Shipping from China to US: Sea & Air Freight Rates

Why Choose HONGOCEAN to Help Arrange shipments from China to USA

  • Safe and Efficiency Delivery
  • 10+ Years Experiences of Shipping from China
  • 24/7 Online services
  • Competitive Price
  • Guarantee
  • Profesional Customer service Team
  • One-Stop Solutions
  • Door to Door Delivery
  • Consolidate and Distribution service
  • Full Set Paper Work and help to make shipping documents
  • Personal and Business Shipments both Acceptable
  • Strong Custom Clean Team in&out of China
  • Varieties of Shipping routes to meet your Customized shipping requirements
Hongocean

Hongocean Freight Forwarding Co., Ltd. partners with top-tier global shipping carriers to ensure your goods are transported from China to the USA safely and efficiently. Our network includes industry leaders such as MSK, EMC, WHL, ZIM, MSC,OOCL, COSCO , MATSON etc. Their extensive global coverage guarantees reliability and timeliness in cargo transportation.

Hongocean Freight Forwarding Co., Ltd. offers a full spectrum of logistics services tailored to streamline your shipments from China to the USA.

  • Sea shipping from China to USA
  • Air shipping From China to USA
  • Amazon shipping from China to USA
  • Customs Clearance, Warehousing, and Distribution Services.

Hongocean Freight Forwarding Co., Ltd. is recognized for its high standards and compliance within the logistics industry, holding prestigious qualifications that underscore our commitment to excellence.

The certificate we have:

FMC-NVOCC 031596, WCA member: 84965, JCTRANS member:150965, China MOC-NVOCC00426

These credentials reflect our capability to handle your logistics needs with professionalism and adherence to global regulations, ensuring a smooth and secure transportation process.

Our Services

Air Freight

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warehouse

Rail Freight

Ship to FBA

Door to Door Shipping

Customs Clearance & Insurance Solutions

Table of Contents

How to ship from China to the Usa

  1. Choose a shipping company:Choose a reliable international shipping company, understand the advantages and disadvantages of different modes of transportation, and choose a suitable mode of transportation.
  2. Prepare the goods:Pack the goods according to their type, weight, size, and other requirements and prepare the corresponding documents, such as commercial invoices, packing lists, and so on.
  3. Booking and customs declaration:Confirm the transportation route, cost, and transportation time with the freight company, and go through the relevant export customs declaration procedures.
  4. In transit:the goods are delivered to the USA by Sea Freight or Air Freight.
  5. Import Customs Clearance:After the goods arrive in the USA, they must undergo import customs clearance and the relevant procedures (e.g., taxes, import licenses, etc.).
  6. Final Distribution:After the goods are cleared, the final distribution will be carried out, and you can choose the last-mile logistics company or express company for distribution.

Customs clearance process for transportation from China to the Usa​

China Export Customs Declaration Process

Preparation of goods and documents

Preparation: Ensure all goods have been packed and comply with the relevant regulations for export from China. For example, goods must be labeled with contents, weight, quantity, etc.

Necessary documents:

  • Commercial invoice: This lists detailed information about the goods, including name, quantity, unit price, total price, etc.
  • Packing list: lists all the specifics of the goods to help with customs inspections.
  • Contract: A copy of the export contract.
  • Certificate of Origin (if required): proves the origin of the goods; certain goods require a certificate of origin to enjoy tariff reduction or exemption policies.
  • Export License: An export license may be required depending on the type of goods.
  • Transportation Documents: Bill of Lading (Sea Freight), Air Waybill (Air Freight), and other transportation-related documents.

Appointing a Customs Broker

If you are not experienced in handling customs clearance, you can appoint a professional customs broker to do it for you. The agent will prepare all documents and apply for customs declaration.

Customs Declaration

Submit all the necessary documents to Chinese Customs, and the Customs staff will review them and the goods. The customs system will automatically calculate the tax payable based on information such as the type and value of the goods.

Payment of export duties and fees

Generally, export tariffs are not required for goods exported from China, but other fees, such as VAT and export inspection fees, may be involved.

Customs Audit and Release

After the customs audit is approved, release is made, and the goods can be loaded onto a ship or plane, ready for transportation to the US.

