How much do you actually pay to ship a car from China to Algeria? That is the first question every vehicle importer asks. The SGL office in Bab Ezzouar specialises in shipping cars from China to Algeria, and the short answer in August 2026: the lowest available offer for a 20-foot container from Ningbo to Algiers is USD 5,075, and from Shanghai USD 5,328. The figures below are real and published by ocean carriers; they were checked on 2 August 2026 — they are not a quotation issued by SGL.
A published rate is never the final price: local charges, port costs and the clearance service are what turn a marketing figure into an executable quotation.
What exactly do these figures cover?
These are full-container-load (FCL) ocean freight offers from 8 Chinese departure ports to 5 Algerian ports — the most common way to ship a car:
- Departure: Shanghai, Ningbo, Guangzhou, Qingdao, Tianjin, Xiamen, Dalian (and other Chinese ports on request).
- Arrival: Algiers, Oran, Béjaïa, Skikda, Annaba.
- Shipment type: 20GP, 40GP or 40HQ container — suitable for vehicles and general cargo.
- Currency: US dollar (USD).
- Source: rates published by ocean carriers (ONE, MSC, COSCO, CMA CGM, EMC, YML, MAERSK and others), checked on 2 August 2026 and valid until 13–14 August 2026.
Best 20GP offer on each main lane to Algiers
| Departure port | Carrier | 20GP | 40GP/40HQ | Approx. transit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ningbo | YML | $5,075 | $6,750 | per schedule |
| Shanghai | ONE | $5,328 | $7,179 | 42 days |
| Qingdao | ONE | $5,328 | $7,204 | 63 days |
| Dalian | ONE | $5,328 | $7,204 | 75 days |
| Xiamen | ONE | $5,328 | $7,204 | 47 days |
| Guangzhou | ONE | $5,553 | $7,579 | 47 days |
| Tianjin | ONE | $5,578 | $7,404 | per schedule |
Cheapest lane to each Algerian port
| Arrival port | Best lane | Carrier | 20GP | 40GP/40HQ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Algiers | from Ningbo | YML | $5,075 | $6,750 |
| Oran | from Ningbo | MSC | $5,495 | $7,840 |
| Annaba | from Ningbo | MSC | $5,495 | $7,840 |
| Skikda | from Qingdao | COSCO | $5,500 | $7,500 |
| Béjaïa | from Ningbo | MSC | $5,725 | $8,290 |
What the price includes and excludes
Usually includes: ocean transport from the departure port to the arrival port, container provision and the carrier's base freight (overland and part of the basic ocean charges).
Usually excludes: inland transport in China and Algeria, port, terminal and handling charges, customs clearance, duties and VAT, insurance, inspection, demurrage/detention, and SGL service fees.
Actual sailings on the two main lanes
Examples of currently available departures (ETD and approximate transit time):
Shanghai to Algiers
| Carrier | Vessel | ETD | Approx. transit | 20GP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ONE | CONTI ANNAPURNA | 13 Aug | 42 days | $5,328 |
| MSC | MSC ELODIE | 04 Aug | 38 days | $5,545 |
| MSC | VANTAGE | 06 Aug | 43 days | $5,545 |
| EMC | CMA CGM OSIRIS | 10 Aug | 40 days | $5,914 |
| CMA CGM | TITAN | 10 Aug | 53 days | $6,237 |
Ningbo to Algiers
| Carrier | Vessel | ETD | Approx. transit | 20GP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| YML | per schedule | 01 Aug | — | $5,075 |
| ONE | CONTI ANNAPURNA | 10 Aug | 45 days | $5,278 |
| MSC | MSC VITTORIA | 10 Aug | 46 days | $5,495 |
| EMC | CMA CGM OSIRIS | 12 Aug | 40 days | $5,869 |
Why does the price vary from port to port?
Three factors explain the differences:
- Distance and transit time: the direct lane from Shanghai reaches Algiers in 38–42 days, while other lanes can exceed 75 days with intermediate calls.
- Service frequency and competition: ports with multiple weekly departures (Shanghai, Ningbo) see stronger competition and lower rates.
- Validity window: rates are valid for a limited period (often one to two weeks) and are then updated.
Frequently asked questions
Is this the final price I will pay?
No. These are carrier-published rates; the final SGL quotation adds local charges, port costs and service fees based on your shipment. Always ask for a dated, itemised quotation.
Does the price include Algerian customs?
No. Customs duties, VAT and taxes are calculated separately depending on the type and value of the vehicle or goods, and are paid in Algerian dinars at clearance.
Can I ship a single vehicle in a 20GP container?
Yes, a 20GP container is usually enough for a small or medium vehicle, while a 40GP/40HQ can hold two or more depending on dimensions. For multiple vehicles, RORO (dedicated car-carrier vessels) may be more economical — SGL can study this option with you.
Want to ship your car with us? Send your request now
SGL specialises in shipping cars from China to Algeria and supports you from choosing the seller in China to receiving your car in Algeria: checking the current rate and booking with the carrier, preparing the export file, tracking the shipment, then building the customs file and clearing customs.
If you are importing a vehicle, first read the complete vehicle document file guide before shipping from China or Dubai so you are not caught out by a missing document at the port.