Shipping from Singapore to US: The Complete Guide

Singapore is a growing economic hub located in south-east Asia and offers numerous products to ship, whether for personal use or business in the US.

However, Shipping from Singapore to US can be complicated due to the many terminologies and strict restrictions enforced.

Fortunately, this guide covers everything you need to know about Shipping from Singapore to US.

Cheapest Way to Ship from Singapore to US

Four modes are available for shipping goods from Singapore to US: FCL, LCL, Air freight, and Express freight.

Each of these modes has its pros and cons, so it would be wise to consider each mode’s factors before making a choice.

FCL Sea Freight

Full Container Load (FCL) means that you hire a container and have your products shipped in them.

It is designated for large volume shipments.

Most carriers argue that shipments don’t necessarily have to be bulky enough to fill an entire container.

As long as a shipper can afford the cost of renting an entire container for shipping, they can book FCL Shipment.

In other words, your products must not necessarily fill the container to ship under FCL Sea Freight.

You should consider FCL Shipment when you need top safety for your products.

In this case, once an FCL shipment is packed and seal, it is not opened until the container arrives in the US.

This is unless US Customs find it necessary to break open the container for inspection.

Note that FCL is cheap if your products fill more than 75% of the container.

LCL Sea Freight

With the Less than Container Load mode, your products and other shippers’ products are loaded on the same container for shipping.

Under this mode of shipping, you only pay the container fee according to the space your products occupy.

Compared to FCL shipping, LCL Shipping is cheap when your cargo is too small to fill a standard shipping container.

It is also considered when you don’t have a tight delivery schedule as an LCL shipment takes more time to deliver to the destination.

This time lag is due to the shipment’s consolidation at the loading port and deconsolidation at the destination port.

These processes take a considerable amount of time.

Air Freight

Airfreight from Singapore takes a shorter time as compared to sea shipping.

However, the shipping cost is high, sometimes even three times that of sea shipping.

Shipping by Air is convenient if you import small quantities and require faster delivery.

Airfreight charges from Singapore to the US vary depending on the shipping and the weight of goods you’re shipping.

Express Shipping

Express shipping, which is a faster form of Air shipping, is another mode you can consider.

As the name suggests, it is faster, more express, to put it simply.

You can receive express shipments at your US destination within three days after ordering in Singapore.

This form of delivery is carried out by Courier Services and is the best when you’re operating under tight delivery schedules.

It is also a suitable form of shipping when you need to transport shipping documents and samples quickly.

When it comes to the cost of shipping via express means, you should brace yourself to pay relatively higher charges.

Express shipping rates from Singapore to US for a 50kg load per sq. meter starts from $800.

Generally, if you’re shipping cargo whose weight is below 100kg to the US, express shipping becomes a cheaper option and saves you on shipping lead time.

Prohibited Items when Shipping from Singapore to the US

Shipping to the US can be tricky because of the many restrictions on what you can and cannot ship.

To be safe, you should verify with the US Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) to better understand the restrictions and prohibitions.

Some of the products the US prohibits you from shipping from Singapore to US include;

• Tobacco products
• Alcoholic beverages
• Dog and Cat fur
• Drug Paraphernalia unless under a special certification
• Fruits and vegetables- you can only ship after declaring with the port of entry before shipping.
• Soil
• Certain food products such as bushmeat.

Some of these listed products require authorization before shipping to the US.

You can get full details from the CBP website on how to treat their shipping.

How much it Costs to Ship from Singapore to US

Shipping cost from Singapore to the US varies depending on the carrier, size and weight of the cargo, and the shipping distance.

Container Shipping Rates from Singapore to the US

The FCL freight charge usually depends on the delivery Port in the US and varies depending on the container’s size.

For a 20-foot container, your FCL shipping cost will range from $1200-$2500.

On the other hand, if your shipping container is a 40-foot container, the shipping prices will be slightly higher and range from $1776 to $3000.

It would help research the rates applicable to more than one carrier to cut shipping costs.

LCL Shipping Rates from Singapore to the US

We have already mentioned that the LCL is applicable when your goods cannot fit one container and plan to save costs.

The shipping rates for an LCL load from the US to Singapore range from $950- $1100 for a load of 200kg/1cbm.

The cheapest route is from Singapore to Los Angeles.

Air Freight Rates from Singapore to the US

The air freight rate for shipping from Singapore to the US varies with the shipment’s average weight.

