Freight Forwarder from China to the USA

China is known as the world’s factory for manufacturing almost all kinds of products at incredibly low prices. The US is among its biggest importers.

Shipping from China to USA for your e-commerce, Amazon or Walmart store is definitely a good option. Let’s understand everything in detail so you can ship products from China to America without any hassle.

Methods For Cheapest Shipping From China To USA

When you are shipping goods from China to the USA then finding the cheapest method depends on your budget, needs, and the size of your shipment. You can get knowledge about different methods by reading the content below.

Express Shipping

If you have an emergency and want your package in US as soon as possible, express shipping is the right choice. This way of shipping will transport your shipment from China to USA within 2 to 3 working days. However, you have to pay a higher amount than all the other shipping methods for this service. 

It is primarily used for last-minute orders, time-sensitive deliveries, or urgent documents. Moreover, your package weight must be less than 500 kilograms. So, if your cargo falls into this category and you have a good budget, you can go for express shipping from China to USA.

Air Freight

Air freight is one of the fastest ways to ship goods from China to the USA. It is perfect for small packages that need to arrive quickly. Planes can deliver goods in a matter of days, but this speed comes with higher costs.

However, air freight is usually more expensive than all other methods. The price depends on the weight and size of the package. Heavier packages are costly, so it is better for lighter goods that are time-sensitive. 

Sea Freight

Sea freight is the cheapest option for shipping large goods from the seaports of China to US ports. Ships can carry massive amounts of cargo across oceans. This method takes longer, usually 30 to 40 days but the low cost makes it attractive for big shipments. If time is not an issue then sea freight is a great option. 

There are two types of sea freight: Less than Container Load (LCL) and Full Container Load (FCL). 

LCL means you share a container with other people’s goods. It is cheaper for small shipments. But delivery to your final location in America might take longer because your goods need to be combined with others. 

FCL means you rent the whole container. It is better for larger shipments because it is more cost-effective. Your goods will be shipped directly without waiting for others which makes it faster than LCL.

Rail Freight

Rail freight is another option though it is not as common. It is still a cheaper choice if you are near the retail routes in USA. Goods are transported by train which can take a couple of weeks. Rail freight is not as fast as air freight but it can be cheaper for heavier goods.

It will work best for you when your shipment has to cross other borders before reaching the US. Rail freight shipping from China to USA is less common but it can be used for some locations.

Door-to-Door Service

Door-to-door service is convenient but can be more expensive. It includes all the steps in shipping, from picking up the goods at the supplier’s door in China to delivering them to the buyer’s door in the USA. This service saves time and effort since the shipping company handles everything.

Businesses mostly use this service to avoid dealing with customs, import duties, and transportation. Though it costs more, it simplifies the process and enables your goods to arrive directly at their destination. 

Which Documents Are Required To Import Goods From China To US?

The updated list of documents that you need to ship goods from China to the US is following:

• Bill of Lading (BOL)
• Commercial Invoice
• Packing List
• Arrival Notice
• Airway Bill 
• Customs Bond
• Importer Security Filing (ISF)
• Certificate of Origin
• Customs Entry Form (CBP Form 7501)
• Automated Manifest System (AMS) Filing
• Compliance with Other Federal Agencies
• Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) Classification
• Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Documentation

Shipping Process From China To US

Shipping goods from China to the USA involves many steps to provide a smooth delivery. You should have a good understanding of the process because it will make your imports to America easy.  

Order Your Products & Prepare Your Shipment

Firstly, you have to order your items to the manufacturer in China. When the manufacturing has been completed, you need to prepare your shipment in China. This includes packaging your goods properly and getting all the required documents ready. 

You will need to provide documents like the commercial invoice, packaging list, and bill of lading. Your freight forwarder will help to prepare these documents and check your shipment is packed in line with shipping regulations. 

Choose Your Shipping Method

The next step is to decide how you will ship your goods to the USA. The most common options are air, sea, or rail freight. 

If you are using sea freight then you also need to decide between a Full Container Load and Less than a Container Load. FCL is for large shipments that fill a whole container, while LCL lets you share space with other shipments. Each method has its own benefits based on the amount you are shipping. 

Find a Reliable Freight Forwarder In China

Next, you will need to find a Chinese freight forwarder. They handle all the logistics of your shipment including transportation and paperwork required in both countries. 

