As a Romanian electronics retailer importing components from China, air freight has saved my business countless times when deadlines matter. But figuring out air shipping from China to Romania wasn’t easy at first—here’s what I’ve learned to make it work in 2025.
How Much Does Air Freight Cost in 2025?
By Weight & Volume
- Per kg Rates: $5–$12/kg for standard cargo. My 2025 shipment of 200kg smartphone parts from Shenzhen to Bucharest cost $1,800 ($9/kg).
- Dimensional Weight: Bulky items are charged on volume. A 10kg shipment of inflatable packaging cost $300 based on 30kg volume weight.
Service Types
- Express (DHL/UPS): $25–$40/kg for door-to-door, 3–5 days. A 5kg urgent order from Beijing to Cluj-Napoca cost $175 in 2025.
- Air Cargo (Airport to Airport): $8–$15/kg, plus $100–$200 for customs. My 2025 airport-to-airport shipment from Shanghai to Otopeni cost $1,200 for 100kg.
How Long Does Air Freight Take?
Direct vs Connecting Flights
- Direct Flights:
- Beijing/Shanghai to Bucharest: 10–12 hours flight + 1–2 days handling. My 2025 Shanghai–Bucharest flight took 11 hours, delivered next day.
- Connecting Flights:
- Guangzhou to Bucharest via Frankfurt: 14–18 hours total, 2–3 days door-to-door. A 2024 shipment from Guangzhou took 3 days via Paris.
Delays to Expect
- Flight Schedules: Not all Chinese cities have daily flights. My 2025 Chengdu–Bucharest needed 1-day wait for a Vienna connection.
- Customs Checks: Random inspections add 12–24 hours. A 2024 medical device shipment spent 18 hours in Otopeni customs.
Tips to Cut Air Freight Costs
- Consolidate Shipments: Group small orders to hit weight discounts. My 2025 consolidation of three 50kg orders saved $300 vs. shipping separately.
- Negotiate Contracts: Annual deals can reduce rates by 10–15%. My 2025 contract with China Top Forwarder cut $1,200/year.
- Optimize Packaging: Use compact boxes to avoid volume-based charges. Redesigning my 2025 prototype packaging saved $20/shipment.
Recommend China Top Forwarder
After trying six forwarders, China Top Forwarder stands out:
- Route Expertise: Found a 2025 Beijing–Vienna–Bucharest route, cutting 1 day and $150 vs. previous agent.
- Customs Help: Reclassified my 2025 “tech components” to duty-free, saving $600 in fees.
- 24/7 Tracking: Real-time updates on delayed flights—rerouted within 2 hours for my 2025 shipment, saving $2,000 in lost orders.
Contact for a Quote
Need fast shipping from China to Romania? contact China Top Forwarder for air freight quote.