Shipping From China To The USA: Air & Sea Freight Rates

In today's era of globalization, the trade relationship between China and the USA is becoming increasingly close. As the world's manufacturing center, China exports various types of goods to the USA, one of the world's largest consumer markets. Therefore, the logistics demand for transportation from China to the USA is continuously growing, covering multiple logistics modes such as air, sea, and express delivery.

This article will describe the air, sea and express shipping methods from China to the USA and discuss their advantages and disadvantages, logistics processes, and related customs declaration and procedures. At the same time, we will provide related services that freight agents can offer to help customers easily manage and track their cargo transportation process. Whether it is a commercial customer or an individual consumer, this article will be helpful for your cargo transportation.

Shipping from China to the USA

You can choose different logistics methods for transporting goods from China to the USA, including air, sea, and express delivery. Here is a detailed introduction to these three logistics methods:

Air Freight from China to the USA

The rapid growth of global trade today has led to an increasing demand for international freight. Air Freight is a fast and efficient way of transporting goods, especially suitable for long-distance and urgent transportation. Air Freight of goods from China to the USA is a common mode of transportation. Here is a detailed introduction to the transportation of goods from China to the USA.

Major airports in China

Major airports in the USA

These airports have dedicated cargo terminals and services that can provide efficient transfer, sorting, and storage services for Chinese goods. At the same time, these airports also cooperate with major international airlines and freight forwarders to provide transportation services for Chinese goods worldwide.

Advantages

• Fast: Air transport is one of the fastest logistics methods, usually arriving at the destination within 1-6 days.

• High safety: The logistics process of air transport is relatively simple, and the probability of damage to goods during transportation is low.

• Wide applicability: Air transport is suitable for all types of goods, especially high-value and lightweight goods, such as electronics, jewelry, and fashion clothing.

Disadvantages

• High cost: Air transport is more expensive than sea transport and express delivery.

• More restrictions: Air transport has certain restrictions on the size, weight, and quantity of goods and is unsuitable for large quantities, large items, or overweight goods.

• Transportation issues: Due to flight restrictions and bad weather, goods may be delayed.

Air Freight Process

The following is a detailed introduction to the air freight process for goods shipped from China to the USA:

1. Prepare the goods: First, the goods need to be fully prepared, including the correct packaging, labeling, and documents. The packaging of the goods must comply with international air freight standards to ensure that they are not damaged during transportation.

2. Select the airline and service type: Select the appropriate airline and service type based on the weight, size, category, and delivery time requirements of the goods. Goods can choose direct flights about or transit flights.

3. Book air freight services: Contact the airline or freight forwarder to book air freight services. Detailed information about the goods needs to be provided, such as weight, size, packaging method, value of goods, shipping origin and destination, etc.

4. Check-in of goods: Deliver the goods to the airline or freight forwarder. The freight forwarder can help the shipper deal with issues such as document handling, export customs clearance, and payment.

5. Transportation: The goods will be packaged, classified, and loaded at the freight center in origin, then transported to the freight center in the destination for unloading, customs clearance, and distribution. The location and status of the goods can be monitored during transportation through the tracking system provided by the airline.

6. Delivery of goods: Once the goods arrive at the destination, customs clearance procedures need to be completed, such as customs inspection, payment of customs duties, and taxes. The goods will eventually be delivered to the designated destination.

It should be noted that the transportation time of goods may be delayed due to factors such as international routes, flight schedules, and weather. Therefore, the shipper needs to plan the transportation time of the goods and choose the appropriate service type to meet their needs.

How is the air freight cost calculated from China to the USA?

As a freight forwarder, we can provide air freight services from China to the USA, including calculating air freight costs for customers. The following is the general process for calculating air freight costs from China to the USA:

1. Confirm the weight or volume of the goods: Before calculating the air freight cost, the goods' actual weight or volumetric weight needs to be determined. The airline usually charges based on weight if the goods are relatively heavy. If the goods are relatively light but occupy a large volume, the airline usually charges based on the volumetric weight. Remember airlines will charge you based on weight and volume; the greater one will be the final chargeable weight. Volume to weight ratio is 1:167.

   This means if your goods are 300kgs, while the volume is 2.7cbm (due to 1cbm=167kgs, volume weight will be 2.7*167=450.9kgs), then chargeable weight should be 450.9=451kgs, rather than gross weight 300kgs.

