Shipping from China to USA
Shipping goods from China to the USA requires understanding shipping options, time, cost, and customs clearance requirements. Whether you are a business dealing with bulk commodities or an individual customer with smaller shipments, every step from choosing a shipping method to the customs clearance process is crucial. With proper planning, you can ensure that your goods arrive at your destination in the USA in a cost-effective manner.
There are two main ways to ship from China to the USA: sea and air. Sea shipping is suitable for large quantities of goods, with low costs and large capacity, especially the full container (FCL) and less than container (LCL) options allow customers to flexibly adjust freight rates. Sea shipping usually departs from major ports in China (such as Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Ningbo) to ports in the USA such as Los Angeles and New York, and the time limit is generally 25 to 40 days. For goods with higher time requirements, air shipping is a better choice, which can usually reach the United States within 3 to 7 days, covering major airports such as Los Angeles, Chicago, and Miami.
Choose Ubest Shipping, you will enjoy a one-stop international transportation service to ensure that every step of the goods from China to the USA is smooth and worry-free.
What can we do when shipping from China to USA?
Sea freight FCL from China to USA
- Shipping from China to Los Angeles, New York, USA
- Reliable shipping schedule, on-time delivery, cheap freight
- Container Shipping: 20ft container, 40ft container, 40HQ container
Sea freight LCL from China to USA
- Consolidate multiple shipments into one container
- Competitive freight rates based on cubic meters or tons
- Collect shipments from different suppliers in different cities
Air freight from China to USA
- Our air freight service flies directly from major airports in China to USA
- Quickly respond to market demand and offer competitive air freight prices
- It takes 2 to 5 days to air freight from China to Iraq
Express delivery service from China to USA
- Express delivery from China to any city in USA
- Super fast, 1 to 3 days to USA
- Huge discounts on DHL, UPS, Fedex, TNT, EMS, SF Express
Door to Door Shipping from China to USA
- Shipping from any city in China to the warehouse in the USA
- Including USA customs duties and taxes (DDP/DDU)
- Charged per cubic meter or per kilogram
DDP Shipping from China to USA
- Provide one-stop service from China to USA warehouse
- DDP service, all tariffs and taxes included, reduce cost risks.
- Flexibly choose the mode of transportation to ensure the fast and safe arrival of goods.
Content Guidelines
Guide to Shipping from China to USA
Shipping from China to the USA involves a variety of methods and processes, from the choice of transportation method to the handling of customs clearance procedures. In order to achieve safe and efficient international transportation, it is necessary to understand the characteristics of sea and air transportation and how to clear customs smoothly. Choosing the right method can not only save costs, but also optimize timeliness and ensure that the goods arrive safely at the destination in the United States.
First of all, evaluating transportation needs is the key. Large quantities of goods with low timeliness requirements are suitable for sea transportation, which has a lower economic cost. Small quantities and urgently needed materials can be transported by air to meet delivery needs at a faster speed. Whether it is a corporate order or a personal logistics need, a clear understanding of your own transportation needs will help you choose the right logistics method. Through reasonable planning, you can avoid common risks and delays in transportation.
Secondly, in terms of cost control, accurate calculation and transparent charges are crucial for customers. Transportation costs are affected by multiple factors, such as the weight, volume and transportation season of the goods, and taxes may be involved in customs clearance. Ubest Shipping provides transparent quotes in terms of price to help customers plan logistics costs reasonably and avoid additional costs. Especially during peak seasons and holidays, we recommend that customers plan early to save transportation costs and reduce delays.
Finally, customs clearance services and support ensure that the goods arrive smoothly. Ubest Shipping’s experienced team is able to assist customers in preparing the documents required for import and export, including commercial invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin, etc., to meet US import requirements. By streamlining the customs clearance process, we can help reduce customs clearance delays and provide customers with a safe and efficient logistics experience.
Ways to Ship from China to the USA
Choosing the right shipping method from China to the USA requires considering the size and weight of your items, how quickly they need to get to your destination, and your budget. You can choose between air, ocean, express, and door-to-door (or DDP) services, each with their own advantages.
- Air freight: This is the quickest option and is ideal for situations where time is of the essence. It’s particularly well suited for items that need to arrive quickly, such as fresh food or expensive electronics. While it’s more expensive than other methods, it’s chosen for its speed and reliability.
- Ocean freight: Ocean freight is an affordable option if you’re not in a hurry but need to ship a large amount of goods. Ocean freight is slower but can handle large volumes, making it a preferred option for bulk shipments. Delays can occur due to weather or port issues, but ocean freight is a reliable and affordable method of shipping.
