Freight Shipping from China to the USA

Comprehensive freight forwarding services with various shipping options from China to the USA:

  • Sea freight LCL and FCL
  • Air freight
  • Express shipping
  • DDU/DDP, Door to Door, Port to Port, Port to Door

Do you have cargo to transport? We have a solution for its fast and easy shipping.

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Shipping from China to the USA with Fulfillment-Box

With over 10 years of experience in ecommerce, we possess in-depth knowledge of all logistics aspects. Our qualified specialists will find the optimal shipping from China to the US, considering the destination, timelines, weight, and dimensions of your cargo. Whether it’s parcels, small batches, or entire containers, we can help transport it all.
However, Fulfillment-Box is more than just another freight forwarder facilitating the shipping of your cargo from China to the USA. We offer a comprehensive solution for the entire supply chain – combining supplier inspection, logistics, and fulfillment. You can inspect goods before shipment and subsequently use our network of fulfillment warehouses in the USA for product distribution.

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Freight Shipping Options from China to the USA

Sea freight from China to the USA

Sea shipping

LCL and FCL sea transportation from port to port, door to door and port to door. Delivery from China to the ports of Los Angeles, New York, Oakland, Savannah, etc. Reliable and affordable delivery in 20-50 days.

Air freight from China to the USA

Air shipping

A faster shipping option from China to the USA within 10 days (on average). We collaborate with reputable airlines such as Emirates Airline, Singapore Airlines, Air China, and others.

Express shipping from China to the USA

Express shipping

Fast cargo delivery (1 to 5 days) using international courier services UPS, DHL, and FedEx on an “all-inclusive” basis (logistics, customs clearance, delivery).

Door-to-door shipping (DDP/DDU)

Door-to-door shipping (DDP/DDU)

We will take care of shipping the cargo from the supplier’s warehouse to your warehouse. With DDP shipping, we take full responsibility for customs clearance and related expenses; you only need to receive the cargo. With DDU (DPA) shipping, customs clearance and duty payment are your responsibility, while we handle all aspects of customs processing and transportation.

Fulfillment-Box warehouse

Shipping from China to Fulfillment-Box warehouses

Freight shipping from China to Fulfillment-Box 3PL warehouses in the USA for further order fulfillment or preparation for Amazon FBA. This way, we take full responsibility for your supply chain.

Amazon FBA Warehouse

Shipping from China to an Amazon FBA warehouse in the USA

DDP shipping of your goods to an Amazon FBA warehouse in the USA by sea or air. Complete customs clearance for export and import, duty payment, and door-to-door delivery. Our own warehouse in China allows us to pre-inspect and prepare goods for FBA, ensuring a smooth delivery process.

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Why Fulfillment-Box is the Best Freight Forwarder China to the USA

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Services as if for ourselves

We have years of experience in e-commerce, so we understand the intricacies of logistics from both the shipper's and receiver's perspectives. We precisely know how to establish the most suitable route from China to the USA based on your requirements.

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Exceptional customer service

Our customer service team is available 5 days a week in a personalized chat, ensuring prompt resolution of all your queries. Our managers respond within 20 minutes during business hours and speak your preferred language - English, German, Russian, or Ukrainian.

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Own warehouse in China

Our warehouse in China can provide additional services for you, including supplier or sample inspection, consolidation, repackaging, labeling, preparation for FBA, and more, ensuring a smooth delivery without unpleasant surprises.

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All-in-one solution

You receive a comprehensive solution for your e-commerce business. Our service package encompasses all stages of the supply chain - from supplier inspection to cargo delivery, order fulfillment, and returns processing. Thus, we become the only partner you need.

Request a Quote for the Shipping Cost of Your Freight from China to the USA

Please fill out the form for a cost estimate, or leave your contact information, and we will get in touch as soon as possible to clarify the details.



    Frequently Asked Questions about Freight Shipping from China to the USA. Briefly about the Main Thing

    How much does the freight shipping from China to the USA cost?

    Estimated shipping costs from China to the USA:
    ● Sea LCL (Less than Container Load) shipping: $20-50 per cubic meter
    ● Sea FCL (Full Container Load) shipping (20-foot container): approximately $1400 to $3000
    ● Sea FCL shipping (40-foot container): approximately $1700 to $4000
    ● Airfreight: $5-7 per kilogram
    ● Express delivery: $5-8 per kilogram

    What is the shipping time from China to the USA?

    The freight time from China to the USA depends on the mode of transportation:
    ● Sea Freight: typically 40-50 days, but it can take up to two months
    ● Airfreight: 2-15 days
    ● Express Delivery: 1 to 5 days

    What is the fastest way to ship freight from China to the USA?

    The fastest way of shipping from China to the USA is express delivery by international courier services (UPS, FedEx, DHL). This method of delivery takes only 1-5 days.

