Ultimate Guide to China-US Deliveries in 2024

Shipping Methods of Shipping from China to the US

There are different ways you can ship cargo from China to US. Let’s take a look at them below so you can choose your preferred shipping method.

1. Air Freight

Air freight is a swift and efficient shipping method. It is more cost-effective than courier services but less expensive than sea freight. It is not practical for large or heavy shipments due to the cost being based on the weight and volume of the goods. But for smaller shipments or high-value goods where speed is crucial, air freight might be the way to go.

There are also different service levels within Air Freight that impact cost and delivery times.

• Express Delivery (Air): Fastest option.

• Standard Delivery (Air): Offers a balance between speed and cost.

• Economy Delivery (Air): Most affordable air freight option, but with longer delivery times.
  

2. Sea Freight

Sea freight or ocean freight means that goods are transported through sea vessels. It stands out as the most cost-effective and widely used method for shipping goods from China.  Sea freight is highly efficient for transporting large volumes of cargo in international shipping, making it a top choice for sea freight companies due to its lower shipping cost and capacity for handling large quantities of cargo. However, it may not be suitable for time-sensitive shipments due to the longer transit times.

There are two dominant sea freight options that exist:

• FCL (Full Container Load): highly suitable for large shipments occupying a whole container.This method provides the advantage of fixed rates and security for goods, as the container is sealed and not shared with other shipments.
  

• LCL(Less-than-container load): suitable for small shipments that share space with others. Goods are consolidated with other shipments, sharing the container and costs. However, this method may take longer due to the consolidation process and additional handling.
  

 3. Express Freight

Express shipping is the fastest and most reliable way to ship bulk orders from China to the United States and the best express shipping carriers are UPS, FedEx, and DHL. They are fast and secure, they help transport items and come with excellent tracking services. Express Freight deal with processes of customs formalities and shipment, which makes them suitable for the small, but valuable shipments.

• FedEx: Known for reliable and fast delivery. FedEx International Priority is a good option for urgent package.

• UPS: Similar to FedEx, UPS offers expedited shipping services like UPS Worldwide Express.

• DHL: Specializes in international shipping and is a strong option for sending package from China to US.

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Shipping Time From China To USA

Shipping to the United States from China can take anywhere from 1-40 days depending on the shipping method you choose.

Air Freight from China to the US takes about 3-7 days business days, balancing speed and cost. Not because of slower flights but due to more complex handling processes than express freight.  Express Freight can reduce transit times by 2-3 days.

Sea Freight has the longest delivery times when shipping from China to the USA due to the slower pace of ships compared to planes. The shipping time can vary from 15 to 40 days, depending on the particular ports and the chosen shipping route:

• Sea Freight to the West Coast – 15+ days;

• Sea Freight to the East Coast – 30+ days.

This is further extended by ships slowing down to conserve fuel, additional preparation requirements, and the need for an ISF bond for single entry bond importers.

Express freight offer the fastest shipping times, ranging from 1 to 5 days. For urgent needs, more costly premium services can provide overnight delivery. Here’s a table of the average shipping times for Express freight to the United States depending on the carrier.

• DHL – 1-4 days;

• FedEx – 1-5 days;

• UPS – 1-5 days.

Shipping Cost From China To USA

The cost of shipping from China to the US varies depending on the shipping method, the weight and dimensions of your package, and how quickly you need your goods delivered. Here are some estimates:

• Express Freight: $7.54 to $9.54 per kilogram；

• Air Freight: $3.40 to $15.50 per kilogram；

• Sea Freight: $1,200-$1,850 per container.

For all shipments less than 200-400 pounds, you should opt for Express shipping. At this weight, it doesn’t make sense to purchase a full container and the extra hassle of air freight and hiring a customs agent is not worth the money.

Air freight is the most economical option for shipments that weigh between 400 lbs and 1200 lbs. At prices 30-40% cheaper than express shipping, you get the best of both worlds, fast shipping and lower pricing. However, air freight is more of a hassle than express shipping because you likely need to hire a customs agent. You also need to arrange for last mile transport from the airport to your warehouse.

For shipments over 1200 lbs, sea freight is almost always the cheapest shipping option from China to the US. You pay a flat rate for a container (20 or 40 ft) and you can ship as much as you can fit. However, the shipping times are significantly longer compared to air.  You also have to hire a customs agent and arrange for last mile transport from the port to your warehouse.

