Shipping from Hong Kong to US (2024 Full Guide) | Freight Forwarder in HK

Shipping from Hong Kong to US can be a challenging task for many importers. This article is designed to help make the process easier for you, and we'll go over the various shipping options available, shipping costs, and how they affect the process, as well as cover other essential aspects such as taxes and regulations. With this guide, you will better understand the entire shipping process and be able to make informed decisions.

Hong Kong is a major international trade center, and as a free port area, it has a free trade policy and a duty-free or low-tariff regime. Hong Kong's strategic location in Asia-Pacific and well-established air, land, and sea transportation links make it a highly desirable global shipping and trade hub. It is the world's fourth-largest container port and the world's largest air cargo hub, allowing for the efficient movement of goods around the globe.

How to Get Started Shipping from Hong Kong to the U.S.

To transport goods from Hong Kong to work in the United States, you can follow these steps:

1. Understanding Import Regulations

   Before you begin shipping, you must understand the U.S. regulations and requirements for importing goods. This includes knowing the goods' value, type, HS code, and quantity and whether licenses or certificates are required.

2. Selection of Transportation

   Choose the mode of transportation, such as sea freight, air freight, or Express shipping, and select the most suitable mode of transportation according to the quantity, shipping costs, and transportation time requirements of the goods.

3. Finding a Freight Forwarder

   Freight forwarders can provide competitive shipping  costs and offer door-to-door transportation services, including cargo handling, customs clearance, inspection, transportation, and insurance. You can find a reliable freight forwarder in Hong Kong or the United States to make your shipment worry-free.

4. Preparation of Goods and Documents

   Make sure your goods comply with U.S. regulations and requirements, and prepare all necessary documents with your suppliers in Honglong, such as invoices, packing lists, bills of lading, and certificates of origin.

5. Customs Declaration and Inspection

   Before shipping, you must declare the value, type, and quantity of your goods to U.S. Customs and pay the appropriate duties and V.A.T. If your goods need to be inspected or certified, you must also apply to the relevant authorities. Of course. If you work with a freight forwarder like Jike Logistics, they will help you with the complicated customs and inspection work.

6. Tracking of Cargo Transportation

   Once the shipment starts to be transported, stay in close contact with the logistics service provider to get timely information about the status of the shipment's transportation and the estimated time of its arrival. You can use a logistics tracking system or communicate with the logistics company's customer service team.

Jike is a professional freight fowarder shipping from Hong Kong to US. Contact us  for a free freight quote to US and tailor-made shipping solutions from Hongkong.

Air Freight from Hong Kong to the U.S.A.

Airfreight is usually the fastest and most expensive way of transporting goods, especially for high-value and time-critical shipments. Loading cargo onto an airplane makes it possible to transport cargo from Hong Kong to its destination in the U.S.A. within a few days.

When the value of the cargo is high, choosing airfreight can ensure that the cargo is safe and fast while also providing higher insurance coverage. Although airfreight is more costly, it can make significant economic sense and be profitable for certain specific types of cargo and emergencies.

Additional considerations for air transportation

There are some additional considerations to keep in mind when shipping by air from Hong Kong to the United States:

1. Higher costs: Air transportation is usually more expensive than other modes of transportation. The greater fuel consumption of airplanes and the need for fast service allow air carriers to set higher prices.

2. Size Limitations: Airplanes have limited cargo space, which may result in restrictions on the size and weight of cargo. Larger or heavier items, such as furniture in 3m, may not be able to be shipped by air from Hong Kong to the United States.

3. Special Cargo: Special cargo may require additional inspection and supervision. Special cargo includes cargo with a magnetic condition or a battery, dangerous goods (e.g., certain chemicals), and items requiring temperature control (e.g., seafood).

4. Weather impact: Adverse weather conditions have a more significant impact on air transportation. Airports may be closed, and aircraft may be grounded, resulting in longer transportation times. This is particularly important to consider in summer and fall because there are always typhoons(hurricanes) in Hong Kong.

These factors need to be considered when choosing a mode of transportation. If the shipment is large, has a limited budget, or has unstable weather conditions, you may need to consider other modes of transportation, such as ocean freight.

Hong Kong Airport with shipping to the United States

Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) is a central international aviation hub and the primary airport in Hong Kong for transportation to the United States. Offering a wide range of cargo transportation services, it is one of the most active cargo gateways connecting Hong Kong with the United States and one of the busiest travel airports in the world, capable of transporting cargo from Hong Kong to the United States and around the globe.

