With a comprehensive understanding of the process of shipping to USA from China, you will have a better grasp of the entire cross-border trade process.
Shipping method of shipping to USA from China
Express shipping
Since express is the fastest option, it is also the most expensive option. The best express shipping companies are Ups, FedEx, TNT and DHL. Now, with express shipping, you can receive your package in less than five days. Typically, importers use this option when they need to receive their shipments particularly quickly.
For example, during the holidays, your bestsellers may be running out of stock. Therefore, you need to buy more of this product as soon as possible to take advantage of the high demand.
Often, DHL, UPS, and FedEx can even ship goods by air at one day’s notice. Although, the faster you need the product, the more expensive your shipping will be. After all, transporting these goods through the airport requires a lot of preparation. You need to expedite all relevant customs documents and monitoring procedures in China.
Air transport
The difference between air freight and express delivery is that air freight is not expedited. Shipping lines will still use the same method. Fortunately, you don’t have to pay extra to get these services because you won’t be in a hurry.
For shipments weighing between 400 lbs and 1200 lbs, shipping to USA from China by air freight is the most economical option. And the price is 30% to 40% cheaper than express delivery. You get the best of both worlds fast shipping and lower prices.
Sea freight
You know, shipping to USA from China by sea is a good option given the numerous world-class seaports along the Chinese coast. Especially if you’re shipping to a location on the US Pacific coast. Note that ocean shipping is also known as ocean shipping. Choose this option when you need to ship extremely heavy shipments.
One aspect of ocean freight that you should be aware of is the difference between Full Container Load (FCL) and Less than Container Load (LCL). You ship FCL when your container contains only your product.
By contrast, when you share a container with someone else’s cargo, you ship an LCL. Additionally, LCL may require you to wait for another shipping partner before the company ships your shipment, which can cause long delays.
Pros and cons of methods for shipping to USA from China
Express delivery
Advantage
This is the first choice during high demand periods such as holidays.
If you sell smaller, high-priced items, the express option will hardly affect your profit margins.
Shortcoming
Express shipping has many of the limitations of air shipping, which means you can only ship smaller items using this option.
You have to pay extra for shipping in such a short time.
Air transport
Advantage
Air freight is a good compromise in terms of speed and cost for medium-sized shipments.
You will have more flexibility and access than by sea.
If you’re on the east coast, air shipping is a lot faster.
Shortcoming
You cannot use this method to ship extremely heavy or large shipments.
You may need to hire a customs agent, and you will also need to arrange last mile shipping from the airport to the warehouse.
Air freight regulations state that you cannot ship products such as aerosols and super magnets.
Certain products require you to pay expensive shipping, such as lithium-ion batteries.
Sea freight
Advantage
This option is useful if you need to ship very large loads or larger products.
Shipping is only a fraction of the express options.
Shortcoming
Sea shipping to USA from China is much slower than other options.
You run the risk of having staffing issues and other backlogs at the port.
You need to plan for severe weather.
You need to hire a custom agent and arrange the last mile shipping from port to warehouse
Time for shipping to USA from China
Express delivery
When shipping to USA from China by international express, it takes three days. This includes pickup at the supplier’s door in China, unless the supplier has delivered the package to their warehouse. If it’s really urgent, there are more expensive premium services that can even be delivered overnight.
Air transport
Standard shipping to USA from China by air freight generally takes about 8-10 days. It’s not that planes are slower; it comes down to the fact that the air freight process is more complicated than express freight. Express Air Freight service usually reduces shipping time by 2-3 days compared to Standard Air Freight.
Sea freight
Door-to-doorStandard shipping to USA from China by air freight generally takes about 8-10 days takes about 20-40 days, with the longest delivery time for ocean shipping. That’s because boats move much slower than planes.
In addition to requiring extra preparation, ocean liners are also starting to slow down to save fuel (and money). For example, U.S. Customs requires importers to use a single entry bond and travel by sea also requires an ISF bond.
On top of that, port congestion, customs delays and adverse weather conditions affect ocean freight more than air freight.
If you need to ship your goods faster, ocean shipping offers great service. Depending on shipping requirements, expedited shipping may be able to really reduce transit time. In some cases, it may even be competitive with airfreight delivery times.
Speed up your freight work by streamlining the ocean shipping process and only pairing it with faster ocean shipping and premium trucking services. This makes expedited shipping a good option when Standard shipping to USA from China by air freight generally takes about 8-10 days.
Why hire a forwarder for shipping to USA from China ?
Guaranteed Arrival Time: Freight forwarders can rest assured knowing that all shipments will have a guaranteed arrival time. Everything is coordinated in advance to adhere to a strict schedule provided to all parties involved.
Cost-effectiveness: Many small businesses feel they can save money by handling all arrangements in-house. Having the professionals prepare has the greatest potential for saving money.
While a novice might get the job done, it will cost more time and more money in the long run, and it’s not a sustainable approach. This way, you can focus your time and energy on other areas of your business.
Fast: Professional freight forwarders know how to deliver goods efficiently. Years of training and on-the-job experience equip them with the knowledge and skills to determine the fastest route, while avoiding any unexpected interruptions and missed deadlines.
Experienced: The freight forwarder will also handle all documents required for cross-border and international shipping. Not having proper paperwork can lead to lengthy delays as items get stuck in customs or banks refuse to release funds without the required identification.
Protect your business: Freight forwarders take the guesswork out of the process to ensure your company is protected every step of the way. In addition to cargo insurance, freight forwarding services also include risk assessment and management.
In conclusion, hiring a freight forwarder will only make your more convenient in shipping to USA from China .
