The Complete Guide to Freight Forwarding from China to USA: Everything You Need to Know in 2025

When searching for a reliable freight forwarder for China to USA shipping, businesses and individuals face a complex landscape of shipping options, costs, and regulations. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about shipping from China to the United States, helping you make informed decisions that save both time and money.

How to Ship from China to the USA: Step-by-Step Process

Shipping goods from China to the USA involves several critical steps that must be executed properly to ensure smooth delivery:

Step 1: Choose Your Shipping Method

• Evaluate your timeline, budget, and cargo specifications
• Consider factors like weight, dimensions, and urgency
• Compare air freight, ocean freight, and express options

Step 2: Prepare Documentation

• Commercial invoice with detailed product descriptions
• Packing list showing contents and weights
• Bill of lading or airway bill
• Certificate of origin
• Export/import permits (if required)

Step 3: Arrange Pickup and Export Clearance

• Coordinate with your Chinese supplier or warehouse
• Ensure proper export documentation is filed
• Complete Chinese customs clearance procedures

Step 4: International Transit

• Monitor shipment progress through tracking systems
• Stay informed about potential delays or route changes

Step 5: USA Import Clearance

• File import security filing (ISF) for ocean shipments
• Pay applicable duties and taxes
• Clear U.S. customs inspection

Step 6: Final Delivery

• Arrange domestic transportation to final destination
• Confirm delivery and inspect goods for damage

Comprehensive China to USA Shipping Options: Finding the Right Method for Your Needs

Full Container Load (FCL) Shipping

Best for: Shipments requiring an entire 20ft or 40ft container

Pros:

• Lower cost per unit for large volumes
• Faster loading/unloading
• Reduced handling and damage risk
• Greater security and privacy

Cons:

• Higher minimum volume requirements
• Fixed costs regardless of actual volume used

Typical Transit Time: 25-35 days door-to-door Cost Range: $1,500-$4,000 per container (varies by season and route)

Less than Container Load (LCL) Shipping

Best for: Smaller shipments that don’t fill a full container (typically under 15 cubic meters)

Pros:

• Pay only for space you use
• No minimum volume requirements
• Cost-effective for smaller businesses

Cons:

• Longer transit times due to consolidation
• Higher per-unit costs than FCL
• Additional handling increases damage risk

Typical Transit Time: 35-45 days door-to-door Cost Range: $50-$200 per cubic meter

Air Freight Options

Standard Air Freight

• Transit Time: 8-12 days door-to-door
• Cost: $3-8 per kilogram
• Best for: Medium-urgency shipments under 500kg

Express Air Freight

• Transit Time: 3-5 days door-to-door
• Cost: $6-15 per kilogram
• Best for: Urgent, high-value, or time-sensitive goods

DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) Shipping

DDP shipping means the seller handles all responsibilities until goods reach the buyer’s door, including:

• Export and import customs clearance
• All duties, taxes, and fees
• Final mile delivery

Benefits:

• Simplified process for buyers
• Predictable total costs
• Reduced risk of delays

Considerations:

• Higher upfront costs
• Less control over the shipping process

China to USA Shipping Cost Tables and Transit Times

Ocean Freight Costs (China to Major US Ports)

Route	FCL 20ft	FCL 40ft	LCL (per CBM)	Transit Days
Shanghai to Los Angeles	$1,800-2,500	$2,200-3,200	$80-150	12-16
Shanghai to Long Beach	$1,700-2,400	$2,100-3,100	$75-145	12-16
Shanghai to New York	$2,200-3,000	$2,800-3,800	$120-200	22-28
Shenzhen to Miami	$2,300-3,100	$2,900-3,900	$130-210	20-26
Ningbo to Seattle	$1,900-2,600	$2,300-3,300	$85-155	14-18

Prices include basic ocean freight only. Additional charges apply for customs clearance, inland transportation, and peak season surcharges.