2. Determine airports of the origin and destination: The airline usually quotes the freight based on the origin and destination of the goods. Generally speaking, we will select the airport closest to the cargo address as the departure airport and the airport closest to the delivery address as the destination airport. But there might be no flight service from the two airports. Also, different departure airports and routes will have different freight standards and shipping freight. So it is necessary to check different airports' flight services and prices.

3. Determine the flight and transportation method: Based on factors such as the weight, size, origin, and destination of the goods, the freight forwarder will select the most suitable flight and transportation method for the customer. Different flights and transportation methods will have different freight standards and restrictions, so comparing and calculating is necessary.

Based on factors such as the weight, origin, destination, flight service, then we will calculate the specific freight and other related fees, such as fuel surcharges, security fees, customs duties, and customs clearance fees. We will provide customers with the most favorable transportation plan and accurate air freight cost calculation based on their needs and situations. If you need air freight services or air freight cost consultation from China to the USA, please get in touch with our customer service staff.

Online Air Freight Calculator

If you want a specific quote for shipping from China to the USA, we can offer you an online quoting service. Click the "Quote" button below and fill in your cargo information, and our team will provide you with an accurate quote quickly. Our quote will consider your cargo's weight, size, origin, destination, shipping method, and other relevant factors to ensure we can offer you the most competitive price. In addition, we will also provide you with detailed information on shipping time, customs clearance, freight insurance, etc., so that you can better plan and control the transportation of your goods.

Online Air Freight Calculator

How long does shipping by air from China to the USA take?

Various factors, such as the distance between the origin and destination, the type and size of the goods, the selected flight, customs inspection, etc., can influence the transportation time for shipping from China to the USA. Here is an overview of the time required for air shipping from China to the USA:

1.  Most flights from mainland China to the USA typically take 2-7 working days. Still, the exact time depends on factors such as the distance between the origin and destination, the type and size of the goods, and the availability of flights.

2.  Flights from Hong Kong to the USA usually take 1-4 working days. Since Hong Kong is an international trading center and a hub for cargo transfer, special cargo like batteries products will usually go via Hong Kong airport.

3.  Goods shipped from China to the USA must undergo customs inspection and clearance procedures, which typically take 1-3 working days, depending on the type and value of the goods and the efficiency of the customs department.

4.  If the goods need to be transferred at a transit airport, the efficiency of the transit airport's operation and the clearance speed of the goods will also affect the transportation time. The goods must wait for the next available flight during transit, which may result in additional transportation time.

In summary, goods shipped by air from China to the USA usually take 2-10 working days, depending on many factors. If you need precise transportation timing, please get in touch with JIKE Freight Forwarding Agency for more information.

When should air freight from China be used?

Is air freight from China suitable for your business? Air freight may be your best choice regarding urgent deadlines and high-value goods. Using air freight from China is typically suitable for the following situations:

1. Tight deadlines: If you need to deliver goods quickly and do not have enough time to use ocean freight, air freight may be your best choice.

2. Light and high-value goods: Since air freight is usually more expensive than ocean freight, it is more suitable for light and high-value goods such as electronics, high-end clothing, and luxury goods.

3. Urgent goods: If your business involves urgent items, such as medical supplies or emergency parts, air freight may be your only option.

4. Short-distance transportation: If you need to travel quickly from a city in China to a city in the USA, air freight can provide fast and efficient transportation services.

It should be noted that air freight is generally more expensive than sea freight. Therefore, when considering air freight, it is important to balance time and cost to determine the optimal mode of transportation.

Sea Freight from China to the USA

Major ports in the China

Overall, China has a wide port network, which can provide a wide range of choices and convenience for trade and transportation between China and the USA.  There are several ports near our company's location in Qianhai, including  Shekou Port and Yantian Port. We can conveniently provide cargo handling and transportation services, providing convenient support for your business development.

Major ports in the USA

Advantages

• Low cost: Sea freight is cheaper than air freight and express delivery.

• Wide applicability: Sea freight is suitable for all kinds of goods, especially large quantities of goods or heavy goods, such as machinery, automobiles, building materials, etc.