    What is the cheapest way to ship from China to the US?

    The cheapest freight shipping from China to the US will be by sea. If you are willing to wait for approximately a month, you can opt for sea freight and save on costs.

    Which shipping method from China to the USA is the best to choose?

    If you have large and heavy cargo, sea freight is the most economical option.

    For urgent shipments weighing less than 300 kilograms, airfreight is the preferred choice.

    For highly urgent shipments weighing less than 200 kilograms, express delivery is the most suitable option.

    If you are shipping goods from China to Amazon FBA in the USA, DDP delivery is the most convenient option as we take care of all transportation costs and handle customs procedures.

    What documents are required for the shipping from China to the USA?

    The required documents for shipping from China to the USA include a commercial invoice, packing list, and either an air waybill or a sea bill of lading/consignment note.

    Shipping from China to the USA: A Comprehensive Guide

    China is one of the world’s leading manufacturers, playing a crucial role in supplying goods to every corner of the globe. Common items such as clothing, electronics, and accessories are often shipped directly from China. It is rightly referred to as the ‘world’s factory.’ The United States, in turn, stands as one of the largest importers. Therefore, the process of freight shipping from China to the USA impacts the interests of a vast number of entrepreneurs. If you are among them, it is essential to understand the process and be aware of potential challenges.

    Below, we will provide detailed information on all aspects that play a crucial role in the efficient import from China to the USA.

    Freight Shipping from China to the USA

    Shipping Options from China to the USA

    There are three methods of international freight shipping from China to the USA: sea freight, air freight, and express shipping. Each of these methods has its advantages and characteristics. The choice will depend on your specific delivery needs. Let’s take a closer look at these methods.

    Sea freight from China

    Sea freight from China to the USA

    Sea vessels can transport enormous volumes of cargo at once without significant restrictions on the type and dimensions of the goods. Therefore, sea freight is the most economical and cost-effective method of freight shipping from China to the USA.

    However, it is also the slowest method of delivery. Sea freight from China to the USA can take anywhere from two weeks to two months, depending on the distance, route, schedule, and other factors. Therefore, if you plan sea freight, it is crucial to carefully plan your supply chain to avoid running out of stock between shipments.

    When sea shipping from China to the USA is the best choice:
    1) You need to deliver cargo weighing more than 300 kg.
    2) You need to send items that are prohibited for air transportation.
    3) The delivery time of the cargo is not critical for you.
    4) You need to deliver cargo of non-standard size.

    FCL и LCL shipping

    Sea freight is carried out in containers, typically 20- or 40-foot containers, and you have two ways to utilize the space:

    • FCL (Full Container Load): This method involves using an entire container or containers exclusively for your cargo. Since you pay for the entire container, make sure you have enough goods to fill it. This method is commonly used to ship freight from China to the USA with a volume exceeding 15 cubic meters.
    • LCL (Less than Container Load): This method involves consolidating your cargo with others to fill a container. It is designed for shipping goods that are not large enough to fill an entire container. Typically used for shipping cargo less than 15 cubic meters.

    If we compare, FCL is considered a more secure method. Your goods do not come into contact with other cargo, reducing the chances of damage or loss of part of the shipment.
    Additionally, FCL provides greater flexibility in the delivery schedule. In the case of LCL, you are dependent on other shippers. At the departure point, you wait for the container to be filled, and at the destination, you wait for the goods to be sorted and separated. This takes extra time, and it’s important to consider when planning. On the other hand, LCL shipping is much cheaper than FCL. It’s an excellent way for economical delivery of smaller batches.

    Consult with Fulfillment-Box managers to make the right choice for your goods.

    Consult with managers
    Sea shipping routes from China to the USA

    The ocean freight from China to the US is carried out through two main routes: the Pacific route and the Atlantic route.
    The Pacific route is used for shipping goods from China to the USA West Coast. It connects ports in Shanghai, Shenzhen, Ningbo, and Xiamen in China to ports in Los Angeles, Seattle, Oakland, and Portland. Shipping cargo along this route takes up to 1 month.
    The Atlantic shipping route leads from China to the USA East Coast. Sea vessels travel from Chinese ports through the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans to ports in Miami, New York, and Savannah. This route takes up to two months.

    Air freight from China to the USA

    Air freight represents a kind of opposite to sea freight. Air freight from China to the USA is much faster but, as a result, more expensive. The faster the delivery, the higher the cost.
    It’s also worth noting that airfreight is not as accessible as sea freight. Air transport has restrictions on the weight and type of goods that can be transported. Your goods must comply with international safety standards to be accepted on the plane.
    Nevertheless, this method of delivery is becoming increasingly popular each year, thanks to its speed and reliability.

