ES-Trans provides cargo transportation from Japan by sea, air, and multimodal transport. The main categories include electronics, auto parts, equipment, and e-commerce goods. Deliveries are organized through Japan’s key ports and airports, followed by onward transport via EU hubs. To receive an accurate cost estimate and choose the optimal route, use the online form and free calculator on the website.

Routes and Transportation Options

Sea Freight (LCL/FCL) from Japan

Shipments depart from major ports — Tokyo, Yokohama, Nagoya, Osaka/Kobe. Containers then arrive at EU hubs and are transported to Ukraine by truck or rail. During peak port congestion, delays are possible, which our logistics team accounts for during planning. Costs include port and terminal fees, as well as base freight.

• LCL (Less than Container Load) — for small consignments
• FCL (Full Container Load) — for full containers

Air Freight (General/Express)

Air shipments depart from Narita (NRT), Haneda (HND), and Kansai (KIX) airports. Goods arrive at European airports and are then transported to Ukraine by road. There are restrictions for lithium batteries and hazardous goods, which must comply with DGR regulations. Special attention is paid to packaging, as air transport requires strong and properly labeled containers.

Multimodal Solutions

For businesses with diverse needs, combined routes are available: “sea + road,” “air + road,” as well as cross-docking in Europe with onward transport from Japan to Ukraine. This approach optimizes costs, balances speed and economy, and allows consolidation of smaller shipments from multiple suppliers.

Choosing the Best Option

• Sea freight — cost-effective for large or bulky shipments where budget is the priority.
• Air freight — ideal for urgent deliveries, electronics, high-value equipment, or spare parts where speed matters most.
• Multimodal transport — a balanced solution combining cost efficiency and reasonable delivery time, especially for e-commerce and small consignments.

Pricing and Tariff Structure

The price is formed from several components: base freight, fuel and currency coefficients (BAF/CAF — surcharges for fuel and currency exchange fluctuations), terminal charges (THC), documentation costs, “last mile” delivery, and insurance. The formula takes into account the weight or volume (for air — volumetric weight, for sea — actual weight), Incoterms conditions, dimensions, and type of goods. The price range always depends on the route, season, and type of shipment. The exact price can be obtained through an online calculator or upon request from a manager.

Delivery Times

• Sea freight: average 35–50 days door-to-door
• Air freight: 5–10 days
• Multimodal: 15–25 days

Transit time depends on typhoon seasons, weather, and port/airport congestion. During peak seasons, delivery may take longer, but ES-Trans reserves buffer slots to minimize risks. Delivery performance indicators include on-time delivery rate and average transit time per channel, including customs clearance.

Customs and Documentation

Documents from the Shipper (Japan)

Required:

• Commercial invoice
• Packing list
• Certificates of origin and conformity
• (if applicable) Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)
• Bill of lading (for sea freight)
• Air waybill (for air freight)

Customs Clearance in Ukraine

Customs clearance covers HS code classification, customs valuation, duty and VAT calculation. Requirements differ for individuals and businesses, with restrictions on certain import categories. A customs broker assists to prevent fines and delays.

Incoterms for JP → UA

• EXW – Buyer collects goods from factory
• FCA – Transfer to carrier
• FOB – Seller’s responsibility ends when loaded on vessel
• CIF – Includes insurance and freight
• DAP – Delivery to recipient’s door
• DDP – Seller covers all costs

For Japan–Ukraine routes, FOB + DAP or FCA + DDP combinations are most common, optimizing delivery and compliance with Incoterms.

Packaging, Labeling, and Requirements

Packaging is selected depending on the type of goods: boxes or pallets with moisture protection, cushioning materials for electronics, “fragile” labeling, and barcode application. For wooden packaging, compliance with ISPM-15 is mandatory. Special attention is given to batteries in electronics (contact insulation), auto parts containing fluids (hermetic packaging), and precision equipment that requires vibration protection during container shipments from Japan.

Restrictions and Compliance

Certain goods are subject to sanitary and technical controls: food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, live plants/animals, electronics with lithium batteries, hazardous chemicals or liquids requiring special packaging.
Air transport follows IATA/ICAO dangerous goods regulations. Trademark and patent verification helps avoid customs issues or delays.

Insurance, Risk Management, and Quality Control

Available insurance types: All-Risk and FPA, with optional deductible. Additional measures include container sealing, photo documentation, and temperature monitoring for sensitive cargo. The Service Level Agreement (SLA) defines the procedure for claims and compensation in case of loss or damage.

ES-Trans Support and Service

Each client is assigned a personal manager overseeing the entire process — from documentation to delivery — including consolidation and express shipments. The tracking system displays all key checkpoints.

Glossary

• LCL — Less than Container Load (consolidated shipment)
  
• FCL — Full Container Load
  
• MAWB/HAWB — Master and House Air Waybill
  
• HS Code — Harmonized System commodity code
  
• Demurrage/Detention — container delay penalties
  
• Origin Charges — origin port expenses
  
• Last Mile — final delivery stage
  
• Consignee/Shipper — receiver/sender
  
• Deconsolidation — splitting consolidated containers
  

Why ES-Trans

ES-Trans specializes in Japan-bound logistics, with regular consolidated shipments from Tokyo, Yokohama, Nagoya, and Osaka/Kobe, as well as air cargo from Narita, Haneda, and Kansai. Routes are organized via EU hubs, enabling fast sea–air combinations and onward trucking or rail delivery to Ukraine.

The company has extensive experience handling electronics, auto parts, and equipment requiring special packaging or permits. Customs clearance is provided turnkey, including document preparation and customs valuation.
As a result, clients receive a clear, traceable logistics process — from packaging in Japan to customs clearance in Ukraine, with full control at every stage.