Shipping from Malaysia to Usa
In 2024, Malaysia achieved a record export total of approximately 34.834 billion U.S. dollars to the United States, representing a substantial 18.26% increase from the previous year. The primary exports comprise electronic and electrical products and mechanical equipment, instruments, and meters. This substantial trade figure emphasizes the robust economic ties between Malaysia and the U.S., generating considerable prospects for small and medium-sized enterprises. However, those new to Malaysia’s export sector may find the shipping process from Malaysia to the United States somewhat daunting. To address this challenge, a comprehensive guide has been compiled to outline the key steps in shipping goods from Malaysia, ensuring a smooth and efficient international shipping experience.
Key Considerations for Shipping from Malaysia to the USA
When planning shipments from Malaysia to the United States, it’s essential to keep the following key factors in mind:
- Cost vs. Speed: Weigh the trade-off between saving on shipping costs and ensuring rapid delivery. Different shipping methods offer varying balances between affordability and timeliness.
- Type of Goods: Consider the specifics of your shipment. Factors such as size, weight, value, fragility, and any special handling requirements (like refrigeration) will significantly influence your choice of shipping method and the overall cost.
- Shipping Terms (Incoterms): International trade terms—such as FOB, EXW, and CIF—define the responsibilities of both buyer and seller regarding freight, insurance, customs clearance, and more. Make sure you’re clear on which terms apply to your transaction.
- Reliability and Tracking: Determine how much tracking information you need. Some shipping options offer real-time, detailed tracking, while others provide only basic updates.
- Customs and Duties: All goods entering the United States must undergo customs clearance and may be subject to duties and taxes. These costs can be a significant part of your overall shipping expenses.
You can choose the most suitable shipping strategy for your needs by carefully considering each of these aspects.
What is the best way to ship from Malaysia to the US?
The best shipping method from Malaysia to the USA ultimately depends on your unique needs, such as the type of goods you are shipping, your budget, and the delivery time. Here is a brief overview of the standard options:
- Express shipping is the fastest and most convenient option, usually offering door-to-door service. This method is perfect for small, high-value, or urgent shipments.
- Air freight is a good intermediate solution. It is faster than sea freight and less expensive than express shipping. It is particularly suitable for slightly heavier goods (usually over 150–200 kg) or goods that must arrive within a specific time frame.
- Sea freight: This is the most cost-effective solution for transporting large quantities of goods. Although it is usually slower than air freight or express delivery, it is still the best option if your primary concern is to reduce costs.
When choosing between the above options, factors such as speed, cost, and the nature of the goods must be considered comprehensively to determine the most suitable choice for your needs.
How long does it take to ship from Malaysia to the US?
Shipping times vary depending on the chosen method and the specific route:
- Express Delivery: usually the fastest, takes about 2 – 5 days.
- Air Freight: generally takes 2 – 7 days (airport to airport, not including inland transportation and customs clearance time at either end).
- Sea Freight: The longest, usually 18 – 35 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 Malaysia to the United States
1. Mode of Transport and Pricing:
- Sea Freight: Best suited for large shipments, sea freight typically costs between $50 and $110 per cubic meter with a transit time of 18 – 35 days.
- Air Freight: Ideal for small amounts of high-value goods, air freight costs approximately $5–$12 per kilogram and takes 2 – 7 days to deliver.
- Express Delivery: Perfect for smaller, urgent shipments, express services cost roughly $15–$18 per kilogram and have a transit time of 2 – 5 days.
2. Factors Influencing Shipping Costs:
- Volume and Weight: Bulky or heavy shipments usually incur higher costs.
- Destination: Costs can vary based on the U.S. city, with shipments to the East Coast often pricier than those headed to the West Coast.
- Market Fluctuations: Fuel prices, seasonal peaks (such as the holiday season), and international trade policies can all impact shipping rates.
3. Tips to Save on Shipping Costs:
- Plan Ahead: If immediate delivery isn’t necessary, choose sea freight to benefit from lower rates.
