Shipping from China to the USA
China is the US second-largest trading partner, and the United States imported more than $427 billion worth of goods from China in 2023. Such a large trade volume highlights the close economic ties between the two countries and presents enormous business opportunities for many small and medium-sized enterprises. As Sino-U.S. trade grows, the volume of goods transported, such as electronics, machinery, equipment, textiles, and consumer goods, has surged. However, the shipping process from China to the US can seem complex to newcomers to many industries. To help, we have outlined the key steps in shipping goods from China to the US to ensure a smooth process and make international shipping more efficient and convenient.
Important things to consider when shipping from China to the US
Before delving into the specifics of shipping, there are a few key factors to consider first:
- Cost vs. speed: This is the most basic trade-off. Do you value saving on shipping costs, or do you want your goods to arrive as quickly as possible? Different shipping methods vary greatly in terms of cost and timeliness.
- Type of goods: What are you shipping? The size, weight, value, and whether the goods are fragile or require special handling (e.g., refrigeration) will all affect the choice of shipping method and cost.
- Shipping terms (Incoterms): These are standard terms used in international trade to define the responsibilities of the buyer and seller (e.g. who pays for freight, insurance, customs clearance, etc.). It is important to know which terms you have agreed with your supplier (e.g. FOB, EXW, CIF, etc.).
- Reliability and tracking: How much tracking do you need? Some shipping methods offer real-time, detailed tracking information, while others are more limited.
- Customs and duties: All goods entering the United States require customs clearance and may be subject to duties and taxes. This is a significant part of the total cost.
What is the best way to ship from China to the US?
The best way to ship from China to the United States depends on the type of goods, how much it will cost, how long you need it to take, and other specific needs. If you don’t have much money and you’re sending a lot of goods, Ocean Freight is the cheapest option. If you’re in a hurry, Air Freight or Express is a better choice. The best option depends on the type of goods, how many you’re sending, how much it will cost to ship, and how quickly you need to deliver it.
- Express Shipping is the fastest and most convenient service. It is usually door-to-door and suitable for small, high-value, or urgent shipments.
- Air Freight: Faster, with costs between Express Shipping and Ocean Freight, suitable for slightly heavier shipments (usually over 150-200 kg) or shipments with certain time requirements.
- Sea Freight: The slowest, but the cheapest, the most economical choice for transporting large quantities of goods.
How long does it take to ship from China to the US?
Shipping times vary depending on the chosen method and the specific route:
- Express Delivery: usually the fastest, takes about 3-7 business days.
- Air Freight: generally takes about 5-10 days (airport to airport, not including inland transportation and customs clearance time at either end).
- Sea Freight: The longest, usually 20-45 days or more (port to port, again not including inland transport and customs clearance times at both ends). West Coast ports are usually faster than East Coast ports.
Please note that these are estimated times, and the actual transit time may be affected by various factors, such as weather, port congestion, customs inspections, peak seasons, etc.
Shipping costs from China to the United States
1. The mode of transport determines the price
Shipping costs mainly depend on the mode of transport you choose:
- Sea Freight: Suitable for large quantities, it costs around $50–110 per cubic meter but takes 20–40 days.
- Air Freight is suitable for small quantities of high-value goods. It costs around $5–12 per kilogram and has a transit time of 8–10 days.
- Express delivery is suitable for small items. It costs about $15–18 per kilogram and takes 3–5 days to transit.
2. Factors affecting shipping costs
- Goods volume and weight: Goods that are bulky or heavy are more expensive.
- Destination: Shipping costs to different cities in the US vary, with the East Coast generally more expensive than the West Coast.
- Market fluctuations: Fuel prices, seasons (e.g. holiday shipping costs will rise), international policies, etc., can all affect prices.
3. How can I save on shipping costs?
- Plan: If you don’t need your shipment urgently, choosing Ocean Freight is cheaper.
- Group shipping: Small shipments can be grouped with others to share the costs.
- Choose a reliable logistics company: Different logistics companies have different prices, so compare several.