Hong Kong International Airport is operated 24 hours a day by the Airport Authority Hong Kong. It is a central hub for airlines such as Cathay Pacific (Hong Kong's standard carrier), Hong Kong Airlines, Hong Kong Express Airways, and Hong Kong Airlines (a cargo carrier). The airport's terminal is one of the hubs of the Oneworld alliance and is the cargo hub for U.P.S. Airlines in the Asia Pacific region from Hong Kong to the United States. In addition, several airlines, including China Airlines and China Eastern Airlines, have made Hong Kong one of their key cities. Singapore Airlines and Ethiopian Airlines have also chosen Hong Kong as a transit point for their flights.

Ten airports where the United States imports from Hong Kong

With over 5,000 accessible airports in the continental United States, you can receive shipments from Hong Kong at any airport. However, it is generally most cost-effective to find the airport closest to your location for shipping, and here are ten commonly used airports for U.S. imports from Hong Kong

Air freight shipping time from Hong Kong to the U.S.A.

Airfreight time depends on airline flight schedules, cargo handling, weather, and customs clearance procedures. Below is the average airfreight time for shipping from Hong Kong to the U.S.A.:

Cost of Air Freight shipping from Hong Kong to the United States

In the case of air freight, the price is prone to fluctuation, as it is affected by fluctuations in fuel prices. It is worth noting that there is no fixed rate standard for air freight, i.e., the freight rate per kilogram decreases as the size of the shipment increases. It is best to contact your freight forwarder to get an accurate quote when your shipment is ready.

Below is a table of current billable weights when shipping from Hong Kong to the United States:

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Sea freight from Hong Kong to the U.S.A. (2024)

Ocean freight is the most affordable option for traveling to the United States, offering door-to-door, door-to-port, or port-to-port service. Ocean freight is often a lower-cost option than air freight. For any shipment over 200 kilograms, ocean freight may be the most affordable option. Ocean freight offers greater flexibility and can carry a broader range of goods in varying quantities and sizes, including oversized items such as automobiles. However, ocean freight has a relatively long transit time.

Ocean freight is still optional, even if you are a small-scale importer. By using L.C.L. (Less than Container Load) ocean freight, you only pay for the space you need instead of renting an entire container. This approach offers flexibility and economy and is perfect for your needs.

There are several factors to consider when choosing between L.C.L. (Less than Container Load) and F.C.L. (Full Container Load):

• Shared Containers: Can you share a container with another company? If so, L.C.L. may be an option for you.

• Quantity of cargo: If your order is more than 50% of a container (more than 15cbm), comparing the prices of F.C.L. and L.C.L would be more appropriate. Even if it is impossible to fill the whole container, filling a container of goods may be more economical.

• Speed of Transportation: Compared to L.C.L., F.C.L. is faster because your cargo does not need to be assembled and disassembled at the port of origin and destination.

• Loading Time: Can your suppliers/factories prepare goods in a reasonable amount of time? If you need to load goods into the container ASAP, the FCL is better.

• Container sealing: Do you want to keep your container sealed during transportation? If so, you should choose F.C.L. transportation.

Major maritime ports in Hong Kong

Hong Kong's main shipping port is the Port of Hong Kong, port code HKHKG, from which all cargo leaves for the United States.

Major U.S. Maritime Ports

In the United States, many ports can receive shipments from Hong Kong. For your convenience, consider choosing a port closer to your final destination to simplify logistics operations. The following are the major U.S. ports that receive cargo from Hong Kong:

• Port of Los Angeles Port Code USLAX

• Port of New York, port code USNYC

• Port of Houston, Port Code USHOU

  
  

Ocean Freight Shipping Time from Hong Kong to the U.S.A.

The main factors affecting the cost of sea freight from Hong Kong to the United States

Calculating ocean freight rates is complex because it involves a combination of variables, most constantly changing at different times of the year. Four main factors affect ocean freight rates:

•  Fuel prices for shipping from Hong kong to US: The cost of oil is an essential factor in determining the cost of transportation, and fluctuations in the price of fuel will directly impact the cost of shipping. Fuel consumption of transportation vessels is closely related to fuel prices, affecting the cost of ocean freight from Hong Kong to the United States.

• Currency Exchange Rates for ocean shipping from Hong kong to US. Currency exchange rates can significantly impact ocean freight costs. While the U.S. dollar is widely accepted in global transactions, exchange rate fluctuations in other currencies can affect freight pricing.

