Shipping from China to the USA depends on the cargo, the route, and when it needs to arrive. The comparisons below cover sea freight, air freight, and express, followed by the costs and shipment details needed for a door-to-door quote.
Rates move throughout the year. Our monthly China–USA freight market update covers recent changes, but you should still get a dated quote before booking.
Shipping from China to the USA: Options and Transit Times
| Shipment situation | Options to compare | Planning transit time | Main cost or service check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Samples and small parcels, often under 10 kg | Express courier | About 2–5 days for eligible express services | Chargeable weight, customs processing, remote-area charges |
| Small commercial orders, roughly 10–80 kg | Express, air freight, or DDP air | Depends on the service and delivery scope | Minimum charges and total door-to-door cost |
| Urgent cargo, often 45–500 kg | Air freight | About 3–10 days airport-to-airport | Pickup, clearance, and final delivery are additional unless included |
| Smaller ocean shipments, roughly 1–15 CBM | LCL ocean freight | About 22–40 days port-to-port | Consolidation, destination handling, and delivery |
| Larger ocean shipments, around 15+ CBM | Compare FCL with LCL | About 18–40 days port-to-port | Container size, port pair, trucking, and free time |
Use these figures for planning. Cargo dimensions, destination, sailing schedule, and carrier acceptance can all change the best option. DDP describes the delivery responsibilities and can apply to sea or air freight, so it does not have a standard transit time of its own.
Port-to-port vs door-to-door timing
For ocean FCL, allow approximately 18–35 days to the US West Coast and 25–40 days to the East Coast. LCL also needs time for consolidation and deconsolidation, so ask whether both are included in the quoted schedule.
Ocean and airport-to-airport estimates exclude some pickup, clearance, and delivery steps. Allow additional time for customs exams, port congestion, warehouse appointments, and final delivery. Express estimates generally describe a courier service, so do not automatically add the same ocean delivery buffer to them.
For Amazon shipments, delivery to the warehouse does not mean the inventory is immediately available for sale. Our China-to-FBA shipping timeline explains the receiving steps that come after delivery.
Not sure which method fits your shipment?
Send us your weight, CBM, origin city, destination ZIP code, product type, and target delivery date. We’ll tell you what each quote does and does not include.
How Much Does Shipping from China to the USA Cost?
Shipping cost depends on weight, dimensions, origin, destination ZIP code, product type, shipping date, and service scope. When comparing offers, use the same pickup and delivery points and include the applicable customs and destination charges.
| Service | Usual pricing basis | Rate reference and costs to check |
|---|---|---|
| Express courier | Chargeable kg | As of June 2026, discounted express rates often started around $5/kg for small shipments. Minimum charges, dimensions, and surcharges can make small parcels cost much more per kg. |
| Air freight | Chargeable kg | As of June 2026, general cargo commonly ran about $4–$8/kg. Confirm fuel/security surcharges, pickup, clearance, and airport-to-door delivery. |
| LCL ocean freight | CBM or weight/measurement basis, subject to minimums | Request a current origin-to-destination quote. Include both origin and destination CFS handling, where cargo is consolidated or separated, plus final delivery. |
| FCL ocean freight | Per 20ft or 40ft container | Request a rate for the specific port pair, container size, and sailing. Check terminal charges, trucking, and container-related fees. |
| DDP door-to-door | Per kg, CBM, or shipment | Request a shipment-specific total, identifying the duties, clearance, delivery, and exceptions covered. |
The figures above describe the market as of June 2026 and are not current offers. Rates move throughout the year, so obtain a dated quote with a stated validity period before using a rate in your budget.
Air and express generally charge whichever is higher: actual weight or dimensional weight. Ask for the dimensional-weight formula and minimum charge. An LCL price per CBM cannot be converted into a useful price per kg without knowing the cargo density and quote scope.
Why a forwarder’s rate can differ from booking direct
Ocean carriers and airlines do not price every customer the same way. The rate and the space a forwarder can offer depend on the agreement it holds with the carrier: spot or FAK bookings at one end, service contracts and block space agreements in the middle, and named-account allocations or reserved allotments at the top. Higher tiers generally mean lower net rates and better-protected space when capacity tightens, and carriers set them on overall booking consistency and route mix rather than on any single shipment. That is why a forwarder’s line-haul rate can sit below the retail rate quoted for the same lane. When comparing offers, ask where the rate comes from and how space is secured in peak season.