• Long transport distance: Sea freight can transport goods from all over the world.

Disadvantages

• Long shipping time: Sea freight takes a long time, usually 2-5 weeks ,to reach the destination.

• Relatively low security: Due to the need for multiple transit ports, there is a higher risk of damage or loss of goods during shipping.

• Environmental issues: Sea freight has a relatively high carbon footprint and a certain environmental impact.

Sea Freight Process

Shipping goods from China to the USA by sea usually involves multiple steps and processes. The following is a typical sea freight process:

1. Prepare the goods: Before shipping, you must prepare and pack the goods properly to avoid damage during transportation.

2. Book space: You need to contact a freight forwarder or shipping company to book space. When booking space, you must provide detailed information about the goods, such as the type, quantity, weight, and size.

3. Arrange to load: Once the space is booked, the freight forwarder or shipping company will contact you to arrange the loading of the goods. The goods can be transported to the port by truckers.

4. Port procedures: After loading is completed, you must submit the necessary customs and transportation documents and pay the corresponding fees, such as dock fees, insurance fees, and transportation costs.

5. Shipping: Once the goods are ready, they will be loaded onto the ship and shipped from the starting port in China to the destination port in the USA. The shipping time of the goods depends on the ship's speed and the selected route.

6. Customs clearance and delivery: Once the goods arrive at the USA's destination port, you must complete the USA customs clearance procedures. After customs clearance, you can transport the goods to the designated destination, such as a warehouse or the customer's location.

In general, the sea freight process for shipping goods from China to the USA involves multiple steps and procedures, so preparing in advance and collaborating with professional freight forwarders or shipping companies is necessary.

The choice between FCL and LCL

In the sea freight of goods from China to the USA, choosing the appropriate container type is crucial to ensure the safety of the goods and transportation efficiency. The volume and quantity of the goods will determine whether you need to use Full Container Load (FCL) or Less than Container Load (LCL). The following will introduce the differences between FCL and LCL, and how to choose the container type that suits your goods.

FCL from China to the USA

FCL sea freight refers to loading the goods into a complete container during the packing period, usually 20 feet or 40 feet.

This method is suitable for situations with a large number of goods or large-sized goods.

What are the advantages of FCL?

FCL sea freight from China to the USA has the following advantages:

1. Large capacity: FCL sea freight usually uses 20 feet or 40 feet containers, which can accommodate many goods (from 20cbm to 68cbm), especially suitable for wholesale and distribution of large quantities of goods.

2. Stability: Although the transportation period of FCL sea freight is relatively long, but there will be barely any loss or confusion of goods during transportation, ensuring the safety and integrity of the goods.
   

3. Price advantage: FCL sea freight is usually more cost-effective than air freight, especially for large quantities of goods; the transportation cost is relatively lower.
   

4. Flexibility: FCL sea freight can provide door-to-door service without transfer, providing faster transportation time.
   

5. Cargo insurance: FCL sea freight can provide cargo transportation insurance to ensure the safety of goods during transportation.

6. Traceability: FCL sea freight can allow customers to keep track of the transportation status of goods through a cargo tracking system, providing more convenient services.

In summary, FCL sea freight is economical, safe, and flexible for long-distance transportation of large goods.

LCL from China to the USA

LCL sea freight refers to combining goods from multiple customers in one container, usually calculated based on the volume and weight of the goods.

LCL sea freight is suitable for situations with fewer or smaller goods.

What are the advantages of LCL?

LCL sea freight from China to the USA has the following advantages compared to FCL sea freight:

1. Higher flexibility: LCL sea freight usually combines goods from multiple shippers for transportation, which can be flexibly combined according to different customer needs and goods sizes, saving costs.

2. Lower price: Since LCL sea freight uses shared containers, multiple shippers can share the container costs, so the unit price of LCL sea freight for small volume goods (less than 12cbm) is usually lower than FCL sea freight.

3. Suitable for small quantities of goods: For situations where the quantity of goods is less than a container load, LCL sea freight can provide an economical transportation method, avoiding shippers paying for the full container load due to insufficient quantities.

4. Faster shipping cycle: Since LCL sea freight usually uses scheduled ship transportation, the shipping cycle of goods is shorter than FCL sea freight; especially for small quantities of goods, finding a matching shipping schedule is easier.