• Seasonal Demand for ocean shipping from Hong kong to US.: Changes in seasonal demand for goods can also affect ocean freight costs. Changes in supply and demand may cause certain goods to cost more to ship from Hong Kong to the United States during specific periods.

• Ocean capacity for shipping from Hong kong to US: Ocean capacity can be viewed as an asset, much like steel, gas, or oil. When demand exceeds supply, the value of ocean freight capacity increases, which can lead to an increase in ocean freight costs.

Sea freight costs from Hong Kong to the U.S.A.

One factor affecting the cost of ocean freight shipping is the Shipping market supply and demand relationship. You may be shipping different-sized containers from Hong Kong to the U.S. Common containers that can be filled with cargo include 20-foot and 40-foot containers.

The following is the cost of shipping a 20/40-foot container from the port of Hong Kong to the United States:

* There are also other factors affect the shipping costs. Above quotations are daily shipping rates for port-to-port in Nov. 2023. For the lastest container shipping costs from Hong Kong to US, please contact your freight forwarders.

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Express shipping from Hong Kong to US

Express shipping is a fast, reliable, and convenient way to deliver goods from Hong Kong to the United States. Famous courier companies such as DHL, FedEx, U.P.S., and E.M.S. offer express shipping from Hong Kong to the U.S.

Price and service are important considerations when choosing a courier company. Different companies and modes of transportation may affect the shipping time. You can choose the best courier service to suit your needs or consult a shipping company to get the best price.

Express transportation is the most expensive way of transportation compared to other modes of transportation, but you can receive your goods in the shortest possible time. It is especially suitable for goods with small weight (less than 45 kg).

Express Shipping Costs from Hong Kong to the U.S.A.

Pricing for major international couriers such as DHL, FedEx, UPS, USPS, and EMS. varies depending on the company and the characteristics of the shipment. Shipping costs range from about $6 to $10 per kilogram. The exact price depends on the size and weight of the shipment, among other factors.  For small package like1kg, it only takes around USD 35-USD 40 to ship from Hongkong to US by DHL.

You can choose your preferred courier company or take our advice to get a 30% lower price than the courier company. Jile Logistics offers courier services at competitive rates and is always committed to providing a high-quality service to ensure your goods arrive safely in the U.S. To get an accurate quote, please get in touch with us directly, and we will provide you with the appropriate quote information.

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Express shipping time from Hong Kong to the United States

Usually, goods can be delivered to the destination within 2-7 working days. Generally speaking, DHL is the fastest and the most stable, with an average door-to-door transit time of 3-5 working days.

Customs clearance procedures from Hong Kong to the United States

To import or export goods from Hong Kong to the United States, several customs clearance procedures must be followed to ensure compliance and smooth customs clearance. Below is an overview of the general customs clearance procedures:

1. Preparation of necessary documents: Before starting the customs clearance, you must prepare some essential documents. This may include commercial invoices, packing lists, shipping documents, customs declaration documents, licenses and certificates (if applicable), relevant supporting documents from the country of origin and destination, and so on. Make sure and confirm with suppliers/brokers that these documents are complete and accurate.

2. Customs Declaration: You or your freight forwarder completes a customs declaration, providing customs with detailed information about the goods, including their type, quantity, value, origin, etc. The customs declaration can be made electronically. Customs declarations can be made electronically and usually require the completion of relevant forms and the provision of necessary data.

3. PAYMENT OF DUTIES AND TAXES: Depending on the nature and value of the goods, you may be required to pay duties and taxes. These fees will be calculated and collected by U.S. Customs and Border Protection regulations.

4. Security screening: Some shipments may require security screening to comply with security standards and regulatory requirements. This may involve additional document checks, package security seals, X-ray inspections, and other security procedures.

5. Inspection and clearance: Customs may inspect goods to verify conformity with declared documents. Inspection may include physical inspection, sample testing, or other forms of testing. If all goes well, Customs will issue a clearance document allowing the shipment to enter the U.S. territory.

Customs clearance procedures may vary depending on the nature of the goods, destination airports/sea ports, special requirements, and the latest international trade policies. Before proceeding with the customs clearance process, it is advisable to consult a professional logistics service company or customs agent for real-time, accurate guidance and assistance. They will be able to provide you with a personalized customs clearance solution and ensure that your shipment will enter the U.S. smoothly.

Documents required for transportation of goods from Hong Kong to the U.S.A.