    When to choose air cargo for shipping goods from China to the USA:
    1) You need to receive the goods within one to two weeks.
    2) Your goods are perishable.
    3) Your cargo is valuable or fragile.
    4) The weight of your cargo does not exceed 500 kg.

    Air freight from China
    Shipping time

    On average, air cargo from China to the USA takes between 3 to 6 days, but it can take slightly longer. This largely depends on the route. Sometimes, opting for a non-direct flight can be more cost-effective. While the delivery time may extend by a couple of days, it results in cost savings. Weather conditions and clearance procedures (delivery to the airport, customs processes, consolidation with other shipments, and sorting upon arrival) are also among the influencing factors.

    Cost of air freight from China to the USA

    The cost of airfreight from China to the USA depends on the airline, the season, the level of demand, and the delivery timeframe.
    During holidays and peak seasons, delivery costs can be several times higher than in the off-season. For instance, if you normally pay around $3 per kg, during Christmas, it might be over $10. Similarly, shipping in the summer can be cheaper than in the winter.
    Additionally, under identical conditions, prices may vary depending on the airline. The higher the level of competition on the route, the greater the potential range in prices.
    And as mentioned earlier, the faster the delivery timeframe, the more expensive it will be.

    Reach out to our managers for a detailed calculation and selection of the most cost-effective option for air shipping from China to the USA.

    Consult with managers
    Express shipping from China

    Express shipping from China to the USA

    Express shipping from China to the USA is the best option if you urgently need to receive your cargo, as transportation takes only 1-5 days. It is also a good method for shipping small parcels and cargo. Также это хороший способ для пересылки небольших посылок и грузов.
    Express shipping is carried out by international courier services such as DHL, UPS, and FedEx on a door-to-door (D2D) basis. The courier service takes care of document preparation, customs clearance, logistics, and transportation to the destination. You only need to receive the cargo.
    Such convenience comes with a corresponding price. On average, the cost of delivery is around $8 per kilogram.

    When to choose express shipping from China to the USA:
    1) Your goods are perishable.
    2) You need to receive the cargo as soon as possible.
    3) You need to transport a small volume of cargo.

    D2D, DDP/DDU Shipping

    There are several shipping options from China to the USA, depending on transportation conditions and the approach to customs clearance.

    Door to door, Port to port, Door to port etc.

    Door-to-Door, or D2D, is a convenient method for freight shipping from China to the USA. This approach ensures a complete logistics cycle, starting from the origin in China and concluding at the destination point in the USA. The primary advantage of D2D is that you won’t need to actively organize the transportation process. Logistics companies, such as Fulfillment-Box, handle all stages of delivery, including picking up the cargo, customs procedures, transportation through various modes, and delivery to the final address in the USA.
    In addition to the full logistics cycle, there are also several options where the importer and exporter take responsibility for delivering the cargo to the point of departure and/or the destination point in the USA. These options include Port-to-Port, Port-to-Door, Door-to-Port, and, in the case of air delivery, Airport-to-Airport, Airport-to-Door, and Door-to-Airport.

    DDP and DDU shipping

    DDP and DDU are two fundamental types of commercial delivery terms that define the responsibility for paying customs duties and taxes during cargo delivery.
    DDP (Delivery Duty Paid): Under the DDP terms, the supplier (exporter) is responsible for all expenses, including customs duties and taxes, associated with shipping the goods from China to the USA. This means that the customer will not have to pay additional customs fees upon receiving the cargo.

    DDU (Delivery Duty Unpaid): In the case of DDU, conversely, the customer (importer) is responsible for paying all customs duties and taxes associated with shipping the goods from China to the USA. This means that the customer may incur additional expenses for customs duties upon receiving the cargo.

    DAP (Duties At Place): Nowadays, instead of DDU, you can increasingly encounter the term DAP (Duties At Place). DAP is a new term that appeared in Incoterms in 2010 and denotes the same conditions as DDU. The term DDU has not been included in Incoterms since 2010, but this does not prevent its active use to this day.

    The choice between DDP and DDU/DAP depends on the agreement between the supplier and the buyer. Understanding these terms will help determine who exactly bears the financial responsibilities for customs clearance and freight shipping from China to the USA.

    How much does the shipping from China to the USA cost?

    The shipping from China to the USA cost is typically determined by expenses related to loading and unloading, document processing, payment of duties, and various fees. Tariffs constantly fluctuate based on the season, fuel costs, carrier competition, and even geopolitical situations (such as the impact of Covid-19 on tariffs at one point).
    Therefore, specifying exact figures is quite challenging. The calculation of shipping costs is done on an individual basis for each shipment. Only by providing the freight forwarder with accurate information about the cargo, point of origin, and destination can you determine the cost of shipping from China to the USA.
    Sea freight is the most cost-effective, while air freight can be several times more expensive. Express shipping is the most expensive option.
    If we talk about the average cost of shipping, the figures are as follows:

    • Sea LCL shipping: $20-50 per cubic meter;
    • Sea FCL shipping (20-foot container): approximately $1400 to $3000;
    • Sea FCL shipping (40-foot container): approximately $1700 to $4000;
    • Air freight: $5-7 per kilogram;
    • Express shipping: $5-8 per kilogram.