- Express: Express is a fast and secure method of shipping for goods that are urgent and not too large. It’s faster than ocean freight and can be tracked in real time, but it costs more and has size and weight restrictions. If you’re sending an important item quickly, this may be your best option.
- Door-to-Door (DDP) service: This is the most worry-free option. The shipping company will take care of everything from pickup to delivery, including customs formalities. This service gives you peace of mind and convenience, but it may cost slightly more.
Each shipping method has its advantages, whether it’s speed, cost or convenience, so choose based on what’s most important to your shipment.
Sea Freight from China to USA
Sea freight is the preferred way to transport large quantities of goods from China to the USA, especially for corporate customers who need to save costs. Generally speaking, sea freight provides two options: full container load (FCL) and less than container load (LCL). FCL is suitable for large quantities of goods and has independent transportation guarantees, while LCL is suitable for small orders and shares a container with other customers, reducing costs. The departure ports for sea freight are mainly concentrated in Shanghai, Ningbo and Shenzhen in China, and the destination ports cover major ports such as Los Angeles, New York and Houston in the United States. The transportation time is about 25 to 45 days, depending on the specific route.
In terms of sea freight costs, the fees usually include freight, loading and unloading fees, customs clearance fees, etc. Choosing a reliable shipping agent can ensure transparent costs and help optimize the budget. In addition, in order to avoid congestion during peak transportation periods, it is very necessary to book sea freight space in advance. Ubest Shipping provides detailed cost explanations and one-to-one service support to help customers easily grasp the cost details and progress status of each step.
Ocean Freight from China to USA: FCL vs LCL
How to choose FCL or LCL for ocean freight from China to USA?
LCL Shipping from China to USA
- Definition: LCL or Less than Container Load (LCL) is a shipping method where your goods will share space with other goods within the same container. This shipping method is ideal for goods that are too small to fill an entire container.
- When to use: Choose LCL shipping between China and the USA if your goods do not exceed 13-15 CBM (cubic meters). This provides flexibility as it allows you to ship your goods when they are ready, rather than waiting for enough to justify the cost of a full container.
- Example: Let’s say you are a boutique fashion retailer importing unique goods from China to the USA. Your orders may be irregular and each shipment may not be large enough to fill a container. In this case, using LCL shipping allows you to better manage your freight costs and inventory levels.
- Cost Impact: With LCL shipping, you only pay for the space your goods take up in the container. However, keep in mind that the per-unit shipping cost may be higher compared to FCL shipping. Still, for smaller or inconsistent shipments, the overall cost and enhanced supply chain flexibility offered by LCL shipping may still make it a more attractive option.
FCL Shipping from China to USA
- Definition: FCL or Full Container Load is a unique ocean shipping method where the cargo fills an entire container, usually 20 feet or 40 feet. It is called FCL shipping because it remains sealed from origin to destination, ensuring safety.
- When to use: FCL shipping is the ideal shipping method for large shipments, usually more than 15 cubic meters. This is because of economies of scale, it is more cost-effective to ship large shipments.
- Example: Let’s say you are shipping a large shipment of electronics from Shanghai to the USA. Considering the size and value of the shipment, choosing FCL shipping allows your shipment to fit securely in one container, reducing potential loss or damage during transportation.
- Cost Impact: In FCL shipping, you are responsible for the cost of the entire container; therefore, the cost may seem high. However, since the cost per cubic meter is lower, the cost will be lower for larger shipments. Getting a FCL shipping quote is essential to understanding your financial situation. Quotations usually include terminal handling charges at origin and destination, freight charges and possible surcharges depending on the cargo and route.
Major Shipping Ports in the USA
Port of Los Angeles
Location and Capacity: Located in Southern California, the Port of Los Angeles plays an important role in trade between North America and the world, with an annual cargo volume of 19.2 million TEUs.
Major Trading Partners and Strategic Importance: Major trading partners include China, Japan and Saudi Arabia, UAE. The port is strategically important with its state-of-the-art infrastructure and the ability to handle new Panamax cargo ships.
Port of Long Beach
Location and Throughput: Located adjacent to the Port of Los Angeles, the Port of Long Beach ranks second in the United States in container throughput, reaching 11.6 million TEUs.
Major Trading Partners and Strategic Importance: The port’s major trading partners are East Asia, Southeast Asia, and Oceania, and it is an important hub on the trans-Pacific trade route.
Port of New York and New Jersey
Location and Volume: Located on the East Coast, the Port of New York and New Jersey is the busiest port on the East Coast, with an annual throughput of more than 8.4 million TEUs.