To ship goods from Hong Kong to the United States, the following is a list of documents that are generally required:

1. Commercial invoice: A commercial invoice is a document of sale of goods and contains detailed information such as description of the goods, quantity, unit price, and total value. It is usually provided by the exporter to the importer and used in customs clearance.

2. Packing list: The packing list gives detailed information on how the goods are packed, their quantity, and their weight. This helps Customs to understand the characteristics and packaging of the goods.

3. Transportation documents: Transportation documents include a bill of lading (for sea cargo), an air waybill (for air cargo). These documents are legal evidence of the transportation of goods and record information such as the shipper, consignee, mode of transportation, place of origin, and destination.

4. Customs Declaration Documents: Depending on U.S. Customs and Border Protection requirements, you may be required to complete and submit customs declaration documents. These documents may include import declarations, licenses, or other industry-specific supporting documents.

5. Certificates and licenses: Certain goods may require specific certificates or permits to be imported into the United States. For example, food, drugs, cosmetics, agricultural products, plants, and animals and their products often require specific health certificates or licenses to demonstrate that they meet U.S. standards and regulations.

6. Relevant documents from the country of origin and destination: Depending on the requirements, you may need to provide appropriate documents from the country of origin and destination. This may include certificates of origin, free sale certificates, etc., to prove the origin of the goods and compliance with trade requirements.

The exact list of documents needs to be determined based on your specific type of shipment, industry regulations, and U.S. Customs requirements; it is recommended to consult with a professional logistics company or freight forwarder. Remember to keep the relevant documents accurate and complete to avoid delays or problems.

Import taxes and duties to be paid when shipping goods from Hong Kong to the U.S.

Before importing goods into the United States, they must first go through the import customs clearance process. After the goods have passed customs inspection, certain taxes and fees will be incurred, including customs duties, value-added tax, consumption tax, import taxes, and other fees.

Import Clearance Duty Fee

Among other things, tariffs are the taxes and fees that must be paid on imported goods. Depending on the classification of the goods, the tariff rate varies and can be up to about 50%. Value-added and excise taxes are taxes on the value-added portion of the merchandise and the final sales price. On the other hand, import duties are taxes and fees collected by the U.S. federal government and individual state governments.

Import tax returns and exemption policies

According to U.S. Customs regulations, imported goods with more than $800 must be declared to Customs and paid the appropriate duties and taxes. In this case, the tax declaration for imported goods will be calculated based on the actual value of the goods. For goods valued at less than $800, Customs does not require the payment of duties and taxes.

U.S. Customs has different standards for filing duties for individuals and merchants. Individuals are required to file a customs declaration if the total value of the merchandise purchased in a single shipment exceeds $800. Merchants must file a customs declaration if the full value of the merchandise purchased in a single shipment exceeds $2,500.

Although imported goods are subject to corresponding duties and taxes, some can still enjoy the duty-free policy. For example, imported gifts and samples, environmentally friendly products, and medical equipment are also eligible for the duty-free policy.

Regulations and Restrictions on Hong Kong Shipments to the U.S.

You must comply with U.S. import regulations and restrictions when shipping goods from Hong Kong to the United States. Below are some standard rules and restrictions:

1. Prohibited Items: Certain items are strictly prohibited from being imported into the U.S., such as explosives, drugs, prohibited weapons, counterfeits, infringing products, biological products, etc. Before shipping your shipment, you need to make sure that your shipment does not contain any prohibited items. A detailed list of prohibitions and restrictions can be found on the official website of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (C.B.P.).

2. Restricted items: Some items may be limited and require special licenses, certificates, or declaration procedures. These items include military equipment, antiques, flora and fauna and their products, pharmaceuticals, food and beverages, and chemicals. Before shipping these restricted items, you must know the requirements and ensure all declaration and licensing requirements are met.

3. Particular cargo types: Certain goods may have special restrictions and regulations. For example, electronics, pharmaceuticals, food, cosmetics, etc., may need to meet specific standards and certification requirements. Before transporting these goods, you must ensure that your shipment meets the requirements of quality, safety, and standards.

4. Import Licenses: The U.S. may require import licenses or other special permits for specific industries or products. This requires contacting the relevant U.S. agencies and reviewing the necessary permitting procedures before shipping your goods.

5. Special Marking and Labeling Requirements: Certain goods may require special marking and labeling to meet U.S. requirements. For example, food and pharmaceuticals must be labeled with information such as ingredients, date of manufacture, etc., and chemicals need to be marked with a hazard class.