To sum up, if you are shipping a large quantity, Ocean Freight is the most cost-effective; if you are shipping urgent goods, Air Freight is faster but more expensive; and if you are shipping small, high-value items, Express Delivery is the most convenient. Specific costs will fluctuate depending on market conditions, so it is recommended that you consult a freight forwarding company for the latest quote before actually shipping your goods.
Air Freight from China to the USA
How much does Air Freight from China to the USA cost?
Air Freight is less expensive than Express Shipping but much more expensive than Ocean Freight. The price is based on the “chargeable weight”, which is the greater of the actual gross weight or the volumetric weight (usually converted at 1 cubic meter = 167 kilograms). The total price of Air Freight usually includes the airfare itself, as well as fuel surcharges, security surcharges, ground handling fees, etc. Prices fluctuate greatly and are affected by the season, oil prices, and supply and demand for cargo space.
| Weight (kg) | Rate (USD/kg) | Transit Time (Days) |
| +100 kg | $ 6.22 | 3 – 7 |
| +300 kg | $ 5.95 | 3 – 7 |
| +500 kg | $ 5.95 | 3 – 7 |
| +1000 kg | $ 5.81 | 3 – 7 |
How long does it take to ship from China to the US by Air Freight?
The transit time from airport to airport is usually around 5 to 10 days. However, this does not include the time from the sender’s factory to the airport of departure, customs clearance and collection of goods after they arrive at the destination airport and inland transportation to the final destination. The entire door-to-door process may take longer.
Why is there such a big difference in Air Freight transit time from China to the US?
The following factors may cause the difference in transit time:
- Direct flight vs. connecting flight: Direct flights are faster but usually more expensive.
- Flight frequency and class: There are more flights from major airports, and waiting times may be shorter. During peak seasons, limited seating may result in delays.
- Ground handling efficiency: The speed of cargo handling, security checks and loading and unloading at the airport.
- Customs clearance: Whether the documents are complete and whether they are selected for inspection will affect the speed of customs clearance.
- Airline selection: Different airlines have different service levels and transit efficiency.
When should I use Air Freight from China?
You should consider Air Freight when making your shipment.
- It is heavy (usually over 150-200 kg), and express shipping is too expensive.
- It is time-sensitive but not so urgent that Ocean Freight is an option.
- It is high value, and you want to reduce the risk by shortening transit time.
- Due to its size or nature, it is not suitable for express shipping (e.g., goods that require special handling).
What are the best Air Freight companies from China to the US?
This usually refers to Cargo Airlines or the Cargo Division of Passenger Airlines. Some of the major players include
- Cargo-only Airlines: e.g. Cargolux, Atlas Air, Polar Air Cargo.
- Cargo Divisions of major Passenger Airlines: e.g. Emirates SkyCargo, Cathay Pacific Cargo, Korean Air Cargo, Lufthansa Cargo, and domestically in the US, United Cargo, Delta Cargo, and American Airlines Cargo.
- China’s major airline cargo departments are Air China Cargo, China Southern Cargo, and China Eastern Cargo.
Ordinary shippers usually do not deal directly with the airlines but through freight forwarders. Freight forwarders have cooperative relationships with multiple airlines and can get you better prices and space.
Sea Freight from China to the United States
Ocean freight is the most common and cost-effective mode of transport in international trade. It is particularly suitable for large quantities of non-time-sensitive goods.
LCL shipping from China to the United States
- Definition: If your shipment is not large enough to fill a full container, you can choose LCL shipping. Your goods will be shipped in the same container as several other shipments.
- Advantages: For small quantities, the initial cost is lower than renting a full container.
- Disadvantages:
- The unit cost (per cubic meter/ton) is usually higher than for a full container.
- The transit time may be longer because the goods need to be unloaded and sorted at the port of departure and the port of destination.
- The risk of damage or loss during multiple handling is relatively high.
- Billing: Usually billed by volume (cubic meters CBM) or weight (tons), whichever generates higher costs (called W/M – Weight or Measurement).
Full container shipping from China to the United States
- Definition: You rent and use one or more full containers exclusively for your goods.
- Advantages:
- Lower unit costs when the volume is large enough (usually over 15-20 cubic meters).