In summary, LCL sea freight is a more flexible and cost-effective choice for customers with fewer goods or those not sensitive to transportation time.

Choosing the right type of container for your goods requires consideration of various factors such as quantity, volume, weight, and shelf life. If you have a large number of goods or they are of significant size, full container shipping may be the better option, while less quantity or smaller goods may be better suited for shared container shipping. Consulting with a freight forwarder and seeking professional advice can help you make a more informed decision.

Major container types for shipping from China to the USA

Shipping goods from China to the USA is usually done through sea freight, and choosing the right container type is an important step. Here are some common container types and their characteristics to help you choose the right container:

1. Standard container: also known as a dry container or general-purpose container, this is the most common container type. It has a fixed length, width, and height and is typically used for dry cargo, bulk cargo, and other goods.

2. Open top container: this container has no fixed top cover and is convenient for loading large cargo such as machinery, building materials, etc.

3. Flat rack container: this container has no side walls and top cover, a flat bottom and is suitable for loading irregularly shaped cargo such as machinery, steel plates, etc.

4. Reefer container: this container can control temperature and humidity and is suitable for goods that require specific temperatures during transportation, such as food, medicine, etc.

5. Flatbed container: this container has wheels on the bottom and is used for convenient loading and unloading cargo such as vehicles, large machinery, etc.

6. Tank container: this container is used for loading liquid cargo such as chemicals, food, etc.

Choosing the right container type can ensure maximum safety and transportation efficiency for your goods. Depending on the characteristics and requirements of your goods, freight forwarding companies can provide appropriate advice and services.

How much does container shipping from China to the USA cost?

The specific shipping price varies depending on various factors such as the type of goods, the number of goods, the mode of transportation, the origin and destination, etc. Here are some major factors that may affect container shipping costs:

1. Origin and destination ports: shipping costs between ports may vary due to transportation distance and trade volume.

2. Type of goods: the quality and quantity of different types of goods can affect the size and type of the container, thus affecting the shipping cost.

3. Mode of transportation: there are different modes of sea transportation, such as full container and shared container shipping, with different costs.

4. Fuel surcharges: due to fluctuations in international fuel prices, shipping companies may add fuel surcharges to offset these fluctuations.

5. Seasonal changes: shipping costs may increase at certain times, such as holidays or specific seasons.

Overall, the price of full container shipping is usually calculated per 20-foot or 40-foot container. Based on the abovementioned factors, shipping a container from China to the USA costs approximately $1000 and $5000, but the actual cost will depend on specific circumstances.

How much does LCL shipping from China to the USA cost?

The cost of LCL shipping from China to the USA varies depending on several factors, such as volume, weight, destination, type of goods, and mode of transportation. Generally, LCL shipping costs consist of basic freight and miscellaneous fees.

1. Basic freight is calculated based on the rate per cubic meter or a ton of goods. The rate is usually determined based on the distance between the destination and departure ports, the shipping company, and the type and volume of goods. In May 2023, the basic freight for LCL shipping from China to the USA is approximately $500 to $1,500 per cubic meter, depending on the shipping line and logistics provider.

2. Miscellaneous fees include container loading, documentation, fuel surcharges, destination port charges, etc. These fees also vary depending on the logistics provider and are usually calculated by the freight forwarder based on specific circumstances.

It should be noted that the actual LCL shipping costs are affected by many factors. Therefore, when choosing a logistics provider and freight forwarder, the specific circumstances and needs of the goods should be fully considered to obtain the best quotation and service.

Online Container Freight Calculator

If you need to know the container shipping cost from China to the USA, we can provide you with an online quotation calculator. You can enter specific details about your goods by clicking the quote button below, such as weight, volume, type, origin port, and destination port. Our calculator will automatically calculate your shipping cost and provide you with multiple service options. You can conveniently and quickly obtain accurate container shipping quotes with online quotes to better prepare for your transportation decisions

Online Container Freight Calculator

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

The shipping time from China to the USA depends on several factors, including the distance between the origin and destination, the shipping line's route, weather and ocean conditions, etc.

Here is an analysis of the shipping time from China to the USA:

1. The transportation time between different ports varies. For example, the route from Shanghai to the port of Los Angeles usually takes about 14-21 days, while the route from Qingdao to New York takes about 25-35 days.

