China to US Shipping Route Guide 2025

Table of Contents

future of shipping from china to the usa

Shipping Methods and Features from China to the US

Sea Freight

Ocean freight is the most common mode of international transportation from China to the United States. It is especially suited for large, heavy shipments and commodities that are not in a hurry.

Sea Freight Features:

Low cost: Ocean freight shipping costs are relatively low, making it an economical way to transport bulk goods.

High volume: capable of transporting large quantities of goods, suitable for bulk and break-bulk goods.

Longer time: it usually takes 20-30 days (depending on the specifics of the origin and destination ports), so it is ideal for goods that are not in a hurry.

Fixed shipping schedule: Most of the routes have fixed shipping schedules, which makes the transportation cycle more stable.

Air Freight

Airfreight is suitable for more urgent, smaller and more expensive shipments.

Air Freight Features:

Fast: transportation time is usually around 1-5 days, suitable for urgent transportation.

High cost: the freight cost of air freight is usually higher than sea freight, especially for large cargo.

More restrictive: Air transportation has more restrictions on weight and volume, and it is suitable for lightweight, valuable or perishable goods.

Rail Transportation

Rail transportation is another cross-border transportation method from China to the United States in recent years, usually through the China-Europe railroad transit to the United States; especially under the “One Belt, One Road” initiative, rail transportation has more development.

Rail Transportation Features:

It is faster than sea transportation but slower than air transportation. Depending on the route and transit time, it usually takes 10-20 days.

Higher transportation cost: cheaper than air freight but more expensive than sea freight.

Suitable for goods with medium timeliness requirements.

Express (International Courier)

International courier services (e.g. DHL, FedEx, UPS, etc.) provide fast door-to-door service.

Express Features:

Most convenient: can provide door-to-door service, fast and efficient.

Higher freight cost: similar to air transportation, the cost of courier service is higher.

Time-sensitive: transportation can usually be completed within a few days, suitable for time-critical goods.

China to US Transportation Route Planning

Main shipping routes from China to the US

Transportation routes from China to the West Coast of the United States:

Starting ports: Shanghai, Ningbo, Shenzhen (Yantian Port), Guangzhou (Huangpu Port), Tianjin, Dalian and so on.

Destination ports: Los Angeles, Long Beach, Oakland, Ennick Island (Oakland), Seattle, Balboa, etc.

Features:

Voyage time: usually 12-20 days, depending on the distance between the starting and destination ports.

Route Features: This route is the most common Sino-US shipping route, mainly carrying import and export goods. Los Angeles and Long Beach are the two largest ports in the United States, handling large cargo from Asia.

Transportation routes from China to the East Coast of the United States:

Starting ports: Shanghai, Tianjin, Qingdao, Guangzhou, etc.

Destination ports: New York, New Jersey (Newark), Savannah, Charleston, Baltimore, etc.

Features:

Voyage time: usually 25-30 days.

Route features: This route mainly serves the import and export needs of the East Coast of the United States. Although the transportation time is longer, this route is still an important choice for some specific commodities, especially those that need to be distributed to the eastern market of the United States.

Departure PortDestination PortTravel TimeRemarks
Shanghai, Shenzhen, GuangzhouLos Angeles, Long Beach, Seattle, Oakland12-20 daysMainly for shipments to the U.S. West Coast
Shanghai, Qingdao, TianjinNew York, New Jersey, Savannah, Charleston25-30 daysMainly for shipments to the U.S. East Coast

Air transport routes from China to the US

Starting airports: Beijing Capital International Airport, Shanghai Pudong International Airport, Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport, Hong Kong International Airport, etc.

Destination airports: Los Angeles International Airport, New York John F. Kennedy International Airport, Chicago O’Hare International Airport, San Francisco International Airport, Miami International Airport, etc.

Features of the flight:

Flight time: From major cities in China, it usually takes 12-16 hours to reach major airports in the United States.

Features of the route: Common flights include direct flights from Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and other places to Los Angeles, New York, Chicago and other cities. Due to the high timeliness requirements of air transport, direct flights are usually adopted, and the flight distance is shorter.

