Most forklifts ship from China by sea in a 40ft container; how many fit depends on the model — a compact electric truck loads several, a heavy diesel only one or two. As a rough budget guide, a 40ft container from China to the US runs in the low thousands of dollars (typical, varies widely with the spot market — recently around $2,100–$2,805 to the West Coast, and more to the East Coast). Transit is roughly 15–40 days to North America, 25–45 to Europe and 18–30 to Oceania — by sea, port-to-port, before port congestion or inland legs. Rates and times move with the season and the route, so confirm the current quote with your freight forwarder. Knock-down (SKD/CKD) kits load more units per container and cut freight. HONGLI builds at its plant in Tai’an, Shandong (diesel 2–10 t, electric 1–5 t) and quotes FOB, so you book freight and add it to the FOB price.
Shipping cost & transit at a glance
| Route (from China) | 40ft container cost (2026) | Transit time |
|---|---|---|
| To US (West Coast) | ~$2,100–$2,805 spot, recent (typical, varies) | ~15–30 days |
| To US (East Coast) | typically higher than West Coast; get a live forwarder quote | ~25–40 days |
| To Europe | route-dependent; get a live forwarder quote | ~25–45 days |
| To Oceania | route-dependent; get a live forwarder quote | ~18–30 days |
How forklifts load
Loading depends on size. Compact electric trucks load several into a 40ft container; heavy diesel trucks take one or two. Open-side or flat-rack containers ease loading of bulky units. Knock-down kits pack tighter and raise the units-per-container count.
What you pay and how long it takes
Budget the FOB price plus sea freight, insurance, destination charges and inland delivery. Add the transit time above, plus port handling and clearance at each end. Build in a buffer: rates and schedules shift with demand.
Documents that move with the shipment
The carrier needs a bill of lading, a commercial invoice and a packing list; customs may also ask for a certificate of origin and any compliance certificate — CE for the EU machine, or EPA / EU Stage proof for a diesel engine. Your broker confirms the set for your country.
FAQ
How many forklifts fit in a 40ft container?
It depends on the model — several compact electric trucks, or one to two heavy diesel trucks. Knock-down kits fit more.
What does it cost to ship a forklift from China?
It runs in the low thousands of dollars for a 40ft container to the US — recently around $2,100–$2,805 to the West Coast (typical, varies with the spot market) — plus insurance, destination charges and inland delivery. Confirm the current rate with your forwarder.
How long is the transit?
Roughly 15–40 days to North America, 25–45 to Europe, 18–30 to Oceania — season and route dependent.
Can I cut freight cost?
Yes — SKD/CKD kits load more units per container. Ask about kit shipping.
Related: /service-support/process/ · /resources/knowledge-base/skd-vs-ckd-forklift-kits/ · /resources/knowledge-base/customs-documents-importing-forklifts/ · /get-a-quote/