Freight Shipping from the USA to Germany

We manage all your logistics and freight forwarding from the USA to Germany, guaranteeing fast and secure delivery with minimal risk.

  • LCL and FCL ocean freight
  • Air freight
  • Express delivery
  • DDU/DDP, door to door, port to port, port to door

Regardless of the volume and characteristics of your shipment, we will offer the most optimal and cost-effective delivery solution.

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Home / Services / Freight Shipping from the USA to Germany

Shipping from the US to Germany with Fulfillment-Box

Fulfillment-Box has been successfully operating in the e-commerce sector for over 15 years. Throughout these years, the company has gained invaluable experience in solving logistics challenges of any complexity. We will create the most efficient routes for freight shipping from the USA to Germany, considering all important parameters: destination, timelines, and size of your shipment. Whether it’s small packages or full containers, Fulfillment-Box will organize their safe transportation while meeting all deadlines.

Our strategic advantage lies in our own network of fulfillment centers. After delivering the cargo from the US, you can store it in one of our warehouses in Germany. Not only will you receive quality forwarding services, but you will also be able to entrust the supply chain to the reliable hands of Fulfillment-Box. We will take care of all the complexities and concerns related to shipments, allowing you to focus on growing your business.

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Freight Shipping Options from the USA to Germany

Sea freight from China to the USA

LCL and FCL sea freight

A cost-effective and safe way to transport goods of various volumes and weights to the ports of Hamburg and Bremerhaven in Germany. We offer port-to-port, door-to-door, and port-to-door delivery. Transit time ranges from 2 to 4 weeks.

Air freight from China to the USA

Air freight

Fast transportation of goods from the USA to Germany within 5-8 days on average. Partnering with reliable airlines ensures your cargo reaches its destination safely and securely.

Express shipping from China to the USA

Express delivery

Ultra-fast shipping via international courier services UPS, DHL, and FedEx. Delivery time for urgent shipments is 1-5 days. This service includes logistics and customs clearance.

Door-to-door shipping (DDP/DDU)

Door-to-Door delivery (DDP/DDU)

Intermodal delivery to any location in Germany with minimal hassle. Choosing DDP means we handle all customs procedures and costs. Choosing DDU means customs clearance and associated fees will be your responsibility. We take care of customs clearance and delivery.

Fulfillment-Box warehouse

Delivery to Fulfillment-Box warehouses

We have two large 3PL warehouses in Germany. We handle all the routine tasks of order fulfillment and preparing goods for FBA. Focus your efforts on growing your business.

Amazon FBA Warehouse

Delivery to Amazon warehouses

DDP transportation to Amazon FBA warehouses in Germany via sea and air routes. This includes customs clearance for export and import, as well as payment of all duties and taxes. Freight shipping is done from your warehouse in the US to Amazon’s warehouse in Germany.

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Why Fulfillment-Box Is the Best Freight Forwarder from the USA to Germany

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Personalized approach

Our advantage lies in our extensive experience in the e-commerce sector. Over the years, we have thoroughly understood the logistics from a forwarder's perspective and the demands from a client's perspective. We will select the most cost-effective and secure route for your shipments.

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Quality support

You can contact our support team via a personal chat. Our experts are available five days a week to promptly address all your questions and issues. They respond within just 20 minutes (during business hours) and can provide qualified assistance in your preferred language - English, German, Russian, or Ukrainian.

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Comprehensive solution

We take responsibility for nearly all stages of the supply chain, including order fulfillment and returns processing. By entrusting logistics to a single provider, you minimize risks and increase efficiency. Our comprehensive service allows you to focus on growing your business, while we plan and manage all other logistics aspects, ensuring reliability and accuracy in results.

Request a Shipping Cost Estimate from the USA to Germany

Fill out the form to get a shipping cost estimate or leave your contact information, and we will reach out as soon as possible to discuss the details.



    Frequently Asked Questions About Freight Shipping from the USA to Germany

    How much does it cost to ship goods from the USA to Germany?

    Estimated shipping prices from the USA to Germany are as follows:
    ● LCL Sea Freight: $200-250 per cubic meter
    ● FCL Sea Freight (20-foot container): Approximately $2500-3250
    ● FCL Sea Freight (40-foot container): Approximately $3400-4000
    ● Air Freight: $4-7 per kilogram
    ● Express Delivery: $6-9 per kilogram

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

    The shipping time from the US to Germany depends on the chosen method of transportation:
    ● Sea Freight: 14-28 days
    ● Air Freight: On average, 5-8 days
    ● Express Delivery: 1-5 days

    What is the fastest shipping method from the US to Germany?

    The fastest freight shipping method from the USA to Germany is express delivery. Using international courier companies (UPS, FedEx, DHL), your cargo will arrive at its destination within 1-5 days.