Major Trading Partners and Strategic Importance: China, India, Germany, Italy, and Brazil are its major trading partners. Its strategic importance lies in serving the Atlantic and Midwestern regions through an extensive rail network.
Port of Savannah
Location and Volume: Located in Georgia, the Port of Savannah is the fourth busiest port in the United States, with an annual throughput of approximately 5.4 million TEUs.
Major Trading Partners and Strategic Importance: Its major trading partners include China, Germany, Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa. The strategic importance of the port lies in its advanced intermodal terminals that allow for efficient rail connections.
Port of Houston
Location and Volume: Located in Texas, the Port of Houston handles more than 4 million TEUs per year and is one of the largest ports in the Gulf of Mexico.
Major Trading Partners and Strategic Importance: Mexico, China, South Korea, Brazil, and the Netherlands are major trading partners. It is an important hub for petrochemical commodities.
Port of Seattle
Location and Volume: The Port of Seattle is located in the Pacific Northwest and handles more than 1.8 million TEUs per year.
Major Trading Partners and Strategic Importance: Its major trading partners include China, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and Vietnam, and it is a major gateway to Asia and Alaska.
Air Freight from China to USA
Air freight is an ideal option for goods that need to be transported quickly. Air freight usually flies from major airports in China, such as Shanghai Pudong Airport, Guangzhou Baiyun Airport, Shenzhen Bao’an Airport, etc., to major airports in the United States such as Los Angeles, Chicago, and Dallas. The transportation time is usually 3 to 7 days. Air freight, although more expensive, can significantly shorten delivery times compared to sea freight, making it ideal for high-value or urgent orders.
Air freight costs are mainly affected by cargo weight, volume and delivery time. Ubest Shipping provides real-time quotes for air freight, ensuring customers receive the most suitable solution. During the transportation process, we also provide comprehensive cargo tracking services so that customers can understand the movement of their goods at any time. In addition, air transport has strict customs clearance requirements. We will assist customers in preparing necessary documents such as commercial invoices and packing lists to ensure rapid customs clearance of goods.
Whether you choose sea freight or air freight, Ubest Shipping is committed to providing professional solutions to ensure that your goods are transported from China to the United States smoothly and on time.
Major International Airports in the United States
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
Strategic Importance: JFK is one of the busiest airports in the United States and is conveniently located in New York City, providing a strategic advantage for businesses targeting the East Coast market.
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Cargo Volume: Over 2.5 million metric tons.
Strategic Importance: Located in California, it conveniently serves the West Coast, connecting your business to key markets across the Pacific and beyond.
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
Cargo Volume: Nearly 3 million metric tons.
Strategic Importance: ATL is recognized as the world’s largest airport by passenger traffic, providing businesses with excellent global connections to more than 150 U.S. destinations and more than 70 international destinations on five continents.
O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
Cargo Volume: Over 2.9 million metric tons.
Strategic Importance: Located in Chicago, ORD is a major cargo hub in the central United States with direct flights to more than 200 cities around the world.
Miami International Airport (MIA)
Cargo volume: Over 2.5 million metric tons.
Strategic importance: Located in South Florida, MIA is the largest gateway between the United States and Latin America, making it an ideal hub for businesses involved in Latin American trade.
Shipping costs from China to the USA
Shipping costs from China to the USA will vary greatly depending on whether you choose air or sea freight. Air freight costs typically range from $5 to $12 per kg, while sea freight costs range from $2,500 to $4,200 for a 20ft container. You can refer to the table below:
| 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 |
Cost of Shipping 20ft & 40ft Container From China To USA
| POL (Port of China) | POL (Port of USA) | 20ft container cost | 40ft container cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shanghai | Port of New York | $2550-$4200 | $3500-$5500 |
| Shenzhen | Port of New York | $2300-$4300 | $3450-$5350 |
| Qingdao | Port of New York | $2650-$4650 | $3350-$5550 |
| Ningbo | Port of New York | $2500-$4500 | $3250-$5550 |
| Guangzhou | Port of New York | $2750-$4250 | $3450-$5600 |
| Tainjin | Port of New York | $3000-$4500 | $3500-$5800 |
| Shanghai | Port of Los Angeles | $2550-$4400 | $3500-$5200 |
| Shenzhen | Port of Los Angeles | $2400-$4200 | $3550-$5550 |
| Qingdao | Port of Los Angeles | $2750-$4550 | $3450-$5750 |
| Ningbo | Port of Los Angeles | $2600-$4300 | $3350-$5850 |
| Guangzhou | Port of Los Angeles | $2850-$4150 | $3550-$5600 |
| Tainjin | Port of Los Angeles | $3200-$4200 | $3800-$5600 |
How long does it take to ship from China to the USA?