Air Freight Costs by Weight and Destination

Weight Range	Express (3-5 days)	Standard Air (8-12 days)	Economy Air (12-18 days)
Under 45kg	$8-15/kg	$4-7/kg	$3-5/kg
45-100kg	$6-12/kg	$3-6/kg	$2.5-4/kg
100-300kg	$5-10/kg	$2.5-5/kg	$2-3.5/kg
300kg+	$4-8/kg	$2-4/kg	$1.5-3/kg

Understanding Incoterms: Who Pays What and When

Incoterms define the responsibilities and risks between buyers and sellers in international trade. Here are the most common terms for China-USA shipping:

EXW (Ex Works)

• Seller Responsibility: Make goods available at their premises
• Buyer Responsibility: All transportation, insurance, and customs
• Risk Transfer: At seller’s facility
• Best for: Experienced importers who want maximum control

FOB (Free on Board)

• Seller Responsibility: Deliver goods to the port and handle export clearance
• Buyer Responsibility: Ocean freight, insurance, import clearance, inland transport
• Risk Transfer: When goods are loaded on the vessel
• Best for: Buyers who want to control ocean freight selection

CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight)

• Seller Responsibility: Goods delivery to destination port, including ocean freight and marine insurance
• Buyer Responsibility: Import clearance, duties, taxes, inland transport
• Risk Transfer: When goods are loaded on vessel (despite seller paying for insurance)
• Best for: Buyers who prefer simplified ocean freight arrangements

DDP (Delivered Duty Paid)

• Seller Responsibility: All costs and risks until goods reach buyer’s specified location
• Buyer Responsibility: Unloading at final destination
• Risk Transfer: Upon delivery at destination
• Best for: Buyers who want minimal involvement in logistics

Amazon FBA Shipping: Best Practices and Requirements

Shipping to Amazon FBA warehouses requires adherence to specific guidelines to avoid delays, rejections, or additional fees.

Essential FBA Shipping Requirements

Labeling Requirements:

• FNSKU labels on individual units
• Shipment labels on outer cartons
• “Sold by” or “Distributed by” labels when required
• Expiration date labels for products with shelf life

Packaging Standards:

• Polybagged items must have suffocation warnings
• Sharp objects require protective packaging
• Fragile items need appropriate cushioning
• Mixed SKU boxes must be clearly labeled

Documentation for FBA Shipments:

• Commercial invoice with detailed descriptions
• Packing list matching Amazon’s shipment plan
• Certificate of compliance for regulated products
• Import permits for restricted categories

FBA Shipping Process with AEB Logistics

1. Preparation Phase: We coordinate with your suppliers to ensure FBA compliance
2. Quality Control: Inspection and re-packaging if necessary
3. Labeling Service: Application of all required FBA labels
4. Shipment Creation: Coordination with Amazon’s shipment planning system
5. Delivery: Direct delivery to designated FBA warehouses
6. Tracking: Real-time updates throughout the process

Get specialized FBA shipping quotes at AEB Logistics

Customs Clearance and Documentation Guide

Required Documents for China Export

Standard Documentation:

• Commercial invoice (3 copies minimum)
• Packing list with detailed contents
• Export license (for controlled goods)
• Certificate of origin
• Inspection certificate (if required)

China-Specific Requirements:

• Export cargo transportation insurance policy
• Foreign exchange verification documents
• Tax refund documentation (if applicable)

USA Import Requirements

Mandatory Filings:

• ISF (Importer Security Filing): Required 24 hours before vessel departure for ocean shipments
• Entry Summary (Form 7501): Filed within 15 days of arrival
• Power of Attorney: Authorizing customs broker to act on your behalf

Common Import Documents:

• Bill of lading or airway bill
• Commercial invoice
• Packing list
• Certificate of origin (for preferential duty rates)
• FDA registration (for food, drugs, cosmetics)
• FCC certification (for electronic devices)

Duties and Taxes Calculation

Import duties vary by product classification (HTS code) and country of origin. Common duty rates for Chinese goods range from 0% to 25%, with additional anti-dumping duties on specific products.

Example Calculation:

• Product value: $10,000
• Applicable duty rate: 7.5%
• Ocean freight: $500
• Insurance: $100
• Duty base: $10,000 (CIF value)
• Customs duty: $750
• Merchandise Processing Fee: $25
• Harbor Maintenance Fee: $1.25
• Total: $776.25

Managing China to USA Shipping Delays and Common Problems

Peak Season Considerations

Chinese New Year (February):

• Factory closures: 2-3 weeks
• Port congestion: Extended delays
• Planning tip: Ship 4-6 weeks before CNY

Golden Week (October):

• Reduced operations: 1 week
• Booking challenges: Limited capacity
• Planning tip: Book space 3-4 weeks in advance