Freight price vs total landed cost
Base freight usually covers one defined part of the journey. Total landed cost includes the purchase price of the goods, freight, applicable duties and taxes, handling, delivery, and any other costs needed to reach the destination. A forwarder’s quote normally excludes the purchase price of the goods.
What Your Shipping Quote Should Include
Ask the forwarder to mark each relevant item as included, excluded, or estimated:
| Cost group | Items to confirm |
|---|---|
| Origin and international transport | Supplier pickup, export clearance, freight, origin handling, fuel/security or carrier surcharges |
| US customs | Broker/entry fees, ocean ISF filing, bond if required, duties, Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF), and Harbor Maintenance Fee (HMF) where applicable |
| Destination and delivery | Terminal or CFS handling, trucking/chassis where needed, delivery ZIP and address type, liftgate, residential/remote charges, FBA or 3PL appointments |
| Exceptions and protection | Customs exams, storage, demurrage/detention, free days and subsequent charges, cargo insurance, and claims contact |
With LCL, check destination handling charges and storage minimums. With FCL, ask about container free time and trucking. A DDP quote should name the Importer of Record (IOR), the broker, the duty assumptions, and the party responsible for extra costs caused by an exam or delay. The words “all-in” do not automatically include insurance or customs exam fees.
How to Request a Shipping Quote from China to the USA
Send the following information to receive a comparable quote:
- Cargo: carton count, total gross weight, and each carton size in centimeters; include total CBM if known.
- Product: name, material, intended use, and photos or specifications where useful. Flag batteries, magnets, liquids, powders, or other restricted cargo.
- Route: supplier pickup address or origin city, destination ZIP code, and whether delivery is to a business, home, 3PL, or Amazon warehouse.
- Schedule: cargo-ready date and target delivery date.
- Scope: agreed supplier trade term, pickup needs, customs arrangements, and whether you want DDP delivery.
If the supplier has only provided carton dimensions and an address, send those with the carton count and product details to start an estimate. The forwarder will still need the weight, destination, and service requirements before confirming the price. For identical cartons, calculate total CBM as length × width × height in cm × carton count ÷ 1,000,000.
How to Choose a Shipping Method
Sea Freight: FCL vs LCL
Ocean freight usually suits larger shipments that can spend more time in transit. LCL shares container space with other shipments, while FCL books a whole container and involves fewer consolidation handoffs.
For shipments around 15 CBM or more, compare both options using the full destination cost. The crossover varies by route, cargo, and current rates. Confirm packaging and pallet requirements with the receiving warehouse before the supplier packs. Solid-wood packaging may require ISPM 15 treatment and marking; processed-wood packaging can have different requirements. Many US warehouses also expect four-way pallets, so two-way pallets may be re-palletized on arrival and billed at the warehouse’s hourly handling rate.
Air Freight vs Express
Air freight is commonly used for urgent commercial cargo. For samples and small parcels, an express courier service may be simpler. Compare the total delivered prices when a shipment falls between the usual express and air-freight ranges, because weight alone does not determine which costs less.
If a delay would cause a stockout, compare the freight premium against the cost of missing your delivery deadline.
Batteries, Magnets, and Liquids
Carrier acceptance depends on the product, packaging, route, and documentation. Lithium batteries, magnetized goods, liquids, and aerosols can require special approval or dangerous-goods handling. Get that approval before booking or sending cargo to the warehouse. Transport acceptance does not establish that the product meets US import or sale requirements.
FOB vs DDP Shipping from China
| Term | Main responsibility split | When to consider it |
|---|---|---|
| FOB | For sea or inland-waterway transport: the seller delivers goods on board at the named origin port; the buyer arranges the main freight, import clearance, and onward delivery. Risk transfers when goods are on board. | You want control over the freight and US import arrangements. |
| DDP | The seller is responsible for delivery to the named destination, import clearance, and applicable duties under the agreed term; goods are delivered ready for unloading. | You want the seller to coordinate transport and import arrangements through to delivery. |
A forwarder’s “DDP service” quote should identify who performs these obligations, which entity is the IOR, and what the agreement excludes. Confirm unloading, special delivery services, and exception charges in writing. DDP does not remove product-compliance requirements or the IOR’s legal responsibilities.
If the importer arrangement is unclear, our guide to DDP shipping to the USA explains who can act as the IOR and what to put in writing. The Incoterms chart shows how the cost and risk split changes under the other terms.
