Shipping costs from China to the USA explained

If you’re planning to ship goods from China to the United States, you might notice that shipping costs can vary quite a bit. Factors such as the weight of your container, the shipping route, the method you choose, and the destination of your cargo all contribute to the final cost. In this article, we’ll guide you through the key factors that affect shipping prices and help you get a clearer picture of what to expect when shipping from China to the United States.

Shipping from China to the United States

Sea Freight

Sea freight is the most common method for transporting goods worldwide. Not only is it cost-effective, but it can also handle large quantities of goods, making it a great choice for shipping loose cargo. While ocean freight tends to be a bit slower, its reliability and affordability make it a favourite among many businesses. There are two main types of ocean freight services: full container load (FCL) and less than container load (LCL). The best option depends on the specific needs of your shipment.

Air Freight

Air freight provides a fast and secure means of transporting your goods. It’s a great choice for urgent deliveries, like fresh foods or valuable electronics. While it can be more expensive, its speed and dependability often make it the go-to option for many businesses.

How much does it cost to ship from China to the United States?

Shipping goods from China to the US can vary quite a bit in cost, depending on what works best for you—air freight or ocean freight. Air freight typically ranges from $5 to $12 per kilogram, while ocean freight for a 20-foot container is usually between $2,500 and $4,200. Take a look at the information below to help you plan your shipment!

Shipping Method	Shipping From China to USA (Cost)
Sea Shipping (20ft Container)	Approx. USD 2,750 for a 20ft container
Sea Shipping (40ft Container)	Approx. USD 3,350 for a 40ft container
Sea Shipping (LCL)	Approx. USD 120 per cubic meters (m3)
Air Freight Shipping	Approx. USD 650 for 100kg
Door to Door Shipping	Approx. USD 12 to 16 per kgs or approx. USD 140 – 220 per m3
DDP Air Freight	Approx. USD 12 to 18 per kgs
DDP Sea Freight	Approx. USD 180 to 350 per cbm (m3)
Express Shipping	Approx. USD 15.5 per Kgs

Container shipping costs from China to the United States

When shipping containers, you’ll find that the total cost is made up of several key components:

Ocean Freight: This is the primary cost, covering the journey from a Chinese port to a US port, and it typically accounts for the largest portion of your shipping expenses.
Port Fees: These cover expenses such as terminal usage, loading and unloading, and other related charges, which can vary depending on the port.
Fuel Surcharge: This fee fluctuates based on changes in international oil prices.
Security Surcharge: This is a fee for extra security measures and customs inspections.
Destination Port Fees: Once your shipment reaches the US, additional costs, such as terminal fees, customs clearance, and other related expenses, may be incurred at the destination port.

Cost of Shipping 20ft and 40ft Containers from China to USA

If you’re shipping to the US East Coast, costs typically range from $3,000 to $4,000 for a 20-foot container and from $4,000 to $6,000 for a 40-foot container.

For the US West Coast, you’re looking at around $2,000 to $3,000 for a 20-foot container, and $3,000 to $5,000 for a 40-foot container.

Shipping costs can vary depending on market demand, peak seasons, shipping companies, and other factors. Here’s a helpful overview of the typical costs for shipping from major Chinese ports to key USA ports:

POL (Port of China)	POL (Port of USA)	20ft Container Cost	40ft Container Cost
Shanghai	Los Angeles	$2050-$3000	$3200-$4500
Shenzhen	Los Angeles	$2000-$2900	$3150-$4650
Ningbo	Los Angeles	$2000-$3000	$3350-$4750
Shanghai	Long Beach	$2050-$2950	$3250-$4550
Shenzhen	Long Beach	$2150-$3000	$3150-$4600
Ningbo	Long Beach	$2000-$2850	$3200-$4500
Shanghai	New York	$3000-$3800	$4050-$5550
Shenzhen	New York	$3050-$3900	$4350-$5600
Ningbo	New York	$3050-$4000	$4200-$5650
Shanghai	Savannah	$3050-$3900	$4100-$5600
Shenzhen	Savannah	$3050-$3850	$4100-$5750
Ningbo	Savannah	$3050-$3900	$4300-$5850
Shanghai	Houston	$2850-$3700	$4100-$5650
Shenzhen	Houston	$2950-$3900	$4050-$5650
Ningbo	Houston	$2800-$3900	$4050-$5650

Air freight costs from China to the Usa

The cost of air freight depends on the weight and size of your goods, as well as the duration of the trip. At Hongocean, we’re happy to provide you with an instant quote for air freight, so you can easily find the best option for your needs. Below, you’ll find the air freight costs for our most popular routes:

POL (port of loading)	POD (port of discharge)	LCL Cost/CBM
Shanghai	Los Angeles	$30-$50
Shenzhen	Long Beach	$35-$55
Qingdao	Seattle	$30-$50
Ningbo	New York-New Jersey	$40-$60
Tianjin	Houston	$50-$75
Guangzhou	Savannah	$45-$70

Cost of door-to-door shipping from China to the USA

Door-to-door sea freight services are a great option for shipping bulk items and goods that aren’t time-sensitive, making them a budget-friendly choice. To give you an idea, sending a 20-foot container from China to the United States usually costs between $2,000 and $3,500. If you require a 40-foot container, the price typically ranges from $3,000 to $5,500. There are additional charges—such as port fees, customs clearance, and final delivery—that typically add around $300 to $500 per container. So, altogether, you can expect the total door-to-door cost for a 20-foot container to the U.S. to fall in the range of about $2,500 to $4,000.