2. Weather and seasons also affect shipping time. For example, in the summer and autumn seasons in China, the climate is relatively stable, and the shipping time is usually shorter than in winter and spring.

3. The mode of transportation also affects shipping time. FCL shipping is usually faster than LCL shipping in total procedure because FCL goods can be directly transported from the origin port to the door, while LCL goods might need to be transshipped at intermediate ports, and they need to wait for unpacking and uploading at the destination ports.

4. Customs clearance and approval time also affect shipping time. After the goods arrive at the destination port, they must go through customs clearance and approval procedures, which may take several days or weeks.

Generally, the shipping time from mainland China to the USA East Coast is about 25-35 days, while it takes less time to the West Coast, about 15-25 days.

In what situation should you use sea freight from China to the USA?

Here are some situations and recommendations on when to use sea freight from China:

1. Time-insensitive: If your shipment is time-insensitive, you can choose sea freight. Although sea freight usually takes longer, the lower cost may offset this difference. So the delay in transit time from sea freight is usually acceptable compared to high-speed air freight transportation.

2. Large quantity of goods: If you need to transport a large quantity of goods, sea freight is often more economical than air freight. This is because ships can usually transport many goods, while air freight is typically only suitable for smaller quantities.

3. Long-distance transportation: Sea freight is typically used for long-distance transportation. If you need to transport goods from China to remote areas in the USA, sea freight may be the best option.

4. Limited budget: If you have a limited budget and need to reduce costs, sea freight may be the better choice. Sea freight costs are typically lower compared to air freight.

It should be noted that sea freight usually requires more time and preparation work, such as arranging for the loading and unloading goods in advance. Therefore, before deciding to use sea freight from China, make sure you have considered these factors and are prepared to make sufficient preparations for this mode of transportation.

Express Delivery from China to the USA

Three major couriers

With the continuous development of globalization and the increasing cross-border trade, express delivery services between China and the USA are becoming increasingly popular. In this case, many people will choose some well-known express delivery companies to provide delivery services, including FedEx, DHL, and UPS. These three companies have a worldwide operating network, good coverage, and service quality in China. Here is a brief introduction to the three major couriers:

1. FedEx: headquartered in Memphis, USA, is one of the largest express delivery companies in the world, providing international and domestic express delivery and logistics services. FedEx has multiple business locations in China and can provide various express delivery services from China to the USA, including standard express, priority express, and economy express.

2. DHL, headquartered in Bonn, Germany, is one of the world's largest international express delivery companies and one of the earliest foreign-funded express delivery companies to enter China. DHL has wide coverage in China and can provide various express delivery services from China to the USA, including standard express, priority express, and economy express.

3. UPS: headquartered in Atlanta, USA, is one of the largest package delivery companies in the world. UPS has multiple business locations in China and can provide various express delivery services from China to the USA, including standard express, priority express, and economy express. In addition, UPS also provides professional logistics solutions and supply chain management services, providing customers with one-stop logistics solutions.

These three companies have advantages and characteristics, and customers can choose the appropriate express delivery service according to their needs. Generally speaking, the DHL service has the best service, and most of our customers will choose the DHL service.

Advantages

• Fast speed: Express delivery is one of the fastest logistics methods, usually taking only 3-7 working days to reach the destination.

• High security: Due to the simple express logistics process and all-long-way tracking, the probability of goods being loss during transportation is low.

• High flexibility: Express delivery can choose suitable express service types and offer door-to-door service

• Fast Customs clearance: EXPRESS company can assist you with customs clearance. The strong clearing capability usually makes goods released by customs fast.

• Cost-saving for small volume goods (less than 45kgs)

Disadvantages

• Higher cost: Express delivery is more expensive than sea transportation and unsuitable for big-volume cargo.

• More restrictions: Express delivery has certain restrictions on the size, weight, and quantity of goods and is unsuitable for large quantities, large items, or overweight goods.

• Limited service coverage.

Express delivery process

The following is the detailed process for sending express delivery from China to the USA:

1. Prepare documents and goods: The recipient needs to prepare the documents or goods to be sent and determine whether they comply with the regulations of the express delivery company.

