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Shipping Cost from China to the US

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Freight rates dictate the expense of transporting cargo between locations. They are influenced by the goods, the transport method, the cargo's size, and the distance to the destination. 


This visual guide on freight rates from China to the US uses top data from multiple real-time sources. It aims to improve your understanding of the costs of shipping goods from China to the US. 


Freight rates also depend on seasonality, current events, and capacity. This includes the COVID-19 pandemic.



Ocean Freight from China to the US


Ocean Freight FCL


FCL means full container load. It indicates your goods occupy an entire container, either 20 or 40 feet. For shipping large volumes, FCL saves time and money. Its pricing is flat. So, whether your container is full or not, the rate stays the same.


Know more about FCL here:



If you are ready to ship from China to the US? Get Quotes 



Ocean Freight LCL


LCL, or less than a container load, means your goods don't fill a container. They will be shipped with other parcels or pallets. Note that, with LCL shipping, your goods must be grouped at the original port and then separated at the destination port. 


LCL shipments usually take a few more days to arrive than FCL. This is due to the need to consolidate and deconsolidate them.




Air Freight from China to the US


Air cargo shipping cost from China to USA per kg


Air shipping is faster but costs more than ocean shipping. So, your choice of shipping will depend on the size, weight, and urgency of your shipment. For help choosing the best shipping method, use our air vs. ocean calculator.



Shipping from China to USA transit time


From China to the US transit time by air&sea&express freight


What's the shipping duration from China to the US?


Your shipment's transit time depends on various factors. These include the start and end points, the shipment's size, and the season. It is generally important to note that shipping times can mostly vary.Freight shipments might be delayed. This could be because of changes in the market, natural disasters, or other surprise events.

Please refer to the table below to understand the estimated time for shipping from China to the United States by different shipping methods.


Shipping from China to USA transit time



How much is shipping from China to the US?


Get freight estimates for ocean, air, and truck shipments. Use our international freight quote calculation method..


Use our freight calculator to get estimates.It can draw upon the largest shipping rate database information.Then, join Jmdforward.com to compare, reserve, and manage your shipments.


Are you ready to book ? for Jmdforward.com Pls Get Quotes


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Top shipping routes from China to the US


There are many routes from China to the United States that can be described in detail.Jmdforward.com has so many shipping rates for all these routes. It can provide real-time FCL, LCL, and air freight rates for such shipments.


The three most popular shipping lanes from China to the US are: Shanghai to New York, Shanghai to Los Angeles, and Shenzhen to Los Angeles.
We do our best to provide you with more information about shipping costsThen, sign up with Jmdforward.com to compare, reserve, and manage your shipments.



Cheapest shipping from China to the US?


Most of them are imported from China, and transportation cost is one of the important factors to consider


Shipping Small Packages from China


For importing small items like new product samples, freight is not the best choice. It's pricier and slower. Instead, regular post could be a better option. For example, China Post has various postage options. Small packages can go via airmail/SAL or ground mail. Large packages can use air parcel, SAL, or ground mail. Parcels can be sent via EMS/China International Express and EUB Priority. However, it's crucial to compare each option with courier costs. Typically, the heavier the package, the more cost-effective express delivery will be. While postage is cheaper, it usually involves longer waiting times.


Express delivery from China to the United States


Choosing international express, or express mail, is usually better. It's faster and more reliable than regular post. This holds true for services like DHL, UPS, or TNT. For parcels or small shipments up to 150 kg, express delivery can be the cheapest option. It costs about $5 per kg. But bear in mind that some couriers may levy high fees if you're not a registered customer.



Shipping from China to USA pricing


Air freight costs and rates from China to the US


For cargoes weighing between 100 and 1000 kg, air transport is the best option. Normally, the price is US$5 per kilogram. For cargoes with a volumetric weight greater than the actual weight, the final fee will be calculated based on the final volumetric weight.


Air freight and express delivery are the fastest options. But, express delivery is costlier than air freight for shipments over 100 KG. Freight rates between forwarders vary and change with the market. Therefore, it is recommended to compare multiple freight forwarders.


For heavier, bulkier goods, sea freight is cheaper than air freight. So, it is vital to consider these factors fully to help you choose the best price.



Sea freight costs and rates from China to the US


When the general cargo exceeds 500KG ocean shipping is cheapest. This is due to its remarkable economies of scale. For instance, some ships can transport 21,000 20-foot containers.


There are freight forwarders that provide a premium service known as expedited freight. This option is usually a bit more expensive than regular ocean shipping. 


However, it may suit those with urgent, time-sensitive needs. Just like air freight, different freight forwarders will have different quotes, which will also be affected by market conditions. Therefore, it is important to research and compare the prices of different freight forwarders.This will help you get the best deal.


To simplify this, use our easy freight rate calculator. In just a few clicks, you can get an instant quote for air and ocean freight rates. This lets you decide based on your shipping needs and budget.



How can Air Freight be cheaper than Sea Freight?


Every shipping mode has a mix of fixed and variable costs. For small shipments, low-cost shipping modes are more economical. For larger shipments, modes with lower variable weight costs are cheaper. This is true even if their base cost is high.



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


Typically, under normal circumstances, regular post has a lead time of 1-2 weeks. Air express freight takes about 3 days. Air freight takes 8-10 days. Ocean freight takes 30-40 days. However, these are just rough estimates. Many factors can affect lead time. They include weather, customs clearance, and port congestion. So, consult your logistics provider for more accurate, shipment-specific info.



