How Long Does Shipping from China to the US Really Take?

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China to US shipping time

The shipping duration from China to the United States depends on the transportation mode, route, cargo size, and customs clearance. The delivery time for each method is as follows: express shipping typically takes 1-5 days, air freight requires 2-15 days, sea freight to the West Coast takes 15+ days, and sea freight to the East Coast takes 30+ days. It is imperative to select the most appropriate mode of transportation to ensure optimal shipping duration.

Sea Freight Time China to USA

Sea freight has been identified as a cost-effective and popular option for transporting bulk goods from China to the United States. Transit times for this mode of transport vary according to the destination. For example, shipping to the West Coast, such as Los Angeles or Long Beach, typically takes 18-25 days, while shipping to the East Coast, such as New York, Savannah, or Houston, takes 20-30 days due to the greater distance. The specific transit time depends on the departure and arrival ports.

POL (Port of China)POL (Port of USA)Transport time (days)
ShanghaiLos Angeles18-25 days
ShenzhenLos Angeles18-25 days
NingboLos Angeles18-24 days
ShanghaiLong Beach19-25 days
ShenzhenLong Beach18-25 days
NingboLong Beach19-25 days
ShanghaiNew York21-30 days
ShenzhenNew York20-30 days
NingboNew York22-30 days
ShanghaiSavannah20-30 days
ShenzhenSavannah20-29 days
NingboSavannah21-30 days
ShanghaiHouston22-30 days
ShenzhenHouston20-30 days

Air Freight Time from China to USA

Air freight has been identified as the optimal method for the expeditious and dependable transportation of goods from China to the United States. This mode of shipping is particularly well-suited for smaller and time-sensitive consignments. Typically, goods are transported from major international airports in China to cities such as Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, and Chicago within 3-7 days. Establishing a collaborative relationship with a reputable freight forwarder, in conjunction with meticulous preparation of shipments, is instrumental in ensuring goods’ seamless and efficient delivery.

eparture Airport (China)Arrival Airport (USA)Transport time (days)
ShanghaiLos Angeles3-5 days
GuangzhouLos Angeles3-5 days
BeijingLos Angeles3-6 days
ShanghaiNew York4-7 days
GuangzhouNew York5-7 days
BeijingNew York4-6 days
ShanghaiSan Francisco3-5 days
GuangzhouSan Francisco3-6 days
BeijingSan Francisco3-6 days
ShanghaiChicago4-7 days
GuangzhouChicago5-7 days
BeijingChicago4-7 days

Container shipping time from China to the USA

Port of originPort of destinationSteamship Line
ShanghaiLos Angeles CaliforniaCMA CGM
ShenzhenLos Angeles CaliforniaOOCL – Orient Overseas Container Line
Ningbo-ZhoushanLos Angeles CaliforniaMAERSK CONTAINER LINE
GuangzhouLos Angeles CaliforniaMSC
QingdaoLos Angeles CaliforniaOOCL
TianjinLos Angeles CaliforniaCOSCO
XiamenLos Angeles CaliforniaMSC
DalianLos Angeles CaliforniaMAERSK CONTAINER LINE
Hong KongLos Angeles CaliforniaZIM LINE

How long does it take to ship from China?

Shipping MethodPort to PortDoor to Door
Sea Freight (FCL)14 to 42 days19 to 47 days
Sea Freight (LCL)14 to 42 days22 to 50 days
Air Freight1 to 5 days4 to 11 days
Express Freight 2 to 5 days

Shipping time for China Express to the USA

Courier services offer rapid and expeditious door-to-door delivery, with delivery times ranging from one to seven business days, contingent upon the provider and the destination. Preeminent courier companies such as DHL, UPS, and FedEx utilize a global network to ensure efficient shipping, with deliveries to the United States typically completed within three to five business days.

The spreadsheet below compares express shipping costs and delivery times from China to the USA.

ExpressCost levelTiming
 (from 1-10)(working days)
FedEX (IP)7.52-3
(Good timing)
FedEx (IE)64-5
(Balance on cost and time)
UPS82-3
(Expensive)
DHL53-5
(Timing not as good as FedEx)
SF-express4.55-7
(Newbie, May delay)
China Post: Air3.57-15
(Faster than surface one)
China Post: SAL310-20
(Between Air and Surface)
China Post: Surface240-70
(Very slow)
China Post: EMS45-7
(Fast and safe)
China (ePacket/EUB)17-30
(Very cheap)

The fastest shipping method from China to the US

Air freight is the most expeditious shipping method from China. It is an optimal choice when urgent delivery to a destination is required or when the shipment is of high value.

