The Definitive Guide to Import and Export Freight Services into/from Lianyungang, Jiangsu：Enabling Global Business Growth
2. City Introduction
2.1 Geographical Location
Lianyungang, located in Jiangsu Province, East China, is strategically positioned at the intersection of the land – bridge economic corridor and the 21st – Century Maritime Silk Road. It is the eastern starting point of the New Eurasian Continental Bridge, making it a crucial transportation and trade hub. The city has a natural – harbor advantage, with the sea on its east, and is well – connected to the inland areas through an extensive network of railways, highways, and waterways. The Longhai Railway runs through Lianyungang, connecting it to the vast inland regions of China, while expressways link it to major cities in the province and neighboring areas.
2.2 Economic Characteristics
Lianyungang has a diverse economic structure. The port – related industries are a significant pillar of its economy. The port of Lianyungang is a large – scale comprehensive port, handling a large volume of bulk commodities such as coal, iron ore, and grain, as well as containerized goods. This has driven the development of industries such as port – logistics, warehousing, and ship – building. In addition, Lianyungang has a certain scale of manufacturing industries. The petrochemical industry produces various chemical products, and the equipment – manufacturing industry focuses on the production of machinery and equipment for the port and related industries. The city also has a growing agricultural – product processing industry, taking advantage of the rich agricultural resources in the surrounding areas. In recent years, emerging industries such as new energy, high – tech, and e – commerce have started to develop, further fueling the demand for import and export freight services.
2.3 Administrative Regions and Freight – Related Areas
Lianyungang administers several regions, each contributing uniquely to the freight business:
- Lianyun District: As the core area of the port, it is the center of port – related activities. There are numerous port – operation companies, logistics enterprises, and shipping agencies. The district exports a large amount of goods through the port, including bulk commodities like coal and iron ore, as well as some high – value – added industrial products such as ship – building components. It also imports a large amount of raw materials and equipment required for port – related industries and other local industries.
- Haizhou District: It has a relatively developed commercial and service – oriented economy. The district houses many trading companies, business service providers, and commercial complexes. It is a major source of consumer goods for both the local market and export, especially daily – use products, clothing, and some light – industrial products. The district also has some emerging e – commerce enterprises that contribute to the export of various products through online platforms.
- Ganyu District: Rich in marine and agricultural resources, it is a significant exporter of marine products and agricultural products. The district has fishing ports and large – scale aquaculture bases, exporting fresh and processed seafood. It also has agricultural production bases that produce high – quality grains, vegetables, and fruits. In addition, there are some light – industrial manufacturing plants in the district, contributing to the export of products like textiles and daily – use chemicals.
- Donghai County: Known for its rich mineral resources, especially quartz, it is a major exporter of mineral – related products. The county has a large number of quartz – processing enterprises, exporting high – purity quartz sand, quartz products, and some crystal handicrafts. It also imports some advanced processing equipment and technologies to improve the production efficiency and product quality of the quartz – processing industry.
- Guanyun County: Focuses on the agricultural and light – industrial manufacturing industries. It exports a large amount of agricultural products, such as high – quality grains, vegetables, and fruits. The county also has some light – industrial manufacturing, contributing to the export of products like clothing, daily – use chemicals, and handicrafts. It also has some food – processing industries that produce products like canned food, frozen food, and processed grains.
- Guannan County: It has a diverse economic structure, with agriculture, light – industry, and some emerging industries. The agricultural products, such as grains, fruits, and vegetables, are exported. The light – industrial manufacturing sector produces products like clothing, daily – use chemicals, and handicrafts for export. The county also has some emerging industries, such as e – commerce and modern logistics, which contribute to the growth of the import and export business.
3. Port and Airport Information
3.1 Port / Sea Freight
3.1.1 Port Selection
Lianyungang Port is the main port for the city’s international trade. It is a large – scale comprehensive port with a long – standing history and modern facilities. The port has established connections with major international ports around the world, providing a wide range of shipping services.
3.1.2 Port Information
Lianyungang Port has deep – water berths that can accommodate large – scale vessels, including bulk carriers, container ships, and ro – ro ships. The port is equipped with advanced cargo – handling equipment, such as high – efficiency gantry cranes, automated container – handling systems, and specialized equipment for handling different types of goods. It has large – scale storage facilities, including warehouses and container yards, to ensure the proper storage and management of goods. The port also has efficient customs – clearance facilities, which can handle the customs procedures for import and export goods quickly and smoothly.
