Shipping Space Capsules from China to Romania by Sea

Space Capsule Characteristics

Shipping Space Capsules from China, you need to know the dimensions and outer packaging dimensions of different products.

Container Selection for Space Capsule Transportation

Shipping Space Capsules from China first let factories or professional freight forwarder know use which types of the container.

The selection of appropriate containers for shipping various types of prefabricated structures, including space capsules, container houses, mobile food trucks, apple cabins, expandable container houses, foldable container houses, flat-pack container houses, and portable toilets, depends heavily on the product's dimensions and packaging. To optimize shipping costs from China, different transportation methods are employed.

List of internal dimensions of various containers (metric)

List of internal dimensions of various containers (metric)

Container Type	Internal dimensions of container			Volume and Load Capacity
		Length  / mm	Width / mm	Height / mm	Volume / m³	weight / kg
Ordinary standard container	20GP / 20FT	5898	2352	2392	33.2	21740 /28295
	40GP / 40FT	12031	2352	2392	67.7	26630 /28860
	40HQ / 40HC	12031	2352	2697	76.3	26520 /28700
Open top containers	20 OT	5895	2350	2348	32.5	28080 /28180
	40'STANDARD	12029	2350	2348	66	26500 /26660
	40 OT	12032	2350	2677	75.6	26380 /29425
Flat rack containers	20FR	5612	2194	2213	*	30920
	40 FR	11652	2374	1955	*	39600 /45000#

Reference for dimensions of various container contents

 Standard Containers (40GP or 40HQ):

• Given the space capsule's dimensions of 8.5m x 3.3m x 3.2m, standard containers like 40GP or 40HQ are unsuitable.
• The capsule's width of 3.3m exceeds the standard container width by nearly 1 meter, and its height of 3.2m also exceeds the standard container height.
• Therefore, attempting to load the capsule into these containers would result in significant over-width and over-height issues, making it practically impossible.

  40FR (40-foot Flat Rack Container):

• The internal length of a 40FR container is typically around 11,652mm, which accommodates the space capsule's length of 8.5m.
• Crucially, flat rack containers do not have a roof or sidewalls, eliminating width and height restrictions.
• These containers consist of a platform base and end frames, facilitating the loading of oversized cargo like the space capsule.
• The flexibility of the flat rack design ensures a secure fit for the capsule's shape, enhancing transportation safety.
• This is the optimal container for this type of cargo.

  Alternative Container Considerations:

• Open Top Containers:
• If the cargo's width exceeds a standard container by 20-50cm, and the height remains within limits, an open-top container may be considered.
• The removable top allows for vertical loading of over-height cargo.
• High Cube Containers:
• If the cargo height exceeds standard container heights by 50-100cm, and the width is within limits, High cube containers can be used.
• For this space capsule:
• Because this space capsule is both over width, and over height, The 40FR is the best option.

Shipping Space Capsules from China Process

Shipping space capsules from China process, here are one case "Shipping one space capsules from port of Qingdao to the port of Constanta".

(A) Confirmation of Trade Terms (Jinan - Qingdao)

• Before shipping space capsules from China, it is crucial to confirm whether the customer and the factory have agreed upon EXW or FOB terms.
• In this case, the customer and the factory have signed an EXW agreement, meaning the customer is responsible for all transportation.
• Under FOB terms, the factory would be responsible for transporting the goods to the designated port of shipment and completing export customs clearance procedures.

(B) Factory Pickup (Jinan - Qingdao)

• Under EXW terms, picking up the space capsule from the Jinan factory requires a specialized flatbed trailer.
• Due to the space capsule's large dimensions and heavy weight, regular vehicles cannot meet the transportation requirements.
• The flatbed trailer must have sufficient load-bearing capacity and stability.
• Before loading the space capsule, the trailer's tires, brakes, suspension, and other components must be thoroughly inspected to ensure optimal vehicle performance.
• The space capsule must be initially secured using professional lashing straps, ropes, or other tools to firmly fix it to the flatbed trailer, preventing displacement and shaking during transport.
• During shipping space capsules from China, factors such as road height, width, and weight restrictions must be considered.
• A transportation route should be planned in advance to avoid sections unsuitable for large cargo transport.

(C) Port Operations (Qingdao Port)

①Inspection and Reinforcement:

• Upon arrival at Qingdao Port, the cargo will first be inspected at the terminal warehouse.
• Because the factory only handles packaging and not reinforcement, professional reinforcement is required at the terminal warehouse to meet ocean freight requirements.

• During reinforcement, materials such as channel steel and angle steel will be used to create transverse bracing based on the space capsule's structure and weight (as shown in the image below).

  

• Reinforcement personnel must possess specialized skills and strictly adhere to reinforcement specifications to ensure the reinforced space capsule can withstand the jolting and shaking of ocean transport. (The image below shows the reinforced space capsule).

  
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②Customs Declaration:

• Prepare documentation such as commercial invoices, packing lists, and contracts to declare the export to customs.
• Simultaneously, conduct commodity inspection and quarantine as required.
• Customs declaration personnel must be familiar with the declaration process and relevant regulations, accurately filling out declaration information to ensure the declared cargo information matches the actual cargo.
• The commodity inspection and quarantine process requires inspection of the space capsule's quality, safety performance, and other aspects based on its intended use and relevant standards. Only after passing inspection can it be exported.

