20 Feet Container Shipping Cost China to Bangladesh: The Ultimate Guide (2025)
“How much does it cost to bring a full container from China?”
If you are a serious importer—whether you are setting up a factory in Gazipur or stocking a wholesale warehouse in Nawabpur—you eventually move past “Air Freight” and “Small Parcels.” You graduate to the big league: Full Container Load (FCL).
The 20-foot container is the backbone of global trade. It is the perfect size for SMEs importing machinery, raw materials, or bulk electronics.
But calculating the real cost is tricky. The “Freight Rate” you see online (e.g., $1,200) is just the tip of the iceberg. There are Port Charges, Bunker Adjustment Factors (BAF), and the biggest hurdle of all: Bangladesh Customs Duty.
Total Import Solution is here to demystify the costs. We don’t just give you a rate; we give you a strategy. Whether you want a standard “Port-to-Port” service or a hassle-free Door-to-Door delivery, this guide covers it all.
🚀 Get a Live Container Quote
Freight rates change weekly. Don’t rely on old blogs. Contact us for today’s spot rate.
Company: Total Import Solution
WhatsApp:
+880 1717-954302Email:
totalimportbd@gmail.comWebsite: totalimportsolution.com
2025 Market Update: Current Freight Rates
Note: These are estimated market averages for late 2025. Rates fluctuate based on fuel prices and peak seasons (like Pre-Eid or Pre-CNY).
1. Base Ocean Freight (Port-to-Port)
This is the fee paid to the Shipping Line (e.g., Maersk, COSCO, MSC) to move the box from China to Chittagong.
| Route | 20ft Container (FCL) Cost | Transit Time |
| Shanghai to Chittagong | $1,000 – $1,400 USD | 18 – 22 Days |
| Shenzhen to Chittagong | $950 – $1,300 USD | 15 – 18 Days |
| Ningbo to Chittagong | $1,050 – $1,450 USD | 19 – 23 Days |
| Guangzhou to Chittagong | $950 – $1,350 USD | 15 – 20 Days |
💡 New Direct Route Alert:
A new direct shipping route from China to Chittagong has recently launched, reducing transit time to just 9-12 days. Rates for this express service are slightly higher (approx. $1,500+) but worth it for urgent machinery.
2. Local Charges (The Hidden Costs)
Even after paying the freight, you cannot take your container home yet. You must pay local charges at Chittagong Port.
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Terminal Handling Charge (THC): ~$200 – $300 USD
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Documentation Fee: ~$50 USD
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Delivery Order (DO) Fee: ~$40 – $60 USD
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Port Demurrage: Free for first 4 days, then charges apply daily.
The “Total Import Solution” Advantage: Door-to-Door FCL
Most importers get stuck at Chittagong Port. They face harassment from Customs officers, delays in assessment, and endless paperwork.
We offer a better way.
With our Door-to-Door FCL Service, we act as your complete logistics department.
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We Pick Up: We collect the container from your supplier’s factory in China.
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We Ship: We book the slot on the fastest vessel.
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We Clear: This is critical. We handle the Customs Clearance using our license. You don’t need an IRC, VAT, or C&F agent.
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We Deliver: We truck the container directly to your warehouse in Dhaka or Chittagong.
Your Cost: One single fixed invoice in BDT. No hidden bribes. No port demurrage stress.
What Fits in a 20ft Container?
Before you book, ensure a 20ft container is right for you.
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Internal Dimensions: 5.9m (L) x 2.35m (W) x 2.39m (H).
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Max Volume: 33 Cubic Meters (CBM).
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Practical Volume: You can practically load about 28 CBM (due to packaging gaps).
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Max Weight: Up to 28,000 KG (depending on shipping line limits).
Ideal For:
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Heavy Machinery: CNC machines, Lathes, Injection Molding machines.
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High Density Goods: Tiles, Metals, Hardware, Auto Parts.
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Bulk Raw Materials: Fabrics, Chemicals (Non-Haz), Plastic Granules.
⚠️ Pro Tip: If your goods are light but bulky (like cotton, toys, or shoes), a 40ft HQ Container might be cheaper per unit, even though the total freight is higher. Ask us for a comparison!
How to Calculate “Landed Cost”
To know if your import is profitable, use this formula:
Landed Cost = (Product Value) + (Ocean Freight) + (Insurance) + (Customs Duty) + (Local Transport)
The Customs Duty Factor
This is the biggest cost variable in Bangladesh.
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Capital Machinery: Can enjoy concessionary duty rates (as low as 1% – 5%) if you have an Industrial IRC.
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Commercial Goods: Standard duty ranges from 25% to over 100% (for luxury items).
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VAT: Always 15%.
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AIT (Advance Income Tax): 5%.
Don’t know your HS Code?
Send us your product photo on WhatsApp (+880 1717-954302). We will check the Bangladesh Customs Tariff and tell you the exact estimated duty.
Step-by-Step: Importing a Container with Us
Step 1: Supplier Finalization
You agree on the price (EXW or FOB) with your supplier on Alibaba or Made-in-China.
Step 2: Booking
Contact Total Import Solution.
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Provide: Packing List & Commercial Invoice.
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We book the vessel slot.
Step 3: Loading
We send a truck to your supplier’s factory in China to pick up the container (or they deliver it to the port).
Step 4: Shipping & Tracking
The vessel sails. We provide you with a Tracking Number to monitor the ship via sites like MarineTraffic.
Step 5: Arrival & Clearance
Option A (You Clear): We hand over the Bill of Lading (BL). You hire a C&F agent.
Option B (We Clear): We process the bill of entry, pay the duty on your behalf, and release the goods.
Step 6: Final Delivery
We arrange a Covered Van or Trailer Truck to bring the goods to your factory.
Why Total Import Solution?
We are experts in Machinery & Equipment logistics.
| Feature | Regular Freight Forwarder | Total Import Solution |
| Focus | General Cargo | Industrial & Commercial Specialist |
| Customs Support | None (You find C&F) | Full Support (In-House C&F) |
| Payment | USD via Bank | BDT Accepted (Cash/Bank) |
| Reliability | Variable | Guaranteed Contracts |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I ship a 20ft container if I don’t have a Full Container Load?
A: Yes! You can use our LCL (Less than Container Load) service. We consolidate your goods with others in a container. You only pay for the CBM (space) you use.
Q: How much is the customs duty for Machinery?
A: It depends on the HS Code. Generally, capital machinery has a Total Tax Incidence (TTI) of roughly 26% to 37% for commercial importers, but much lower for registered industries. Contact us for a precise calculation.
Q: Do you insure the goods?
A: Yes, we highly recommend Marine Insurance. It costs a fraction of the cargo value (usually 0.2% – 0.5%) but protects you against total loss (e.g., if the ship sinks or container falls).
Q: Can you pay my supplier in China?
A: Yes. If you are facing LC issues, you can pay us in BDT, and we can facilitate the payment to your supplier in China to release the goods.
Ready to Book Your Container?
Don’t let logistics eat your profit margins. Whether you are importing a single textile machine or ten containers of raw materials, Total Import Solution ensures your goods arrive on time and on budget.
Fast. Secure. Professional.
Total Import Solution
Your Global Logistics Partner
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📞 Mobile / WhatsApp:
+880 1717-954302 -
📧 Email:
totalimportbd@gmail.com -
🌐 Website: totalimportsolution.com
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📍 Address: Plot 3/8, Road 111, Dhanmondi River View Model Town, Sultanganj, Rayerbazar, Dhaka-1209.
Message us on WhatsApp now for a Free Quote!