USA import customs clearance process

Prepare import documents

  • Commercial invoice: including a detailed description of goods, quantity, unit price, total price, etc.
  • Packing list: detailing the contents of each parcel and container.
  • Transportation documents, such as a Bill of Lading (Sea Freight) or Air Waybill (Sea Freight), provide information on the transportation of the goods.
  • Import licenses and other certificates: Certain goods (e.g., food, drugs, electronics, etc.) may require specific import licenses or certificates for health, safety, etc.
  • Certificates of origin: These help determine the application of tariffs.

Usa Customs Clearance

US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) handles customs clearance in the US. The customs broker or importer is required to submit all documents to CBP for review.

Electronic Filing: Electronic filing is done through USA Customs’ ACE (Automated Commercial Environment) system. The agent will fill out an import declaration form (Entry Manifest) and submit it to CBP according to the condition of the goods.

CBP will review the imported goods’ type, value, and duties and determine if duties or fees need to be paid.

Payment of Duties and Fees

USA Customs will calculate duties based on the goods’ classification, origin, value, and other information. The importer or agent will pay import duties and other related fees if necessary.

Customs Inspection

US Customs may randomly inspect shipments. They may open boxes and inspect them to ensure that the goods meet US import standards. If non-compliant goods are found, they may be destroyed or returned.

Release of Goods

Once CBP confirms that customs clearance is correct and duties have been paid, the shipment can be released and shipped to the designated destination (e.g., warehouse, distributor, etc.).

Points to Note​

Import tariffs and duties: Import tariffs in the USA vary depending on the type of merchandise, origin, value, and other factors. The key to determining tariffs is knowing the tariff code (HTS Code) of the merchandise.

Product Compliance: Certain products, such as food, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, electronics, etc., must meet US safety and quality standards and may require additional certifications and licenses.

Customs Clearance Time: Customs clearance time may vary depending on the type of goods, customs inspections, and other factors, but it usually takes a few days to a few weeks.

Customs Brokerage Services: If you are unfamiliar with the customs clearance process in the USA, it is recommended that you hire a professional customs broker who can handle all the paperwork and ensure a smooth process.

Post-entry Final Distribution: Once the goods have cleared customs, they are usually distributed by a logistics company for last-mile delivery to a designated address or through warehousing logistics.

Taxes and tariffs in the USA

Customs duties in the US are collected by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP). They are based primarily on the classification of the imported merchandise (HS Code or HTS Code), origin, and customs value (i.e., CIF price). The type and rate of duty will vary depending on the kind of merchandise, its origin, and trade agreements. If you are importing goods from China to the Usa, you must clearly understand the taxes and duties payable. Before doing so, you need to know that the US places four main types of taxes and duties on imported goods.

  1. Customs duties
  2. Excise taxes
  3. MerchandiseHandling Charge or MPF
  4.  Harbor Maintenance Fee or HMF

Customs Duty

Customs Duty is a tax levied on imported goods. The Customs classification and origin of the merchandise determines the rate of duty. There are two common ways of calculating customs duty:

Ad valorem: This method is the most common and is based on the merchandise’s Customs value (CIF). The rate of duty usually ranges from 0% to 37.5%, depending on the goods classification.

Specific Duty: This method is based on the quantity or weight of the merchandise, such as duty per kilogram or per piece of merchandise.

Excise Taxes

The US imposes an excise tax on certain goods (e.g., alcohol, tobacco, fuel, etc.). This tax is usually based on the quantity, weight, or sales price of a product.

Merchandise Processing Fee

The MPF is a fee collected by U.S. Customs when imported merchandise enters the country. It applies to all merchandise imported from abroad and is intended to cover Customs’ administrative expenses and processing costs.

For most merchandise, the MPF charge is usually 0.3464% of the import value, with a minimum charge of $27.75 and a maximum charge of $528.33 (these amounts are subject to adjustment; please refer to the most recent Customs regulations).

If the merchandise’s import value is low, the fee will be calculated at the minimum rate ($27.75), and if the import value is high, the fee will be calculated as a percentage until it reaches the maximum ($528.33).

Harbor Maintenance Fee (HMF)

The Harbor Maintenance Fee (HMF) is a tax on imported goods shipped by sea. It is calculated at 0.125% of the commercial value of the goods. It applies only to goods shipped by sea; all imported goods shipped by air are exempt.

How to Calculate USA Customs Duty

Determining the HS Code (Harmonized System Code)

The HS Code is an internationally standardized classification system used to identify different categories of goods. The USA uses the 10-digit HTS (Harmonized Tariff Schedule) coding system, and you will need to know the specific HS code for your merchandise to find the applicable tariff rate.