3.1.3 International Routes
- Asia: Regular shipping services connect to major Asian ports such as Busan in South Korea, Tokyo in Japan, and Singapore. Lianyungang’s exports to Asia mainly include industrial products, agricultural products, and some light – industrial products. For example, Lianyungang exports coal, agricultural products, and clothing to South Korea and imports some high – tech components from Japan.
- Europe: Regular container ships ply from Lianyungang Port to European ports such as Rotterdam and Hamburg. High – value – added products from Lianyungang’s emerging industries, such as high – tech equipment and some high – end manufacturing products, are exported to Europe. In addition, the port plays a crucial role in the transportation of goods along the New Eurasian Continental Bridge, facilitating the trade between China and Europe.
- North America: The port has established shipping connections with North – American ports such as Vancouver and Los Angeles. Goods such as industrial products, agricultural products, and light – industrial consumer goods from Lianyungang are transported to North America.
3.2 Air Freight
Lianyungang Baitabu Airport provides air – freight services for the city. Although it is a regional airport, it offers a range of air – freight services, including express freight, general cargo transportation, and special – cargo handling.
- Fast and Efficient: Air freight can quickly transport high – value, time – sensitive goods from Lianyungang to major international destinations within a few hours to a day or two. This is especially suitable for products like high – tech components, precision instruments, and some fresh agricultural products with short shelf – lives.
- Cargo Types: Predominantly transports high – tech products (such as components for the new – energy and high – tech industries), high – value – added agricultural products (such as premium – grade grains and fresh fruits), and some high – value – added industrial products (such as high – precision machinery parts).
- Logistics Services: The airport cooperates with local logistics companies in Lianyungang to provide “door – to – door” services. Goods can be directly transported from factories or warehouses in Lianyungang to the airport and then swiftly delivered to the destination by air. It also offers value – added services such as cargo tracking, warehousing, and distribution.
3.3 Inland Transportation Modes
Lianyungang has a diverse set of inland transportation modes:
- Road Transportation: Ideal for short – distance and small – to – medium – batch cargo transportation. The road network in Lianyungang is well – developed, with expressways, national highways, and urban roads connecting different regions. Professional logistics companies offer “door – to – door” services, ensuring the quick transportation of goods from factories or warehouses to the port or airport.
- Railway Transportation: Lianyungang has a comprehensive railway network, with the Longhai Railway and other railway lines passing through the city. Railway transportation is suitable for large – batch and long – distance cargo transportation. It is characterized by high efficiency, low cost, and high punctuality. Through railway transportation, goods can be transported to domestic destinations and can be seamlessly connected with sea freight. The railway network can handle various types of cargo, including industrial products, minerals, and agricultural products.
- Inland Waterway Transportation: Along the local rivers and canals, there are inland waterway transportation routes. These routes are mainly used for the transportation of bulk goods such as building materials, industrial raw materials, and some agricultural products. The inland waterway transportation also plays a role in connecting Lianyungang with other inland areas and in international trade through the connection to the sea.
4. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
4.1 Cost – related
4.1.1 FCL and LCL (Sea Freight)
Full Container Load (FCL) and Less than Container Load (LCL) are two common transportation modes in sea freight, and they have different cost structures:
- FCL Transportation Cost: The cost of FCL mainly includes basic ocean freight, which is determined by factors such as the distance of transportation, the type of goods, and the size of the container. Port handling charges cover the loading and unloading operations at the origin (Lianyungang Port) and destination ports. There are also document fees for handling necessary shipping documents, such as bills of lading and packing lists. Additionally, factors like bunker adjustment factor (BAF) and currency adjustment factor (CAF) may affect the overall cost, as they are adjusted according to international oil prices and exchange rate fluctuations.
- LCL Transportation Cost: LCL costs are more complex. In addition to a proportionate share of the basic ocean freight, it includes LCL service fees. These fees cover the costs of consolidating and distributing goods in the container. Since multiple shippers’ goods are combined in one container, there are additional charges for storage, sorting, and repackaging in the warehouse. LCL is usually charged based on the larger of the weight or volume of the goods, that is, “charging by the larger measure”. At the destination port, there may also be additional fees for unpacking and delivering the goods to the consignee.