For door-door shipping from Singapore to the US, the rate ranges from $1700 to $1950.

The more your shipment weight increases, the lower your shipping rates per Kg.

Express shipping Rates from Singapore to the US

Like the other shipping ways, the cost of express shipping also varies from port to port and the shipments’ weight.

The mode of delivery will also influence your express shipping rates.

For instance, door-to-door delivery costs more than that port to port or even port to door delivery.

The average price for express shipping is $800 per 50kg/0.2cbm.

Factors that go into the Cost of Shipping from Singapore to the US

The shipping cost from Singapore to the US is affected by numerous factors such as size, type of product, distance, and shipping mode.

Before settling on any particular shipping method, you should consider your business needs.

Some of the shipping methods are cheap but take longer.

Location

Locations influence the distance from Singapore to the US.

The longer the distance, the higher the shipping costs.

Always ensure the sourcing and delivery location is convenient to your needs and attract affordable shipping costs.

Shipment Size

Shipment size has the most significant impact on your shipping cost.

The larger the shipment size, the higher the shipping costs.

You should use proper packaging to avoid inflating your shipping costs.

Opt to use smaller and lighter packaging to avoid unnecessary weight and volume.

You can also stock several package sizes and use one single consolidated packaging system to reduce your shipping costs.

Shipping Mode

Shipping mode means either using express shipping, air freight, or sea shipping.

There is also the option of door-to-door delivery, port-to-port, and port-to-door and door-to-port delivery modes.

Each of these modes attracts a different cost than the other.

Door-to-door is generally costlier than all the other modes of shipping, while port-to-port is the cheapest.

Whether you’re shipping reefer cargo, bulk cargo, or out of gauge cargo, etc., may also influence your shipping cost.

The more special care and handling procedures your shipment, the higher you pay for shipping and vice versa.

While choosing your shipping mode, remember to factor in your business needs and the cost before choosing a shipping mode.

Shipping from Singapore to USA Time

Shipping time from Singapore to US varies significantly depending on the method of shipping you use.

Sea Freight Shipping Time from Singapore to the US

The sea freight shipping time to the US is the longest and ranges from 25-40 days from FCL.

For LCL, the shipping time is longer due to consolidation and deconsolidation.

Some of the typical shipping durations are;

Air Freight Shipping Time from Singapore to the US

The distance between Singapore and the US is approximately 14 000km, and the shipping time ranging between 5-8 days.

Depending on the airport in the US, some practical shipping times are:

 

Express Shipping Time from Singapore to US

Express shipping from Singapore to US is the fastest.

It takes an average of 1-4 days.

The exact shipping will depend on when you avail your goods for shipping and the exact shipping location in the US.

Cheapest Time to Ship from Singapore to US

Shipping rates from Singapore to the US are greatly affected by seasons.

There are times when freight rates are lower, and there are times, a few times in a year when these rates spike so much.

Usually, the freight rates tend to spike due to a change in seasons.

In particular, peak seasons tend to see an immense rise in shipping rates and other shipping challenges due to increased demand.

Peak Seasons when Shipping from Singapore to the US

Like other businesses, shipping has high seasons when everyone is rushing to deliver their goods to warehouses.

When shipping from Singapore to the US, the main peak season is between mid-August and mid-October.

During the peak season, the shipping rates rise caused by the vast shipping demands.

Getting containers at such times is difficult, and this can significantly affect your business.

What Causes Peak Season?

Peak seasons are caused by high market anticipation and fear of holidays ruining the shipping process.

Also, peak seasons are caused by the back-to-school rush and black Fridays when most people make massive last-minute purchases.

How to Beat Peak Season Prices and Traffic

Peak seasons imply that getting a shipping vessel from Singapore to the US is difficult.

Also, the US demand will be high, and meeting them will be difficult due to a lack of inventories.

However, implementing several strategies can help you bet peak season and remain a valuable supplier to your customers.

To beat peak seasons when shipping from Singapore to US, you can:

Split Shipments

During peak season, the number one strategy is shipping what you can and when you can.

This means that if you are shipping a large consignment, you can split them into multiple bills of lading depending on the agency.

Essentially, this means that if you have three containers, you use three bills of lading and not separating the container’s content.

Also, you can split your products to use different modes of shipping.

