International shipping is equally complicated and expensive, particularly when it comes to long-distance freight. When importing from China to the USA, it’s important to focus on shipping companies and methods to reduce freight costs and times.
How to Ship from China to the US
Importers who manufacture products in China and sell in the U.S. can choose from a variety of shipping methods, including express, air, and ocean.
Regardless of the method used, most importers will rely on Chinese freight forwarders to manage their shipments. This is because a reputable freight forwarder like TJ-chinafreight can help them with their complex logistical needs, and at the same time, they can save a lot of money due to their large number of shipping agreements with major airlines and freighters serving China.
What is the best way to ship from China to the US?
Sea freight
Ocean freight is by far the most common type of international shipping method. Around 90% of all shipping is carried out by ocean transport. If you’re transporting high volumes of goods, this should be your go-to option.
Ocean shipping vessels are capable of transporting enormous weight and quantities of goods. It is perhaps the most cost-effective mode of transport from China to the USA, and the CO2 emissions are relatively low compared to other options. There are generally fewer restrictions for ocean freight when compared to air transport.
Transit time
Sea freight is by far the slowest option you can choose: you should consider sea freight from both countries to take around 30-40 days. This transit time is not only due to upfront preparations, but also because shipping lines are now moving slower in order to be able to save on fuel costs. Also, keep in mind that many unexpected events can happen: bad weather, port congestion, etc. Regardless, TJ-chinafreight only works with the best and most reliable shipping companies to ensure a hassle-free process for our customers.
Here are some of the main charges that come with your shipment:
- Origin delivery to POL (Port of Loading)
- Customs Clearance (Export)
- Freight rate
- Insurance
- Import customs clearance
- Customs duties (if any)
- Delivery to the agreed final location
Air freight
Air freight is the fastest way to import goods from China. It is used frequently by importers who are coordinating time-sensitive international shipments. Typically, ocean freight shipments take between 20 and 30 days to travel across continents from China to the US. Air freight is safe, reliable, and takes hours to reach its destination.
The major downside of air transport is that it is expensive. It is typically 5 times more expensive than trucking and 16 times more expensive than ocean freight. It is also limited when transporting large and bulky items.
Air freight rates are determined by weight and volume. Carriers charge by dimensional weight or actual weight, depending on which figure is more expensive.
Transit time
Express Options
When you air freight from China to the US using international express, you should consider the transit time of about three days. This delay accompanies the pickup and delivery of the cargo to the departure airport. If your shipment is really urgent, we can even set up priority express for faster delivery.
Standard Air Freight
Regular air freight between the two countries usually takes 8-10 days.
Express Freight
Express freight is generally used to transport goods at short notice. It is only cost-effective for shipping small items, so air or sea freight should be used for larger products.
The main reason it is so time-efficient is that it is a streamlined service, completed entirely by one company. Couriers such as UPS, FedEx, and DHL are regarded as express freight carriers.
If you want to choose the most suitable shipping method, the time requirement mainly determines the best shipping method
When time is a top priority, businesses will look for all possible options to ship the goods in the fastest way, and the speed of time determines the cost of shipping.
Of course, the weight and volume of your cargo will also affect your choice of shipping method.
What is the cheapest way to ship from China to the US?
No matter which shipping method you use, the cheapest way to ship from China to the US is to use a reputable China freight forwarder such as TJ-chinafreight.
TJ-chinafreight is not only able to pass our bulk shipping, but also offers the best shipping guarantee for all shipping methods. Get started today and get a shipping quote from China.
