6 things you need to know before shipping from China to USA
Understand the classification and restrictions of your cargo
Before shipping products from China to the US, it is vital to understand what type of goods can be legally imported. Here is an overview of the products you can ship and the ones that are on the restricted list:
- General Goods: Consumer goods are some of the most non-restrictive items that can be shipped from China to the US. Products such as electronics, clothing, toys or furniture.
- Prohibited Goods: Agricultural products, hazardous materials, illegal substances, counterfeit goods, and other items that don’t meet safety standards (e.g., toys without proper certifications) are on the prohibited product list.
- Restricted Goods: Some items are required to have additional documentation before import. The items that occupy the top spot on the restricted list are medical devices, alcohol, and food products. Make sure to check with the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for specific requirements.
If your goods fall under the restricted or prohibited category, consult the CBP website or contact a professional customs broker.
How to calculate import duty from China to the US?
If you are shipping goods that require special handling, make sure to plan for potential delays and additional documentation. Here is what you need to know:
- Customs Inspections: After their arrival in the US, your goods will go through customs inspection. If the goods don’t follow the import regulations, they can be rejected, delayed, or sometimes destroyed.
- Import Quotas: Some products, such as textiles and agricultural goods, can sometimes be subject to import quotas that limit the quantity permitted in a specific timeframe.
- Product-Specific Restrictions: Some items, such as medical devices or chemicals, have very strict import requirements. These products need to have special certifications or proof of safety testing in order to pass.
Duty-free de minimis treatment has ended
How long does shipping from China take?
| Shipping Method | Time (to port) | Time (to doorstep) | Best For | Cost Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Express Services | __ | 1 – 5 days | Urgent packages | Very high |
| Air Freight | 2 – 7 days | 5 – 14 days | Moderate urgency | High |
| Sea Freight (FCL) | 15 – 40 days | 19 – 47 days | Bulk shipment | Moderate |
| Sea Freight (LCL) | 20 – 45 days | 22 – 50 days | Smaller shipments | Low, based on CBM |
| ePacket / China Post / EMS | 7 – 20 days | 7 – 20 days | Small personal orders | Very low |
How Much Does It Cost to Ship from China to the US?
The price to ship goods from China to the US varies based on several factors such as type of product, method of transportation and destination.
Here is an estimated breakdown of the pricing:
- Air Freight: This method of transportation is faster but a lot more expensive. The costs typically range from $2.50 to $7.00 per kilogram, based on the type of service and shipment size. For example, if you choose express air freight, you will pay from $30 – $60/kg because your shipment will arrive faster, typically in 2 to 5 business days. As for standard air freight, the price range is $4 to $8 per kilogram, and the delivery time is longer.
- Sea Freight: If you’re looking for a more economical option for large shipments, then choose sea freight. Indeed, it takes longer to ship (15-30 days), but the costs make it worth the transit time. Prices start from $500 and can reach $3,000 per container, depending on the port location and size of shipment. For sea freight, you can opt for FCL if you want to ship an entire container or LCL if you want to occupy only a part of a container.
- Express Shipping: This option is great for urgent deliveries, but keep in mind that express services can cost more than regular ones, with rates ranging around $5.00 per kilogram.
Find a reliable China freight forwarder
| Freight Forwarder | Location | Year Founded | Highlights and Advantages | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Siyuan Freight | Shenzhen, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Yiwu, Xiamen, and Ningbo | 2011 | Approved by the GAC, the China Ministry of Commerce, good at air freight from China. | |||||||
| DFH Global Logistics | Shenzhen, China | 2009 | Handling shipments from China to any nation | |||||||
| CIMC Anda Shun Logistics | Shenzhen, China | 2006 | Provide both domestic and international shipments | |||||||
| Sino Shipping | Shenzhen, China | 2018 | know how to adapt to each client’s needs | |||||||
| Realogistics | Beijing, China | 2006 | help them gain a competitive advantage through logistics supply chain solutions | |||||||
| Bansar | Suzhou, China | 2008 | Over 10 Office in China main Cities | |||||||
| SANITY FREIGHT | Hong Kong, China | 2000 | Consolidation services for effective space allocations | |||||||
| Eversail Logistics | GuangZhou, China | 1996 | It has all the certifications possible | |||||||
| Zhenhua Logistics | Zhejiang, China | 1993 | Dry bulk cargo chartering services | |||||||
| Beijing HYCX Logistics | Beijing, China | 2009 | A member of the IATA & WCA |
Work with a freight forwarder and start your shipment
Now you have learned everything you need to know before shipping from China to the USA, it’s time to work with a reliable shipping agent. At Siyuan Freight, safety is our number one priority. To make sure that your goods arrive safely from China to the US, we offer the following services
- Packaging: Having the right type of packaging is crucial during transit because it prevents damage to your goods. With our repacking services, we ensure that our customers’ goods are securely packed and protected at all times.
- Cargo Insurance: No cargo should be shipped without insurance. It protects goods against theft, potential loss or even unexpected damage during transit. Make sure to purchase one of our affordable cargo insurance plans to help safeguard your goods.
- Tracking: Tracking nowadays is a must, and we offer the best real-time tracking services available on the market. This way, you can monitor your shipments at all times, from departure to arrival.
What Freight Shipping Services Does Siyuan Freight Offer from China to the USA?
Besides the basic services of air, land and sea, Siyuan Freight also offers exclusive services for fulfilment, dropshipping, e-commerce, and Amazon.
Air freight from China to the US
Count on our reliable air freight from China to the US to get your goods delivered on time. Benefit from:
- Express shipping: 2-5 business days
- Standard shipping: 5-10 business days
- On-time delivery at affordable rates
Sea freight from China to the US
Siyuan Freight can transport all types of products from China to the USA by sea at the best rates on the market. We offer:
- FCL and LCL shipping solutions
- On-time deliveries
- Secure and hassle-free sea shipping
Door-to-door shipping from China to US
Do you need your goods to be delivered fast and on time to the US? Siyuan Freight is here to help with international shipping from China to USA. Benefit from:
- Quick and reliable shipping services
- Door-to-door delivery
- Faster and more affordable
Amazon FBA fulfillment from China to the US
Need to stack up more products together before shipping? With Siyuan Freight, we can help you gather all your goods and then ship them together and save money. We offer:
- 14 days of free storage
- Multiple warehouse locations
- Add-on services
Extra Services You Can Purchase When Shipping Goods from China to the USA
To streamline your shipments from China to the US, we provide a multitude of logistics services custom-made for your business.
- Warehousing & distribution: Get our affordable warehousing solutions and reduce costs.
- Pickup service: We can pick up cargo from any location in China, saving you time and money.
- Packing & repacking: We provide packing and repacking services for a smooth shipping process.
- Cargo insurance: Get cargo insurance at a lower rate than buying on your own.
- Import and export customs clearance: Our brokerage team in China and overseas ensures a smooth process.
- Quality inspection: Get quality inspection videos and reports from our trained team.
- Labelling products: We help you label goods or cartons for Amazon shipments or drop shipping.
- Customized shipping services: No matter the size of your shipment, we offer tailored solutions to fit your needs.
Reliable Freight from China to the US
At Siyuan Freight, our wide array of freight services offers the possibility to choose the right shipping option for your business, no matter the season or type of cargo.
Freight shipping from China to the USA doesn’t have to be complicated. Our logistics experts will make sure it’s simple, safe and fast. We can help you choose the right option for your shipments and provide reliable solutions for unexpected issues.
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