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Shipping from China to USA
Our shipping solutions offer transparent pricing for sea freight (FCL & LCL), air freight, and DDP shipping from China to USA. With regular services to major US gateways such as Los Angeles, Long Beach, New York, Savannah, and Houston, with full US customs clearance.
Los Angeles
New York
Chicago
Houston
Savannah
+50 states
Quick Answer: China to USA Shipping Costs & Times
Air freight from China to the USA usually takes 3–7 days with rates around $3.50–$7.50/kg depending on weight, route, airline and cargo type. Sea freight takes 15–35 days, with 20ft container rates starting from about $880 and LCL from $325–$442 per CBM.
For importers who want fewer customs and delivery issues, DDP shipping from China to the USA includes pickup, international freight, customs clearance, duties handling and final delivery in one all-in price. The final rate depends on cargo weight, CBM, product type, pickup city and your U.S. delivery address.
Estimated transit times and costs for Shipping from China to USA
Departure Port
Destination Port
CNTR Size
Price
Transit time
Shanghai (CNSHA)
Los Angeles (USLAX)
20FT | 40FT/HQ
$4,915 | $6,265
14–18 days
Shanghai (CNSHA)
Long Beach (USLGB)
20FT | 40FT/HQ
$4,915 | $6,265
14–18 days
Shanghai (CNSHA)
Seattle (USSEA)
20FT | 40FT/HQ
$5,218 | $6,315
18–24 days
Shanghai (CNSHA)
New York (USNYC)
20FT | 40FT/HQ
$6,145 | $7,813
18–24 days
Shanghai (CNSHA)
Savannah (USSAV)
20FT | 40FT/HQ
$62,10 | $7,989
32–40 days
Shanghai (CNSHA)
Norfolk (USORF)
20FT | 40FT/HQ
$5,187 | $7,596
31–39 days
Shanghai (CNSHA)
Charleston (USCHS)
20FT | 40FT/HQ
$6,584| $7,395
32–40 days
Ningbo (CNNGB)
Los Angeles (USLAX)
20FT | 40FT/HQ
$5,651 | $6,246
15–20 days
Ningbo (CNNGB)
Long Beach (USLGB)
20FT | 40FT/HQ
$5,651 | $6,246
15–20 days
Ningbo (CNNGB)
Oakland (USOAK)
20FT | 40FT/HQ
$5,813 | $6,861
32–42 days
Ningbo (CNNGB)
Seattle (USSEA)
20FT | 40FT/HQ
$5,560 | $6,581
32–42 days
Ningbo (CNNGB)
New York (USNYC)
20FT | 40FT/HQ
$6,863 | $7,645
31–40 days
Ningbo (CNNGB)
Savannah (USSAV)
20FT | 40FT/HQ
$6,840 | $7,912
32–42 days
Ningbo (CNNGB)
Norfolk (USORF)
20FT | 40FT/HQ
$6,654 | $7,883
32–40 days
Ningbo (CNNGB)
Charleston (USCHS)
20FT | 40FT/HQ
$6,931 | $7,845
32–40 days
Ningbo (CNNGB)
Houston (USHOU)
20FT | 40FT/HQ
$6,715 | $7,917
32–40 days
Qingdao (CNTAO)
Los Angeles (USLAX)
20FT | 40FT/HQ
$5,412 | $6,478
16–22 days
Qingdao (CNTAO)
New York (USNYC)
20FT | 40FT/HQ
$7,065 | $8,417
31–40 days
Xiamen (CNXMN)
Los Angeles (USLAX)
20FT | 40FT/HQ
$6,063 | $6,955
17–23 days
Yantian (CNYTN)
Los Angeles (USLAX)
20FT | 40FT/HQ
$6,063 | $6,417
17–23 days
Yantian (CNYTN)
Long Beach (USLGB)
20FT | 40FT/HQ
$5,461 | $6,344
15–20 days
Yantian (CNYTN)
Oakland (USOAK)
20FT | 40FT/HQ
$5,667 | $7,261
18–25 days
Yantian (CNYTN)
Tacoma (USTIW)
20FT | 40FT/HQ
$5,614 | $6,572
18–25 days
Yantian (CNYTN)
New York (USNYC)
20FT | 40FT/HQ
$6,880 | $7,869
32–40 days
Yantian (CNYTN)
Savannah (USSAV)
20FT | 40FT/HQ
$6,914 | $7,929
33–40 days
Yantian (CNYTN)
Norfolk (USORF)
20FT | 40FT/HQ
$6,936 | $7,961
33–40 days
Yantian (CNYTN)
Charleston (USCHS)
20FT | 40FT/HQ
$6,961 | $7,974
33–42 days
Yantian (CNYTN)
Houston (USHOU)
20FT | 40FT/HQ
$6,831 | $7,894
30–40 days
Air Freight from China to USA
Air freight is the fastest way to move cargo from China to the United States, and it is the right choice when your goods are time-sensitive, high-value, or too heavy for express courier economics. On the main China–USA lanes, expect 3–7 days of transit — longer during peak season.