    What is the cheapest way to ship from the USA to Germany?

    The most budget-friendly cargo shipping option from the US to Germany is sea freight. However, costs can vary due to seasonal fluctuations, route, type of cargo, and other factors. For an optimal solution tailored to your specific cargo, consult our specialists.

    What is the best way to ship cargo from the US to Germany?

    There is no one-size-fits-all solution for freight shipping from the USA to Germany. It depends on the type of cargo, timelines, and the route.

    If time is critical and you need to send valuable or perishable goods, air freight is preferable.
    If your shipment is large, you want to save money, and you can wait 2-4 weeks, choose sea freight.

    What documents are needed for freight shipping from the USA to Germany?

    – Invoice
    – Letter of credit
    – Packing list
    – Certificate of origin
    – Bill of lading
    – Airway bill (if using air transport)

    Freight Shipping from the USA to Germany: A Comprehensive Guide

    Efficient logistics significantly saves resources and enhances overall business efficiency. For successful freight shipping from the USA to Germany, it’s crucial to consider current operating conditions of transport corridors, potential restrictions, and customs requirements of both countries. This approach helps avoid unforeseen delays and additional expenses during border crossings.

    Our guide will help you navigate all aspects of cargo shipping from the US to Germany. Understanding these nuances will allow you to plan and execute cargo transportation between countries in the most advantageous manner possible.

    Freight Shipping from the USA to Germany

    Shipping Options from the USA to Germany

    International shipping from the US to Germany can be accomplished through two main transport methods: air and sea. Each option has its own advantages and drawbacks. The optimal choice depends on the dimensions and weight of the cargo, its cost, delivery time requirements, and budget.

    Sea freight from China

    Sea freight from the USA to Germany

    Container shipping from the USA to Germany is one of the most popular and efficient methods in international logistics. This is due to the high cargo capacity of ocean vessels and their ability to transport a variety of goods, including large-sized and heavy shipments. It is a cost-effective mode of transportation, although it is more suitable for those where delivery times are not critical. Depending on the specific route, crossing the Atlantic can take between two to four weeks.

    Choose sea freight if:
    1) Your shipment weighs over 300 kg;
    2) You need to transport items prohibited for air transport;
    3) Delivery time is not critical for you;
    4) You need to transport non-standard sized cargo.

    FCL and LCL shipping

    Cargo shipping from the US to Germany involves 20-foot and 40-foot containers. Depending on the quantity of goods and the nature of the cargo, there are two types of sea freight options:

    FCL (Full Container Load): This involves renting an entire container exclusively for your cargo. It’s the optimal choice for shipments exceeding 15 cubic meters. During transport, the container is sealed and opened only upon arrival at the destination, ensuring high security for your cargo.

    LCL (Less than Container Load): Suitable for smaller shipments up to 15 cubic meters where renting a whole container isn’t necessary. Your cargo is consolidated with goods from other shippers into one container, and the rental cost is shared among all participants. This significantly reduces transportation costs.

    The choice between FCL and LCL depends on the volume of your cargo, delivery time requirements, and budget. FCL offers more secure and faster delivery but can be costly for smaller shipments. LCL helps reduce transportation expenses, but the consolidation and deconsolidation process may extend delivery times and increase the risk of damage due to multiple handling. The decision should be made based on your needs.

    Consult with Fulfillment-Box specialists to determine the best solution for your cargo.

    Sea freight routes from the USA to Germany

    The primary shipping route traverses the Atlantic Ocean from the eastern or western coasts of the States to ports in Germany. The efficiency and reliability of port infrastructures directly impact the speed and cost of transportation.

    Sea freight from the USA to Germany can be organized from major ports such as New York, Miami, Los Angeles, Charleston, and Baltimore.

    In Germany, key points for receiving maritime cargo include the ports of Hamburg, Bremerhaven, and Wilhelmshaven.

    German ports boast advanced infrastructure and logistics centers for processing and further distribution of goods throughout Europe.

    Air freight from the USA to Germany

    If time is pressing, consider air freight as your shipping option. Air freight from the USA to Germany is suitable for a wide range of goods, including fragile, valuable, and perishable items. However, it is more costly compared to sea freight. When organizing logistics, consider restrictions on volume, weight, and types of cargo suitable for air transport. Your goods must meet all international security standards to be accepted for air transportation.

    Choose air transport if:
    1) You need the goods within a few days;
    2) Your goods are perishable;
    3) You need to transport valuable or fragile cargo;
    4) Your cargo weighs less than 500 kg.

    Air freight from China
    Delivery times by air

    Air freight from the USA to Germany typically takes 5-8 days on average. Final delivery times may vary depending on distance and delivery conditions.