Shipping time from China to USA varies depending on the method used. Ocean freight has an estimated shipping time of 30 to 45 days. Air freight is faster and usually arrives within 3 to 7 days. If you choose different origins, destinations, services and routes, the number of days required may vary.
| Shipping Method | Shipping Time From China to USA |
|---|---|
| Sea Freight (FCL & LCL) | 30-45 days |
| Air Freight | 3-7 days |
| Express Shipping | 2-5 days |
| Door to Door Shipping | 40–50 days |
Shipping container time from China to USA
Shipping containers from China to the USA take 25 to 35 days to reach the west coast port of Los Angeles, while to the east coast through the Panama Canal, it takes a few more days, and the transit time may be 30 to 45 days.
| POL (Port of China) | POD (Port of USA) | Transit time |
| Shanghai | Los Angeles | 25 days |
| Shanghai | New York | 30 days |
| Shanghai | Savannah | 32 days |
| Shanghai | Charleston | 32 days |
| Shenzhen | Los Angeles | 28 days |
| Shenzhen | New York | 30 days |
| Shenzhen | Savannah | 34 days |
| Shenzhen | Charleston | 37 days |
| Qingdao | Los Angeles | 27 days |
| Qingdao | New York | 35 days |
| Qingdao | Savannah | 37 days |
| Qingdao | Charleston | 34 days |
Door to Door Shipping from China to USA
Door to Door Shipping from China to USA is a comprehensive logistics solution that handles all aspects of the shipping process from China to the final destination in the United States.
Door to Door service simplifies the shipping process, ensuring that the goods are picked up from the supplier in China and delivered directly to the consignee’s location in the USA. The entire process is managed by a single logistics provider, eliminating the need for multiple intermediaries and reducing the complexity of coordinating the various stages of transportation. It provides greater transparency and tracking capabilities to monitor the goods in real time.
Within the scope of Door to Door Shipping from China to USA service, there are several different options to meet different shipping needs:
- Delivered Duty Unpaid (DDU): Under this arrangement, the seller is responsible for delivering the goods to the buyer’s doorstep, but the buyer is responsible for paying any import duties, taxes, and customs clearance fees when the goods arrive in the USA.
- Delivered Duty Paid (DDP): Under a DDU arrangement, the seller bears all costs of delivering the goods to the buyer’s location, including import duties, taxes, and customs clearance fees. This option provides the greatest convenience for the buyer as all costs are paid upfront.
- Less-than-Container Load (LCL) Door-to-Door: This service is ideal for businesses that have smaller shipments that don’t require a full container load. Multiple shipments are consolidated into one container, and the logistics provider ensures that each shipment is delivered to its final destination.
- Full-Container Load (FCL) Door-to-Door: For larger shipments that can fill an entire container, the FCL Door-to-Door service provides exclusive use of the container, reducing the risk of damage and contamination. The goods are picked up from the supplier, loaded into a container, and then shipped directly to the consignee.
- Air Freight Door-to-Door: This service is ideal for businesses that need to move goods quickly. Air Freight Door-to-Door ensures that the goods are picked up, flown, and delivered to the recipient’s door within a few days, making it an ideal choice for time-sensitive shipments.
DDP Shipping from China to USA
DDP (Delivery Duty Paid) is one of the international trade terms, which means that the seller delivers the goods at the place designated by the buyer and bears all costs and risks, including transportation costs, insurance premiums, import duties and taxes, etc. Under DDP conditions, the seller is responsible for all logistics and costs from the place of departure (such as China) to the final destination.
DDP Shipping Process from China to USA
- Contract Signing: The buyer and seller confirm the use of DDP terms and sign the contract.
- Shipping Arrangement: The seller chooses an appropriate mode of transportation (such as sea or air) and bears all transportation costs and risks.
- Export customs clearance: The seller handles export customs clearance procedures in China.
- International Transportation: The goods are transported to the United States by sea or air.
- Import customs clearance: The seller handles import customs clearance procedures in the United States and pays all duties and value-added taxes.
- Final Delivery: The seller delivers the goods to the final destination specified by the buyer.
How to calculate duties and taxes for imports from China to the USA?
Calculating duties and taxes for imports from China to the USA involves several steps, mainly including identifying the category of goods, calculating the amount of duties, VAT and other fees. Below are detailed calculation steps and some practical tips.
