Freight Shipping from Germany to the USA

International Freight Shipping from Germany to the USA: A Comprehensive Guide

Logistics isn’t just about choosing a mode of transport to move cargo from point A to point B. It involves a complex set of processes that require meticulous planning and coordination at every stage. To select the optimal route with minimal time and resource costs, proper route planning and preparation of all accompanying customs documents are essential. Ensuring reliable shipment tracking throughout the journey is crucial for timely delivery to the destination. Adhering to these processes is key to guaranteeing swift and secure cargo movement.

Our guide will help you understand all aspects of freight shipping from Germany to the USA. This knowledge will help you ensure your shipment runs smoothly and on the best possible terms.

Container shipping by sea from Germany to the USA

Sea freight from Germany to the USA is the most traditional and widely used method of delivery. It allows for the transportation of large batches of oversized, liquid, bulk, and other types of goods at a relatively low cost. Container ships can carry thousands of tons of products, making this method particularly efficient for heavy and bulky items. The only downside to container shipping is its slower speed. Transport takes 30-40 days, which can be a critical factor for urgent shipments.

Choose sea freight if:
1) You need to ship cargo weighing more than 300 kg;
2) Your goods are not suitable for air transport;
3) Your cargo does not require urgent delivery;
4) You need to ship non-standard sized cargo.

FCL and LCL Shipping

For shipping goods from Germany to the USA, containers of 20 and 40 feet are used. You can either fill the container entirely with your cargo or share it with other shippers when sending smaller batches of goods.

● FCL (Full Container Load): Involves renting the entire container space for quicker processing. It’s ideal for large shipments exceeding 15 cubic meters, allowing you to fill a 20-foot container completely. This minimizes risks of damage or loss since the container is sealed and not shared with other shippers.

● LCL (Less than Container Load): In an LCL container, each shipper pays only for the space they use, significantly reducing transportation costs. While financially advantageous, it may require more time as it involves consolidating and processing shipments from multiple shippers.

The choice between FCL and LCL shipping depends on specific business needs. Large companies with substantial volumes typically find FCL more efficient, facilitating quick loading and unloading at both ends. Small to medium-sized enterprises with smaller batches can save considerably using LCL. However, LCL containers have multiple final delivery addresses, which may extend arrival times. It’s crucial to carefully evaluate all aspects—cost, delivery times, and cargo security—to select the most suitable option.

Sea freight shipping routes from Germany to the USA

Cargo departs directly from leading ports in Germany – Hamburg and Bremerhaven – to either the East or West Coast of America. Arrival points in the USA include ports in New York, Los Angeles, and Houston.

When planning shipment from Germany to the United States, it’s crucial to consider the final destination. If your goods are headed to the East Coast, New York Port is the optimal choice for swift delivery. However, if the destination is on the West Coast, such as Las Vegas, plan to ship your cargo from Germany to the Port of Los Angeles in California.

Choosing the right arrival port will expedite the delivery process and help avoid unnecessary expenses and delays.

Shipping time for air freight from Germany to the USA

The delivery time for air freight isn’t solely determined by flight duration. Before goods board, they must undergo warehouse handling, customs checks, and other administrative procedures. On average, goods reach the American market from Germany in 8-10 days. Final delivery times depend on route distance and cargo specifics.

Airports for shipping cargo from Germany:
(FRA) Frankfurt Airport
(DUS) Düsseldorf Airport
(TXL) Berlin Tegel Airport
(MUC) Munich Airport
(HAM) Hamburg Airport

Airports for receiving cargo in the USA:
(ORD) O’Hare International Airport – Chicago, Illinois
(JFK) John F. Kennedy International Airport – New York City, New York
(ATL) Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport – Atlanta, Georgia
(DEN) Denver International Airport – Denver, Colorado
(PHL) Philadelphia International Airport – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Cost of shipping from Germany to the USA by air

There’s no standard rate for shipping from Germany to the USA by air. Costs depend on cargo specifications, chosen airlines, route distance, and delivery timelines. Clearly, shipping to New York by air will cost less than to Denver. To find the optimal solution for your cargo, consider all these factors.

Fulfillment-Box managers understand all nuances of air delivery and can offer you the most advantageous route.

Choose express delivery if:

1) Your goods are perishable;
2) Delivery deadlines are critically tight;
3) You need to ship a small volume of goods.

D2D, DDP/DDU Delivery

When organizing international shipping from Germany to the USA, various logistical solutions can simplify the process of receiving goods.

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

Shipping goods from Germany to the USA under D2D (door to door) terms is the optimal choice for those who value time, money, and reliability. This process includes the full cycle of operations from picking up the cargo from the sender to delivering it to the recipient in America. This service allows you to avoid arranging delivery from a port or airport to the final recipient, saving considerable time and potentially costs. It’s worth noting the economic benefit as well. Initially, D2D delivery may seem more expensive, but it often proves cost-effective by eliminating additional expenses for intermediate transportation stages.

Regardless of whether your city has an airport or access to the sea (ocean), we will move your cargo using intermodal delivery. Our specialists thoroughly plan each stage of transportation to ensure timely arrival and the safety of your cargo. We strive to ensure seamless movement of goods throughout America and are ready to handle any challenges posed by the geography of your location.