- Faster and more predictable transit time than LCL (port-to-port).
- The goods are in the same box from loading to unloading, reducing the number of handling times and the risk of damage.
- Disadvantages: Higher total cost for small shipments.
- Billing: A fixed fee is charged based on the type of container and the shipping route.
Container options for shipping from China to the US
The most common standard dry container types include:
- 20-foot standard container (20′ GP): has an internal capacity of about 28-30 cubic meters.
- 40-foot standard container (40′ GP): has an internal capacity of about 58-60 cubic meters.
- 40-foot high cube (40′ HQ): About 1 foot taller than the 40′ GP, this cube has an internal capacity of about 68-70 cubic meters and is suitable for bulky but lightweight goods.
| Container Type | External Dimensions (L×W×H) | Internal Dimensions (L×W×H) | Volume | Max Payload | Tare Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20GP | 6.06 m × 2.44 m × 2.59 m | 5.90 m × 2.35 m × 2.39 m | 28-30 m³ | 24,000 kg | 2,300 kg |
| 40GP | 12.19 m × 2.44 m × 2.59 m | 12.03 m × 2.35 m × 2.39 m | 58-60m³ | 30,480 kg | 3,700 kg |
| 40HQ | 12.19 m × 2.44 m × 2.89 m | 12.03 m × 2.35 m × 2.69 m | 68-70 m³ | 30,480 kg | 4,100 kg |
- Other special container types include reefers (refrigerated containers) for transporting goods that require temperature control, open-top containers for extremely high goods, and flat rack containers for oversized or heavy goods.
How long does Ocean Freight from China to the US take?
Ocean Freight transit times are affected by a number of factors, in particular, the origin and destination ports:
- From major Chinese ports to US West Coast ports (e.g. Los Angeles, Long Beach): approximately 14-25 days.
- From major Chinese ports to US East Coast ports (e.g. New York, Savannah): usually via the Panama Canal or Suez Canal, approximately 25-45 days or longer.
| Transit Time (Days) | Shanghai | Ningbo | Qingdao | Shenzhen |
| Los Angeles (West Coast) | 25-38 | 22-48 | 26-38 | 32-48 |
| Long Beach (West Coast) | 22-38 | 22-40 | 26-44 | 32-48 |
| Oakland (West Coast) | 24-42 | 24-42 | 29-37 | 24-42 |
| Seattle (West Coast) | 25-43 | 25-45 | 30-48 | 25-43 |
| New York/Newark (East Coast) | 30-35 | 28-33 | 30-35 | 30-35 |
| Norfolk (East Coast) | 32-36 | 30-35 | 35-40 | 32-36 |
| Charleston (East Coast) | 35-40 | 35-40 | 40-45 | 35-40 |
| Savannah (East Coast) | 30-35 | 30-35 | 35-40 | 30-35 |
| Jacksonville (East Coast) | 35-40 | 35-40 | 40-45 | 35-40 |
| Boston (East Coast) | 28-33 | 28-33 | 30-35 | 28-33 |
| Baltimore (East Coast) | 28-33 | 28-33 | 30-35 | 28-33 |
| Philadelphia (East Coast) | 30-35 | 30-35 | 35-40 | 30-35 |
| Chicago (Inland) | 22-38 | 22-38 | 26-35 | 22-35 |
| Dallas (Inland) | 23-29 | 23-29 | 28-34 | 23-29 |
| Atlanta (Inland) | 28-33 | 28-33 | 33-38 | 28-33 |
| Memphis (Inland) | 25-31 | 25-31 | 30-36 | 25-31 |
These times refer only to Ocean Freight (port-to-port). You also need to add the time it takes for the container to travel from the factory to the port of departure, port handling, customs clearance and then from the port of destination to the final destination.
How much does it cost to ship a container from China to the US? (FCL Cost)
FCL Ocean Freight is a cost item that fluctuates greatly. It is heavily influenced by global economic conditions, fuel prices, shipping alliance strategies, port congestion, the balance of supply and demand for containers, and seasonal factors such as shipping peaks before and after holidays.