2. Packaging: Packaging is very important for goods that must be transported. If the packaging is unsuitable, the goods may be damaged during transportation. It is recommended to use sturdy cardboard boxes or other suitable packaging materials for packaging.

3. Choose an express delivery company: Choosing a suitable express delivery company is very important because different express delivery companies have different prices and service quality. You can investigate and compare through the Internet or ask for shipping solutions from a freight forwarder.

4. Place an order: Place an order through the express delivery company's website or the agent of the express. You must provide accurate information such as the sender's and recipient's names, addresses, and phone numbers.

5. Payment: Calculate the express delivery cost based on the weight and volume of the goods, and make the payment.

6. Pick-up: The sender hands the package to the express, or the express pick up the package to the express delivery company's processing center.

7. Processing and transportation: The express delivery company processes and scans the package and arranges transportation to the destination.

8. Customs clearance: The goods must undergo customs clearance procedures after arriving in the destination country.

9. Delivery: After customs release, the express delivery company arranges delivery personnel to deliver the package to the recipient's location.

The express delivery process may take 3-7 working days, depending on factors such as the express delivery company, transportation method, and speed of customs inspection.

How is the express delivery cost calculated from China to the USA?

Calculating the express delivery fee from China to the USA usually requires considering the following factors:

1. Weight or volumetric weight: Express delivery companies usually calculate the freight based on the actual or volumetric weight, whichever is greater.

   The formula for calculating volumetric weight is length (cm) x width (cm) x height (cm) / 5000.

   If your parcel’s gross weight is 22kgs, and size is 40 cm *50 cm *60cm(if so volumetric weight will be 40*50*60/5000=24kgs), then the chargeable weight should be volume weight 24kgs, instead of gross weight 22kgs.

2. Express delivery company selection: Different express delivery companies may have different prices. You can choose based on speed, service, freight, etc.

3. Restriction of size, weight, and packaging types: Different express services have different requirements on size, weight, and packaging types. If your parcels are not obeying the standards, an extra fee will incur. What is worst is that your parcels might be rejected by Express. So, you’d better check detailed rules on their website or consult freight forwarders.

4. Value of the goods: We suggest paying additional insurance fees for some more valuable items. And for some services, high-value products need to pay an over-value customs declaration fee.

5. Transportation service: Express delivery companies usually provide different transportation services, such as economy air transportation, standard air transportation, and fast air transportation, and the prices of different transportation services are also different.

Considering the above factors, you can use the express delivery company's online freight calculation tools or contact customer service to obtain specific freight quotes. You can also ask Jike for shipping solutions and costs of courier services, we are agents of DHL, UPS and FedEx, so we have better shipping discounts from them.

Online Express Delivery Calculator

If you need to get a specific express shipping cost from China to the USA, please click the quote button below to get an online quote. This will require providing some information, such as the package's dimensions, weight, and destination, so we can provide the most accurate quote. Our online quote system will calculate your express shipping cost based on this information and provide various service options to meet your specific needs. Whether you need to send many packages or just a small one, we will provide you with the flexible, efficient, and reliable express delivery service you need.

Online Express Delivery Calculator

How long does shipping by express delivery from China to the USA take?

The shipping time from China to the USA depends on the chosen express shipping provider and service type. Here are the approximate transportation times for UPS, FedEx, and DHL:

UPS:

• UPS Worldwide Express Plus: 1-2 business days

• UPS Worldwide Express: 1-3 business days

• UPS Worldwide Saver: 3-5 business days

• UPS Worldwide Expedited: 5-8 business days

FedEx:

• FedEx International First: 1-3 business days

• FedEx International Priority: 3-5 business days

• FedEx International Economy: 5-8 business days

  
  

DHL:

• DHL Express Worldwide: 3-5 business days

• DHL Express 12:00: 1-2 business days

• DHL Express 9:00: 1-2 business days

Please note that these times are for reference only, and actual transportation times may vary due to various factors, such as weather and customs inspections.

When should express delivery from China be used?

• Express delivery service can be chosen when the goods are small, lightweight, and require fast delivery to the destination.

• When the goods need to be cleared quickly and delivered within the USA, express delivery service is a way for faster than sea freight.

• When the goods are of high value and must be delivered quickly and safely to the destination, express delivery service can be chosen because express delivery companies provide higher-level security measures.