Door-to-Door Delivery Options
The international leg can connect to several US delivery services:
- Sea + courier: smaller cartons delivered by parcel carrier after ocean transport.
- Air + courier: urgent cartons with courier delivery after the air leg.
- Sea + truck: pallets, furniture, and bulky cargo delivered by truck.
- Sea + rail: ocean arrival followed by inland rail; arrange the final delivery leg separately.
For our warehouse-supported services, cargo is received and coordinated through the US destination warehouse network before final delivery to the buyer, 3PL, or consignee.
US destination warehouse view: receiving and coordination before onward delivery.
The Shipping Process from China to the USA
| Step | What happens | Your main check |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Inquiry | Submit cargo details and delivery requirements | Dimensions, weight, product, destination, and deadline |
| 2. Quote | Compare service options and confirm scope | Total charges, validity, exclusions, and responsibilities |
| 3. Supplier coordination | Arrange collection and prepare documents | Cargo and paperwork agree |
| 4. Booking | Reserve a vessel or flight | Cargo-ready date, cut-offs, and restricted-cargo approval |
| 5. Export clearance | Complete the Chinese export declaration | Declaring party and required documents are confirmed |
| 6. Transit | Track departure, arrival estimate, and changes | Whether the ETA is port arrival or final delivery |
| 7. US clearance | Broker handles the entry and customs requirements | IOR, documents, applicable duties, and any holds |
| 8. Delivery | Arrange the last mile and proof of delivery | Appointment, unloading needs, carton count, and condition |
Before Cargo Leaves the Supplier
Confirm who will handle the export declaration. Cross-check the commercial invoice and packing list against the product description, quantity, value, weight, and shipping marks. Warehouse measurements may change the quote if they differ from the supplier’s figures.
Meet cargo and document cut-offs; ocean containers also require the applicable verified gross mass (VGM) declaration before loading. For ocean bills of lading, agree whether original documents, a sea waybill, or an available telex-release arrangement will be used. Cargo release arrangements and customs clearance are separate steps.
US Customs, Duties, and Required Documents
Confirm the Importer and Paperwork
Before shipment, identify the Importer of Record, the filing broker, and the identification and bond arrangements required for the entry. The commercial invoice and packing list must agree on the goods, quantity, value, and origin. Provide the bill of lading or air waybill along with any documents required for the product.
For ocean cargo subject to ISF, arrange filing in time for the applicable pre-loading deadline, generally at least 24 hours before loading for most ISF data. A broker can file it, but the responsible party must supply accurate information. Our US import document guide sets out who prepares each document and when it is due.
How Import Duties Are Calculated
Duties depend on the HTSUS classification, customs value, country of origin, and tariff measures in force on the entry date. Ask the broker to check for additional Section 301 or Section 232 duties and any antidumping or countervailing duty orders that may apply.
Use the USITC HTS database for tariff information and the Commerce ACCESS database for relevant AD/CVD proceedings. Confirm the measures effective on the entry date rather than applying a single China-wide tax percentage.
Low-Value Parcels and the $800 Rule
Do not budget on the assumption that shipments under $800 automatically enter duty-free. Duty-free de minimis treatment was removed for shipments from China and Hong Kong effective May 2, 2025, and a further order suspended duty-free de minimis for low-value shipments from all countries effective August 29, 2025. Separately, the 2025 reconciliation law repeals the Section 321 de minimis provision permanently from July 1, 2027, so this is not a temporary measure to wait out. Confirm the treatment, entry method, and charges in force on your shipment’s entry date with your broker or carrier, and rebuild any landed-cost model that assumed small parcels move without duties or entry fees. See CBP’s e-commerce FAQs and the 2025 de minimis suspension order for the underlying policy and later updates.
Product Compliance and Customs Holds
Choosing DDP does not replace missing product registrations, certificates, or labels. Depending on the goods, FDA, FCC, CPSC, EPA, USDA, or other requirements may apply. For products covered by CPSC rules, our article on CPSC certification and eFiling explains the roles of the certifier, IOR, and broker.
One pattern is worth avoiding: goods ship on the buyer’s own courier account, CBP then requests a compliance certificate that the courier’s broker will not prepare for the consignee, the buyer cannot respond in time, and the cargo is returned to origin. Before shipping compliance-sensitive goods on a consignee’s express account, confirm that they have a broker contact and can answer CBP document requests within one to two business days.