They will help you to choose the best route between America and China, handle customs documents, and also coordinate with carriers. This makes the process easier, especially for international shipping. 

Customs Clearance

Custom clearance is an important part of the shipping process. The US and China both have their own customs procedures for shipments. In China, we will confirm that your goods meet export requirements. USA customs officers will also check the shipment to confirm it follows import rules. 

You need documents like a custom bond, import security filing (ISF), and a certificate of origin to clear customs. Your freight forwarder will assist you in handling these documents and paying any duties or taxes required by US customs. 

Track Your Shipment

You can track the journey of your products once they are shipped from China. Most shipping companies offer tracking services so you can see where your shipment is at every step. This allows you to monitor the delivery time and makes sure your goods are on schedule. 

Incoterm Selection – The Most Crucial Step in Shipping

An incoterm is a legal contract that distributes duties between sellers and buyers in the shipping process. You have to agree upon one incoterm with the supplier of your products at the initial stages of your business. It will define who has to do customs clearance, loading, shipping, unloading, and local delivery in the USA and China. 

The incoterm you choose also influences your cost of shipment. You can discuss it with us. We will guide you on which incoterm is best for your business. However, the following are the most used for importing goods from China to the USA.

• Free On Board (FOB): Under this agreement, the supplier’s role is from manufacturing products to loading on the vessels in China. The rest is done by the buyer. He is also responsible for the risk after the goods are on board.
• Cost Insurance Freight (CIF): The seller covers the fees to transport the cargo to the United States of America. The buyer will do import clearance and pay for inland transit charges from the American port to their warehouse.
• Ex Works (EXW): After selecting this, the supplier only manufactures your products. You have to pick them up from their site and then deliver them to the port of China. You have to handle all the processes until it reaches USA.
• FCA (Free Carrier): The seller will hand over the cargo to the carrier in China recommended by the buyer. The cost for the rest of the process will be cleared by the buyer.

How Long Does It Take To Ship From China To US?

Shipping from China to the US can take anywhere from a few days to over a month depending on the method you use. Express and air freight are among the fastest options, while sea shipping takes the longest.

The time frame may vary on average:

You can also see the table below. Here we have provided details about the port-to-port ocean shipping time from different Chinese origins to your USA destinations.

How Much Does It Cost To Ship To USA From China?

Shipping prices from China to the US vary largely depending on the shipping method, shipment size, and distance. Shipping to the USA from China may be affected by the following variables:

• Whether it is peak or off-peak season
• Types of goods you are shipping
• Mode of shipping from China to USA
• Geopolitical elements
• Fuel and security surcharges

The latest air freight price from Chinese airports to US airports is as follows.

Customs Duties & Taxes

When importing goods from China to the US, customs duties and taxes are based on the shipment’s value and product category. Duty rates normally range from 0% to 37.5% depending on the harmonized Tariff Schedule classification. USA importers must also pay a Merchandise Processing Fee which is normally $27.75 for shipments valued under $2,500 and varies for higher values.

Documentation & Handling Fees

Documentation and handling fees cover the costs related to preparing and processing the necessary shipping paperwork. These fees can vary based on the shipping method, freight forwarder, and complexity of the shipment. In most cases, fees range from $100 to $500 depending on the documents required such as the Bill of Lading, commercial invoice, and customs entry forms.

Amazon FBA Shipping From China To USA

Amazon FBA is an e-commerce business model that’s trending in the United States. If you want to start this business, sourcing from China will be relatively affordable for you. So, what you have to do is to find a supplier in China from Alibaba, or Aliexpress. Then place an order for manufacturing your products in bulk.

After that, a shipping company like Bansar will take the responsibility of transporting your cargo. We will pick up your shipment from the manufacturer’s place in China and drop it to the Amazon warehouse in America. Thereafter, Amazon will do the rest and deliver the product to the customer.

Main Routes To Ship From China To USA

US importers use both seaports and airports for transporting cargo to the US. The following are the major ports of China and the United States.

Seaports of China & USA

 The Chinese ports for shipping to the US include:

• Ningbo Port primarily ships ores, coal, and crude oil. It is also known as the port of Ningbo-Zhoushan.
• Hong Kong Port covers 279 hectares of land. It deals with 18 million TEUs every year.
• Shenzhen Port is the second largest in the country. Nearly 40 shipping agencies operate at this port.