In addition to full-cycle logistics, there are other logistical solutions available. Among the methods of sea freight, options like Port to Port, Port to Door, and Door to Port are particularly popular. For air transport, methods such as Airport to Airport, Airport to Door, and Door to Airport are widely used. Choosing the right option depends on various factors, including costs, delivery times, and the level of responsibility and client involvement in the delivery process.

DDP and DDU Delivery

DDP and DDU determine who will bear the expenses during the import of goods into the USA.

DDP (Delivery Duty Paid): The seller assumes all costs associated with delivering the goods to the destination, including customs duties and taxes. This means the buyer receives the goods cleared of all formalities without the need for additional expenses. This approach is convenient as it helps avoid unexpected costs and delays during the import of goods.

DDU (Delivery Duty Unpaid) / DAP (Duties At Place): The responsibility for paying customs duties and taxes lies with the buyer. The seller organizes delivery of the goods to the destination but does not take on obligations for customs clearance. This can be advantageous for those experienced in customs procedures and able to optimize costs.

Choosing between DDP and DDU depends on various factors, including the buyer’s experience level in international trade, ability to manage customs processes, and preferences regarding financial risks. It’s important to carefully weigh the pros and cons to make the most advantageous decision for both parties involved in the transaction.

How much does shipping from Germany to the USA cost?

The cost of shipping from Germany to the USA is determined by a variety of factors. Key factors include the type of cargo, its weight and volume, the chosen method of transportation (sea or air transport), and the specific route. Seasonal fluctuations, urgency of delivery, transport condition requirements, and the need for additional services will also impact the final price.

Individual customer needs and preferences can significantly alter the cost, so for an accurate quote, please contact our managers.

Estimated costs for different types of shipping are as follows:
● Sea LCL (Less than Container Load) shipping: $200-250 per cubic meter
● Sea FCL (Full Container Load) shipping (20-foot container): $2,500 to $3,250
● Sea FCL (Full Container Load) shipping (40-foot container): $3,400 to $4,000
● Air freight: $4-7 per kilogram
● Express delivery: $6-9 per kilogram

Specifics of customs clearance in the USA and Germany

Successfully navigating customs requires thorough preparation and knowledge of all process intricacies. American legislation places particular emphasis on the completeness of information in the documentation being processed. Improperly completed documents can stall the process, leading to significant delays.

A key aspect of customs clearance in the USA is correctly identifying HS codes for goods. This is necessary to accurately calculate customs duties and taxes. Errors in classification can result in fines or importation under inflated tariffs.

Equally important are compliance rules regarding restrictive measures and sanctions. The USA has several sanction programs that apply to specific countries and goods. Importing from sanctioned countries or restricted goods may be prohibited or require special permits.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) oversees compliance with U.S. customs laws. In Germany, customs processes for export goods are monitored by the European Commission.

Customs duties in the USA

In the USA, customs duties are governed by a tariff system known as the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS). The HTS is a detailed set of rules and rates applied to various categories of goods imported into the country. This system not only efficiently manages the import process but also safeguards the domestic market against unfair competition.

The average customs tariff in the USA is just 3.4%, which is one of the lowest rates globally. The tariff rate can vary depending on the country of origin of the goods. Goods from countries with which the USA has trade agreements may be subject to reduced tariffs or exempt from duties altogether.

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

To accurately determine the shipping time for cargo from Germany to the USA, it’s important to consider all influencing factors. Each method has its own timeline depending on specific conditions and the characteristics of each individual shipment.

● Shipping by sea takes the longest time. On average, cargo reaches American ports in 30-40 days, depending on the route and weather conditions.

● Air freight is faster and more predictable in terms of delivery times. It typically takes 8-10 days for the organization and transport of cargo to America. The only factors that may affect its timing are weather conditions.

● Express delivery is for cases when time is of the essence. Cargo will be delivered to the USA within 3 days. However, speed comes at a significantly higher cost.

How to ship goods from Germany to Amazon FBA warehouses in the USA

Amazon holds a significant 37.8% share of the US e-commerce market, making it one of the most attractive platforms for online sales. Amazon provides its sellers with a massive customer base in America and a well-established infrastructure. This significantly simplifies business operations for European entrepreneurs. However, to fully leverage the platform’s advantages, it’s crucial to plan logistics carefully while adhering to all Amazon FBA standards.

Directly sending goods to an FBA warehouse helps avoid additional costs during intermediate shipping stages and speeds up the process of getting your products onto the virtual shelves of the marketplace. However, simply loading goods from a warehouse in Germany and unloading them at an FBA warehouse in the USA isn’t enough. Amazon has strict packaging and labeling standards. Proper cargo preparation ensures your goods are accepted at the warehouse without delays or additional inspections.

Failure to meet platform requirements can lead to refusal of goods acceptance at the warehouse and additional expenses to correct errors. Therefore, many sellers prefer to entrust logistics to an intermediary or freight forwarder experienced with Amazon FBA. They have the capabilities and knowledge to minimize any risks associated with transporting and receiving goods.

Fulfillment-Box has been in the Amazon market for many years. During this time, we have studied its strengths and weaknesses. We handle various types of shipments, including hazardous and perishable goods, ensuring compliance with all platform standards. Fulfillment-Box operates dozens of warehouses in close proximity to Amazon’s distribution centers across the USA. This ensures swift access to the American market for your business.

Choose Door to Door DDP shipping method for delivery to an FBA warehouse in America. You’ll have assurances that your goods will arrive on time and hassle-free.