We get a lot of questions from our clients about shipping from China to the US. They urgently want to know the methods, timing, and costs of shipping from China to the US, so that their goods could sell on time and get more profits.
China is still the world factory in today's world, and as such, all importers need to understand how to arrange for shipment from China after their items are finished. On the other hand, the journey might be time-consuming and expensive. It is advisable to become familiar with the normal shipping charges and time estimates to protect yourself from being disappointed.
Now, this guide is here to answer all your questions about shipping from China to the USA. It talks about everything, including common methods, timelines, and costs. We will share the time and costs according to the different shipping methods.
The Methods for Shipping from China to the US
1. Regular Post
The least expensive shipping method for light and small shipments may be a regular post. For example, EMS China is an international postal Express Mail Service, for documents and merchandise, offered by postal operators of the Universal Postal Union (UPU) connecting 175 nations and territories worldwide.
There will be a long wait time even though it will be inexpensive. Arrival times for EMS China can range from 12 to 30 days. The biggest issue is waiting for the clearance. This is the least expensive choice for small shipments, like samples, if you can wait.
We do not, however, advise using this method for international trading. Simply put, this approach works well for drop shipping. EMS China offers much quicker, cost-effective options for goods like small samples and parcels. And cooperate with 175 countries, so you have to wait for a long time.
Time for Regular Post: 12-30 days
Cost for Regular Post: Regular Post from China to the US: $5 for 0.5KG, $3 per extra KG
Kindly note that all such prices are for reference only.
2. Express Shipping
The benefit of Express shipping is that you can get your package quickly and without any problems. When the package comes, all you have to do is sign for it. Most of the time, shipping is fast and reliable. It will be the best way for most people who are just starting a small business.
The fastest and easiest way to get from China to the US is by express shipping. And you won't have to worry about paying duties or getting through customs. You will also be able to check on your goods at any time and make plans based on that information.
DHL, UPS, and FedEx all get used a lot in China. Most of the time, it is more reliable and faster than using the Common Post. The packages arrive anywhere in the world in just 3–7 business days. With this method of shipping to the US, we recommend that your goods weigh less than 1 CBM or 200 kg.
You know that Express shipping means fast delivery that needs to happen quickly and costs more than other ways to ship. But the price is much higher, which is a bad thing. Also, the price of express shipping may go up around the holidays, but it may go down a lot when the holidays are over.
Time for express shipping: 3-7 days
Cost for express shipping: Air Express from China to the US: $3.5 to $7.9 per KG
All the Express companies like FedEx, UPS, and DHL, have many Agents in Cities. So the parcels are pretty to be picked up by them, usually within 12 hours. And if it is so urgent you may let the supplier drop it off at their depot. And there are more expensive premium services which may even be delivered overnight.
Kindly note that all such prices are for reference only. Because the Express Agent usually gets different discounts. So please always ask for the latest price from A China Freight Forwarder. Sure, it is our pleasure to share.
3. Air Freight
Air freight is the best way to ship goods that need to be sent quickly, have a high unit price, weigh more than 200 kg, and are bigger than 2 CBM. With air freight, costs will be much lower than with Express shipping. The average amount of time it takes for air freight to get to its destination from China is between 5 and 9 days.
Now you may be wondering why express shipping is slower, given that both utilize air transport to carry your cargo. The distinction resides in the processing. The processing of express shipping is significantly faster than regular air freight.
Even though air freight is usually much cheaper than the Express, sometimes it can be more expensive. So the best thing to do is to talk to Chinafreightgroup to find out what your best option is.
Time for air freight: 5-9 days
Cost for Air Freight from China to the US: $4 to $8 per kilo
You will need an air waybill to carry cargo by air (AWB). You can use the tracking number provided in the AWB to trace the status of the shipment. And sometimes you need to handle the customs clearance.
Kindly note that all such prices are for reference only. As the price is floating. So please always ask for the latest price from A China Freight Forwarder. Sure, it is our pleasure to share.
4. Sea Freight
Sea freight is the main way that goods are shipped from China to others around the world. It is the best way for importers to get large amounts of goods. Low prices are the most important thing, too. That means your business may make more money. Yes, sea freight is the best option when your goods take up at least 2 CBM or weigh at least 400 kg. There are huge economies of scale in ocean freight (you know the ships can carry many containers at one time). Because of all of these benefits, most US importers choose to ship their goods from China by sea.
But Sea shipping from China to the U.S. is also a slow way to get there, so you have to plan and leave a lot of time for possible delays. It would take between 25 and 40 days to ship something from China to the U.S. Most of that time is spent on the ship's journey across the ocean.
And bad weather can also affect shipping by sea. So, if you ship by sea freight, you shouldn't expect to get your package right away. In addition to all of this, Chinese manufacturers don't keep any products in stock; they only make them when someone orders them, so you need to be ready.
For instance, if you want your goods to be ready for the selling season, you should plan and place your order earlier. We would suggest that you place an order at least three months ahead of time.
Some China freight forwarders to the US offer a service called "expedited freight" which is better than regular ocean freight but costs a little more. Just like with air freight, the rates for ocean freight vary a lot between Forwarders and over time, so again, you should shop around.
Time for Sea Freight:
20-40 days
20+ Days – via China Sea Freight to the West Coast
30+ Days – via China Sea Freight to the East Coast
Cost for Sea Freight from China to the US: $0.8-$2.5 per Kg
Kindly note that all such prices are for reference only. As the price is floating. So please always ask for the latest price from A China Freight Forwarder. Sure, it is our pleasure to share.
Conclusion
You can ship your products from China to the United States by Express, Air Freight, or Sea Freight. The procedure may appear to be complex.
As a result, we recommend that you contact a reputable freight forwarder in China, and explain your requirements, and they will assist you in handling the complete transportation link at a reasonable cost. All you have to do now is wait for your products to arrive.
Go ahead and request a shipping quote from us right now.