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Shipping from China to USA: Price, Time & Ways
When you import from China, an efficient shipping solution can help to ship your cargo to the United States or worldwide smoothly. Before you start shipping from China to USA, it is crucial to explore each transportation method. Because the delivery times and shipping costs vary depending on the shipping options, the weight, and the shipment size.
In this post, we have shed light on a comprehensive guide about import options to the USA, involving their pros, transit times, cost considerations, and when to choose them.
What are the shipping options from China to the USA?
Generally speaking, three basic modes are the foundation for shipping to the USA. These include air, sea, and express shipping. Each method has its own advantages, allowing you to pick the one that best suits your international trade needs. Keep reading to get a depth thought:
Air freight from China to USA
Air freight, known for its speed, is an ideal choice for businesses that require fast delivery to meet tight deadlines. It can help you receive the goods in several days by providing direct flights between major airports in China and the USA.
Meanwhile, air shipping from China to USA is often preferred for delivering high-value cargo or perishable goods. The controlled environment and quick transit times of air logistics help preserve the freshness of the shipments, such as seafood, pharmaceuticals, and flowers. In addition, the enhanced security measures for air cargo provide added protection for high-value items.
Below are some air freight advantages and disadvantages you can check:
Pros of air shipping
- Urgent shipping and convenience.
- It is quicker if you ship to the east coast of America.
- Good plan in terms of speed and cost for a medium-sized cargo.
Cons of air shipping
- More expensive shipping costs.
- You can not ship extremely heavy or oversize cargo because of the weight and volume restrictions for airlines.
- Restricted Goods. Such as hazardous materials, flammable substances, certain chemicals, etc.
Sea freight from China to USA
Ocean freight is a popular and economical option for shipping a large batch of goods from China to the USA. Especially if you are on the Pacific coast of the United States. Sea shipping involves transporting cargo in containers aboard cargo vessels. It typically supports different services based on your shipment size and requirements:
Ocean FCL
FCL, called Full Container Load, refers to your cargo that can fill an entire container. If you are shipping a high volume, you can book a full container for your goods to ensure maximum space utilization and flexibility. But you should pay attention to the FCL pricing based on the flat shipping rate, no matter whether your container is completely full.
Ocean FCL
On the other hand, LCL (Less Than Container Load) signifies your shipments can not fill a container and will be consolidated with others in a shared container. It is beneficial to bulk shipping by reducing costs while providing reliable transportation.
Check the advantages and disadvantages of sea transport in the following details:
Pros of sea freight
- Cost-Effectiveness.
- Versatility: FCL and LCL options.
- Suitable for bulk and heavy Goods.
Cons of sea frieght
- Longer transit times.
- Potential loss or damage because of weather risks at sea.
- Limited accessibility: Landlocked areas may face challenges when using sea freight.
Express shipping from China to USA
Express or courier services are better for smaller packages, official documents, or urgent shipments. It typically will handle below all:
- Logistics arrangement
- Shipping documentation
- Customs clearance
- Door-to-door delivery
It means that when you choose to express import from China to USA, the fee quoted includes all the above. China express shipping involves major international couriers such as UPS, DHL, or FedEx, which will cover in more detail below.
UPS
UPS provides a comprehensive international courier service, which can enable shipping from China to 220 countries across the globe. When handling customs clearance, UPS takes care of the entire process. And UPS excels in fulfilling larger cargo shipments better than FedEx and DHL.
DHL
DHL offers a good option for smaller shipments, where it tries to deliver the cargo by the next working day. When shipping from China to the USA, this typically results in a transit time of two days. However, the actual delivery times may vary, with an average range of 2-4 days.
FedEx
FedEx supports low-cost FedEx Ground delivery services while packages can be up to 150 lbs. You should know that FedEx only ships on Saturdays in some parts of the US, not all. Furthermore, it does not deliver lithium-ion batteries. If you have cargo that includes batteries, you should use alternative options such as DHL or UPS for shipping these items.
Pros of express
- Speedy cargo delivery.
- Door-to-door pickup and delivery.
- Advanced tracking systems.
Cons of express
- Higher cost: Fast delivery and additional services provided come at a premium price.
- Size and weight limitations. Large and heavy items may be subject to additional charges or restrictions.
- Limited coverage: Some remote areas or destinations may have limited coverage or higher surcharges for express shipping.
Selecting the most appropriate transport method depends on urgency, budget, cargo size, and specific requirements for your cargo. Working with a reliable freight forwarder can assist you in the complexities of international shipping. For instance, HUIN international Logistics, the heading of the forwarding company, is proficient in shipping from China to the USA.
How long does it take to ship from China to USA?
The duration of shipping from China to USA generally takes 1-45 days. Here are the estimated transit times for different shipping methods:
Air freight
The transit time of air shipping to the USA takes around 1 – 7 days for delivery. It mainly depends on the airlines, flight availability, and specific locations in China and the United States.
Sea freight
Shipping time from China to the US by sea takes approximately 15-40 days. It will take 15+ days if you ship to the US West Coast, while East Coast needs 30+ days. Furthermore, LCL might require a longer time than FCL as it needs to wait for another shipper cargo to fill a container.
Express shipping
Generally, express shipments from China to the USA can take 1-5 business days. The specific time is according to the service level chosen and any potential customs.
Shipping times from China to US are not always consistent and immutable. The delivery timelines may vary from peak seasons, holidays, unforeseen circumstances, etc. It’s advisable to consult with the shipping provider for a more accurate arriving time based on your logistics plan.