Regular Post

Surface mail shipping from China is extremely slow. In contrast, China Post offers faster, cheaper options. These are airmail and Express Mail Service (EMS). Their delivery times are usually one to two weeks. Note that US Customs may delay parcels if there are issues with the paperwork. Therefore, to enhance the likelihood of a one-week delivery via regular post, ensure the supplier accurately completes all the necessary paperwork before sending the shipment. This step can help avoid customs delays and ensure smoother shipping.

Express Shipping 

When sending international express from China, it usually takes 3-5 days for the package to be signed for, which is usually the time it takes to arrive at the designated freight forwarding warehouse., unless it was dropped off at their depot. In urgent cases, there are premium services. Some can guarantee overnight delivery. They are pricier. However, we must consider customs delays. Also, all shipping details must be accurate to meet delivery times.

Air Freight

Standard air freight from China to the US usually takes 8-10 days. Unlike express freight, it is slower. This isn't due to slower planes, but because its processes are more intricate. Express air freight can cut transit time by 2-3 days compared to the standard option.

Sea Freight

Shipping from China to the US takes 30-40 days, door-to-door. This is mainly due to the long duration of ocean freight. Ocean liners move slower than planes. They're slowing down more to cut fuel costs. U.S. Customs require importers of sea shipments using single-entry bonds to get an ISF bond. This adds to the prep time.


Also, ocean freight is more vulnerable to disruptions than air freight. These include port congestion, customs hold-ups, and bad weather. However, if you're in a hurry, expedited ocean freight could be a great choice. By optimizing the process and using faster, reliable trucking, it can greatly reduce transit times, almost matching airfreight. It is a top choice for shipments from China, balancing cost and speed.




More on Shipping Modes from China to the US


When exporting from China, transport cost and speed are vital. So, you must understand the details and differences between the transport modes.


Regular Post


For new importers, shipping small sample packages by regular mail can be cheap. It allows direct shipment from the factory to the customer. It is quick to set up and eliminates early warehousing costs. However, with rising sales, we must rethink the shipping strategy to cut costs.


Express Shipping from China to the US


In China to the United States courier, the main FedEx, UPS, DHL and TNT are the most well-known companies.Their process is simple. Rates are online; no quotes needed. They also offer air express services. For shipments over $800, U.S. customs clearance is relatively uncomplicated.


Importers buying bulk inventory via sea or air freight should run a trial courier shipment first. Do this before finalizing large supplier contracts. This serves a dual purpose. It tests the product's marketability and helps project profits. The cost of this initial shipment sets the limit for ongoing freight costs. This ensures a better, more informed business decision.


Air Freight from China to the US


If the volume of the goods is relatively large, the transport of will also bring more complexity. This is compared with the general ordinary courier, it is indeed more operational, the courier is generally combined in a device, to the destination and then unloading and sorting. Compared with the courier, air freight class of goods in the United States customs clearance process will be more complex.


Various regulations, from international to carrier-specific, determine what constitutes dangerous goods for transport. Generally, air shipments face more restrictions than sea. Items like gases, flammables, toxics, magnetic substances, and certain chemicals are restricted. For details on shipping hazardous materials, see the Jmdforward.com Hazardous Materials Chart. This knowledge is key for safe, compliant transport in logistics.


FCL and LCL Shipping from China to the US


Sea freight is generally and mainly containerised. If the cargo doesn't fill a 20- or 40-foot container (LCL), consider LCL or LTL shipping. 


In LCL Shipping consolidation, different batches of goods are generally grouped together in one container. This requires freight forwarders to consolidate the shipments before the main transit. They must also unpack them at the destination. This is more laborious than handling a full container load (FCL).


Tracking individual LCL shipments in a container is harder than monitoring an FCL. 


For larger LCL shipments, a 20GP container is best.This is usually the case when the volume reaches about 15 cubic metres. 


FCL has three main points of strength. It's faster, usually one to two weeks quicker than LCL between China and the US. Less risk of breakage and loss.Although LCL is cheaper per cubic meter, FCL can be more cost-effective for general cargo. This is due to the reduced transit time and lower risk.



Freight Forwarders from China to USA


To truly master freight shipping from China, there's a wealth of knowledge to acquire. Beginning with choosing the appropriate shipping mode is essential. When seeking freight quotes, focus on a reliable forwarder and a good price.


Find a Freight Forwarder

A freight forwarder can help avoid shipping problems and manage the process. However, before hiring one, you must know incoterms. They are important when finalizing a deal with your supplier. Importers often unknowingly assume risks by signing incoterms. Sometimes they're lucky. But, it can lead to a disastrous shipment. This erodes profits and causes more losses.

Freight Documents and Forms

With a freight forwarder, you're not required to know all the freight details. However, it's beneficial to be ready for the paperwork and understand freight documents. Take a moment to ensure all documentation is precise and comprehensive. It's a worthy investment of time. Also, keep a freight charges reference handy. Don't accept surcharges and fees without scrutiny.

Use Correct Packaging

For continuous shipments, talk to your supplier about packaging. You could significantly reduce freight costs.

Get Insurance

Regarding cargo insurance, extensive research isn't necessary. The key is to get full coverage. Basic carrier insurance offers little protection. On  Jmdforward.com , you can easily add insurance during the booking process. This way, you can ship with peace of mind. Your goods are safe from damage, loss, and other risks.



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For those searching for seamless sea freight from China or competitive shipping costs per kg, JMD is your go-to choice. Our international shipping services prioritize convenience and efficiency, simplifying your logistics.
Opt for JMD to experience smooth global logistics, secure deliveries, and cost-effective customs clearance. With our unparalleled expertise, your goods will traverse the globe seamlessly.
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