Documents Required To Ship From China To USA

Several key documents are required to ensure a smooth and efficient process when shipping goods from China to the USA.  The documents you'll need include:

Bill of lading: An agreement between the shipper and carrier detailing the goods and the terms and conditions including the contents, origin, destination, and terms of carriage. It functions as both a receipt of goods and a document of title.

Commercial Invoice: This is an itemized bill provided by the exporter to the importer, for customs clearance, including details like the product description, quantity, value, and country of origin.  It is vital for customs clearance and valuation purposes.

Entry Summary (CBP Form 3461): This document is required for customs clearance in the USA and includes information about the shipment, such as the contents, value, and country of origin. It is required to be electronically submitted to US Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

Certificate of Origin (CO): a formal document that declares a product's country of origin or manufacture. It includes information about the product, its destination, and the country of export. A Certificate of Origin is required for cross-border trade by many free trade agreements and treaties to determine import eligibility, duties, duty concessions, and preferential treatment. COs can be in paper or digital format and must be approved by the relevant chamber of commerce or customs authority.

Inspection certificate: A form that certifies that the cargo has been inspected and is safe for shipping.

Packing List: A detailed list of all the items in the shipment, including the quantity, weight, and dimensions of each package. It must be included with every carton or package and often contains a copy inside as well.

Insurance Certificate: Shipping safety must be included in a successfully delivery. An insurance certificate certifies that the exporter has purchased an insurance policy for the shipment of goods. Getting “All Risks” freight insurance covered is the most important strategy to provides with indemnity & compensation protection for loss or damage to your cargo.

Pay attention: any missing documents can cause issues in shipping clearance, which could cause delays in the shipping process.

How to Ship From China to US: Step by Step

Step 1: Request quotes, order goods, and agree on incoterms

Importer (consignee) orders goods from the supplier (consignor)

Request a quote, review the proforma invoice, and create a purchase order

Agree on incoterms, which allocate costs and risks between buyer and seller.

Step 2 : Engage a freight forwarder

Select a freight forwarder to manage transportation.

Step 3 : Review the Commercial Invoice

Supplier provides an order confirmation and commercial invoice. Store the invoice safely, as it's required for customs clearance.

Step 4 :  Freight forwarder arranges export clearance

Prepare required documents for customs clearance.

Step 5 :  Transport goods to depot/port and process export customs clearance

Goods are transported to a depot or port for export.

Step 6 : Pay taxes and custom fees

Unloaded cargo goes through customs. Imported goods may be subject to taxes, tariffs, and/or charges.

Step 7 : Custom-cleared cargo is delivered to your address

Goods are delivered to the buyer or agreed delivery point.

FAQs about China-US Deliveries

1. What's the cheapest time of year to ship from China to the US?

Seasonal fluctuations in demand can affect shipping costs. Typically, after Chinese New Year and during the off-peak season (later winter to early spring), rates can be lower.

2. How can I reduce shipping costs from China?

To reduce shipping costs from China, consider the following strategies:

• Coordinate with suppliers and plan shipping dates;

• Choose the right shipping mode to balance cost and timing;

• Select appropriate shipping terms;

• Partner with reputable, experienced suppliers and freight forwarders;

• Avoid shipping during local and Chinese holidays;

• Steer clear of last-minute air freight bookings;

• Optimize order volumes and packaging efficiency;

• Insure your cargo.

3. How Much Is Import Tax to USA?

The import tax, or duty, to the USA from China varies based on the product’s value, type, and the trade agreements in place. The U.S. International Trade Commission provides a tariff database that can be used to determine specific duty rates. Please keep in mind that additional fees, like the Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF), apply to most imports.

4. Can I reduce customs duties when shipping from China to the US?

While duties are set by law, correctly classifying your goods and ensuring accurate valuation can help you avoid overpaying. Consult with a customs broker for advice on minimizing duties legally.

5. What do I need to get a shipping quotation?

To request a shipping quote, provide the destination (city, state, country, and zip code) and specify any special handling requirements for the type of goods being shipped.

6. How Do I Track My Order from China?

To track your order from China, check the shipping or courier service's website with your tracking number. Most logistics companies offer an online tracking system where you can monitor your shipment's progress. For sea freight, expect regular updates at major transit points.

7. What Are the Prohibited Items to Ship to the US?

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) strictly prohibits or restricts certain items from being shipped into the country. This includes, but is not limited to, illicit substances, counterfeit products, certain agricultural produce, and products made from protected animals. Detailed information on prohibited and restricted items can be found on the CBP's official website.

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