    We do not recommend relying on these figures to avoid disappointment later. It is better to request an individual quote from our specialists.

    Consult with managers

    What is the cheapest shipping from China to the US?

    If we are talking exclusively about tariffs, the cheapest way to ship goods from China to the USA would be sea freight.
    However, it is essential to consider the impact of shipping on your business. Sea freight takes a long time. If you have poorly planned your delivery schedule, you may incur losses that render all the savings meaningless. For example, the goods may be delayed, leading to lost sales. Alternatively, the goods may spoil during transit.

    How much time does shipping from China to the USA take?

    Depending on the shipping method and planned route, freight time from China to the US can take anywhere from 1 to 40-50 days.

    • Sea shipping takes the longest time, typically around 40-50 days. The delivery time by sea is heavily dependent on the destination point. If you need to receive the cargo on the East Coast of the USA, delivery can take up to two months. Delivery to the West Coast of the USA will take less than one month.
    • Air shipping is a relatively fast delivery method, taking from 2 to 15 days.
    • Express shipping lives up to its name and takes only 1-3 days.

    All figures are approximate and depend on various factors, including seasonality, current workload, distance, type, and weight of the cargo.

    freight time from China to the US and Europe

    What is the best way to ship goods from China to the USA

    There is no universal answer, of course. Otherwise, there wouldn’t be three different shipping methods. It all depends solely on your needs and capabilities.

    To choose the right shipping method from China to the USA, you need to analyze the following:
    1) What you are shipping (size of the cargo, fragility, shelf life);
    2) Where you are shipping from and to (which routes are available for delivery);
    3) When you need to receive the cargo (how much time you are willing to wait for the cargo).

    If you have a very large volume of cargo, no urgent deadlines, and you want to save money, then the best option is sea freight.
    If you need to receive the goods faster and the type of goods is allowed for air transport, then it is worth choosing air freight.
    And if you need to get the cargo as quickly as possible, then choose express shipping.

    Better get a quote from a professional freight forwarder from China to the USA, such as Fulfillment-Box. Our specialists will help you choose the optimal delivery option.

    Consult with managers

    How to ship from China directly to Amazon FBA warehouse

    Shipping from China to Amazon FBA warehouse is a separate issue that is worth discussing. Direct shipping will allow you to save significantly, but at the same time, it carries a number of risks.
    Amazon FBA has strict requirements for the quality, packaging, and labeling of goods. If something is wrong with the shipment, Amazon will either reject the goods or charge you for additional processing. In the case of shipping directly from China, you have no opportunity to personally inspect the shipment.
    By using a middleman and a freight forwarder, you can make shipping from China to an USA Amazon FBA warehouse safe and avoid surprises.
    Often, sellers ask manufacturers to prepare goods for Amazon FBA. In such cases, we recommend using the services of an inspector in China. They will inspect the goods before shipment and ensure that everything meets the standards.
    Alternatively, you can use the services of a local Prep center, which will independently and effectively prepare your goods for shipment.
    To ensure smooth delivery, it is advisable to choose the Door to Door DDP method to avoid any issues with receiving the cargo.

    Fulfillment-Box’s warehouse in China provides services for inspecting and preparing goods for FBA. Our logistics specialists will assist you in building an optimal shipping route from China to the Amazon FBA warehouse. Thus, Fulfillment-Box becomes your universal comprehensive solution.

    Services of Freight Forwarder from China to the USA

    As you have already understood, freight shipping from China to the USA is a quite complex logistics process. Of course, you can figure it all out and handle logistics on your own. But it is much easier and more efficient to entrust this task to a freight forwarder.
    In logistics, there are many pitfalls that no article or guide will tell you about. However, an experienced professional freight forwarder from China to the USA will be aware of them, taking care of all the organization and troubleshooting. This will help you save time and nerves.
    You will be responsible for choosing the right service provider. Here are a few tips on what to pay attention to:
    1) Communication. In logistics, many things can go off course. Therefore, it’s important for the freight forwarder to always be in touch. Analyze how communication with the company has been. If it has been difficult or unpleasant, it’s worth looking for another option.
    2) Prices. Request quotes from several service providers and compare them to choose the optimal tariff.
    3) Trust. Analyze reviews about the freight forwarder and decide if you trust them.

    Allow Fulfillment-Box specialists to provide you with a personalized offer for freight shipping from China to the USA.


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