Freight is the least glamorous part of the wall art business — and the one that quietly decides your margin. This guide summarises what a first-time importer needs to know about getting canvases from a Chinese factory to your warehouse intact and on budget.
The three realistic options
- Sea freight (LCL or FCL). The default for wholesale. 25–40 days to North America or Europe, cost per piece can be under $0.50 for unframed canvases. Plan 30–40 days door-to-door including customs.
- China–Europe rail. 18–24 days, a middle ground that has become popular for European buyers since 2023.
- Air freight. 5–8 days but 8–12× the sea cost per kg. Only worth it for urgent restocks of thin, unframed rolls.
Packaging is 80% of damage prevention
Glassless canvas prints survive shipping well when packed correctly. The standard we use — and recommend you require from any supplier:
- Shrink wrap on the frame to block moisture
- EPE foam sheets on all faces plus corner protectors
- Five-layer corrugated export carton, sealed with H-taping
- Desiccant bags inside cartons for humid sea routes
Ask suppliers for photos of a packed carton and their damage statistics — any factory that tracks claims will know its rate. Ours has stayed below 0.3% for three consecutive years.
Who arranges shipping: EXW, FOB or DDP?
Most buyers take FOB (factory delivers to the Chinese port, you or your forwarder handle the rest) because it keeps control of freight cost with a forwarder you trust. DDP — all-inclusive to your door — is convenient for first shipments but usually 10–20% more expensive. If you have no importer of record, ask the factory whether they support DDP to your port or address.
Documents you will need
Commercial invoice, packing list and bill of lading are the basics. Depending on destination you may also need a certificate of origin (Form E, RCEP or GSP) to reduce import duty. A competent supplier prepares all of these correctly the first time — ask to see a sample document set before ordering.
Questions about a specific route? Contact us with your destination port and we will send a freight estimate with transit times and duty notes.