US Holiday Seasons:

• Thanksgiving to New Year: High demand
• Back-to-school (August-September): Increased volume
• Planning tip: Expect 20-30% longer transit times

Common Delay Causes and Solutions

Port Congestion:

• Problem: Extended waiting times at major ports
• Solution: Consider alternative ports or shipping routes
• Prevention: Monitor port conditions and book early

Customs Inspections:

• Problem: Random inspections can add 3-7 days
• Solution: Ensure complete and accurate documentation
• Prevention: Work with experienced customs brokers

Weather Disruptions:

• Problem: Typhoons, storms can delay vessels
• Solution: Build buffer time into delivery schedules
• Prevention: Monitor weather patterns during typhoon season

Documentation Errors:

• Problem: Incorrect paperwork causes clearance delays
• Solution: Double-check all documentation before shipping
• Prevention: Use experienced freight forwarders who verify documents

China to USA Shipping Insurance: Protecting Your Investment

Types of Marine Insurance Coverage

All Risk Coverage:

• Covers physical loss or damage from external causes
• Includes theft, non-delivery, and general average
• Premium: 0.1-0.3% of cargo value
• Best for: High-value or fragile goods

Named Perils Coverage:

• Covers specific risks like fire, explosion, collision
• Limited coverage compared to all risk
• Premium: 0.05-0.15% of cargo value
• Best for: Low-risk, sturdy goods

War and Strikes Coverage:

• Covers loss from war, strikes, riots
• Usually purchased as additional coverage
• Premium: 0.02-0.05% of cargo value

Insurance Claims Process

1. Immediate Actions: Notify carrier and insurance company within 24 hours
2. Documentation: Gather proof of loss, photos, survey reports
3. Claim Filing: Submit claim with supporting documents within time limits
4. Investigation: Insurance company investigates the loss
5. Settlement: Payment based on coverage terms and actual loss

Common insurance mistakes to avoid:

• Under-declaring cargo value to save on premiums
• Failing to include freight and duty costs in insured value
• Not understanding coverage exclusions
• Delayed claim notification

Choosing the Right China to USA Shipping Route and Ports

Major Chinese Export Ports

Shanghai Port:

• Largest container port globally
• Excellent connections to inland China
• Best for: Eastern and central China suppliers
• Transit time to US West Coast: 12-16 days

Shenzhen Port (Yantian/Shekou):

• Major South China gateway
• Close to Hong Kong and manufacturing hubs
• Best for: Pearl River Delta suppliers
• Transit time to US West Coast: 12-15 days

Ningbo Port:

• Growing rapidly, good alternative to Shanghai
• Competitive rates and shorter waiting times
• Best for: Yangtze River Delta region
• Transit time to US West Coast: 14-18 days

Major US Import Ports

Los Angeles/Long Beach:

• Largest US port complex
• Best connections to Western US markets
• Advantage: Fastest transit from China
• Challenge: Frequent congestion

New York/New Jersey:

• Largest East Coast port
• Direct access to Northeast markets
• Advantage: Serves major population centers
• Challenge: Longer transit times from China

Savannah:

• Fastest-growing US port
• Good inland connections via rail
• Advantage: Less congestion than major ports
• Challenge: Limited direct services from China

Decision-Making Tools: Choosing Your China to USA Shipping Method

Shipping Method Comparison Matrix

Factor	Express Air	Standard Air	LCL Ocean	FCL Ocean
Speed	Excellent (3-5 days)	Good (8-12 days)	Fair (35-45 days)	Fair (25-35 days)
Cost	High ($8-15/kg)	Medium ($3-7/kg)	Low ($50-200/cbm)	Very Low (large volumes)
Reliability	Excellent	Good	Good	Excellent
Tracking	Excellent	Good	Limited	Limited
Min Volume	No minimum	No minimum	1 cbm	Full container
Best For	Urgent/samples	Regular shipments	Small businesses	Large volumes

Decision Tree for Shipping Method Selection

Is your shipment urgent (needed within 7 days)?

• Yes → Express Air Freight
• No → Continue to next question

Is your shipment under 100kg?

• Yes → Standard Air Freight or Express
• No → Continue to next question

Do you have enough goods to fill a container (15+ cbm)?