Air Cargo Alliance routes:

Route features: Many large international airlines, such as Air China, China Eastern Airlines, FedEx, DHL, UPS, etc., provide air transport services from China to the United States. These airlines often have regular flights and provide cargo transportation, usually with reliable timeliness.

Note: When choosing a suitable transportation route, you need to consider factors such as the type of cargo, timeliness requirements, and transportation costs.

Pre-transportation Cargo Packaging and Preparation Guide

1. Select appropriate packaging materials

Choose appropriate packaging materials depending on the type of goods and mode of transportation. Common packaging materials include:

Carton: for lightweight and not easily damaged goods, such as electronic products, clothes and books.

Wooden crates/wooden pallets are used for heavy or valuable goods, especially those that need to be shipped by sea.

Styrofoam: for protection of fragile or breakable items, such as glass, porcelain, etc.

Plastic bags/bubble wrap: suitable for extra protection of some small and fragile items.

Container bags: suitable for bulk cargo or some lightweight items.

Tape with sealing: for fixing packages, sealing and reinforcing boxes.

2. Classification and marking of goods

Sorting and Packing: Sort and pack different categories of goods to avoid collision or contamination of various types of goods with each other.

Labelling and Marking: Ensure that each packing box is clearly labelled with the following information:

  • Recipient and Contact Information
  • Sender’s information
  • Weight and dimensions
  • Description of the contents of the goods (e.g. fragile, valuable items, etc.)
  • Safety symbols (e.g. waterproof, moistureproof, no turning over, etc.)

3. Protect fragile goods

Use Styrofoam or bubble wrap: For fragile or high-value goods, such as glassware, ceramics, electronic equipment, etc., be sure to use Styrofoam or bubble wrap.

Gap Filling: Ensure that the goods do not have excessive gaps in the box. Fillers such as polystyrene pellets, paper scraps, etc., can fill the voids and prevent the goods from shaking or being damaged during transportation.

Double wrapping: For particularly fragile items, consider using double wrapping. The outer packaging should be sturdier, either wooden crates or steel packaging.

4. Size and weight considerations

Minimize free space: The size of the packing box should be selected according to the actual size of the goods. This will prevent the goods from shaking during transportation.

Reasonable weight distribution: For heavy items, it is best to pack them separately and ensure that each package’s weight does not exceed the maximum weight specified by the transportation company.

Maximum size limitations: Know the constraints imposed by the mode of transportation. For example, ocean containers usually have standard size restrictions, while air freight has weight and size restrictions.

5. Packaging requirements for ocean transportation

Weather-resistant packaging: During ocean transportation, the goods may be exposed to humidity and changing weather conditions. Ensure that the packaging materials are waterproof and moisture-proof to avoid moisture and mould on the goods.

Reinforced Packaging: Sea transportation takes a long time, and goods may be collided with or rubbed during transportation, so it is necessary to use strong and reinforced packaging materials (e.g., wooden crates, steel strapping, etc.).

Antiseptic treatment: Antiseptic treatment may be required for wooden packaging to prevent moisture or pests.

6. Packaging requirements for air transportation

Light and strong: Air transportation requires packaging to be as light as possible, but sufficient sturdiness must still be ensured. Try to choose the right size and avoid oversized or overheavy packages.

Avoid liquid leakage: If you are transporting liquid items, please make sure the package is well sealed to avoid fluid leakage, especially during air transportation.

Aviation Labeling: Goods shipped by air must be labelled with aviation-specific shipping labels, including Dangerous Goods (if applicable), Air Transportation labels, and non-invertible markings.

7. Packaging of dangerous goods and unique items

For goods that require special handling (e.g. dangerous goods, flammable goods, biological samples, etc.), it is necessary to comply with international transportation regulations and choose packaging methods that meet the standards:

Dangerous Goods Labeling: Use uniform dangerous goods labelling and ensure that all documents and labels comply with the relevant regulations of the transport company and the country.

Unique packaging materials: e.g. liquid chemicals may require leak-proof sealed packaging, and biological samples will require standard packaging that meets the requirements for medical transportation.

Compliance check: Ensure that all packaging for dangerous goods or special items complies with international transportation norms, such as the United Nations standards for transporting dangerous goods (UN standards).

8. Document Preparation and Customs Declaration

Transportation documents: Provide complete transportation documents, such as a delivery note, packing list, commercial invoice, transportation contract, etc.