Air Freight Rates by Route (2026)
Rates below are all-in airport-to-airport ranges across major carriers (China Southern, Air China, China Eastern, American, United, FedEx, UPS). Prices scale down per kg as weight increases.
| Route | Transit | 100 KG | 300 KG | 500 KG | 1000 KG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shenzhen (SZX) → New York (JFK) | 3–7 days | $1,216–$1,603 | $2,455–$3,617 | $3,660–$5,725 | $6,860–$10,776 |
| Shanghai (PVG) → Los Angeles (LAX) | 7–10 days | $1,414–$1,620 | $2,891–$3,539 | $4,290–$5,595 | $7,945–$10,516 |
| Guangzhou (CAN) → Chicago (ORD) | 5–8 days | $1,280–$1,680 | $2,580–$3,320 | $3,890–$5,050 | $7,150–$9,380 |
What Determines Your Air Freight Rate
- Chargeable weight: Air freight is billed on the greater of actual weight and volumetric weight (length × width × height ÷ 6,000). Light, bulky cargo pays for the space it occupies — use our free volumetric weight calculator to check your chargeable weight before booking.
- Route and carrier: Direct flights cost more per kg but arrive faster; transshipment via Korea or Hong Kong is cheaper with longer transit.
- Seasonality: September–December peak season adds $1–$2/kg. Chinese New Year (late January–February) squeezes capacity for weeks.
- Sensitive cargo: Batteries, liquids and powders require specialized carriers and compliance paperwork, adding $0.50–$1.50/kg.
Sea Freight from China to USA (FCL & LCL)
Sea freight is where importers save real money — often 8–10× cheaper than air per kg for large shipments. It is the standard choice for wholesale orders, heavy machinery and bulk inventory heading to US warehouses or Amazon fulfillment centers.
FCL Container Rates (2026)
| Route | Container | Transit | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shanghai → Los Angeles | 20ft | 15–22 days | $1,300–$1,900 |
| Shanghai → Los Angeles | 40ft/40HC | 17–25 days | $1,800–$2,600 |
| Shenzhen → New York | 20ft | 28–35 days | $1,700–$2,400 |
| Shenzhen → New York | 40ft/40HC | 30–38 days | $2,300–$2,900 |
| Ningbo → Savannah | 20ft | 28–34 days | $1,650–$2,250 |
The west-coast discount is real: shipping to Los Angeles or Long Beach typically costs $500–$900 less than the east coast. But if your final destination is Chicago, Dallas or Atlanta, factor in inland trucking or IPI rail ($800–$2,000 per container) — sometimes a direct east-coast call ends up cheaper overall. Loading-port detail is in our Shanghai and Shenzhen departure guides.
LCL Rates (Less Than Container Load)
For shipments between 1 and 8 CBM, LCL lets you share a container and pay only for the space you use.
| Origin → Destination | Cost per CBM | Transit | Minimum Charge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shanghai → Los Angeles | $120–$180 | 20–28 days | ~1 CBM |
| Shenzhen → New York | $160–$220 | 28–35 days | ~1 CBM |
| Ningbo → Houston | $140–$200 | 25–32 days | ~1 CBM |
LCL quotes often look attractive but carry destination-side extras: consol deconsolidation fees, warehouse handling and local delivery. Ask for a door-to-door LCL quote that includes these, or compare with our sea freight from China service page for the full picture.
DDP Shipping from China to the USA
DDP shipping from China to the USA folds pickup, export clearance, the flight or the sailing, US customs entry, duties and final delivery into one price.
