Have you been waiting to try out the Malaysian market but don’t know how to ship from China to Malaysia? We have just the guide to help you tap into the market and benefit from Malaysia’s rapidly growing economy and great location in Southeast Asia.
Selecting the Optimal Shipping Method
The first step for a successful shipment is choosing the right shipping method. Before making your choice, brainstorm what exactly you are shipping, when you need to deliver them, and what does your budget allow. Here are some methods you can choose from:
1. Sea Freight
Sea freight is a very common choice for larger and heavier goods, mostly because it is cheaper. However, despite the lower cost, it may take a lot longer to deliver by the sea.
Types of Sea Freight:
- LCL (Less Than Container Load): If you are a small business with a small shipment, don’t spend a lot of money and choose LCL for shared container space.
- FCL (Full Container Load): But if you are a large business with a huge shipment, get the entire container as it is safer and might even save money.
Best For:
- Heavy machinery, bulk raw materials, furniture, automotive parts
Key Ports:
- Port Klang (West Malaysia), Penang Port, Bintulu Port (East Malaysia)
Transit Time:
7–14 days from Shenzhen, Shanghai, or Guangzhou
2. Air Freight
Are you running on a deadline and need to ship your goods quickly? Air freight is your best bet. Not only is it fast but it also offers the extra security your valuable goods need.
Best For:
- High-end electronics, pharmaceuticals, fashion samples, medical supplies
Major Airports:
- Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), Penang International Airport, Kota Kinabalu International Airport
Transit Time:
2–5 days from major Chinese airports
3. Door-to-Door (D2D) Shipping
If you want to hand over your shipping to a partner and rest your days without stress, you should look into door-to-door shipping. Allwayforward can handle everything on your behalf and you will get your shipment right at your door.
Best For:
- E-commerce sellers, SMEs, and businesses without logistics expertise shipping from China to Malaysia
Transit Time:
Typically 5-10 days, but can vary based on service (express vs. standard), origin city in China, and destination in Malaysia.
Packaging Options:
May offer or recommend packaging solutions appropriate for international shipping.
4. Express Shipping
For the deliveries that just can’t wait, you must choose express shipping. It’s a fast and secure option for your urgent, lightweight packages. And you can get them delivered as quick as 3–5 days.
Best For:
- Businesses and e-commerce sellers, particularly SMEs, who lack logistics expertise.
Top Providers:
- DHL, FedEx, UPS, SF Express.
Real-World Shipping Scenarios For Cost Analysis
You may get quotes from different shipping partners, but it is very important to have real-life examples of what shipping will actually cost. To give you a clearer picture, here are two real-life shipping scenarios—and how you can cut costs.
Example 1: 1 CBM of Machinery Parts via Sea Freight
| Cost Factor | Estimated Cost (USD) |
| Sea Freight (LCL) | $120–$250 |
| Customs Duties (5–10%) | $80–$200 |
| Port Handling Fees | $50–$150 |
| Total Cost | $600–$1,500 |
How Allwayforward Helps:
- We can help you by consolidating your shipments with those of other clients. This way you won’t have to pay for the entire container space and get lower rates.
- Allwayforward can also pre-submit the customs documents. With this, you can skip any potential delays and streamline the entire process.
Example 2: 500 kg of Electronics via Air Freight
| Cost Factor | Estimated Cost (USD) |
| Air Freight | $1,800–$3,200 |
| SIRIM Certification | $200–$500 |
| Total Cost | $2,400–$4,800 |
How Allwayforward Helps:
- Our shipping experts can negotiate with airlines to get you the best possible price for your shipment.
- We also optimize your cargo’s packaging and arrangement to minimize the weight fees for less space usage and cheaper costs.
5 Proven Ways to Reduce Shipping Costs
Allwayforward practices and preaches these five ways to save on shipping costs and improve efficiency:
- Free Trade Zones: If Malaysia is just a pit stop for your goods then you can use the Free Trade Zones to your advantage. This way you can store the goods at Port Klang Free Zone (PKFZ) without paying import taxes right away.
- Avoid Peak Times: While you have the whole year to ship your goods, avoid shipping between October and December. Because of Christmas and Chinese New Year, these times are super busy.
- Better Packaging: There is no use spending a lot of money on packaging but make sure it is smart so it doesn’t take up a lot of space.
- Trade Deals: There’s a trade deal between China and Southeast Asia that lets you pay less tax on many of the things you ship. It’s called the ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreement (ACFTA), and it covers a lot of goods like electronics and so.
- Fast Customs: Facing delays is a money dump. Avoid this and send your customs documents early through the Dagang Net system.
FAQs
Q: How do I pick a reliable freight partner?
It’s important to find a good shipping company when you’re importing. Look for one that’s honest about pricing, communicates well, and understands how to ship your specific items.
Q: What are the common risks when shipping to Malaysia?
Shipping to Malaysia can be tricky. Delays are common during monsoon season (November to February). You might also have surprise costs if your paperwork is wrong or you use the wrong product codes.
Conclusion
Malaysia’s imports from China are increasing every year, it is essential for businesses to make smart choices and stay competitive. It’s all about picking the right shipping method, keeping costs down, and making sure you’re following all the rules. That’s where Allwayforward comes in.
We simplify your shipping process, ensuring cost-effectiveness and compliance, so you can focus on expanding your business.
Ready to ship smarter? Contact Allwayforward today for a free logistics audit.