The specific tariff rates can be found by consulting the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS). Each commodity’s HS code corresponds to a different tariff rate.

Calculating Customs Value

Customs duties in the US are usually based on the merchandise’s declared value. This value usually includes:

Cost of Goods: The purchase price of the imported merchandise.

Freight: The cost of shipping the merchandise to the USA.

Insurance: the cost of insurance involved in the transportation process.

The formula for calculating the Customs Declaration Value is:

Customs Declared Value = Cost of Goods + Freight + Insurance Customs Declared Value = Cost of Goods + Freight + Insurance

Finding the Applicable Tariff Rate

Once you know the HS code for an item, you can look up the item’s corresponding entry in the Customs Tariff Schedule of the USA (HTSUS) to find the applicable tariff rate. Tariff rates can be:

Fixed-rate: a fixed amount per merchandise unit (e.g., $5 per item).

Percentage rate: A percentage of the customs-declared value (e.g., 10%).

Calculating customs duties

Once you know the declared customs value of the goods and the applicable duty rate, you can calculate the customs duty. The calculation formula is:

Customs Duty = Customs Declared Value x Customs Duty Rate Customs Duty = Customs Declared Value x Customs Duty Rate

For example, if the declared customs value of an item is $1,000 and the applicable tariff rate is 10%, the tariff would be:

Tariff = $1,000 x 10% = $100 Tariff = $1,000 x 10% = $100

Transportation from China to the USA


We are dedicated to sharing our professional experience in shipping services from China to the USA. First, you need to understand that there are various modes of transportation from China to the USA, each with unique characteristics and applicable scenarios. Choosing the right mode of transportation usually depends on factors such as the type of goods, timeframe, and cost. To help you better understand these options, we have compiled a comprehensive list for your reference.

  • Air Freight
  • Sea Freight
  • Express Service
  • Door to Door ( DDP
  • Amazon FBA

Shipping costs from China to the USA

The financial implications of shipping goods from China to the USA vary significantly depending on the chosen method of transportation. The cost of air freight typically ranges from $5 to $12 per kilogram, whereas sea freight expenses generally fall within the range of $2,500 to $4,200 for a 20-foot container. Refer to the table below for a detailed breakdown:

Shipping MethodShipping 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 ShippingApprox. USD 650 for 100kg
Door to Door ShippingApprox. USD 12 to 16 per kgs or approx. USD 140 – 220 per m3
DDP Air FreightApprox. USD 12 to 18 per kgs
DDP Sea FreightApprox. USD 180 to 350 per cbm (m3)
Express ShippingApprox. USD 15.5 per Kgs

shipping costs from china to the usa

Cost of Shipping 20ft & 40ft Container From China To USA

The following table presents the mean cost of container shipping from China to the USA. It shows the least expensive price for loading and shipping 20—and 40-foot containers (FCL) of all types of cargo from major Chinese ports to the USA.

POL (Port of China)POL (Port of USA)20ft container cost40ft container cost 
ShanghaiPort of New York$2550-$4200$3500-$5500
ShenzhenPort of New York$2300-$4300$3450-$5350
QingdaoPort of New York$2650-$4650$3350-$5550
NingboPort of New York$2500-$4500$3250-$5550
GuangzhouPort of New York$2750-$4250$3450-$5600
TainjinPort of New York$3000-$4500$3500-$5800
ShanghaiPort of Los Angeles$2550-$4400$3500-$5200
ShenzhenPort of Los Angeles$2400-$4200$3550-$5550
QingdaoPort of Los Angeles$2750-$4550$3450-$5750
NingboPort of Los Angeles$2600-$4300$3350-$5850
GuangzhouPort of Los Angeles$2850-$4150$3550-$5600
TainjinPort of Los Angeles$3200-$4200$3800-$5600

How long does it take to ship from China to the USA?

Depending on the shipping method, the time it takes to ship from China to the USA can vary. Ocean freight usually takes around 30 to 45 days, while air freight is typically faster, with an estimated delivery time of 3 to 7 days. Remember that the number of days can also depend on the selected origin, destination, service, and route.

Shipping MethodShipping Time From China to USA
Sea Freight (FCL & LCL)30-45 days
Air Freight3-7 days
Express Shipping2-5 days
Door to Door Shipping40–50 days

Cheapest shipping from China to the US?