What's included in our DDP service
- Pickup from your supplier — any city in China
- Export customs clearance and consolidation at our warehouse
- International air or sea freight on the confirmed schedule
- USA customs clearance with duties and taxes handled
- Duties and taxes prepaid per the agreed terms — no surprises at arrival
- Final delivery to your door — warehouse, shop or home, nationwide
What DDP Includes
| Cost Component | Included? |
|---|---|
| Supplier pickup in China | ✅ |
| Export customs & documentation | ✅ |
| International freight (air or sea) | ✅ |
| ISF filing & US customs clearance | ✅ |
| Import duty & taxes | ✅ |
| Inland delivery to your address | ✅ |
| Shipment tracking & support | ✅ |
DDP Price Ranges (2026)
| Service | Price Range | Door-to-Door Transit |
|---|---|---|
| DDP Air (per kg, 100–500kg) | $4.50–$9.00/kg | 5–10 days |
| DDP Sea LCL (per CBM) | $250–$420/CBM | 25–40 days |
| DDP Sea 20ft (all-in) | from $2,100 | 22–38 days |
| DDP Sea 40ft (all-in) | from $2,900 | 25–42 days |
Shipping Time from China to USA
Air freight takes 3-7 days, sea freight 15-35 days, and express 3-7 days from China to the USA. But 'arrived at port' is not 'delivered' — here is the full door-to-door timeline, peak-season calendar and the hidden delays that add weeks.
| Shipping Method | Transit Time | Door-to-Door Reality | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Express Courier (UPS/FedEx/DHL) | 3–7 days | 3–7 days, customs handled by courier | Samples, urgent parcels under 30kg |
| Air Freight | 3–7 days | 5–12 days incl. consolidation + clearance | Time-sensitive, high-value cargo |
| Sea Freight LCL | 20–35 days | 28–45 days incl. clearance + delivery | 1–8 CBM, mid-volume orders |
| Sea Freight FCL 20ft | 15–35 days | 22–45 days incl. clearance + trucking | Full container loads |
| DDP Door-to-Door | Air: 5–10 days · Sea: 22–45 days | One all-in managed timeline | First-time importers, FBA sellers |
Customs & Documents: Importing to USA
US customs is paperwork-driven, but predictable. Accurate commercial invoices and correct HTS classification prevent 90% of delays — and that's where a forwarder earns its keep.
📋 The USA clearance process
- Verify HTS classification & duty rate for your product (we include this in every DDP quote).
- File ISF (Importer Security Filing) at least 24 hours before vessel departure — a $5,000+ penalty if missed.
- Customs clearance via ACE (Automated Commercial Environment) after arrival.
- FDA/CPSC/EPA screening applies to regulated categories (food contact, toys, electronics) — checked at quote stage.
📄 Documents checklist
- Commercial invoice (accurate value & HTS)
- Packing list
- Bill of Lading / Air Waybill
- ISF filing (handled by us for DDP)
- Power of Attorney (DDP only — we act as your broker)
- COO certificate when claiming FTA preference
- Fumigation certificate (wooden packaging)
- FBA labels & packing slips (FBA shipments)
China to USA Freight Forwarder
Transporting goods from China to USA can be challenging, but with the right partners, it can feel easy. A knowledgeable logistics partner ensures a smooth transportation process, especially when coordinating international ocean, air, and inland transportation. Here’s a checklist to keep in mind when moving freight from China to USA.
- Source the appropriate equipment and transportation method to safely move your goods.
- Communicate with carriers, freight forwarders, and local logistics teams when planning pickup to ensure proper coordination.
- Carefully plan routes, taking port congestion, transit times, cargo weight, and destination requirements into account.
- Prepare the necessary shipping documents, customs paperwork, commercial invoices, packing lists, and other import documentation.
- Keep constant communication with all involved parties to avoid extra fees, customs issues, and costly delays.
At SSFE Logistics, we’ve worked with multiple customers to ship regular, overweight, and oversized freight from China to USA while maintaining strict deadlines and complying with international shipping and customs requirements. Contact us today to learn how we can help your business.
Ocean LCL
1-15 CBM
Lower entry cost
Good for smaller shipments that do not fill a container. You pay by volume and share container space.
Ocean FCL
15+ CBM
Lowest per-unit cost
Best when you can use most of a 20ft, 40ft, or 40HQ container and want better cargo control.