Here, you can have some products shipped by air freight and the rest by sea freight.

Use a Reliable Freight Forwarder

Freight forwarders play an unmatched role when it comes to shipping your goods from Singapore to the US.

The nature of forwarding dictates that freight forwarders sign contracts with shipping companies.

So, anytime the forwarder has products to ship from Singapore to the US, they get priority booking in the vessel.

Therefore, choosing a reliable freight forwarder will save you the hustle of finding a shipping slot.

Opting for Slower Shipping Methods

During peak season, the demand is high, and many consumers are willing to meet the high costs of products.

This means that shippers opt for faster delivery methods which are expensive but can deliver their goods on time.

With good planning ahead, you can use slower shipping methods and shipping companies with a lower reputation.

Use Insurance

Insurance is important when shipping from Singapore to the US during peak seasons.

Remember, many people are shipping, and instances of theft and mishandling of cargos due to the rush is high.

To be safe, always ensure that once shipping prices start rising, an indication of peak season, your goods have insurance coverage.

Doing marketing research at this point can help you identify specific goods that your customer requires to avoid delivery delays.

Prioritize what you Ship during Peak Seasons

Not all the products you ship during peak seasons will attract a market.

Some products are consumed during specific times, not necessarily during peak seasons.

You can prioritize your shipping by informing your freight forwarder which container requires faster shipping.

Furthermore, the difference is never significant, and you can still make substantive profits from your products.

Incoterms when Shipping from Singapore to the US

Who pays for shipping costs is part of the international shipping agreements.

Determining who pays, the buyer or seller is based on Incoterms.

Incoterms 2020 provides the latest interpretations of who should pay for the freight on each term.

What are Incoterms?

Hardly will you mention shipping from Singapore to the US without mentioning incoterms.

Incoterms are internationally recognized rules which define the responsibility of the seller and the buyer.

The terms vary from one shipping method to the other, with some specific to a given mode of shipping.

Best Incoterms to use when Shipping from Singapore to the US

The choice of incoterm depends on the total cost you will incur to have your goods delivered from Singapore to the US.

Before settling on an incoterm, you should factor in the supplier’s responsibility and the overall cost you will incur.

When shipping from Singapore to the US, some of the best incoterms you can use are:

Free on Board (FOB)

This is one of the best incoterms to use when shipping from Singapore to the US.

FOB means that your supplier will deliver goods at the port in Singapore and clear all necessary clearance.

You will then hire the services of a freight forwarder to help ship your goods to the US.

Under FOB shipping, you have full transparency of how your goods move, allowing you to effectively plan your delivery schedules.

Ex Works (EXW)

Under the EXW incoterm, your supplier will avail goods at their warehouse, where you will arrange their peaking and shipping.

Though a good incoterm in terms of offering transparency in the shipping process, it is not easy for first-time importers.

If you opt for EXW incoterms, you are responsible for export and import clearance.

Meaning, you must be familiar with the export country laws to ensure smooth shipping.

Otherwise, you’ll have to consider hiring a Customs broker.

Delivered at Place (DAP)

If you fear all the customs clearance and the many overwhelming shipping processes, you should settle on DAP incoterm.

DAP shipping involves having your supplier deliver the goods up to the set destination.

The only worry with DAP is that you will have minimal control of the shipping process.

How Incoterms Affect Freight Prices from Singapore to US

Incoterms dictate the duties of the supplier and the buyer. They define who is responsible for the shipping costs.

When shipping from Singapore, depending on the incoterm you use, your supplier will quote prices that include the incoterm.

You can ask your supplier to quote prices without including incoterms and after including them to help determine a cheaper option.

Essentially, incoterms either increase or reduce the freight prices.

Shipping from Singapore to US Covid Effects

The rise and increase in the number of Covid 19 have had significant impacts on the shipping industry.

Your shipment from Singapore will undoubtedly be affected by the pandemic.

Business is not as usual, and you will have to readjust.

Here are some of the impacts covid 19 will have on your shipping.

High Cost of Goods in Singapore

With the many government restrictions and decongestion of crowds, Singapore’s workforce is not as it used to be.

Suppliers have had to retrench a good number of their employees, sometimes by even a half.

This means that the production is low and satisfying the demand high.

Nevertheless, you can conquer this by resorting to other suppliers or making prompt arrangements.

Shipping Rates are High

The number of sea vessels and flights has reduced dramatically due to the covid 19 pandemic.