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

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

    Cost of air freight from the USA to Germany

    The cost of air freight from the USA to Germany varies. Different airlines may offer different rates under similar delivery conditions. Longer routes will incur higher costs. During holidays and peak seasons when demand for transportation increases, additional charges may apply for delivery. Delivery time will also affect the final price of the service.

    The Fulfillment-Box managers will assist you in making the right choice based on your needs and budget.

    Express shipping from China

    Express delivery from the USA to Germany

    When urgency is paramount, express delivery takes the lead. It offers the opportunity to deliver goods to their destination in the shortest possible time frame. Typically, express delivery from the USA to Germany takes 1-5 days. This is an ideal option for shipping small loads.

    Various delivery services (such as DHL, UPS, and FedEx) provide express delivery from door to door. This means you won’t have to worry about intermediate transportation stages – all logistics are managed by the courier company.

    The only drawback of express delivery is its high cost. On average, the transportation cost amounts to 8 dollars per kilogram.

    Choose express delivery if:

    1) Your goods have a limited shelf life;
    2) You need to receive the shipment in the shortest possible time frame;
    3) You need to transport a small volume of goods.

    D2D, DDP/DDU Delivery

    Choosing the right shipping method is crucial for efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and timeliness. Depending on the delivery terms and customs procedures, various shipping options are available.

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

    “Door-to-door” (D2D) delivery from the USA to Germany is a comprehensive service. It covers all operations, from picking up the cargo at the point of origin to delivering it to the final destination. Your direct involvement in the transportation process is minimal. All you need to do is receive the shipment.

    We use intermodal transport to send goods to remote areas of Germany that are far from ports and airports. At each stage of the route, we select the most cost-effective mode of transport: sea, rail, road, or air. This approach allows us to quickly respond to changes in the logistics chain and adjust routes based on current conditions. This is especially important for deliveries to hard-to-reach regions where traditional transportation methods might be inefficient or too costly.

    Other common shipping methods include Port to port, Port to door, Door to port for sea freight, and Airport to airport, Airport to door, Door to airport for air freight. The choice of a specific option depends on various factors, including cost, delivery time, and the level of responsibility and involvement required from the client.

    DDP and DDU Delivery

    DDP and DDU determine who is responsible for paying customs duties, taxes, and other expenses associated with moving goods between the USA and Germany.

    DDP (Delivery Duty Paid): The sender assumes all financial responsibilities related to delivering goods to the specified destination in the buyer’s country. This is the most convenient option for the client, as they receive the goods without additional import costs and are relieved from dealing with customs clearance.

    DDU (Delivery Duty Unpaid)/DAP (Delivered at Place): The sender is responsible only for delivering the goods to the buyer’s country’s border or a specified point within the destination country. All expenses related to customs clearance and applicable taxes are borne by the buyer. This option requires the client to be more actively involved in the import process and to have a good understanding of local customs procedures.

    Choosing between DDP and DDU/DAP requires careful analysis in terms of costs, risks, and the capabilities of both parties. Understanding these terms will help both parties determine the optimal delivery option for their cargo.

    How Much Does Shipping From the USA to Germany Cost?

    The cost of shipping from the USA to Germany depends on a variety of factors. Loading and unloading costs, documentation fees, customs duties, and other charges all contribute to the final shipping price. External factors such as seasonal demand fluctuations, fuel price changes, competition among carriers, and global and regional political conditions also influence the final cost. Personal preferences, such as delivery timeframes, should also be considered.

    Given the numerous variables, calculating the exact shipping cost can be challenging. To determine the final price for your specific case, please provide our specialists with all the details of your cargo and route.

    If we consider the average price range by shipping type, the rates are as follows:
    Sea freight LCL (Less than Container Load) – $200-$250 per cubic meter
    Sea freight FCL (Full Container Load) (20-foot container) – $2,500-$3,250
    Sea freight FCL (40-foot container) – $3,400-$4,000
    Air freight – $4-$7 per kilogram
    Express delivery – $6-$9 per kilogram

    These costs are approximate. To get accurate figures, request an individual cost estimate for your cargo from our specialists.

    Customs Clearance Process in the USA and Germany

    A significant part of successful international shipping is the proper customs clearance procedure. Both in the USA and Germany, goods must go through customs. The smoother this process, the quicker your delivery will be.

    In the USA, the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency oversees compliance with customs laws along the entire border. In Germany, customs procedures for importing goods are managed by the European Commission.

    Documents for customs clearance

    Invoice
    Letter of credit
    Packing list
    Certificate of origin
    Bill of lading
    Air waybill (if using air transport)

    Customs duties in Germany

    Any cargo imported into Germany from a non-EU country is subject to a sales tax of 19%. Certain categories of goods are taxed at a reduced rate of 7% (books, orthopedic devices, art objects, etc.). Import duty rates depend on the type of imported goods and average between 6-12%. These rates can be checked in the TARIC (Integrated Tariff of the European Community) system.

