

A forwarder with an extensive network can offer more flexible, cost-effective solutions, ensuring your cargo arrives on time and within budget.

Best Routes and Loading Ports in China

Selecting the right loading port in China is essential for optimizing both shipping costs and transit time to Honduras. China’s vast export infrastructure offers numerous departure points, each with strengths depending on cargo type, destination, and shipping method.

Top Sea Freight Ports for Honduras Shipments

Shanghai Port

• World’s busiest container port
• Offers regular FCL and LCL services to Puerto Cortés and San Lorenzo
• Ideal for exporters in East and North China

Shenzhen Port

• Key hub in South China
• Preferred for shipments going to Puerto Castilla
• Efficient for electronics, e-commerce, and consolidated cargo

Ningbo Port

• High-volume port with competitive ocean freight rates
• Common for full container load exports to Latin America

Xiamen & Guangzhou Ports

• Fast-growing ports serving exporters in Southeast China
• Convenient for shipments to Caribbean and Pacific side ports in Honduras

Main Airports for Air Freight Exports

If using air freight, these airports offer frequent cargo flights to Central America:

• Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN)
• Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)
• Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport (SZX)
• Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) – Especially for express air freight services

These airports are well-connected to Latin America via transit hubs in the U.S., Mexico, or Panama.

Efficient Routes to Honduras

Typical freight shipping routes may include:

• China → Panama → Honduras (via sea or air)
• China → U.S. port/airport → Honduras
• Direct ocean route to Puerto Cortés via Pacific/Caribbean transshipment

Discuss your delivery timeline, cargo type, and budget with your freight forwarder to determine the most cost-effective and time-saving route.

FAQs: Shipping from China to Honduras

To help importers make better decisions, here are some frequently asked questions about the shipping process from China to Honduras:

What is the cheapest way to ship from China to Honduras?

The most cost-effective solution is sea freight via LCL for small shipments or FCL for bulk goods. Sea freight is significantly cheaper than air but requires longer transit time.

How long does it take to ship from China to Honduras?

• Sea freight: 30–40 days (port to port)
• Air freight: 3–7 days
• Door-to-door:
  • Sea: 35–50 days
  • Air: 6–10 days

Transit time depends on departure/arrival ports, shipping method, and customs clearance duration.

What documents are required for customs clearance in Honduras?

Typical documents include:

• Commercial invoice
• Packing list
• Bill of lading or air waybill
• Certificate of origin (if applicable)
• HS code declaration

A qualified freight forwarder or customs broker will assist with submission and compliance.

Can I use door-to-door service with DDP terms?

Yes. Most freight forwarders offer delivered duty paid (DDP) shipping from China to Honduras, which includes customs clearance and delivery to your address. It’s the easiest option for importers.

Which port in Honduras is best for container shipping?

Puerto Cortés is the main international port and best equipped for container handling. It’s ideal for shipments to major cities like Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula.

How do I calculate air freight charges?

Air freight cost is based on chargeable weight = higher of actual weight vs. volumetric weight. Use a CBM calculator or consult your forwarder to estimate costs.

What are the common products shipped from China to Honduras?

Popular goods include:

• Electronics & mobile accessories
• Household appliances
• Furniture
• Clothing & textiles
• Construction materials
• Auto parts

If you have more specific questions or need a custom quote, it’s best to contact a professional logistics provider for tailored freight rates and service recommendations.