• When the status of the goods during transportation needs to be tracked, express delivery service is also a better choice because express delivery companies provide real-time tracking and updating of the status of goods.

• When the goods need to be shipped to various locations within the USA, express delivery service is also a better choice because express delivery companies usually have a wider delivery network and more convenient delivery methods.

The best way to ship from China to the USA

The best way to transport from China to the USA will vary depending on the type of goods, transportation time, and cost. Generally, there are several main transportation methods, and you can choose the most suitable one according to your actual needs:

1. Air freight: Suitable for urgently needed goods and lightweight items, usually faster but cheaper.

2. Sea freight: Suitable for large quantities of goods and large items, usually requiring a longer transportation time but the cost is more affordable.

3. Express delivery: Suitable for small, high-value goods, usually the fastest, but the highest cost.

Overall, the best transportation method will depend on the type of goods, urgency, budget, and destination. You can evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of different transportation methods based on your needs and choose the most suitable one.

Shipping time for air, sea, and express from China to the USA

The shipping time for sea freight, air freight, and express from China to the USA will be influenced by various factors, such as the origin and destination, the type of shipment, the mode of transportation, the season, and more. Here are the estimated shipping times:

• Sea freight: Generally, sea freight from China to the USA takes around 20-35 days, depending on the distance between the ports of origin and destination, the speed and route of the ship, weather conditions, and other factors.

• Air freight: Air freight is the fastest mode of transportation, and shipping time from China to the USA takes about 3-10 days, depending on the cargo volume, type of goods, flight schedule, and route.

• Express: As express usually uses air transportation, shipping time from China to the USA takes around 3-7 days, depending on the size and weight of the goods, the destination, and other factors. It's worth noting that express services are usually more expensive than sea and air freight.

Please note that the actual shipping time may vary depending on specific circumstances. For example, sea freight may be delayed due to customs inspections, air freight may be affected by weather conditions and flight cancellations, and express services may be delayed due to remote destinations.

Trade terms involved in shipping from China to the USA

The trade terms involved in shipping from China to the USA mainly include the following:

1. EXW (Ex Works): The seller prepares the goods at their factory, and the buyer is responsible for transportation, insurance, customs clearance, and other matters.

2. FOB (Free on Board): The seller loads the goods onto the ship at the port, and the buyer is responsible for transportation, insurance, customs clearance, and other matters.

3. CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight): The seller is responsible for the transportation, insurance, and delivery of the goods to the destination port, while the buyer is responsible for customs clearance and domestic transportation costs.

4. DDP (Delivered Duty Paid): The seller is responsible for delivering the goods to the buyer's designated destination and bearing all import duties and taxes.

During transportation, keep track of the shipment's status and maintain good communication to avoid potential problems

Important considerations when shipping from China to the USA

Here are some important considerations when shipping from China to the USA:

1. Prepare all necessary documents and certificates, such as contracts, invoices, packing lists, and transportation insurance.

2. Determine the accurate weight and size of the goods to choose the appropriate mode of transportation and shipping cost.

3. When choosing a mode of transportation, consider factors such as urgency, safety, cost, and timeliness of the shipment.

4. Comply with the relevant regulations and requirements of the destination country and complete the declaration and customs clearance procedures.

5. Choose a reliable logistics service provider and ensure that the goods arrive at the destination safely and on time.

6. For high-value goods, it is recommended to purchase transportation insurance to ensure the safety and insurance compensation of the goods.

7. Be aware of the transportation risks and restrictions of different modes of transportation, such as the seasonal effects of sea freight and cargo restrictions for air freight.

8. During transportation, keep track of the shipment's status and maintain good communication to avoid potential problems.

Tips for Saving Time and Money when Shipping from China to the USA

When shipping from China to the USA, the following tips can be considered to save time and money:

1. Confirm Relevant Regulations and Requirements

   Understand the relevant regulations and requirements of the target market, including import permits, commodity quality standards, and customs duties, to avoid delays and additional costs.

2. Find Reliable Logistics Partners

   Choose reliable logistics companies or agents, and understand their cargo transportation history and customer reviews to ensure the safe transportation of goods and reduce the risk of loss.