• Yes → FCL Ocean Freight
• No → LCL Ocean Freight

Is your shipment time-sensitive but can wait 2-3 weeks?

• Yes → Consider expedited ocean freight
• No → Standard ocean freight

Seasonal China to USA Shipping Strategies and Rate Management

Understanding Seasonal Rate Fluctuations

Peak Season (September-November):

• Rate increases: 30-50% above normal
• Capacity constraints: Limited space availability
• Strategy: Book early, consider alternative ports

Chinese New Year Impact (January-March):

• Factory shutdowns affect supply
• Reduced vessel services
• Strategy: Ship before holidays or wait for normal operations

Low Season (April-August):

• Competitive rates and good capacity
• Strategy: Negotiate better long-term contracts

Rate Management Tips

1. Long-term Contracts: Secure better rates with annual commitments
2. Flexible Scheduling: Allow extra time for better pricing
3. Consolidation: Combine shipments to achieve better rates
4. Alternative Ports: Consider secondary ports for cost savings
5. Advance Booking: Reserve space during peak seasons

Working with AEB Logistics: Your Trusted China to USA Freight Partner

At AEB Logistics, we understand that successful freight forwarding goes beyond moving cargo from point A to point B. Our comprehensive approach ensures your goods reach their destination safely, on time, and cost-effectively.

Our Comprehensive Services Include:

Pre-Shipment Planning:

• Cargo assessment and method recommendation
• Documentation preparation and verification
• Supplier coordination and pickup arrangement

Transportation Management:

• Competitive rates for all shipping methods
• Real-time tracking and status updates
• Proactive communication about delays or issues

Customs Expertise:

• Complete import/export documentation
• Duty optimization and classification review
• ISF filing and customs clearance management

Specialized Services:

• Amazon FBA preparation and delivery
• Dangerous goods handling and certification
• Project cargo and oversized shipment management

Why Choose AEB Logistics?

✅ 15+ Years Experience in China-USA trade routes 

✅ Competitive Pricing with transparent fee structures 

✅ Dedicated Account Management for personalized service 

✅ Advanced Technology for shipment tracking and management 

✅ Compliance Expertise to avoid costly delays and penalties 

✅ Flexible Solutions tailored to your specific needs

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How much does it cost to ship a 20ft container from China to the USA? A: Costs vary by route and season, typically ranging from $1,500-4,000. Shanghai to Los Angeles averages $1,800-2,500, while Shanghai to New York costs $2,200-3,000. Additional charges for inland transport, customs clearance, and peak season surcharges apply.

Q: What’s the difference between FCL and LCL shipping? A: FCL (Full Container Load) means you rent an entire container, ideal for shipments over 15 cubic meters. LCL (Less than Container Load) allows you to share container space with other shippers, perfect for smaller volumes but with longer transit times due to consolidation.

Q: How long does ocean freight take from China to the USA? A: Transit times vary by route: West Coast ports (Los Angeles, Seattle) take 12-18 days, while East Coast ports (New York, Miami) require 20-28 days. Add 7-14 days for inland transport and customs clearance.

Q: What documents do I need for importing from China? A: Essential documents include commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, and ISF filing (for ocean shipments). Specific products may require certificates of origin, FDA registration, or other compliance documents.

Q: When should I choose air freight over ocean freight? A: Choose air freight for urgent shipments (under 2 weeks), high-value low-weight goods, or when inventory costs exceed shipping premiums. Ocean freight is better for bulk shipments, non-urgent deliveries, and cost-conscious businesses.

Ready to Ship from China to the USA?

Don’t let the complexity of international shipping hold your business back. Partner with AEB Logistics for reliable, cost-effective freight forwarding services that deliver results.

Get Your Free Quote Today:

• Visit our website: https://aeblogistics.com/china-to-usa/
• Speak with our experts to discuss your specific shipping needs
• Receive a detailed quote within 24 hours

Whether you’re shipping a single pallet or multiple containers, importing for Amazon FBA, or managing complex supply chains, AEB Logistics has the experience and expertise to make your China to USA shipping seamless and successful.

Contact us today and discover why thousands of businesses trust AEB Logistics for their international shipping needs.

This comprehensive guide covers the essential aspects of freight forwarding from China to the USA. For the most current rates and specific requirements for your shipments, consult with our experienced team at AEB Logistics.