Shipping from China to USA

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Main Export Commodities (From China to the United States)

Main Imported Goods (From the United States to China)

The Role of Shipping Forwarder China to Usa

Freight forwarders do not own their own shipping vessels, which allows them to establish partnerships with multiple shipping companies and provide multiple shipping route options. This includes different shipping companies, different ports and different modes of transportation (such as sea freight, air freight, etc.)

Through freight forwarders, customers can flexibly choose the route that best suits their needs and choose the transportation plan they want based on considerations such as the characteristics of the goods, timeliness and cost.

Being able to focus more on providing efficient freight management services enables freight forwarders to focus more on customer needs, reduce fixed costs in the transportation process, and improve the flexibility and competitiveness of services. By directly cooperating with shipping companies, freight forwarders Agents can avoid complex docking and communication issues with shipping companies. The agency is responsible for negotiating with different shipping providers, relieving the customer of the tedious work during the shipping process. Simplify the coordination work with different shipping companies, reduce intermediate links, and improve the efficiency of cargo transportation.

China-Us Import and Export Process

Export Process

What Is the Documents Required for Import and Export License in Usa?

Document preparation: Before exporting, the exporter needs to prepare a series of documents, including export invoices, packing lists, bills of lading, etc. Depending on the nature of the goods, special licenses or certificates may also be required.

License application: Some goods require special licensing procedures. Exporters should apply for relevant licenses in advance to ensure compliance.

Packing and Marking of Goods

Professional packaging: To ensure safe transportation of goods, goods need to be professionally packaged. Different goods may require different packaging methods to comply with international transportation standards.

Marking requirements: Each piece of goods needs to be clearly marked, including destination address, product description, weight, volume and other information to ensure that the goods can be correctly identified throughout the transportation process.

Customs Declaration and Inspection

Customs declaration: The exporter needs to entrust a customs broker to handle export declaration procedures to ensure that the goods leave the country legally. Relevant documents must be submitted during customs declaration, including invoices, packing lists, etc.

Inspection declaration: Some goods need to go through the inspection declaration process to ensure that they meet the quality and safety standards of the destination country.

Import Process

US Customs Declaration

Entrusted by a customs broker: The importer needs to entrust a customs broker in the United States to perform import declarations. The customs broker will submit the necessary customs declaration information to US Customs based on the import documents.

Customs assessment: U.S. Customs will assess the shipment, determine the applicable duty rate, and verify import documentation for compliance.

Pay Customs Duties and Other Charges

Pay duties: The importing party is required to pay applicable customs duties, which are based on the category and value of the goods. Payment methods usually include wire transfer or letter of credit.

Other fees: The importer may also need to pay other fees, such as unloading fees at the destination port, warehousing fees, etc. These charges depend on the carriage contract and destination requirements.

Delivery of goods to U.S. destination: Transportation arrangements: Once customs clearance is completed, the importer can negotiate with the logistics company for the final transportation stage of the goods. This may include road, rail or other transportation methods to get the goods to their final destination.

Signing and acceptance: After receiving the goods, the importer needs to sign for and inspect the goods. If there is any damage or loss, a claim should be made promptly.

How Long Does It Take to Ship from China to USA?

Air Transport Routes

SZX to LAX (Los Angeles International Airport)

Transportation time: The average direct flight time is usually 12-14 hours, depending on the flight.

Transportation costs: Flight selection involves airlines, cargo aircraft and cargo hold capacity, and cost comparisons need to be considered comprehensively.

Factors to consider: Seasonal changes may cause freight rates to fluctuate, and the type of cargo will also affect the choice of direct flight or transit.

SZX to ORD (Chicago O'Hare International Airport)

Transportation time: The transit time is usually 20-24 hours, and the total transportation time includes transit and direct flight time.

Transportation costs: Transfer station costs include handling, warehousing, etc., which need to be considered in the overall cost.

Factors to consider: Transshipment risks mainly involve the possibility that goods may be stranded at the transfer station. Whether the goods require special handling during the journey must be considered.

SZX to JFK (New York JFK International Airport)

Transportation time: The direct flight time is about 14-16 hours, which is suitable for goods with tight transportation time requirements.

