Understanding and managing international shipping costs is essential for maintaining a competitive edge in today’s globalized economy. As a key manufacturing hub in Southeast Asia, Cambodia maintains strong trade ties with the United States. Whether you’re a large enterprise or a small to medium-sized business, having a clear grasp of shipping costs when transporting goods from Cambodia to the U.S. is critical.
This article provides an in-depth look at the cost structure of shipping from Cambodia to the United States. We’ll break down the main shipping methods, examine the key factors that influence pricing, and offer practical strategies to help you reduce costs and select the most efficient shipping solution for your business.
What does shipping from Cambodia to the USA cost?
The total shipping cost from Cambodia to the USA is not a single figure but comprises several components. Understanding these components can help you budget and control your spending more accurately:
- Basic shipping fee: This is the basic port-to-port or airport-to-airport shipping fee charged by the carrier (shipping company or airline).
- Fuel surcharge: A surcharge to cover fluctuations in fuel prices.
- Peak Season Surcharge: An additional fee is charged during peak periods of shipping demand (e.g. before holidays).
- Terminal Handling Fee: The fee incurred for container loading, unloading, and handling at the port of departure and the port of destination.
- Documentation Fee: The fee for handling shipping documents such as bills of lading and manifests.
- Customs Clearance Fee: The fee incurred for customs declaration and inspection procedures at the port of destination (USA).
- Duties and Taxes: Import duties and taxes levied by the U.S. Customs based on the value and category of the goods.
- Inland Transportation: The cost of transporting goods from the factory in Cambodia to the port of departure and from the port of destination in the U.S. to the consignee’s warehouse.
- Insurance: The cost of insurance purchased to cover the risk of transporting goods.
Shipping costs from Cambodia to the United States
Sea freight is the main mode of transport from Cambodia to the United States and is particularly suitable for large quantities of goods that do not require fast transit times.
- Full Container Load (FCL):
- 20-foot container (20ft Container): suitable for heavier or moderately sized goods.
- 40ft Container / 40ft High Cube – HQ): Suitable for bulky, lightweight goods. 40ft High Cube (HQ) offers more interior space.
- The cost of FCL is usually a fixed lump sum rate, and the specific price is highly volatile and affected by market supply and demand, routes, shipping companies, ports of origin (such as Sihanoukville—KOS) and destination (such as Los Angeles, Long Beach, New York, etc.) and terms of service. You must ask your freight forwarder or shipping company for a real-time quote. The transit time is usually 25-45 days, depending on the route and destination port.
- Less than Container Load (LCL):
- LCL is an option if the volume of goods is insufficient to fill a full container. In this case, the goods will be consolidated with other customers’ goods in a container.
- The cost of LCL is usually calculated based on the volume (cubic meters CBM) or weight (tons) of the goods, whichever is higher. Although the unit cost may be higher than FCL, the total price is more advantageous for small goods. The transit time is longer than FCL because it is necessary to unpack and sort the goods at the port of departure and destination.
Cost of Shipping 20ft and 40ft Containers from Cambodia to USA
The shipping costs of 20ft and 40ft containers from China to Denmark depend on many factors. Here are the costs from different ports in Cambodia to different ports in USA:
| POL | POD | Rate (USD/20GP) | Rate (USD/40GP) | Rate (USD/40HQ) |
| Sihanohkville | Los Angeles (West Coast) | $950.00 | $1,300.00 | $1,300.00 |
| Sihanohkville | Long Beach (West Coast) | $950.00 | $1,300.00 | $1,300.00 |
| Sihanohkville | Oakland (West Coast) | $950.00 | $1,300.00 | $1,300.00 |
| Sihanohkville | New York/Newark (East Coast) | $1,550.00 | $2,100.00 | $2,100.00 |
| Sihanohkville | Charleston (East Coast) | $1,550.00 | $2,100.00 | $2,100.00 |
| Sihanohkville | Savannah (East Coast) | $1,550.00 | $2,100.00 | $2,100.00 |
| Sihanohkville | Port of Houston (US Gulf Coast) | $2,500.00 | $3,000.00 | $3,000.00 |
| Sihanohkville | Port of New Orleans (US Gulf Coast) | $2,500.00 | $3,000.00 | $3,000.00 |
Air freight costs from Cambodia to the United States
Air freight is the fastest method suitable for high-value, urgent or perishable goods.