③Loading and Stowage:

• Use a large port crane to load the reinforced space capsule into a 40FR container and securely fasten it.
• Crane operators must have extensive experience and strictly follow operating procedures to ensure safe and accurate lifting.
• After loading the space capsule into the container, further secure it using dunnage such as lumber and fillers to prevent movement during transport.
• Then, according to the shipping company's stowage plan, lift the container onto the ship.

(D) Sea Freight (Qingdao - Constanta)

shipping space capsules from port of China to port of Romania, handle by shipping companies: such as COSCO / MSK / MSC / OOCL / ONE / EMC / CMA CGM / HPL .......

• The container ship departs from Qingdao Port, traverses the Indian Ocean, the Red Sea, and the Suez Canal, enters the Mediterranean Sea, and finally arrives at Constanta Port in Romania.
• The entire voyage takes approximately 40-60 days, with the specific time affected by factors such as the route, ship schedule, and weather conditions.
• During ocean transportation, the shipping company will closely monitor weather changes and adjust routes in a timely manner to ensure transportation safety.
• Regular container inspections will also be conducted to ensure the cargo is not damaged during transport.

(E) Destination Port Operations (Constanta Port)

Customs Clearance:

• The consignee or their agent submits relevant documents to Romanian customs to complete customs clearance procedures, paying tariffs and other taxes.
• Customs clearance documents include commercial invoices, bills of lading, packing lists, and more.
• Customs clearance personnel must be familiar with Romanian customs regulations and clearance procedures to ensure smooth clearance.

Pickup:

• After customs clearance, the consignee or their agent arranges transportation vehicles to pick up the space capsule from the port and transport it to the final destination.
• Transportation vehicles must be selected based on the space capsule's dimensions and weight to ensure transportation safety.

Details of shipping costs for Shipping Space Capsules

Details of shipping costs for Shipping Space Capsules from China,EXW China.

1. **Inland Trucking Fee (Jinan – Qingdao)**

Trucking costs from Jinan to Qingdao depend on transportation distance, vehicle type, and special requirements for oversized cargo. Typically, large flatbed trucks charge approximately **RMB 5–10 per kilometer**.

For a 300-kilometer distance, the estimated cost ranges from **RMB 1,500 to 3,000**. Additional fees may apply for obtaining an **oversized transport permit** or arranging escort vehicles due to specialized routing.

2. **Warehouse Reinforcement Fee (Qingdao Port)**

Since the factory only packages the space capsule without reinforcement, port warehouse reinforcement is required. Costs include materials and labor, estimated at **RMB 1,000–4,000**.

Material prices fluctuate with market conditions, and labor costs vary by region and worker skill level.

Complex capsule structures may require extra materials/techniques, increasing expenses.

3. **Port Handling Fees (Qingdao Port)**

- **Customs declaration fees**
> - **Loading/unloading fees** (costs for placing the capsule into containers and port handling, calculated by weight/dimensions)
- **Port miscellaneous fees**: Port construction fees, security fees, etc.

4. **Ocean Freight (Qingdao – Constanta)**

Costs depend on container type (e.g., FCL/LCL), cargo weight/volume, and market fluctuations.

5. **Destination Port Fees (Constanta Port)**

- Customs clearance fees
- Terminal handling charges (THC)
- Duties/taxes: Calculated based on the capsule’s declared value and Romania’s tariff policies.

**Case-Specific Details**

In this case, the customer ships **one space capsule** alongside **9 cubic meters (CBM) of loose cargo** from two other suppliers. The customer requested placing the loose cargo flat inside the capsule. However, the factory had already shrink-wrapped and tarped the capsule, making disassembly impractical. Instead, the warehouse built a **wooden crate** to store the loose cargo externally beside the capsule, incurring an additional **wooden crating fee**.

*Below are the details of local charges shipping one 40FR container EXW from Qingdao port to Europe.)*

How to Choose shipping company

How to choose the best shipping company when you Shipping Space Capsules from China?

Need to arrive at the destination port as soon as possible?

need the cheapest shipping cost?

What are the differences between shipping lines in terms of freight costs, transit times, and destination port services?

In this case, COSCO was selected as the shipping line. As a leading Chinese shipping enterprise, COSCO offers advantages such as high operational efficiency at domestic ports (e.g., Qingdao Port) and streamlined communication with local suppliers, making it a strong choice for exports from China. COSCO’s dedicated team at Qingdao Port ensures efficient cargo loading/unloading and transportation arrangements. Other notable options include:

Maersk: Extensive route coverage, stable schedules, and globally recognized service quality.

MSC (Mediterranean Shipping Company): Competitive pricing flexibility on European routes and diverse transport solutions, ideal for shipments from China to Romania.

Strategies to Avoid Additional Costs & Reduce Freight Expenses

Shipping Space Capsules from China, there are have a lot jobs need to do. Doesnnot like ship general container. Your need one professional freight forwarder handle for you.

Partner with specialized international freight forwarders in China with expertise in handling oversized or special cargo. Their experience ensures seamless coordination, minimizes unexpected fees, and guarantees on-time vessel bookings.