Transportation costs: As a major logistics center in the east, New York usually has multiple flight options, but the costs are relatively high.

Factors to consider: Seasonal variations still exist, as does cargo type and freight traffic in New York, which can also affect costs.

SZX to ATL (Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport)

Transportation time: Direct flight time is approximately 15-17 hours, and may vary slightly depending on the route.

Transportation costs: Atlanta is the logistics center of the southern United States with a high density of flights, but the cost is relatively high.

Factors to consider: Seasonal changes and cargo type have a certain impact on the choice of direct flights.

SZX to DFW (Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport)

Transportation time: Direct flight time is usually 16-18 hours, depending on the flight.

Transportation costs: Dallas is the logistics center of the Midwestern United States, with many flight options and relatively high costs.

Factors to consider: Seasonal changes and cargo type have a certain impact on the choice of direct flights.

How Much Does Air Shipping from China to USA Cost?

From Shenzhen Airport to various airports in the United States, we can list some approximate prices. The prices will vary depending on the weight of the goods transported.

NZ airline	kgs/Dest	+45k	+100k	+300k	+500k	+1000k
NZ airline	Currency：(CNY/KG)
USA	LAX	60.7	48.1	39.43	38.64	38.14
	SFO	60.7	48.1	39.43	38.64	38.14
	HNL	60.7	48.1	39.43	38.64	38.14
	IAH	60.7	48.1	39.43	38.64	38.14
	JFK	62.5	49.9	41.23	40.44	39.94
	ORD	62.5	49.9	41.23	40.44	39.94

Maritime Transport Routes

Shanghai Port to LAX (Los Angeles Port)

Transportation time: The voyage cycle is usually 15-20 days, depending on the freight company and ship speed.

Transportation costs: Shipping costs are mainly determined by freight companies and shipping lines, and the type of ship (container ship, bulk carrier, etc.) needs to be considered.

Factors to consider: Seasonal risks such as typhoons may affect voyages, and port congestion may also cause delays, so advance planning is required.

Shanghai Port to NY/NJ Port (New York/New Jersey Port)

Shipping time: The Atlantic route usually takes 20-25 days, which may vary depending on the route and weather conditions.

Shipping cost: Shipping cost depends on the volume and weight of the goods, and different routes will also affect the cost.

Considerations: The risk is less in the Atlantic Ocean, but weather changes and the efficiency of port services still need to be considered.

Shanghai Port to HOU (Houston Port)

Transportation time: The U.S. Gulf Coast route usually takes 20-25 days, and the specific voyage depends on the specific route choice.

Transportation costs: Shipping costs are related to routes and cargo types. As an important port in the south, Houston has relatively reasonable freight costs.

Factors to consider: Consider seasonal changes in routes and port service levels.

Shanghai Port to OAK (Oakland Port)

Shipping time: The Pacific route usually takes 25-30 days, and the specific voyage depends on the specific route choice.

Transportation costs: The cost of the Pacific route is relatively high, and Auckland, as an important port on the West Coast, may have relatively high freight costs.

Factors to consider: TPacific routes have seasonal risks, and weather and port capacity need to be considered.

Shanghai Port to MIA (Port of Miami)

Transportation time: The voyage usually takes more than 30 days because it needs to go around South America. The specific time depends on the route.

Transportation cost: Shipping cost is higher because it requires a longer voyage and is suitable for some goods with low timeliness requirements.

Factors to consider: Consider seasonal changes in routes and port service levels.

Let’s take a look at the corresponding sizes of various shipping cabinets of FCL and the weight of the cargo it can load.

Shipping Container Sizes and Load Bearing

20 feet container	5.9×2.4×2.5m	31CBM	20t
40 feet container	12m×2.4m×2.6m	58CBM	28t
40 high cubic container	12m×2.4m×2.7m	68CBM	28t

How Much Does Sea Shipping from China to USA Cost?

The following is the reference price from Shenzhen Port to various ports in the United States.