The most cost-effective method of importing from China is contingent upon the size and weight of the shipment. Sea freight is generally the most economical option for larger shipments because it offers lower costs per unit despite longer transit times. For smaller shipments or packages weighing approximately 150 kilograms, express freight, which costs around $5 per kilogram, is often the most economical choice. Additionally, EMS (Express Mail Service) is the cheapest air shipping option for small packages requiring prompt delivery. EMS is an international postal service designed to deliver documents and merchandise requiring prompt transit.

Air Freight from China to the USA

Air Freight from China to the USA is essential to global trade. It is especially suitable for goods that need to be delivered quickly, such as high-value goods, perishable goods, electronics, medical supplies, fashion goods, etc.

The advantage of air freight is the short transit time, which is usually much faster than sea freight. It is also suitable for goods that require a high level of timeliness.

Advantages and features of Air Freight​

Fast speed

Air Freight is one of the fastest modes of transportation. Generally speaking, the Air Freight time from major cities in China (e.g., Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen) to the USA is usually 2-7 days, depending on the departure and destination cities, airlines, and whether it is a direct flight.

High Safety

Since Air Freight is usually carried by large airlines, security is more strictly regulated. Goods are subject to fewer external influences (e.g., weather or traffic delays) during transportation, so the transportation risk is relatively low.

Transportation of high-value goods

Air Freight is suitable for transporting high-value, small but heavy goods or goods that require a very high level of timeliness. Many companies choose Air Freight to get their products to their destination quickly, especially when dealing with electronics, fashion items, luxury goods, pharmaceuticals, etc.

Higher transportation costs

Compared to Sea Freight, Air Freight is much more expensive. The cost of Air Freight is usually based on factors such as the weight and volume of the shipment, the destination, and the airline. Air Freight can be very expensive for large shipments, so it is usually suitable for small quantities of high-value goods.

How Air Freight Works

Cargo Preparation and Booking

First, you need to confirm the type, volume, and weight of the cargo to choose the right airline and flight. After that, the consignor will book the Air Freight space with the freight forwarder or airline.

Cargo Collection and Packing

Cargo must be adequately packed according to regulations to ensure safety during transportation. In the case of fragile and perishable goods, extra attention must be paid to packaging and temperature control requirements. Air Freight cargo is usually packaged standardized to reduce the risk of damage.

Cargo transportation to the airport

Once the cargo is ready, the freight company will arrange transportation to the designated airport. In China, standard Air Freight ports include Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK), Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG), Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN), and Shenzhen Baoan International Airport (SZX).

Customs Clearance and Quarantine

Depending on the regulations of different countries, shipments may require customs clearance and quarantine. For Air Freight shipments, customs clearance is usually done through the airline or freight forwarder to ensure that all documents (e.g., invoice, customs declaration, air waybill, etc.) are complete and comply with the destination country’s regulations.

Air Freight Transportation

Once the shipment has successfully cleared customs, it will be loaded onto an airplane and flown to its destination in the United States. Major Air Freight ports in the United States include Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport (ORD), and Miami International Airport (MIA).

Destination Customs Clearance and Distribution

Upon arrival in the US, the shipment must undergo destination customs clearance. Upon completion of customs clearance, the shipment will be forwarded to a local distribution company for last-mile delivery to the final consignee.

Popular Air Freight Routes from China to the USA​

Popular transportation routes from China to the USA mainly involve cargo transportation and Air Freight. With the increasing economic, trade, and cultural exchanges between the two countries, these routes have become a crucial part of the global logistics system. Here are some popular transportation routes from China to the USA.

DepartureDestinationFlight DurationAir Freight
ShanghaiLos AngelesAbout 11-12 hoursThis route carries a large volume of electronics, machinery, clothing, and other goods.
ShanghaiSan FranciscoAbout 11 hoursThis route mainly transports high-tech products, machinery, and small to medium consumer goods, connecting Shanghai with San Francisco.
BeijingNew YorkAbout 13 hoursThe route carries electronics, auto parts, high-tech equipment, and other goods.
GuangzhouLos AngelesAbout 13 hoursThe Guangzhou to Los Angeles route handles a large volume of cross-border e-commerce goods, electronics, and other

Air Freight Cost from China to USA (2025)

Let’s explore the top questions about Air Freight services from China to the USA, which is one of the common inquiries we get from our team at Hongocean. Air Freight cost varies depending on several factors, such as cargo weight, volume, route, mode of transportation, and season, with more significant price differences. To get a more accurate quote, you are recommended to contact a Hongocean freight forwarder to find the best solution for your needs.