Other ports for trading between China and the United States include:

• Tianjin Port
• Xiamen Port
• Guangzhou Port
• Qingdao Port

The seaports of the USA that import cargo from China are:

• The Port of Long Beach majorly deals with containers. It handles over 8.1 million TEUs yearly.
• The Port of Houston lies among the largest ports in the world. It can accommodate more than 250 million tons of cargo.
• The Port of Seattle is the busiest seaport in the country. It is the leading port in the Pacific Northwest region.

Other seaports of the US for shipping from China are:

• Port of Los Angeles
• Port of New York 
• Port of New Jersey
• Port of Virginia
• Port of South Carolina

Airports of China & USA

The airports of China used for transporting cargo to the United States of America are:

• Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport
• Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport
• Shanghai Pudong International Airport
• Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport
• Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport
• Beijing Capital International Airport
• Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport
• Kunming Changshui International Airport
• Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport
• Xi’an Xianyang International Airport

The airports of the USA include:

• Louisville International Airport
• JFK International Airport
• Los Angeles International Airport
• Dallas Fort Worth International Airport
• Miami International Airport
• Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport
• Indianapolis International Airport

Most Shipped Products From China To The USA

A major export from China to the United States was broadcasting equipment, computers, and office machine parts. Now the most shipped products from China to the USA include a variety of consumer goods, electronics, and machinery. These items are popular due to their affordability and high demand in the US market. 

This is a list of some of the most commonly shipped products: 

• Electronics (smartphones, tablets, laptops)
• Clothing and apparel
• Footwear
• Toys and games
• Computers
• Broadcasting Equipment 
• Furniture
• Home appliances
• Kitchenware
• Tools and machinery
• Beauty and personal care products
• Sports equipment
• Automotive parts
• Medical equipment
• Pet supplies
• Stationery and office supplies
• Hardware and fasteners
• Plastic products

Restricted Items To Import To The USA From China

Many items are restricted or prohibited from being imported into the USA from China due to safety, health, and regulatory concerns. Importing these items can lead to confiscation, fines, or other legal issues. 

The following items are commonly restricted:

• Counterfeit goods
• Firearms and ammunition
• Certain types of food and beverages
• Bush meat
• Hazardous materials (chemicals, pesticides)
• Cultural artifacts and antiques
• Endangered species products
• Tobacco products
• Animal skins
• Insecticides and pesticides
• Medical devices without FDA approval
• Drug paraphernalia
• Items violating intellectual property rights

Challenges & Solutions To Ship To USA From China

According to our years of experience, you may face the following problems while shipping to different states of America.

Customs Delays

Custom delays happen when goods arrive at your US border and then take longer to be checked by officials. This can slow down your delivery times and frustrate businesses. 

American importers need to solve this problem by checking all paperwork is accurate and complete. Working with a reliable freight forwarder like Bansarship will also help you understand customs rules and speed up the process.

Damage and Loss

Your products can sometimes get damaged or lost during shipping to US. This might happen due to rough handling or poor packaging. So, you should use strong packaging materials and clearly label items to prevent these losses. Also, purchasing insurance for shipments can help you to recover losses if damage occurs. 

Communication

Communication issues generally arise between suppliers in China and buyers in the US. This leads to misunderstandings about orders, shipping times, and product quality. You can overcome this problem by using simple language in your emails and by checking in regularly.

FAQs

What is The Typical Shipping Route From China To The USA?

• The most common route is across the Pacific Ocean to West Coast ports like Los Angeles or San Francisco.
• The Trans-Pacific Route, which passes through the Panama Canal on its way to the East Coast, is also an important route.

How Can I Reduce Shipping Costs From China To America?

• Use sea freight instead of air freight for large shipments as it is more cost-effective.
• You should consider using Less than Container Load (LCL) for smaller shipments to share container space.
• You can plan shipments during off-peak seasons to avoid higher rates.
• Compare quotes from multiple freight forwarders to find the best rates.

Final Thoughts

Bansar freight forwarding group in China has years of professional experience in shipping from China to the USA. We can help you in clearing customs in both countries and also ship goods at your doorstep in any American city. Get a free consultation from our team and avail the best service.