Departure	Destination	20GP	40GP	40HQ
ShenZhen	Los Angeles	USD2300	USD3500	USD3600
ShenZhen	New York	USD3100	USD4700	USD4800
ShenZhen	Houston	USD3400	USD4900	USD5000
ShenZhen	Oakland	USD3300	USD4800	USD4900
ShenZhen	San Francisco	USD3500	USD5000	USD5100
ShenZhen	Miami	USD3300	USD4800	USD4900

Departure	Destination	20GP	40GP	40HQ
ShangHai	Los Angeles	USD2200	USD3400	USD3500
ShangHai	New York	USD3000	USD4500	USD4550
ShangHai	Houston	USD3100	USD4600	USD4650
ShangHai	Oakland	USD3300	USD4800	USD4900
ShangHai	San Francisco	USD3200	USD4600	USD4650
ShangHai	Miami	USD3300	USD4700	USD4750

Departure	Destination	20GP	40GP	40HQ
GuangZhou	Los Angeles	USD2500	USD3600	USD3650
GuangZhou	New York	USD2300	USD4600	USD4650
GuangZhou	Houston	USD3200	USD4500	USD4550
GuangZhou	Oakland	USD3400	USD4850	USD4900
GuangZhou	San Francisco	USD3600	USD5000	USD5050
GuangZhou	Miami	USD3500	USD4900	USD4950

Timeliness Considerations from China to the United States

Average Shipping Time

Air freight is one of the fastest ways to ship goods, with average transit time usually between 12-24 hours.
Direct flights from major cities in China (such as Shanghai and Shenzhen) to major airports in the United States (such as Los Angeles and New York) are shorter, helping to quickly complete the transportation of goods.

Weather factors: Bad weather may cause flight delays. Understand the forecast in advance, adjust plans according to weather conditions, and choose a time for shipment when the weather is stable.
Backup plan: Make a backup plan to prepare for emergencies, such as choosing an alternate flight or adjusting the route.

Ocean Transportation Cycle

Shipping time: Ocean shipping usually takes a long time. Shipping time depends on the distance between the origin port and the destination port, the choice of route and the speed of the ship.
The shipping time from major ports in China (such as Shanghai, Shenzhen) to major ports in the United States (such as Los Angeles, New York) is usually between 15-30 days, depending on the route selection.
Port dwell time: Port dwell time includes unloading, customs clearance, transshipment and other links, which has a direct impact on the overall timeliness.
Choose an efficient port, understand the customs clearance process of the target port in advance, and reduce the stay time.
Optimize cargo loading and unloading plans, arrange customs clearance documents in advance, and reduce waiting time at the port.

U.S. Customs Clearance Process

Clearance Steps at the U.S. Destination

Commercial invoice: Includes detailed information about the goods, such as description, quantity, and value.
Packing list: Specifies the contents of each package, aiding customs verification.

Bill of lading/Waybill: Proves ownership of the goods and aids in clearance.

Import permit/Certificate: Necessary for specific goods with special requirements.
Proof of value: Can be an invoice, contract, or other document validating the value of the goods.

Customs declaration (CBP 3461): Submitted to Customs, detailing the circumstances of the imported goods.

Import license: Required for certain goods, obtained in advance.

Customs Inspection and Clearance Process

Unloading and inspection: Goods are unloaded upon arrival, and a customs inspection takes place.
Customs assessment: Customs assesses the compliance and taxation status of the goods based on the provided documents.

Payment of duties: Duties and taxes are paid according to the classification and value of the goods.

Customs declaration: Submission of a customs declaration, including detailed information about the goods and payment of taxes.
Customs review: Customs reviews the declaration to ensure accuracy.

Release of goods: After successful review, Customs issues a release notice, allowing the goods to be delivered to the ultimate consignee.

U.S. Tariff Inquiry

HS Code Determination

Identify the Harmonized System (HS) code for the imported goods. The HS code categorizes products for customs purposes.
Utilize the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) or the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) resources to find the appropriate HS code.

Trade Tariff Tools

Online tools and calculators provided by government agencies or trade associations to estimate tariffs based on the HS code.

CBP Tariff Database

Access the official CBP tariff database, known as the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS).
Enter the HS code and relevant product details to retrieve detailed information about applicable tariffs.

Consult with Customs Brokers

Seek guidance from experienced customs brokers who possess expertise in tariff classifications.
Customs brokers can provide insights into specific duty rates, preferences, and potential exemptions.