- Consolidate Shipments: Group small shipments together to share costs more efficiently.
- Compare Providers: Different logistics companies offer varying rates, so it pays to shop for the best deal.
4. Additional Charges
- Besides the basic shipping fee, consider extra costs such as customs duties, taxes, insurance, port fees, handling charges, storage fees, and documentation fees.
Ocean freight is the most economical choice for large, cost-sensitive shipments. If time is of the essence, air freight is faster but comes at a higher price, while express delivery is convenient for small, high-value items. Since costs can fluctuate with market conditions, it is wise to get up-to-date quotes from multiple freight forwarders before finalizing your shipment.
Air Freight from Malaysia to the USA
Air freight offers a significant speed advantage over sea freight—delivering goods in days rather than weeks or months. This option is perfect for urgent shipments and perishable items that need quick delivery. With minimal handling along the way, air shipping is also one of the safest methods available. That said, it’s generally more expensive than sea freight. Ultimately, the choice between air and sea shipping depends on the size and weight of your shipment and the delivery schedule you require.
How much does air freight cost from Malaysia to the US?
- Calculation Method: Charges are based on more significant actual or volumetric weight (measured in kilograms).
- Price Factors: Costs vary according to route, airline, fuel surcharges, and service level. Generally, air freight is significantly more expensive than sea freight—especially for shipments over 100 kg.
- Getting a Quote: It’s best to consult a freight forwarder for an accurate and current estimate.
How long does shipping by air from Malaysia to the US take?
Air shipments usually take between 2 – 7 days, including transit and customs clearance. Expedited services may offer even faster delivery.
Why Transit Times Vary:
- Indirect Routes: Many routes require transfers through Asian hubs (such as Hong Kong, Singapore, Dubai), which can extend delivery times.
- Flight Availability: Limited flight frequency during peak seasons may cause additional delays.
- Service Type: Standard, Express, or consolidated air freight, each having different transit times.
- Customs Clearance: Efficiency at customs in Malaysia and the USA impacts the overall transit time.
- Ground Handling: The speed of cargo handling at both departure and arrival locations also plays a role.
When to Choose Air Freight:
Consider air freight in the following situations:
- Time-Critical Deliveries: When goods are needed urgently—for example, to meet production deadlines or seasonal demand.
- High-Value Items: Air freight generally offers enhanced security with fewer handling steps.
Perishable Goods: For items that require fast transport to maintain freshness.
What are the best Air Freight companies from Malaysia to the US?
This usually refers to Cargo Airlines or the Cargo Division of Passenger Airlines. Some of the major players include:
DHL
It has a worldwide logistics network and can provide door-to-door air freight services. Its fast, efficient, and reliable transportation solutions are trusted.
FedEx
rely on the advantages of FedEx global express delivery to provide flexible and punctual air freight services suitable for all kinds of urgent and high-value goods.
UPS
as a global logistics giant, UPS is strong in land and sea transport, and its air freight services are also known for their safety, stability, and good customer service.
Kuehne + Nagel
As a leading freight forwarding and logistics service company, Kuehne + Nagel, with its extensive international operating experience and comprehensive service system, is able to meet customers’ diverse freight transport needs.
DB Schenker
It provides comprehensive freight transport and logistics solutions, and its air freight services cover a wide area. This is especially suitable for goods that require high-speed transport and high security.
DSV
It has many years of experience in international freight transport and logistics, and customers highly praise its air freight solutions for their flexible, transparent, and efficient service standards.
When choosing the right supplier, it is recommended to consider the following aspects comprehensively:
- Time requirements: Choosing air freight services is particularly important for urgent or perishable goods.
- Cargo characteristics: The size, weight, packaging requirements, etc., of the goods may affect the transportation costs and the choice of options.
- Cost budget: Air freight is generally more expensive, so budget and service quality must be comprehensively considered.
- After-sales service and transparency: Real-time cargo tracking, customer support, and transportation security are all key considerations.
