Shipping services from China to USA have many avenues, ranging from complex and expensive, but you can save time and money by choosing the right shipping method, timing shipping, packing, and organizing documents.
Sea shipping services from China to USA
Ocean freight from China to USA is a cheaper shipping method. The disadvantage is the longer shipping time. Another major advantage of sea freight is that it does not require consideration of size and weight.
Sea freight is the most complicated mode of transportation. But don’t worry, as this guide will make the process simple and straightforward for you. If your cargo quantity exceeds 2CBM, you should consider sea freight. First, this guide will give you all the included prices so you can compare prices and get a rough idea of shipping costs.
Sea shipping services from China to USA are divided into LCL and FCL
① LCL (Less than Container Load) refers to goods with multiple owners in a container. If the quantity of your goods is small and the volume is less than 15CBM, the freight forwarder will help you with LCL transportation. This means that you have to share a container with other importers because your cargo is loaded with less than one container. LCL shipments are calculated in cubic meters.
② FCL (Full container load) refers to the situation where your cargo is large enough to fit one or more containers. In this case, the freight is calculated based on the entire container. Usually, it will be cheaper than LCL shipping.
Precautions for LCL shipping services from China to USA
LCL shipping means that your shipment will share space with that of other companies. It also means that your delivery may take longer due to the packing and unpacking process. Before departure, your shipment will be stored in the LCL warehouse in China until departure, then in the unpacking warehouse in the United States upon arrival, and then delivered to your address.
Precautions for FCL shipping services from China to USA
FCL shipping means renting an entire container for your cargo.
If you have loads large enough to occupy a container, or even a large portion of a container, FCL shipping is probably the most economical. It’s also faster than LCL shipping because you don’t have to combine or break up your items with others.
Your container will also remain sealed throughout its journey, unless a customs officer chooses it for inspection, it will remain sealed until it reaches your address or destination of choice.
Air shipping services from China to USA
Air freight from China to USA is a fast and reliable way to ship goods from China to the United States. This is the ideal method when you need to receive your shipment in 20 days or less and your shipment is between 150 and 500 kg.
Air shipping services from China to USA is fast and safe. The on-time super-efficiency has won a considerable market and greatly shortened the delivery time.
Perishable goods, such as food, flowers and certain medicines, can also be transported by air on short notice. Another advantage of air freight is that there is less overall cargo handling, so there is less chance of damage or theft when using air freight. Air freight is the most expensive mode of transportation due to the speed and fuel used. In addition, air freight has size and weight specifications and is not suitable for oddly shaped or very large items.
Air shipping services from China to USA is a bit complicated, and import and export procedures are similar to traditional sea freight.It includes the following three steps:
Local logistics and export process in China.
Air freight from Chinese airports to US airports.
U.S. local logistics and import process.
Generally, if your cargo exceeds 500 kg, it is more cost-effective to choose air freight. If the quantity of your goods is less than 300kg, you cannot choose air freight directly, because express may be a better choice, and you need to choose according to the specific freight.
Door to Door Air Freight:
Logistics in China: From Factory to Airport
customs clearance
From China Airport to Destination Airport
US Logistics: From Airport to Final Destination
Cost of air shipping services from China to USA
The actual weight calculation method is the same as air express. Actual weight, also known as gross weight, is the total weight of the cargo.
Dimensional Weight = Length (cm) x Width (cm) x Height (cm) / 6000 For example, if the four-sided dimension of the air export carton is 90 cm, then we multiply by 90 * 90 * 90, then divide the sum by 6,000. This will bring our total air freight weight to 121.5kg. (Remember that airlines will always choose a higher weight, actual weight, or dimensional weight.)
By air or by sea shipping services from China to USA?
The two main factors to consider when deciding whether to ship by air or sea are transit time and price:
Shipping Time: Air shipping is much faster than ocean shipping. If the goods are time sensitive, the buyer should ship by air. However, please note that for heavier/larger shipments, air freight prices will be higher.
Price: Three key factors that determine whether air freight is the best shipping method based on price:
Shipment Quantity, Shipment Weight, Shipment Value. Best Air Freight = High Value + Small Size + Light Weight. Airfreight provides better airfreight tracking by using airfreight data movement.