If customs holds the shipment, ask the broker what documents or examination are required and respond promptly. Exams can create handling and storage charges even when no violation is found. The quote should identify who coordinates the response and pays the extra costs. Our guide to cargo held in US customs covers the common exam types and the first steps after a hold.
Avoid common preventable issues: vague descriptions, unsupported classifications, inaccurate values, inconsistent invoices and packing lists, missing origin markings, and late filings.
Not sure which method fits your shipment?
Send us your weight, CBM, origin city, destination ZIP code, product type, and target delivery date. We’ll tell you what each quote does and does not include.
Delivery and Sign-off
- Amazon FBA or 3PL: check labels, carton or pallet rules, appointments, and responsibility for rejected deliveries.
- Residential or remote addresses: ask about liftgate, inside-delivery, and location surcharges.
- Heavy or oversized cargo: arrange unloading equipment, site access, and any waiting-time allowance.
- At receipt: count the cartons, inspect the packaging, photograph visible damage, and record shortages or damage on the proof of delivery before signing where possible. Report issues promptly under the applicable claims procedure.
Check cargo insurance before departure, including the insured journey, covered risks, exclusions, deductible, and claims deadlines. Carrier liability may be limited and differs by mode and contract. Incoterms allocate risk between buyer and seller, while the insurance policy determines what is covered.
FAQ
How long does shipping from China to the USA take?
Planning estimates are about 2–5 days for eligible express services, 3–10 days for airport-to-airport air freight, and 18–40 days for port-to-port ocean FCL. LCL can require extra handling time. Ask for a door-to-door estimate for your route, including customs and delivery appointments.
What is the cheapest way to ship from China to the USA?
Ocean freight is often economical for larger, non-urgent shipments. Compare FCL and LCL around 15 CBM, including destination charges. For small parcels, compare discounted express with air freight minimums. Choose using the total delivered cost for your cargo, not only the headline rate.
Can I request a quote without knowing the total weight or CBM?
Yes. Start with the carton dimensions and count, supplier location, product details, and destination. Dimensions allow a volume estimate, but the forwarder still needs the gross weight and service scope to confirm pricing. Ask your supplier for a packing list if these details are missing.
Do I need a customs broker?
A broker is useful for commercial imports, especially where classification or product requirements are complex. A DDP provider may arrange brokerage, but confirm the IOR and bond responsibilities before shipping. Hiring a broker does not transfer the IOR’s legal responsibilities.
What is the difference between FOB and DDP?
Under FOB, the buyer generally arranges the main ocean freight, import clearance, and delivery after the seller places the goods on board at the named origin port. Under DDP, the seller handles transport and import obligations to the named destination, ready for unloading. Confirm the named place and service scope in the agreement. The Incoterms chart shows how the split changes under the other terms.
What happens if my DDP shipment is held by US customs?
The forwarder or broker coordinates the response, while you or the supplier may need to provide supporting documents. Payment for exam, storage, and correction charges depends on the agreement and reason for the hold. Confirm this before accepting the quote.
Does the $800 de minimis exemption apply to my shipment?
Do not assume a parcel qualifies for duty-free entry because its value is under $800. Duty-free de minimis ended for China and Hong Kong origin goods on May 2, 2025, was suspended for all countries from August 29, 2025, and Section 321 is set to be repealed permanently from July 1, 2027. Ask the carrier or broker to verify the rules and entry charges applicable on your shipment’s entry date.
Can I ship batteries, magnets, or liquids from China to the USA?
Some services accept these goods with suitable packaging, documents, and approval; others do not. Share the specifications before booking so the forwarder can confirm an eligible carrier and any handling charges.
What happens if my goods are damaged or lost in transit?
Notify the forwarder promptly and retain photos, packaging, invoice, packing list, and delivery records. Recovery depends on the facts, carrier terms, and any insurance policy. Check coverage and claims deadlines before the shipment leaves.
Can I ship directly to Amazon FBA from China?
Yes, when the shipment meets Amazon’s current preparation, labeling, routing, and appointment requirements. A US 3PL can help if you need inspection, relabeling, storage, or a plan for rejected deliveries before FBA intake.
Can you combine goods from multiple suppliers?
Yes, subject to cargo compatibility and the collection schedule. Provide each supplier’s cargo details, pickup address, and documents before collection. If the orders need to be received and checked before export, a China consolidation warehouse can combine them into one outbound shipment.