    In addition to customs duties, there are also excise taxes. These are indirect taxes on the consumption or use of certain categories of goods (such as tobacco and alcohol).

    Restrictions and prohibitions for import

    Import restrictions and prohibitions in Germany

    Restrictions apply to the import of:
    Pharmaceutical drugs and medications
    Food and agricultural products
    Tobacco products
    Alcohol and alcoholic beverages
    Medicinal plants and herbs
    Endangered species and wildlife

    Prohibited for import into Germany:
    Unlicensed medical drugs
    Counterfeit products
    Firearms and melee weapons
    Radioactive materials
    Cultural and historical artifacts
    Illegally obtained goods

    How Long Does Shipping from the USA to Germany Take?

    Shipping from the USA to Germany can take anywhere from 1 to 28 days, depending on the chosen route and mode of transport. Different routes require different amounts of time:

    Shipping by sea to a port in Germany takes approximately 14-28 days. This option is suitable for non-urgent cargo where cost is more important than speed.

    Air shipping is faster compared to sea freight, taking around 5-8 days. However, the cost of air freight is significantly higher, making it less attractive for large shipments.

    Express delivery is the fastest shipping method. Cargo will arrive in Germany within 1-5 days.

    For more precise delivery times, our specialists can provide guidance. They will consider all the specific details of your order and provide accurate information.

    Freight shipping time

    Which Shipping Option from the USA to Germany is Best?

    Each shipping method is best suited to specific situations. The choice will depend on the recipient’s needs and the sender’s capabilities.

    Before choosing a shipping option from the USA to Germany, consider these questions:
    1) What type of cargo and what volume needs to be sent?
    2) What transport routes are available?
    3) How quickly does the cargo need to reach its final destination?

    If you have a large shipment and cost is more important than speed, sea freight is the better option.
    If time is pressing and your cargo meets all the regulations for air transport, air freight is the way to go.
    If you need the goods to arrive “today,” choose express delivery.

    For the optimal shipping option, consult a professional shipping company like Fulfillment-Box, specializing in shipments from the USA to Germany.

    How to Ship Goods From the USA to an Amazon FBA Warehouse in Germany

    Germany holds a leading position among countries with the highest share of sales on Amazon. For sellers, this presents an opportunity to enter one of the most attractive markets and boost their sales. Direct shipping from the US to an Amazon FBA warehouse in Germany can be a cost-effective option in terms of reducing transportation expenses. However, this method comes with certain challenges.

    To ensure that your products are successfully accepted at the Amazon warehouse in Germany, it’s crucial to comply with all packaging and labeling standards. Failure to meet Amazon’s requirements can result in rejection by the FBA warehouse or incur additional costs for reprocessing the products.

    To minimize risks, consider delegating logistics to an intermediary or freight forwarder. They will handle the complete process of transporting your goods from the US to the Amazon FBA warehouse in Germany.

    Fulfillment-Box has many years of experience working with Amazon. We know all the “hidden pitfalls” and can ensure that your products meet all of Amazon’s standards for quality, packaging, and labeling. Our prep centers in Germany will help you avoid potential issues and successfully enter the European Amazon market.

    When it comes to shipping to Amazon warehouses, it’s preferable to choose the Door to Door DDP method. This approach helps avoid additional costs and delays at customs, ensuring a smoother delivery process.

    Freight Forwarder Services for Shipping from the USA to Germany

    The primary goal of any shipment is the timely and safe delivery of goods. Achieving this requires careful route planning, preparation for customs clearance, and ensuring complete transparency throughout the entire transportation process.

    Transatlantic shipping is a complex process that demands professional knowledge in logistics and international trade. You can attempt to navigate all the details of organizing the shipment on your own and take full responsibility. However, this will require a lot of time, effort, and financial investment. An alternative option is to hand over the logistics to a professional freight forwarder, insuring yourself against all unforeseen issues related to delivery.

    An experienced freight forwarder will transport any type of cargo with minimal risks and costs. Your main task is to choose the “right” ideal partner. Here are a few tips to help you with this:
    1) Communication. Ensure that your partner is available for contact at any time. Timely communication with the forwarder will allow you to promptly address any questions and problems, ensuring a smooth transportation process.
    2) Pricing policy. Analyze various offers on the market and choose the most advantageous balance of price and quality of services. Do not focus solely on the price. Extremely low service costs may indicate insufficient service levels or hidden costs.
    3) Reliability. The forwarder’s reputation in the market speaks volumes. Study reviews from other clients and learn about their experience working with different types of cargo. A reliable partner always meets delivery deadlines and takes responsibility for the safety of the goods.

    Trust Fulfillment-Box to deliver your shipment from the USA to Germany. Our team is ready to offer consultations and support at all stages of cooperation, from route planning to resolving issues related to customs clearance and cargo storage.