Air Freight
Urgent stock
Higher cost
Useful for time-sensitive replenishment, launches, and high-value goods where speed matters.
Every USA Port and Airport Covered
Every USA Port and Airport Covered
Shanghai to Los Angeles
CNSHA to USLAX
14–20 days
From $5,900
Ningbo to Long Beach
CNNGB to USLGB
14–20 days
From $5,600
Shenzhen to Seattle
CNSHK to USSEA
17–23 days
From $6,000
Qingdao to Oakland
CNTAO to USOAK
16–24 days
From $6,000
Xiamen to New York
CNXMN to USNYC
30–40 days
From $7,900
Shanghai to Savannah
CNSHA to USSAV
30–40 days
From $7,900
Shenzhen to Houston
CNSHK to USHOU
28–40 days
From $8,700
Ningbo to Miami
CNNGB to USMIA
32–45 days
From $8,500
Shanghai to Los Angeles (Air)
PVG to LAX
6–10 days
From $12.70/kg
Guangzhou to Chicago (Air)
CAN to ORD
6–10 days
From $12.50/kg
Shenzhen to New York (Air)
SZX to JFK
7–11 days
From $12.50/kg
Hong Kong to Miami (Air)
HKG to MIA
7–12 days
From $13.50/kg
How to Ship From China to USA
The selected services depend on cargo, route and customer responsibilities. No single freight mode is right for every order.
Cargo information
Collect final packing, dimension, weight, value and readiness details from the supplier.
Freight options
Compare appropriate air, ocean, courier or consolidated options against cost, timing and handling needs.
Supplier coordination
Align pickup, export preparation, shipping marks and handoff details with the supplier.
Consolidation planning
Assess whether cargo from multiple suppliers can be combined and what additional handling is required.
Shipment documents
Coordinate commercial invoice, packing list and other shipment information with the parties responsible for them.
USA delivery
Define port, terminal, warehouse, Amazon or final-address requirements before booking the route.
Related China-to-USA Freight Services
Every USA Port and Airport Covered
Ocean Freight
FCL and LCL on every transpacific lane.
Air Freight
standard, express, and charter from China.
Customs Clearance
America entry and clearance through licensed customs brokers.
Drayage
port pickup and container delivery after customs release.
Get your China → USA freight quote in 24 hours.
Tell us your product, origin, volume, and timeline. We'll return a complete landed-cost breakdown — freight, drayage, customs, and duties, all in one figure.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to ship from China to the USA?
Shipping from China to the US takes between 15 and 30 days by sea freight and between 5 and 10 days by air freight. Door-to-door shipping usually takes between 30 and 40 days. Express courier services offer much faster shipping, with deliveries in as little as 1-3 days.
What is the DDP transport service from China to the USA?
DDP terms: Ssfeshipping will take care of everything: picking up the goods, processing export documents, international transport, customs clearance, paying duties, and final delivery. Ready to optimize your logistics? Get started now!
What is the average cost to ship a container from China to the USA?
The cost of shipping from China to the US typically ranges from $2,000 to $3,500 for a 20-foot container, while a 40-foot container can cost between $3,500 and $6,000 in 2025, depending on the route and demand. Prices may vary depending on ports, seasonal demand, and delivery conditions.
What documents are required to ship from China to the USA?
Freight Shipping between China and the US is a high-volume route. To import from China to the US, the necessary documents include the bill of lading, commercial invoice, packing list, importer security filing (ISF or “10+2” ), certificate of origin, arrival notice, and customs bond. The specific documents required may vary depending on the nature of the cargo.
What is an ISF filing, and why is it important?
Products shipped from China to the US must be accompanied by an Import Security Filing (ISF). This filing informs US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) about the goods being imported into the country, with the aim of improving security and preventing smuggling. For companies that want to avoid customs delays or fines, this is a vitally important requirement.
How can I reduce shipping costs from China to the USA?
You can cut costs by:
- Choosing the right mode: Use sea freight for large shipments, air/courier for urgent or smaller loads.
- Consolidating shipments: Combine multiple orders into one to save on container space.
- Optimizing packaging: Reduce volumetric weight by minimizing empty space.
- Working with a freight forwarder: They can negotiate better rates and simplify customs clearance.
- Planning ahead: Avoid peak season surcharges by shipping early.