Many companies have reduced their working force and the few flights available charge even twice the standard shipping rates.

If you are shipping from Singapore during this period, you might consider weighing all the costs before deciding to continue shipping to the US.

Increased Shipping Time

With the few available shipping vessels, the implication is that getting a shipping space is difficult, and you will have to fight for it or sometimes wait.

The CBP imposed rules in the US ports imply a change of clearance strategy, thus significantly impacting your shipping.

To beat the effects resulting from covid 19, you can hire a reputable freight forwarder to help you navigate the hurdles.

You can also plan your shipping and communicate with your customers when you expect a delay.

Customs Duties and Taxes when Shipping from Singapore to the US

Knowing the basic USA customs clearance is important for all persons shipping from Singapore to US.

Here are the pertinent issues you should know about customs clearance when shipping from Singapore to US.

Applicable Customs Duties and Taxes when Shipping from Singapore to the US

All products whose FOB value exceeds $800 shipped from Singapore to the US must pay customs duties and taxes.

To determine the applicable customs duty, you calculate your products’ FOB value and calculate the applicable duty based on the set rate.

Additionally, your imports to the US attract a Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF).

The MPF is an AdValorem value with minimum and maximum set limits.

Customs Clearance Procedure when Shipping from Singapore to the US

Your products must clear at the US customs before being released.

The clearing process involves a lot of paperwork and sometimes quality checks by the CBP.

CBP requires proper documentation and payment of the applicable customs duties and taxes to release your products.

The first part of customs clearance involves settling the customs clearance fee.

This includes costs to the customs broker or the freight forwarder.

Payment of the customs duties and taxes directly to the customs authority follows.

Note that the time taken for customs clearance depends on several things.

They include the nature of your products, provision of proper documents, and the customs broker you are using.

To swiftly handle customs clearance for your products from Singapore to the US, you need to hire a capable customs broker.

Hiring a Customs Broker

Customs brokers specialize in handling customs clearance by forwarding the necessary documents.

They ensure no delays that may lead to extra costs in the process of clearing with customs.

You need to hire a reputable customs broker.

In this case, your best bet is the freight forwarder that helped you ship your products from Singapore to the US.

Nevertheless, you can hire an independent customs broker different from the freight forwarder.

However, this option is risky because your freight forwarder won’t be responsible once mistakes arise.

Freight Insurance when Shipping from Singapore to the US

When shipping from Singapore to the US, your cargo passes through many hands.

This starts from the loading process, the many risks while shipping, and even the offloading port.

Your shipment is at increased risk, and if anything happens, you can suffer huge financial losses.

Settling for separate marine cargo insurance, other than the carrier’s insurance, can save you in case of loss or damage to your products.

The advantage of this type of insurance is that it will only cost you a fraction of the total shipping costs.

Also, the market is pretty soft now, which makes it ideal for shopping rates and comparing marine cargo insurance providers.

If you already have an annual goods insurance policy, then your rates should be dropping.

Additionally, if you insure shipment by shipment, your charges should be dropping too.

The bottom line is that it doesn’t matter what type of policy you take.

As long you procure coverage for your goods when shipping from Singapore to US, you are safe.

If you want to get the best cargo insurance coverage with affordable premium rates, it is best to approach general-purpose companies for quotes.

You can ask for referrals or recommendations from your shipping agent, supplier, or other reputable business that use this service.

Remember, though, that Cargo insurance is mostly a specialist area.

Therefore, if you need to obtain coverage for your goods, find an expert.

To guarantee a competitive deal, we advise that you work with your freight forwarding expert instead of an insurance broker.

A forwarding agent can deal directly with underwriters hence, gaining lower rates that they then pass on to you.

With a simple click on the internet, you can get your cargo insurance quote.

You can even fill out the order form, submit it, and get coverage for your shipment value.

Your agent can even generate your insurance certificate online, and all you have to do is print and have it ready for when necessary.

Documents you’ll need to ship from Singapore to the US.

Documents play an important role both during shipping and during customs clearance.

Proper import documentation ensures hastened shipping and faster clearance at the US ports.

The major documents you need when shipping from Singapore to the US include:

• Bills of lading
• Packing list
• Certificate of origin
• Commercial invoice
• Letter of credit
• Shipping quote

Depending on your cargo, other documents might come in handy.