- Air freight costs are calculated mainly based on the “chargeable weight” of the goods. The chargeable weight is the greater of the actual gross weight or the volume weight. The volume weight is usually calculated as cargo volume (cubic centimetres) / 6000 (or a factor specific to a particular airline).
- Air freight costs are much higher than sea freight, often several or even ten times as much. In addition to the basic air freight, fuel surcharges, security surcharges, ground handling charges, etc., are also included.
- The transit time from Cambodia (e.g. Phnom Penh International Airport PNH) to major airports in the United States (e.g. Los Angeles LAX, New York JFK, Chicago ORD) is usually about 3-7 days, depending on flight schedules and connections.
Factors affecting the cost of shipping from Cambodia to the United States
Several factors can affect the final shipping cost:
- Shipping method: There is a huge difference in cost between shipping by sea and by air.
- Cargo characteristics: The weight, volume and nature of the goods (general, dangerous goods, refrigerated goods) directly affect the cost.
- Shipping distance: The distance between the port of departure, the port of destination, and the specific shipping route.
- Market supply and demand: During peak shipping seasons (e.g. before Christmas), demand increases and prices rise; off-seasons are relatively cheaper.
- Fuel prices: Fluctuations in international oil prices directly affect fuel surcharges.
- Carrier choice: Different shipping companies or airlines have different pricing strategies and service levels.
- Service speed: Expedited services or specific routes are more expensive.
- Port congestion and efficiency: Inefficient port operations or congestion can lead to delays and additional costs.
- Trade terms (Incoterms): Terms such as FOB, CIF, EXW, etc., determine the buyer and seller’s responsibilities and cost-sharing in terms of transportation, insurance, and customs clearance.
How can I reduce the cost of transporting goods from Cambodia to the USA?
- Plan: Avoid last-minute bookings, especially during peak season. Booking in advance can get you better prices and guaranteed space.
- Compare quotes: Get quotes from multiple freight forwarders or carriers to compare prices and services.
- Optimize packaging: Minimize the volume and weight of goods as much as possible, and choose the right packaging materials to reduce the cost of charging by volume or weight.
- Choose the right shipping method: Weigh the costs and the time taken, and prioritize sea freight for non-urgent goods.
- Consider Less than Container Load (LCL): LCL is often more economical for small quantities than FCL or air freight.
- Consolidate shipments: If possible, combine multiple small shipments into one large shipment to take advantage of FCL’s economies of scale.
- Negotiate prices: For long-term cooperation or customers with large quantities, try negotiating more favourable contract prices with freight forwarders or carriers.
- Understand and choose the right trade terms: Clearly define cost responsibilities to avoid unexpected expenses.
- Choose a reliable freight forwarder. An experienced freight forwarder can provide professional advice, optimize transportation routes, and handle complex customs clearance procedures, which can indirectly save costs and time.
Cheapest shipping method from Cambodia to the USA
Sea freight is typically the most cost-effective shipping method from Cambodia to the United States. However, the trade-off is longer transit times. While air freight is more expensive upfront, it can be the smarter choice in certain situations—such as avoiding losses from excess inventory or fulfilling urgent orders. Ultimately, the best shipping option depends on a careful balance of time sensitivity, the value of the goods, and your overall budget.
How to Ship from Cambodia to the USA: Choosing the Right Method
Selecting the most suitable shipping method depends on several key factors. Here’s what you need to consider when deciding between sea freight and air freight:
- Budget: Sea freight is generally the most affordable option, while air freight is the most expensive. Start by defining how much you’re willing to spend on shipping.
- Transit Time: Air freight is significantly faster—usually taking just a few days—while sea freight can take several weeks. Consider how urgent your delivery timeline is.
- Cargo Volume and Size: Full container load (FCL) sea freight is usually the best choice if you’re shipping large or bulky goods. Less-than-container load (LCL) sea freight or air freight may be more practical for smaller shipments.
- Type and Value of Goods: High-value, time-sensitive, or perishable goods—such as electronics, fashion items, or pharmaceuticals—are often better suited for air freight. On the other hand, low-value or bulky goods—like furniture, raw materials, or garments—are typically shipped by sea.
- Reliability and Predictability: Air freight offers more consistent and predictable transit times. Sea freight, while cost-effective, is more susceptible to delays due to weather, customs, or port congestion.
By carefully weighing these factors, you can choose the shipping method that best meets your business needs and logistical goals.