45kg100kg200kg500kg
$5.48-$12.43$4.68-$10.00$4.38-$9.00$4.12-$8.72
The estimated price per kilogram for Air Freight from Shenzhen, China, to different cities in the US for a 100 kg shipment is as follows.
FromtoCost (per kg)
ShenzhenNew York6.50 $
ShenzhenLos Angeles6.55 $
ShenzhenChicago6.05 $
ShenzhenHouston6.00 $
ShenzhenPhoenix5.50 $
ShenzhenPhiladelphia5.65 $
ShenzhenSan Antonio5.20 $
ShenzhenSan Diego5.85 $
ShenzhenDallas6.15 $
ShenzhenSan Jose5.55 $

Significant Factors Affecting Air Freight Costs

Cargo weight and volume:

Air Freight costs are usually calculated based on weight and volume. If the shipment is large but light, the price is generally based on volumetric weight.

Generally, Air Freight charges are based on the greater actual or volumetric weight (converted to kilograms per cubic meter of volume).

Air Routes:

The main routes from China to the USA include Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, etc., to Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Chicago, and other cities. Fees vary by route and are usually lower in larger cities.

For example, a flight from Shanghai to Los Angeles may be cheaper than one from Shanghai to New York because Los Angeles is a major logistics center with a higher flight density.

Type of cargo:

The type of cargo (e.g., food, medicine, electronics, luxury goods, etc.) may also affect Air Freight costs. Certain specialty goods, such as perishables, valuables, dangerous goods, etc., may require additional handling and safeguards, which can lead to increased costs.

Mode of transportation:

Direct flights are usually cheaper than stopover flights because they have shorter transit times, are easier to operate, and reduce the costs of transshipment and transit processes.

Meanwhile, Priority Air Freight or express services (e.g., DHL, FedEx, etc.) are usually more expensive than regular air freight.

Seasonal fluctuations:

Prices may increase during holidays (e.g., Chinese New Year, Christmas, Black Friday, etc.) when Air Freight is in high demand and flights are tighter.

Insurance & Surcharges:

Air Freight costs may also include insurance, fuel surcharges, airport operating fees, and other fees, which usually vary depending on the cargo type, transportation conditions, and airline policies.

Air Freight Time from China to the USA

Air Freight time from China to the USA is usually affected by several factors, including the distance between the origin and destination cities and the airline’s routing arrangements, and different airlines may affect the overall transit time due to differences in flight schedules and flight duration.

FromToTransit Time
ShenzhenNew York3 to 4 days
ShenzhenLos Angeles1 to 3 days
ShenzhenChicago2 to 3 days
ShenzhenHouston1 to 4 days
ShenzhenPhoenix2 to 4 days
ShenzhenPhiladelphia1 to 2 days
ShenzhenSan Antonio3 to 4 days
ShenzhenSan Diego2 to 3 days
ShenzhenDallas1 to 4 days
ShenzhenSan Jose2 to 3 days

Sea Freight from China to the USA

Sea and air freight have advantages and disadvantages, and they are suitable for different types of goods and transportation needs. Sea Freight is cheaper, ideal for bulk, heavy, or low-value goods, and has a larger transportation capacity and better environmental protection. However, transportation is longer and more complicated; you must be well-prepared in packaging, route selection, customs procedures, and insurance. Next, we will explain the relevant experience of Sea Freight in detail for you.

FCL and LCL from China to USA

Comparison ItemFull Container Load (FCL)Less than Container Load (LCL)
Cargo Volume RequirementSuitable for large volumes, typically requiring a full containerSuitable for small volumes, multiple shippers share a container
Shipping CostRelatively high, as the entire container fee must be paidLower, costs are based on the actual space or weight used
Shipping TimeTypically faster, as the container goes directly to the destination without waiting for other cargoRelatively longer, as the cargo needs to wait for other shipments to be loaded and consolidated
Cargo SafetyHigh, as the container is only loaded with the same shipper’s goods, reducing mix-up risksRelatively lower, as the container holds goods from multiple shippers, increasing the risk of damage or mix-up
Operational ComplexityLow, as goods are directly loaded and shippedHigher, as goods need to be sorted and arranged, and may involve more handling steps
Applicable ScenariosLarge shipments, when the cargo volume is close to or fills an entire containerSmall shipments, when the cargo volume is insufficient to fill a container
Minimum CostHigher, as the entire container is rentedLower, based on the actual space or weight used
FlexibilityLess flexible, as the entire container must be rentedMore flexible, as cargo can be consolidated with other shipments
RiskLower, as the goods are clearly separated and handled by one shipperHigher, as cargo is mixed with other shipments, which could lead to confusion or damage