1. Determine the HS code of the goods
Each imported goods has an HS code (Harmonized System Code), which is an international standard code used to classify goods. This code determines the tariff rate and is the first step in calculating tariffs. You can find the HS code of the goods by consulting the United States International Trade Commission (USITC) or relevant customs websites.
2. Find the tariff rate
After using the HS code, you can look up the tariff rate on the Tariff Database of the United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) or USITC. Different goods have different tariff rates. Some goods may enjoy tariff exemptions or preferential rates, while some goods may face additional anti-dumping or countervailing duties. Pay special attention to additional tariffs or trade policy restrictions on Chinese imports, especially in the current trade environment.
| HS Code | Product Category | Estimated Customs Duty |
|---|---|---|
| 8504 | Electrical Transformers | 2.5% |
| 6204 | Women’s Suits | 16.5% |
| 8471 | Computers and Components | 0% |
| 9503 | Toys | 0-12% |
| 8703 | Passenger Vehicles | 2.5% |
| 4202 | Handbags | 5-20% |
| 8528 | Televisions | 0-5% |
3. Calculate the amount of tariffs
Tariffs are usually calculated based on the **customs-in-fact (CIF)** of the imported goods. The custom-in-fact price includes the ex-factory price of the goods, transportation costs, and insurance costs. The calculation formula is as follows:
Tariff amount = custom-in-fact price × tariff rate
For example, if the custom-in-fact price of a product imported from China to the United States is $1,000 and the applicable tariff rate is 10%, the tariff amount is: $1,000 × 10% = $100
4. Value-added tax and other fees
Although the United States does not have a national value-added tax (VAT), other fees may be involved when importing:
Anti-dumping duties (AD) and countervailing duties (CVD): These taxes may be imposed if your goods are determined by the United States to be unfairly subsidized or sold at dumped prices. The tax rate and calculation method depend on the goods and policies.
Port service fees: After the goods arrive at the US port, there may be other service fees such as unloading fees and storage fees.
5. Calculate total taxes and fees
Total taxes and fees are the sum of tariffs, anti-dumping duties, countervailing duties, etc. The formula is as follows:
Total taxes = tariff amount + other related taxes
Make sure to prepare all necessary documents such as commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, etc. before customs clearance to ensure correct calculations and avoid customs clearance delays.
Customs clearance from China to the USA
Customs clearance is an essential step after the goods are shipped from China to the USA. You need to prepare complete customs clearance documents, including commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, etc., and pay the corresponding duties and taxes.
Choosing an experienced freight forwarder will greatly simplify this process. They are familiar with the USA customs regulations and can handle customs clearance matters efficiently. Once customs clearance is completed, the goods will be shipped to your designated destination for delivery.
Customs clearance documents for shipping from China to the USA:
- Bill of Lading (B/L): This is a document issued by the carrier to the shipper after the carrier takes over the goods or the goods are loaded on the ship. It is a proof of the contract between the carrier and the shipper and has the legal effect of a certificate of title.
- Commercial Invoice: This is a document provided by the seller to the buyer to indicate the name, quantity, price and other information of the shipped goods. It is one of the most basic documents in international trade.
- Packing List: This is a document that lists in detail the quantity, weight, size and other contents of each box of goods, which is convenient for the consignee to check the goods.
- Certificate of Origin: A document that proves the origin of the goods, which helps the customs of the importing country understand the source of the goods and determine the tariff rate accordingly.
- Arrival Notice: This is a notice issued by the carrier or its agent to the consignee after the goods arrive at the unloading port, indicating that the goods have arrived at the port and requiring the consignee to come to handle the pick-up procedures.
- Fumigation Certificate: If the goods are packed in wood, a fumigation certificate is required to prove that the wood has been treated with insecticides. If wood is not used, a declaration of no wood is required.
Freight forwarder from China to USA
Freight forwarders are important intermediaries in international shipping, facilitating the transportation of goods from China to the USA by coordinating various transportation services. Their main responsibilities include:
- Document handling: ensuring that all shipping documents are accurate and comply with international regulations.
- Customs clearance: comply with customs protocols to avoid delays and additional costs.
- Cargo tracking: understand the progress of cargo transportation, improve transparency and security.
As an excellent freight forwarder from China to USA, Ubest Shipping provides customers with flexible and reliable logistics solutions to meet different freight needs. From full container load (FCL) to less than container load (LCL) ocean freight services to efficient air freight services, Ubest Shipping can meet freight needs of different sizes and timeliness.
The professional team of best Shipping has an in-depth understanding of the import and export regulations of China and the USA, and provides customers with document preparation support, including commercial invoices, packing lists and certificates of origin to ensure smooth customs clearance of goods and reduce the risk of delays.