Factors affecting shipping time from China to the USA

Various factors influence the shipping time from China to the USA, which can impact the overall transit duration. Here’s an overview of the key elements affecting shipping time:

Mode of Transportation

  • Sea Freight: Shipping via sea is the most common and cost-effective method for large quantities. However, it takes longer (usually between 15 and 40 days, depending on the port of departure and arrival).
  • Air Freight: Shipping via air is much faster but more expensive, typically taking 3 to 7 days. However, the time can be affected by the flight route, availability, and the airport’s customs processing time.
  • Express Services: Using couriers like DHL, FedEx, or UPS for smaller parcels generally takes 3 to 7 days, depending on whether it’s a direct or indirect route.

Port of Origin and Port of Arrival

  • Port Selection: The specific ports in China (e.g., Shanghai, Shenzhen, Ningbo, Guangzhou) and the USA (e.g., Los Angeles, New York, Miami, and Savannah) play a significant role in shipping times. Major ports are often more efficient and have better infrastructure but may also face congestion.
  • Proximity to Major Hubs: Shipping to or from ports closer to significant logistics hubs can reduce transit time, as the goods can be handled more quickly.

Customs and Clearance

  • Chinese Export Customs: The time it takes for goods to clear Chinese export customs can vary depending on the complexity of the goods being exported, the completeness of the documentation, and whether the shipment is subject to inspection.
  • U.S. Import Customs: US customs clearance is a critical factor. Even if the goods arrive at the port on time, customs inspection, paperwork checks, and duty payment can lead to delays. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) process can take several hours to days.
  • Tariffs and Inspections: Additional scrutiny or tariff issues (like anti-dumping duties) could delay clearance, especially for goods from specific industries (electronics, textiles, etc.).

Shipping Route

  • Direct vs Indirect Routes: A direct shipping route between China and the U.S. will generally take less time than one involving transhipment (i.e., goods being transferred from one vessel or flight to another).
  • Weather Conditions: Adverse weather conditions such as storms, typhoons, or hurricanes can delay ships or flights.
  • Sailing or Air Travel Schedules: Regular schedules and direct flights ensure quicker transit times, while fewer or indirect services can cause delays.

Cargo Size and Type

  • Full Container Load (FCL) vs. Less than Container Load (LCL): Shipping a full container load typically takes less time than less-than-container-load shipments, which require additional handling and consolidation.
  • Bulk Cargo vs. General Cargo: Bulk cargo, which is unloaded directly from ships or trains, can often be processed more quickly than goods that require special handling, packaging, or sorting.
  • Perishable Goods: Items like food and pharmaceuticals, which require temperature control, may have more stringent handling and regulatory requirements, potentially extending shipping times.

Port Congestion

  • Traffic at Chinese Ports: Ports in China, especially during peak export seasons (e.g., Chinese New Year holidays), may experience congestion, leading to delays in loading.
  • Traffic at U.S. Ports: Ports like Los Angeles and Long Beach are often congested, particularly during high season or labour strikes or slowdowns, which can delay unloading and customs processing.

Documentation and Labeling

  • Accuracy of Documentation: Incorrect or incomplete shipping documentation, such as invoices, certificates of origin, or bills of lading, can delay customs clearance on both sides (China and the U.S.).
  • Product Labeling and Compliance: Certain goods, especially food, pharmaceuticals, or electronic products, must meet U.S. regulatory standards. If these are not in compliance, shipments can be delayed due to rework or inspections.

Holidays and Weekends

  • Chinese Holidays: During holidays like Chinese New Year (usually in January or February) or National Day (October 1st), production slows, ports are less active, and shipping schedules are disrupted.
  • U.S. Holidays: Similarly, U.S. national holidays (e.g., Thanksgiving and Christmas) can affect the availability of customs officers, port workers, or transport drivers, thus slowing down overall shipping time.

Shipping Company and Service Level

  • Carrier and Service Type: Different shipping companies have different levels of efficiency, and expedited services may offer faster options compared to standard shipping. Using premium carriers or express services can reduce transit times but increase costs.
  • Handling Time at Origin/Destination: The time it takes to load goods at the departure port and offload at the arrival port can vary depending on the efficiency of the logistics provider and port operations.

Force Majeure Events

  • Global Events: Political unrest, strikes, natural disasters, or even pandemics (like the COVID-19 situation) can significantly delay shipping times. These unforeseen events can disrupt port operations, cause supply chain disruptions, and lead to longer-than-usual shipping times.

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