DDP shipping costs from China to the United States

DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) is a term used in international trade to denote the seller’s obligation to deliver goods to the buyer’s designated location, thereby assuming all associated costs and risks. These include transportation fees, insurance premiums, import duties, and taxes, among others. In accordance with DDP terms, the seller assumes full responsibility for all logistical operations and associated costs, extending from the point of origin (e.g., China) to the designated final destination.

Service Type	From	To	LCL cost	20-foot container (FCL)	40-foot container (FCL)
Sea Freight DDP	China	USA	$150 – $200/CBM	$3,800 – $5,500	$4,800 – $6,500
Air Freight DDP	China	USA	$8 – $15/kg

Additional shipping costs from China to the United States

In addition to the basic shipping costs, there are also the following additional costs for shipping from China to the United States:

Fuel surcharge: usually charged based on the weight or volume of the goods.
Port miscellaneous charges: such as terminal handling charges, Demurrage, loading and unloading fees, etc.
Insurance costs: It is recommended that cargo insurance be purchased, which generally costs 0.1%- 0.5% of the value of the goods.
Customs clearance fees: customs clearance fees vary depending on the goods.

How to calculate the cost of shipping from China to the United States

When shipping goods from China to the US, costs are determined by either the actual weight or volumetric weight, whichever is higher. This helps keep things fair for everyone!

Actual weight

The actual weight refers to the total weight of your goods, measured in kilograms (kg).

Volumetric weight

Volumetric weight is based on the space your goods occupy. This way, items that are big but light are charged fairly too.

Here’s the formula: Weight (kg) = length (cm) x width (cm) x height (cm) ÷ 6000.

If the volumetric weight is higher than the actual weight, your shipping cost will be based on the volumetric weight instead.

What Affects Shipping Costs from China to the United States

When shipping goods from China to the United States, several factors can affect the total cost. Here’s a quick overview to help you plan!

Seasonal and market demand: Shipping costs often increase during busy periods, such as the Spring Festival or Christmas season, when demand for shipping is higher.
Fuel prices: Changes in global oil prices can impact the amount you pay for shipping fuel surcharges.
Port congestion: If ports are exceptionally busy, there may be additional charges for delays or congestion.
Types of goods: Shipping items such as hazardous materials, temperature-sensitive goods, or large items may require special care and may incur additional costs.
Destination distance: Shipping to ports on the US West Coast is usually less expensive than shipping to ports on the East Coast, but be sure to consider where your goods are headed and any additional logistics costs.
Service providers: Different logistics and shipping companies offer different prices, so it’s a good idea to compare your options.

Friendly Tips for Optimising Your Shipping Costs

Plan your transport: Try to avoid peak shipping seasons, as Ocean Freight and Air Freight prices tend to rise during these times. Shipping during off-peak periods can help you save on costs and make the process smoother.

Steer clear of delayed and detention fees: Extra charges can add up if your goods spend too long at the port of destination. By preparing for customs clearance and goods receipt in advance, you can avoid these fees and keep the process moving smoothly.

Optimise your packaging: Try to minimise the volume of your packaging to keep freight charges low, but don’t forget to keep your goods safe and secure. Smart packaging design and efficient loading can maximise your container space, helping you save money and reduce the number of containers required.

Pick the port that works best for you: Shipping from East Coast ports to the United States is often more expensive than using West Coast ports. Depending on your destination, choosing the closest and most affordable port can help you reduce inland transport costs.

Be flexible with freight terms: Choosing the right trade terms (such as FOB or CIF) based on your goods and your agreement with the other party can help both parties save on logistics costs.

The cheapest way to ship from China to the US

Finding the most cost-effective way to save on shipping from China to the US depends on several factors, including the type of item being sent, the urgency of the need, and your budget. Here are some friendly tips to help you choose the most affordable shipping option:

Ocean Freight (LCL—Less Than Container Load): If you’re shipping goods that don’t fill up a whole container, LCL shipping is a great way to save. Your shipment gets combined with others, so you share the cost with fellow shippers. While it may take a bit longer, it’s generally more cost-effective.

Economy Air Freight: Air freight is typically more expensive than ocean freight; however, some carriers offer budget-friendly Economy or Deferred Air Freight options. This is a nice option if you have a smaller package that needs to arrive a bit faster.

Freight Forwarders: These experts can help you find the best shipping options for your needs and budget. They often have great connections with carriers and can help you get better rates.

Bulk Shipping: If you’re shipping a lot at once, bulk shipping could save you quite a bit. This approach is most effective for specific industries and products, so it’s worth checking if it meets your needs.

Consolidation Services: Some companies specialise in gathering goods from different suppliers and shipping them together. This can help you take advantage of bulk shipping rates and save more.

Take Advantage of Trade Agreements: Depending on the type of goods you’re shipping and current trade agreements, you may qualify for reduced tariffs or fees, which can help lower your overall costs.

When choosing the most affordable shipping method from China to the US, try to balance cost with your specific needs. While saving money is important, don’t forget to consider factors such as delivery time, reliability, and the value of your goods. Also, remember to factor in duties, taxes, and other fees when planning your budget.

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