Malaysia makes for an appealing destination for international goods exchange due to its diverse economy. The developing country has increasing market demands and trade, both import and export, is non-stop.
This blog post explores the particulars of shipping goods to Malaysia. Whether you’re a seasoned importer or new to the world of international trade, you can learn something to help you get a grasp of the process and how to tap into this dynamic market.
What are the Ways to ship to Malaysia?
What are the Ways to ship to Malaysia?Factors such as budget, urgency, cargo volume, and the nature of the goods being shipped among others must be considered when shipping to Malaysia. Several options are air freight, sea freight, courier services, rail freight, road freight, and intermodal shipping.
Sea freight is a cost-effective choice for shipping substantial volumes of non-perishable goods to Malaysia, although transit times are longer compared to air freight. Urgent cargo or high-value products can be transported through air freight, albeit at a higher cost. For smaller shipments, courier services such as DHL, FedDx and UPS offer door-to-door delivery.
Rail freight and road freight might be best for deliveries from neighbouring countries like Thailand or Singapore. Meanwhile, intermodal shipping is a blend between different modes of transport. This is an efficient option for long-distance shipping.
What are the Main Ports in Malaysia?
Promoting connectivity with global markets, Malaysia has many ports to accommodate maritime trade.
Port Klang is the largest and busiest port in Malaysia, with a broad range of terminals to manage containers, bulk, and liquid cargo while Port of Tanjung Pelepas is a preferred harbor for containerized cargo due to its more advanced facilities. Many more seaports are accessible for efficient logistics.
| Port | Average Annual TEU’s |
| Port Klang | 13.2 Million TEU |
| Penang Port | 1.5 Million TEU |
| Port of Tanjung Pelepas | 13 Million TEU |
| Port of Johor | 1.45 million TEU |
| Port of Kuantan | 600,000 TEU |
How much does it cost to ship a container to Malaysia?
There is a wide margin of costs when shipping to Malaysia as it depends on multiple factors. The dimensions and type of container, the starting point and destination ports, the shipping route, the shipping company or freight forwarder, and market conditions all affect the price of shipping.
Here’s a list of countries and rough estimates of shipping to Indonesia:
| Country | 20ft | 40ft |
| United States | $1,500 to $3,500 | $2,500 to $5,500 |
| China | $800 to $2,500 | $1,500 to $4,000 |
| European countries | $1,200 to $3,000 | $2,000 to $5,000 |
| Other Asian countries | $700 to $2,000 | $1,200 to $3,500 |
What is the Transit Time when shipping to Malaysia?
On average, you can expect your shipment to be delivered within 4 to 6 weeks. The length of the shipping process to Malaysia will depend on factors including the mode of transportation, the distance between the origin and destination points, the specific transportation route utilized, the promptness of customs clearance procedures, weather throughout the journey, the effectiveness of logistic networks engaged, possible disruptions from seasonal occurrences like holidays and events, and the operational efficiency of the shipping company, among others.
Here’s a rough estimate of shipping to Malaysia depending on where it is from:
| Country | Days |
| China | 7 to 21 days |
| US | 20-40 days |
| Europe | 20-40 days |
| Other Asian countries | 5-20 days |
Of course, this is not final as many considerations such as potential disruptions along the way should be looked at for a more accurate transit time.
What paperwork is needed for international shipments to Malaysia?
In accordance with the International Trade Administration, exporting goods to Malaysia requires:
- Invoice
- Delivery Letter
- Packing list
- insurance certificate
- Bill of Lading/Airway Bill
- Document proving fare payment
- Letter of credit
- If applicable: licenses, certificates and permits
- Extra documentation for goods coming from the US may be necessary
It is mandated that the customs forms should be submitted to the Customs offices concerned at the location of importation. Before the products can be released, all duties and customs taxes (including sales tax and import tax) applicable to imported goods must be paid in advance.
How do I find a freight forwarder in Malaysia?
How do I find a freight forwarder in Malaysia?You can find a freight forwarder through social media, referrals, trade associations, industry directories, networking, online avenues and more. If you’re reading this, you are most likely gathering information via online search.
Your search can end now that you are informed about Pangea, one of the leading freight forwarders in the world.
At Pangea, you can be sure that your export needs are well taken care of. With a comprehensive network of freight forwarders, Pangea offers seamless exportation to Malaysia tailored to your needs. For consultation and quotes, visit https://pangea-network.com/.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the estimated transit time for shipping a container to Malaysia?
On average, you can expect your shipment to be delivered within 4 to 6 weeks. The length of the shipping process to Malaysia will depend on factors including the mode of transportation, the distance between the origin and destination points, the specific transportation route utilized, the promptness of customs clearance procedures, weather throughout the journey, the effectiveness of logistic networks engaged, possible disruptions from seasonal occurrences like holidays and events, and the operational efficiency of the shipping company, among others. Refer to the estimates above for average transit times per country.
- How do you figure out the shipping cost to Malaysia?
There is a wide margin of costs when shipping to Malaysia as it depends on multiple factors. The dimensions and type of container, the starting point and destination ports, the shipping route, the shipping company or freight forwarder, and market conditions all affect the price of shipping.
Conclusion
ConclusionThe growing demand for consumer goods in Malaysia is an opportunity knocking on the doors of exporters across the globe. Understanding the key features discussed above is essential for anyone considering this field. Being well-informed is the best way to start this endeavor. Certainly, teaming up with a reliable logistics partner such as Pangea will provide ease for your importation undertakings.