Customs Declaration Documents: Goods must complete customs declaration procedures during international transportation. The following documents need to be prepared:

  • Import/export customs declaration
  • Commercial invoice
  • Packing list
  • Certificate of origin (if applicable)
  • Description and value of goods

9. Insurance and Loss Prevention

Cargo insurance: It is highly recommended that insurance be purchased for valuable or perishable goods to prevent losses during transportation.

Anti-theft measures: For high-value goods, consider using anti-theft labels or sealed packages to reduce the risk of goods during transportation.

10.Checklist verification and final inspection

Before shipment, be sure to perform a final check:

Check the packing list to ensure all goods are adequately packed and clearly labelled.

Ensure all necessary documentation, labelling, and certification materials are complete and meet shipping requirements.

China to US Transportation Costs and Time

Shipping Costs from China to the US

Full Container Load (FCL) Transportation Costs from China to the US

Full Container Load (FCL) refers to the cargo occupying an entire container, and the cost is usually calculated on a per-container basis. The FCL cost is related to the port of origin and destination of the cargo, the carrier, the season, the demand for the shipment, etc. The cost of the FCL is based on several factors.

From (China)To (USA)Type of ContainerAverage Ocean Freight Rate
ShanghaiLong Beach20 foot container (20FT)$2,600
ShanghaiLong Beach40 foot container (40FT)$3,200
ShenzhenLong Beach20 foot container (20FT)$2,680
ShenzhenLong Beach40 foot container (40FT)$3,380
NingboLong Beach20 foot container (20FT)$2,850
NingboLong Beach40 foot container (40FT)$3,300
Hong KongLong Beach20 foot container (20FT)$2,830
Hong KongLong Beach40 foot container (40FT)$3,370
GuangzhouUSA20 foot container (20FT)$2,600
GuangzhouUSA40 foot container (40FT)$3,750

Less-than-Container-Load (LCL) Costs

Less-than-Container-Load (LCL) means that multiple shippers share a container. If the volume of the goods is not enough to fill an entire container, then LCL can be selected. This method suits small goods that do not fill a full container.

Approximate LCL Costs

Charged by volume: LCL costs are generally charged by volume (usually per cubic meter) or weight.

The cost per cubic meter is approximately US$50-150, depending on factors such as the port of departure, the port of destination, and the specific nature of the goods.

LCL costs usually include operating costs such as container splitting, sorting, and transhipment.

China to US Sea Freight Timetable(2025)

Origin PortDestination PortShipping Time
ShanghaiLos Angeles12-15 days
ShanghaiNew York25-30 days
ShenzhenLos Angeles13-16 days
ShenzhenNew York25-30 days
GuangzhouLos Angeles14-16 days
NingboLos Angeles14-16 days
TianjinLos Angeles16-18 days
QingdaoNew York25-30 days
QingdaoLos Angeles14-17 days

Air freight costs from China to the US

Depending on the mode of transportation, the following is the approximate range of air freight costs from China to the United States:

Shipping MethodOrigin PortDestination PortCost Range (per kg)
Express Services (DHL, FedEx, UPS)Shanghai, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, etc.Los Angeles, New York, etc.$6 – $12 USD
Standard Air FreightShanghai, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, etc.Los Angeles, New York, etc.$4 – $8 USD
Bulk Air FreightShanghai, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, etc.Los Angeles, New York, etc.$3 – $6 USD

China to US Air Freight Timetable(2025)

Suppose you need a detailed detailed air freight schedule and quotation. In that case, we suggest you contact an air freight company or freight forwarder to provide more accurate transportation time and cost according to your needs.

Departure CityDestination CityAir Transport Time
Shanghai (Shanghai Pudong International Airport)Los Angeles (Los Angeles International Airport)Approx. 12-16 hours
Shanghai (Shanghai Pudong International Airport)New York (John F. Kennedy International Airport)Approx. 14-18 hours
Shenzhen (Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport)Los Angeles (Los Angeles International Airport)Approx. 13-16 hours
Guangzhou (Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport)New York (John F. Kennedy International Airport)Approx. 15-18 hours
Beijing (Beijing Capital International Airport)Los Angeles (Los Angeles International Airport)Approx. 12-15 hours
Beijing (Beijing Capital International Airport)New York (John F. Kennedy International Airport)Approx. 13-17 hours
Chengdu (Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport)Los Angeles (Los Angeles International Airport)Approx. 13-16 hours

Risks in transportation and response options

Delayed Customs Clearance

Risk Description: The shipment may be delayed in U.S. Customs clearance due to failure to comply with the laws and regulations of the destination country or incomplete documentation, resulting in extended transportation time.