In general cargo shipping, please ensure that your shipment does not contain any banned imports or restricted items. Understanding and complying with these regulations and restrictions is essential to ensure the smooth importation of goods into the United States. Working with a freight forwarder or customs agent who can provide accurate information and assist you with the formalities is advisable. Additionally, you may consult with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (C.B.P.) or other applicable U.S. government agencies for the latest regulations and requirements.

Packaging and labeling of Hong Kong shipments to the United States

To ensure that shipments to the U.S. are not damaged in transit, please comply with the following international cargo packaging and labeling requirements:

• Packaging materials: Use packaging materials that comply with international trade standards and ensure that they are clean, odorless, and free of toxicity or harmful organisms to prevent the goods from being contaminated or damaged.

• Packaging quality: Packaging must be strong, secure, and withstand external pressure and vibration for long-distance transportation and multiple handling. At the same time, it should meet the toughness requirements of local environmental regulations.

• Marking Suggestion (not a mandatory requirement）: The name, quantity, gross weight, net weight, date of manufacture, and other information about the goods are marked prominently on the outside of the package. At the same time, the consignee, consignor, destination, and other identifiers are marked on the package shell to facilitate the correct identification of the goods by customs and shippers.

• Filler materials: Selection of appropriate filler materials for internal filling of the goods to protect the goods from vibration, crushing, and impact.

• Sensitive items: For sensitive or fragile items, special packaging and marking measures are required to ensure safety during transportation.

• Moisture, dust, and shock protection: according to the performance requirements of the goods, take appropriate measures to prevent moisture, dust, and shock.

• Cargo Stability Checks: Cargo stability checks are performed before loading to ensure the cargo will not slide or be damaged during transportation.

Essential Notes on Shipping from Hong Kong to the United States

When shipping goods from Hong Kong to the United States, please pay special attention to the following essential points:

• Declaration of commodity classification and value

  It is essential to declare the commodity classification and value of goods correctly. The goods' H.S. (commodity) code will determine the applicable tariff and regulatory requirements. Ensure that goods are accurately categorized, and declarations are completed based on actual values.

• Mode of transportation and logistics partners

  Choose the appropriate mode of transportation for your goods and work with reliable logistics partners. Goods can be transported by sea, air, or road. Ensure that you choose a logistics provider with extensive experience and an excellent reputation to ensure the safe and timely delivery of your goods.
  

• Insurance Coverage

  Consider purchasing cargo transportation insurance to avoid taking on significant risks in the event of an accident or loss during transportation. Cargo transportation insurance will provide you with additional protection and peace of mind.
  

  
  

Remember, when trading internationally, it's best to work with a specialized logistics provider, customs agent, or trade specialist. They have the experience and expertise to provide customized advice and support to ensure your goods are shipped to the U.S. and successfully cleared through customs.

Why is JIKE Logistics your ideal logistics partner for shipping from Hong Kong to US?

Selecting a logistics partner who understands the Hongkong and U.S. business environments is critical to ensure success in the U.S. market.

1. Tailored Solutions

Currently, 42% of our staff have more than ten years of freight shipping from Hongkong to US. We have been working on different shipping projects for different kinds of products in the U.S..

No matter what your cargo is, what shipping method you want, and where your shipment goes in US, as long as they are transporting from Hong Kong, our experts will optimize the best shipping solution to meet your specific shipping needs from Hongkong to the United States. 

2. Competitive Rates

Optimizing your shipping costs is also our top mission in shipping from Hong Kong to US. We have yearly contracts with airlines and shipowners in Hong Kong-U.S.A. route. To some extent, we have cheaper First Leg Shipping in Hong Kong and US.

And we have been partnering with renowned carriers and agencies in US. With rich shipping experience, we know how to clear and deliver your shipments to US in capable hands at competitive prices.

We recommend that you choose JIKE Logistics as your freight forwarder, as we are fully committed to looking after your best interests and providing you with the support you need to succeed in the United States. JIKE Logistics has the experience and expertise to familiarize you with the business environment and regulatory requirements between Hongkong and the United States. We offer comprehensive logistics solutions to ensure that your shipments exported from China arrive in the U.S. smoothly and compliance with local laws and regulations.

By partnering with JIKE Logistics, you will enjoy professional logistical support, including accurate documentation requirements, customs brokerage, cargo transportation management, and smooth communication and cooperation with local partners. Our team has the cross-cultural communication skills to communicate and collaborate efficiently with our U.S. business partners.

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FAQs - Shipping from Hong Kong to US