During and after the pandemic, freight rates fluctuated dramatically, with a 20-foot container costing anywhere from $1,500 – $3,000. Prices may have come down relatively, but real-time quotes still need to be obtained based on specific routes and times. A 40-foot container may cost between $4,000 and $6,000 or even more or less. This is just a very rough range. Obtaining real-time quotes is highly recommended.
| Shipping Route | Rate (USD/20GP) | Rate (USD/40GP) | Transit Time (Days) |
| Shipping to Long Beach | $ 5,754.00 | $ 7,369.00 | 21 – 25 |
| Shipping to Los Angeles | $ 5,804.00 | $ 7,469.00 | 23 – 27 |
| Shipping to New York | $ 7,386.00 | $ 8,569.00 | 35 – 39 |
What is the cost of LCL from China to the US?
LCL costs are calculated based on W/M (weight tons or volume cubic meters, whichever is greater). For example, the possible price is 50-150 USD per cubic meter/ton, but this is also a very rough estimate. In addition to the basic ocean freight, LCL also has more fixed surcharges, such as port handling charges, documentation fees, unpacking fees, etc. Therefore, even if the unit price does not seem high, the total cost needs to be carefully calculated. When the volume of your goods reaches a certain level (for example, 10-15 CBM), it may be more cost-effective to rent a 20-foot full container.
| Shipping Route | Rate (USD/CBM) | Transit Time (Days) |
| Shipping to New York | $ 23.00 | 30 – 34 |
| Shipping to Los Angeles | $ 26.00 | 16 – 20 |
| Shipping to Long Beach | $ 26.00 | 16 – 20 |
What are the best Ocean Freight companies in China?
The world’s major container shipping companies operate on the China-US route, including:
- Maersk
- MSC
- CMA CGM
- COSCO Shipping
- Evergreen Marine
- Hapag-Lloyd
- ONE
Similarly, as a shipper, you will usually book space and handle transport through a freight forwarder. The freight forwarder will select the right option from among these shipping companies for you and negotiate a price based on your needs and budget.
Express delivery from China to the USA
What is express delivery from China?
Express delivery usually refers to the door-to-door service provided by major international express delivery companies (such as DHL, FedEx, UPS, etc.). They are responsible for picking up the goods from the sender, transporting them through their global network, and finally delivering them to the recipient, usually including basic customs clearance services. This method simplifies the process and is especially suitable for small packages and documents.How long does it take for express delivery from China to the USA?
As mentioned, express delivery is usually the fastest option and can be delivered within 3 to 7 working days.| Courier | Delivery Time (Days) | Tracking | Total Cost |
| HK Post – e-Express | 6 – 8 | Limited | $24.06 |
| HK Post Air Mail – Tracking | 7 – 13 | Limited | $26.89 |
| SF Express – E-Parcel Registered | 8 – 10 | Basic | $32.30 |
| Quantium – Q-Sure | 7 – 13 | Basic | $39.76 |
| Quantium – International ePAC | 15 – 25 | Basic | $40.14 |
| Quantium – Q-Smart | 14 – 20 | Basic | $41.48 |
| SF Express – Economy Express | 5 – 7 | Basic | $59.66 |
| Aramex – Parcel EPX | 10 – 15 | Basic | $48.39 |
| HK Post – Speedpost | 6 – 8 | Limited | $49.35 |
| HK Post – Air Parcel PE | 5 – 8 | Limited | $50.12 |
| SF Express – Standard Express | 4 – 7 | Basic | $59.66 |
| UPS Worldwide Saver® | 1 – 2 | Excellent | $65.41 |
| UPS Worldwide Expedited® | 3 – 7 | Excellent | $70.27 |
| Aramex – Parcel | 7 – 10 | Basic | $70.73 |
Express delivery carriers from China to the US
The major international express delivery giants all have a strong network of operations in China and the US:- DHL: known for its extensive international network and reliability.
- FedEx: has a strong network in the US and reliable international services.
- UPS: Also has a large network in the US and around the world.
- SF Express: A local Chinese express delivery giant whose international business is also expanding.