3. Choose the Best Transportation Method

   Choose the best transportation method according to the type, size, weight, and urgency of the cargo, such as sea freight, air freight, or express delivery.

4. Use Container Optimization for Loading

   Use container optimization to maximize space utilization and reduce transportation costs.

5. Plan and Book in Advance

   Plan transportation time and method, and book containers and flights in advance to save time and cost.

6. Insure Cargo Protection

   Purchase appropriate cargo insurance during transportation to protect goods from unexpected losses and risks.

7. Communicate with Supply Chain Partners

   Keep communication and collaboration with supply chain partners (such as suppliers, manufacturers, logistics companies, etc.) to ensure the smooth implementation of transportation plans and reduce misunderstandings and errors.

   
   

How to deal with customs issues?

Any questions about imports issues, in addition to consulting a freight forwarder or customs broker, you can also check directly through the official US website

1. US Customs website--https://www.cbp.gov/

2. The official website of the United States International Trade Commission (for duty rate inquiries)--https://hts.usitc.gov/

The United States relies primarily on tariffs to manage and regulate import products and their quantities, but also uses tariff quotas for relatively sensitive imports such as agricultural products. The United States has signed free trade agreements with several countries. To be eligible for preferential tariff treatment, the imported goods must comply with the rules of origin in the rules of origin agreement, and a certificate of origin is necessary to qualify for preferential tariff treatment. Please refer to the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) for your reference. (Note: NAFTA was signed by the United States and applies in the U.S. customs territory, so it also applies to Puerto Rico.)

However, China is not one of the countries covered by the FTA and the US has anti-dumping duties on some products imported from China. Therefore, it is important to familiarize yourself with the HTS code of the imported goods and to check the trade duties and regulatory conditions in the US for that product accordingly.

[Tips] Generally, US goods imported with a value not exceeding US$800 are exempt from customs duties.

All in all, goods must be approved and inspected by USA customs before entering the USA, so corresponding clearance documents and declaration materials must be provided.

If you have any issues with customs clearance, you can find a professional freight forwarder or a customs broker, such as JIKE. They understand the relevant customs regulations and requirements and assist clients in completing the relevant procedures to ensure the smooth clearance of goods.

Freight forwarder from China to the USA

As a freight forwarder who has been engaged in logistics work for nearly ten years, there are several reasons why choosing JIKE as your freight forwarder from China to the USA is recommended:

1. Professional Service Team: JIKE has a professional team familiar with China-US trade policies and logistics processes and can provide personalized logistics solutions and high-quality services to customers.

2. Diversified Transportation Methods: JIKE provides diversified transportation methods such as sea freight, air freight, and express delivery and can provide the most suitable transportation plan according to customers' needs and budgets.

3. Global Network: JIKE has a logistics network, providing door-to-door services deeply rooted in the USA market.

4. Based on Local Conditions: JIKE is based in China, is familiar with the Chinese market, and can provide customers with more favorable prices and faster services.

5. Security Guarantee: JIKE has perfect risk control measures and insurance services, providing a full security guarantee for customers' goods.

In summary, choosing JIKE as your freight forwarder from China to the USA can provide you with professional, diversified, efficient, and safe logistics services, making your transportation more convenient, efficient, and worry-free.

Conclusion

Choosing a reliable freight forwarder is crucial for shipping goods from China to the USA. JIKE, as a professional international freight forwarder, provides comprehensive services, including sea freight, air freight, express delivery, FCL and LCL services. JIKE has rich experience and professional knowledge to provide customers with the best transportation plan, ensuring goods' safety and timely delivery. At the same time, JIKE also provides real-time transportation tracking and customer support to ensure that customers receive comprehensive services throughout the transportation process. Therefore, choosing JIKE as your freight forwarder can save you time and money and ensure that your goods arrive safely and quickly at their destination.

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Transportation Cases

We also recently handled a shipment from China to USA, commissioned by a China book printing company. They specialize in high quality book printing, with excellent paper texture and printing results, especially in terms of color reproduction. Whether it's novels, magazines or art books, they are able to personalize and customize the printing according to the customer's requirements.

The task was to deliver these beautiful prints safely to the US market. Special attention was paid to packaging and protection during transportation to ensure that the books would not be damaged during the long haul. It was a proud moment to be a part of seeing these books hit the shelves in USA.

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