You should verify with your freight forwarder or the CBP before shipping.

How to Prepare Shipping Paperwork

Your shipping paperwork is important, and if you are shipping through a freight forwarder, they can help handle everything.

Nonetheless, your shipping paperwork will depend on your supplier and the CBP regulations on clearance.

When shipping from Singapore, your supplier can either send you a digital copy or a manual copy.

All are applicable and can help you save the whole strain of having your goods held sometime before release by the CBP.

How to Ship from Singapore to Amazon US

Selling in Amazon is profitable and, with proper strategies, can be an easy venture for you, with lucrative returns.

If you want to ship to Amazon, you will need to have an Amazon account.

With your account, head over to your profile and create a listing of the products you want to ship from Singapore.

The next procedure is adding the description of the product you want to ship.

Here, you can liaise with your supplier to help you have the correct product description.

After managing your inventories, you set up your shipment and specify how your products are packed and the number of units you are sending.

The next thing is preparing your products for shipping.

You can ship products from Singapore to Amazon FBA in the form of:

• Individual pallets or containers
• Using Amazon Freight forwarders from Singapore to the US
• Packaging and labeling your products.

You should pay close attention to how you are labeling your Amazon products to avoid rejections.

Finally, you can deliver your products to any fulfillment center where Amazon will pick your products.

Ports Guide when Shipping from Singapore to the US

Knowing the loading ports and the ports of arrival is significant when shipping from Singapore to US.

It helps you plan your budget and delivery schedule for the better supply chain management.

The following are some ports you can use when shipping goods from Singapore to US.

Busiest Ocean Cargo Ports in Singapore and US

Singapore has one of the busiest ports in the world, known as the port of Singapore.

This port harbors all types of shipping vessels and can handle any tonnage of cargo.

There are two main commercial terminal operators in Singapore which are:

PSA Singapore Terminals

This port operates four container terminals and can handle mega container vessels.

The port can help you ship large cargo and has gained a fast reputation as a car shipping port from Singapore to the US.

Jurong Port

Jurong port handles mainly bulk cargo from Singapore to the US and other regions.

You can use the Jurong port to ship products that include cement, copper, among other products.

The port operates efficiently and can enable you to meet your shipping needs.

Equally, the US also has very many well-developed shipping ports.

Hence, your port choice should be defined by your shipping needs and the proximity to your warehouse.

Some of the major seaports in the US include:

• Port of long beach
• Port of New York
• Port of Seattle
• Port of Los Angeles

Busiest Air Ports in Singapore and US

You should settle on an airport in Singapore based on its ability to handle your cargo, the reputation it has, and how close it is to your supplier.

The two major airports in Singapore used for cargo shipping are:

• Changi Airport
• Seletar Airport

In the US, nearly every state has a cargo airport that you can use to land your products from Singapore.

Nevertheless, checking with your shipping company will help you know the routes they use and the final delivery point.

The main shipping airports in the US include:

• Los Angeles International Airport
• Memphis International Airport
• Miami International Airport
• Louisville International Airport
• Philadelphia International Airport

Factors to Consider when Choosing Shipping Port from Singapore to the US

As you’ve noted, there are several considerations to make when choosing your shipping ports in Singapore and the USA.

These are:

Location

You can understand location from different perspectives.

It can be your supplier’s location, the shipping port in Singapore, and the US’s delivery port

It would help if you chose your shipping port in Singapore depending on your supplier’s location to reduce inland transportation costs.

When choosing a delivery port in the US, it should be close to your warehouse for efficiency and reduced costs while in the US.

Nevertheless, whichever location works for you, the further apart the shipping ports are, the higher the shipping costs and time.

Cost

Cost is the price you pay for shipping your goods from Singapore to the US.

Depending on your departure and destination ports, your shipping costs will increase with an increase in the distance.

You can compare shipping costs between different ports in Singapore to the US and decide which alternative has lower costs and serves your needs.

Transit Time

Transit time is the delivery time taken from Singapore until you get your shipment in the US.

The shipping company and the port impact transit time. Again, the longer the distance, the longer the transit time.

Understanding FDA Requirements when Shipping from Singapore to the US

The FDA regulates a lot of the products that you can import from Singapore to US.

Hence, before shipping, make sure you understand the FDA rules and regulations on the specific products you want to import.

This will help you avoid trouble with US Customs