- EMS: Provided by national postal systems, sometimes cheaper, but the speed and reliability may not be as good as commercial express couriers.
How much does it cost to ship from China to the US?
Courier services charge by weight (usually every 0.5 kg) and have the highest unit costs of all shipping methods. However, for very light items (e.g. under 2 kg), it can be more cost-effective than Air Freight or Ocean Freight, as it eliminates many fixed costs. Costs can vary widely depending on weight, speed (Economy vs. Priority) and the specific carrier.How to ship from China to the US: Brief Steps
For beginners, it is advisable to work with a professional freight forwarder. Here are the basic steps:
Step1: Choose a Reliable Freight Forwarder
Start by partnering with an experienced international freight forwarder who understands the logistics and compliance requirements for China – U.S. trade. At Hongocean, we are a Chinese freight forwarding company specializing in helping SMBs and e-commerce companies transport goods efficiently and economically.
Step2: Select the Right Mode of Transportation
Choose a shipping method based on your cargo’s size, urgency, and budget:
- Air Freight: Ideal for time-sensitive shipments. Delivery typically takes 3–7 days.
- Sea Freight (FCL or LCL): Best for bulk shipments. It’s more cost-effective but slower, with a transit time of 20–40 days.
- Express Services (FedEx, UPS, DHL): Suitable for small, high-value parcels that need fast delivery but at a higher cost.
Step3: Arrange Pickup
Please coordinate with your freight forwarder or carrier to pick up the goods from your supplier, factory, or warehouse and transport them to the designated port or airport.
Step4: Prepare Required Export and Import Documents
Accurate documentation is key for smooth customs clearance. Common documents include:
- Commercial Invoice
- Packing List
- Certificate of Origin (if required)
- Bill of Lading (B/L) for sea freight or Air Waybill (AWB) for air shipments
- Export License (if applicable)
- U.S. Entry Manifest (AMS Filing)
📌 Working with a freight forwarder that offers customs brokerage services can help reduce errors and delays during clearance.
Step5: Calculate Duties and Taxes
Estimate applicable import duties and taxes using the U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) code. You can check this using U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) or third-party tariff lookup tools.
Step6: Check for Additional Fees or Permits
Certain goods may require additional taxes or regulatory approvals. For example:
- Alcohol or tobacco: Subject to excise tax
- Food, cosmetics, or medical items May need FDA approval
- Electronics or chemical items: May require FCC, EPA, or other permits
Step7: Complete U.S. Customs Clearance
Customs clearance must be finalized before the goods enter the U.S. This involves submitting the entry manifest, documents, and duty payments. For shipments over $2,500, a licensed customs broker is usually required to handle the clearance process.
Step8: Schedule Final Delivery
Once the shipment clears customs, arrange for last-mile delivery to the final destination—whether it’s a business address, warehouse, or customer location. Your freight forwarder or a local logistics provider can assist with this step.
Conclusion
Shipping from China to the US involves many steps and considerations. Understanding the different shipping methods (Express, Air Freight, Ocean Freight) and their advantages and disadvantages, knowing the cost structure (especially landed costs), and making good use of professional freight forwarders and customs brokers will greatly simplify the process. Careful planning, comparison, and ensuring that all documents are in order will ensure that your goods cross the Pacific Ocean to their destination more smoothly and economically.
Related FAQ
How long is the ship from China to the US?
The shipping time from China to the United States is usually 15 to 30 days, depending on the distance between the port of departure and the port of destination. For example, it usually takes 15 to 20 days to travel from eastern China to the west coast of the United States and 25 to 30 days to the east coast.
Is China allowed to ship to USA?
Yes, China allows shipments to the United States. China is one of the world’s largest trading nations and has extensive trade ties with the United States. Many Chinese companies export goods to the United States using ocean freight, air freight, and other logistics methods, covering a variety of goods from electronics, machinery, and equipment to consumer goods.
Cheapest Shipping From China to the US
Ocean Freight is the cheapest way to ship from China to the United States and is especially suitable for shipping large quantities of non-urgent goods. Although the transit time is longer, its low cost and extensive coverage make it the preferred method of international trade.