Solution:

  • Accurately Prepare Documents: Ensure that cargo manifests, invoices, transportation contracts, export licenses, certificates of origin and other documents are complete and accurate.
  • Understand the destination country’s regulations: Understand the import requirements of the United States in advance, such as special regulations or embargoed items, to avoid unnecessary customs clearance problems.
  • Choose a professional logistics agent: Hire an experienced freight forwarder who usually understands the customs policies of each country and can assist with customs clearance and reduce risks.
  • Use Customs Pre-approval Service: Some logistics companies offer pre-approval customs service, which allows you to submit relevant documents to customs in advance to ensure smooth customs clearance of your goods upon arrival.

Transportation Damage or Loss

Risk Description: During transportation, especially long-distance transportation, goods may be damaged or lost due to improper handling or an unstable transportation environment.

Solution:

  • Proper Packaging: Ensure that goods are packaged according to international transportation standards, especially for fragile or valuable items. Use shock-proof materials, sealed packages and “fragile” labels to reduce the risk of damage.
  • Purchase transportation insurance: Purchasing the right freight insurance can effectively reduce the economic losses caused by loss or damage. You can choose full insurance or specific insurance, which is decided according to the nature and value of the goods.
  • Choose a reliable transportation company: A good reputation and experience can reduce the risk during transportation. Make sure the transportation company has a good cargo tracking and accident handling process.

Transportation Delays

Risk Description: Transportation may be delayed due to weather, flight problems, shipping bottlenecks, or other factors, especially during peak seasons or exceptional weather conditions.

Solution:

  • Plan: allow sufficient time buffer when planning transportation, especially around important holidays, to avoid problems when time is short.
  • Choose the proper mode of transportation: choose the correct mode of transportation according to the urgency of the goods. For urgent goods, you can choose air freight, while for less urgent goods, choosing Sea Freight may be more stable and less costly.
  • Real-time tracking of goods: Use the cargo tracking service provided by the freight forwarding company to keep abreast of the transportation status and communicate with the logistics company in time to take appropriate countermeasures in case of delay.

Fluctuation of transportation cost

Risk Description: Transportation costs may change due to fluctuations in oil prices, route adjustments, increased transportation demand, and other factors, resulting in budget overruns.

Solution:

  • Lock the price in advance: Signing a long-term cooperation agreement with a logistics company or agreeing on a fixed price in advance can avoid the uncertainty caused by short-term price fluctuations.
  • Comparison of multiple quotes: When choosing a transportation company, you can request quotes from various providers and compare prices and services to select the most appropriate transportation solution.
  • Flexible Adjustment of Transportation Plan: In the transportation process, routes and modes of transportation are adjusted at the right time according to the actual situation to reduce costs. For example, if air freight is too high, Sea Freight can be chosen as an alternative.

Cargo Detention

Risk Description: Certain commodities may be held up in destination ports or warehouses due to special policies, import/export restrictions or trade barriers at the destination, preventing successful delivery.

Solution:

  • Understand Destination Market Policies in Advance: Ensure you understand U.S. import restrictions, quota requirements, tariffs, and other trade policies for specific products. For example, certain electronics or food products may require additional inspection or certification.
  • Choose the appropriate mode of transportation: For goods involving complex certifications, choose logistics companies with experience in the destination country to help smooth customs clearance and avoid hold-ups.
  • Avoid banned or restricted goods: Understand and avoid shipping items prohibited or restricted for import into the U.S. to avoid hold-ups or fines due to policy issues.

The best way to ship from China to the US

Sea Freight is often the most cost-effective option for shipping from China to the United States, especially for bulk and non-emergency shipments. Sea Freight is significantly less expensive than air freight, making it the most cost-effective way to transport bulk cargo.

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