Summary:

FCL (Full Container Load): Suitable for larger volumes, time-sensitive shipments, and when safety and efficiency are priorities.

LCL (Less than Container Load): Suitable for smaller volumes, cost-saving purposes, and when time is not a critical factor.

China and Sea Freight Major Ports in the USA

The table lists the names and locations of significant seaports in China and the United States and their main features for easy comparison and reference.
CountryPort NameLocationKey Features
ChinaShanghai PortShanghaiThe world’s largest and busiest port by cargo throughput, mainly container transportation.
ChinaNingbo-Zhoushan PortNingbo, ZhejiangThe second-largest port in the world by cargo throughput, handling oil, coal, and containers.
ChinaShenzhen PortShenzhen, GuangdongPrimarily focused on container transport, rapidly growing port linking to major global trade routes.
ChinaGuangzhou PortGuangzhou, GuangdongA major southern port in China for container and cargo transit. Handles a large volume of goods and containers.
ChinaTianjin PortTianjinThe largest port in northern China, handling coal, iron ore, oil, and containers.
ChinaQingdao PortQingdao, ShandongA major container port, ranked among the highest in global throughput.
ChinaHong Kong PortHong Kong SARA key global transshipment hub, primarily handling containerized cargo.
ChinaDalian PortDalian, LiaoningHandles bulk commodities like coal, oil, and steel, with a significant container traffic.
United StatesPort of Los AngelesLos Angeles, CaliforniaThe largest and busiest port in the U.S., mainly container transport, linking to Asian trade routes.
United StatesPort of Long BeachLong Beach, CaliforniaConnected to the Port of Los Angeles, one of the largest container ports globally, primarily handling cargo from Asia.
United StatesPort of New York/New JerseyNew York/New JerseyThe largest port on the U.S. East Coast, handling containers, oil, coal, and other goods.
United StatesPort of SavannahSavannah, GeorgiaOne of the largest container ports in the southeastern U.S., with growing throughput.
United StatesPort of HoustonHouston, TexasA key oil and chemical transport hub, with large oil refineries and storage facilities.
United StatesPort of CharlestonCharleston, South CarolinaAn important container port in the southeastern U.S., known for efficient cargo handling.
United StatesPort of BaltimoreBaltimore, MarylandA major mid-Atlantic port handling containers, bulk cargo, and liquid goods.
United StatesPort of NorfolkNorfolk, VirginiaA significant East Coast port in the U.S., primarily handling containers and coal.

Container Transportation from China to USA

Main steps of container transportation

  1.  Shipment of goods: goods are loaded into containers in Chinese ports, and necessary customs declarations and inspections are carried out.
  2. Sea transportation: The container is transported to the destination port, which may pass through several transit ports.
  3. Unloading and Customs Clearance: Upon arrival at the US port, the container is unloaded, inspected, and cleared.
  4. Inland Transportation: Cargo is transported from the port to the final destination by truck or rail

Sea Freight Container Type

If you choose the Full Container Load (FCL) service, which means that your shipment can fill up a container, you need to inform us of the type of container you need when contacting Hongocean customer service. We have many kinds of containers, including standard 20 feet, standard 40 feet, high cube 40 feet, and so on. You can choose the correct container according to your products and required volume (CBM).

If you are unsure about the difference between the types of containers, it’s okay; we will provide you with a table that lists the differences between all the containers to help you choose the most suitable container for shipping from China to USA.