Sea Freight from Malaysia to the United States
Sea freight is one of the most cost-effective shipping options, though it often takes longer than other modes. It’s ideal for transporting large volumes and is generally categorized into LCL (Less than Container Load) and FCL (Full Container Load). Your choice between LCL and FCL will depend on factors like shipment size, delivery urgency, and the nature of your goods.
LCL shipping from Malaysia to the US
- 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 Malaysia to the US
- 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 Malaysia 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 Malaysia to the US take?
Ocean Freight transit times are affected by a number of factors, in particular, the origin and destination ports:
- From major Malaysia ports to US West Coast ports (e.g. Los Angeles, Long Beach): Typically, shipments reach West Coast ports in the United States via the Pacific Ocean in between 18 – 25 days. If transshipment is required, delivery times may be extended even further.
- From the main Malaysia ports to the east coast ports of the United States (e.g., New York, Savannah):Typically, shipments from Malaysia to the U.S. East Coast—routed via the Pacific Ocean and the Panama Canal—take about 25 – 35 days. However, additional time may be required depending on various shipping factors.
| POL | POD | Average Transit Time (in days) |
| Port Klang | Los Angeles (West Coast) | 18 – 25 |
| Penang Port | Long Beach (West Coast) | 18 – 25 |
| Malacca Port | Oakland (West Coast) | 18 – 25 |
| Port Klang | New York/Newark (East Coast) | 25 – 35 |
| Penang Port | Charleston (East Coast) | 25 – 35 |
| Malacca Port | Savannah (East Coast) | 25 – 35 |
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 Malaysia 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 $1,050 – $2,100. 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 $1,400 and $2,400 or even more or less. This is just a very rough range. Obtaining real-time quotes is highly recommended.
| POL | POD | Rate (USD/20GP) | Rate (USD/40GP) | Rate (USD/40HQ) |
| Port Klang | Los Angeles (West Coast) | $1,050.00 | $1,400.00 | $1,400.00 |
| Port Klang | Long Beach (West Coast) | $1,050.00 | $1,400.00 | $1,400.00 |
| Port Klang | Oakland (West Coast) | $1,050.00 | $1,400.00 | $1,400.00 |
| Port Klang | New York/Newark (East Coast) | $1,850.00 | $2,400.00 | $2,400.00 |
| Port Klang | Charleston (East Coast) | $1,850.00 | $2,400.00 | $2,400.00 |
| Port Klang | Savannah (East Coast) | $1,850.00 | $2,400.00 | $2,400.00 |
| Port Klang | Port of Houston (US Gulf Coast) | $2,100.00 | $2,400.00 | $2,400.00 |
| Port Klang | Port of New Orleans (US Gulf Coast) | $2,100.00 | $2,400.00 | $2,400.00 |
What is the cost of LCL from Malaysia 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 | 25 – 35 |
| Shipping to Los Angeles | $ 26.00 | 18 – 25 |
| Shipping to Long Beach | $ 26.00 | 18 – 25 |
What are the best Ocean Freight companies in Malaysia?
The world’s major container shipping companies operate on the Malaysia-US route, including:
- Maersk
- MSC
- COSCO
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 Malaysia to the USA
What is express delivery from Malaysia?
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 Malaysia to the USA?
As mentioned, express delivery is usually the fastest option and can be delivered within 2 – 5 working days.
Express delivery carriers from Malaysia to the US
The major international express delivery giants all have a strong network of operations in Malaysia 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 Malaysia 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.
Documents required for shipping from Malaysia to the US
If you need to ship from Malaysia to the USA or any other part of the world, you have to deal with multiple papers. But again, no need to get frustrated. This stage is not that difficult either. Just keep the documents listed below at your fingertips and you will end up mastering a big part of the process.
- Packing List
- Commercial Invoice
- Bill of Lading
- Certificate of Origin
- Packing List
- Letter of Credit
This list is not complete, documentation again depends on the type of goods and mode of transportation. For instance, if you are shipping hazardous goods, you need a special permit.
How to ship from Malaysia 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 Malaysia – 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 Malaysia 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.