TypeSizeMax Load (CBM)
Standard 20ft20′ x 8′ x 8’6″33.2
Standard 40ft40′ x 8′ x 8’6″67.7
High Cube 40ft40′ x 8′ x 9’6″76.4
Open Top 20ft20′ x 8′ x 8’6″32.6
Open Top 40ft40′ x 8′ x 8’6″66.5
Flat Rack 20ft20′ x 8′ x 8’6″Variable
Flat Rack 40ft40′ x 8′ x 8’6″Variable
Refrigerated 20ft20′ x 8′ x 8’6″28.3
Refrigerated 40ft40′ x 8′ x 8’6″59.3
Tank 20ft20′ x 8′ x 8’6″26

China to Sea Freight Time to Usa

Departure Port (China)Destination Port (USA)Route TypeTransit Time
ShanghaiLos AngelesChina East Coast to US West Coast10-15 days
NingboLong BeachChina East Coast to US West Coast10-15 days
ShenzhenOaklandChina East Coast to US West Coast10-15 days
GuangzhouLos AngelesChina East Coast to US West Coast10-15 days
TianjinSeattleChina North to US West Coast12-16 days
ShanghaiNew YorkChina East Coast to US East Coast20-30 days
NingboNew YorkChina East Coast to US East Coast20-30 days
ShanghaiNew JerseyChina East Coast to US East Coast20-30 days
ShenzhenSavannahChina East Coast to US East Coast20-30 days
QingdaoMiamiChina East Coast to US East Coast20-30 days

China to Sea Freight to USA (2025)​

Sea Freight costs from China to the US are affected by a variety of factors, including the port of origin and destination, the type of container (e.g., a 20-foot or 40-foot container), the type of cargo, seasonal demand, the shipping company, the distance to be traveled, and the current price of fuel. Here are some of the significant factors that affect Sea Freight costs and the approximate cost range

Departure PortDestination PortContainer TypeCost Range (USD)
ShanghaiLos Angeles20′ Container$1,500 – $3,000
ShanghaiLos Angeles40′ Container$2,500 – $5,000
ShanghaiNew York20′ Container$2,000 – $4,000
ShanghaiNew York40′ Container$3,500 – $7,000
ShenzhenLos Angeles20′ Container$1,800 – $3,200
ShenzhenNew York20′ Container$2,200 – $4,500

Sea Freight Surcharges

In addition to the basic Sea Freight charges, the following surcharges may apply:

Bunker Oil Surcharge (BAF): The BAF will be adjusted according to the fluctuation of oil prices.

Port Charges include the cost of unloading, storage, and loading and unloading at the destination port.

Insurance fee: the cost of cargo transportation insurance (usually between 0.5% and 2% of the value of the cargo).

Operation fee: including document processing fee, customs declaration fee, etc.

Transshipment fee: the fee will increase if it needs to be transshipped through multiple ports.

Door-to-door shipping from China to the USA

Door-to-Door Shipping Service (Door-to-Door Shipping Service) from China to the USA is a logistics service that involves the delivery of goods from a location specified by the shipper (e.g., a factory or warehouse) directly to a location specified by the consignee (e.g., a destination warehouse, factory, or business address). This service usually includes all aspects of the transportation process, from pickup, transportation, customs clearance, and final delivery.

Door-to-door transportation process from China to the USA

Door-to-door pick-up (Pick-up):

The transportation company will arrange to pick up the goods from the shipping location (e.g., the supplier’s warehouse or factory), which usually includes loading the container.

Transportation (Shipping):

Transportation options include sea freight, air freight, railway, and road. Sea freight is the most common method of transport, especially for bulk cargo.

The transportation process covers Sea Freight from Chinese ports (e.g., Shanghai, Shenzhen) to US ports (e.g., Los Angeles, New York).

Customs Clearance:

After the goods arrive at the USA port, customs clearance for imports is required.

During customs clearance, the freight company will provide relevant documents and declaration services to ensure that the goods meet the requirements of US Customs.

Inland Transportation (Inland Transportation):

After customs clearance, the goods need to be transported by truck or rail from the port to their final destination, which may be a business address, warehouse, or other designated location.

Delivery to Door:

Finally, the goods are delivered directly to the address specified by the consignee to complete the door-to-door service.

Considerations when choosing door-to-door service

Transportation timeframe: choose the proper mode of transportation according to your needs (e.g., Air Freight is faster but more expensive, Sea Freight is slower but less costly).

Cost: Door-to-door service is more expensive than simple port-to-port transportation because it involves more links.

Cargo insurance: you need to check if insurance is covered during transportation or if you need to purchase separate insurance.

Destination clearance and regulations: Different cargoes and destinations may have different clearance requirements, and the relevant import and export regulations must be confirmed.

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