Introduction
Hello, everyone! Today, we want to talk about shipping from China to the USA through the DDPCH shipping company website. Our goal is to provide you with a comprehensive daily guide on this subject. We receive many inquiries from customers asking about transit times, shipping costs, and the customs clearance process in the USA. They are seeking detailed information about this entire process, which is why we’ve created this comprehensive guide to address all your questions.
We strongly recommend that you read this article and carefully review the full guide. If you still have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us and contact our sales team. We are always ready to answer any inquiries or questions you may have about shipping from China to the USA. Your satisfaction is our priority.
Customs Procedures for Shipping from China to the USA
Let’s talk about customs clearance in the USA. Every day, we receive many inquiries from customers who are curious about how much they should pay for customs duties in the USA, what types of products they can import from China to the USA, and whether there are any limitations on importing products. If you’re aspiring to be a businessperson or if you intend to import products from China to the USA, understanding the customs clearance process in the USA is crucial.
Customs procedures can be intricate and involve numerous regulations and requirements. To simplify this process, we recommend utilizing the services of a customs broker. Customs brokers handle all the paperwork and logistics, making the process more straightforward for you. You’ll just need to pay them, and they’ll take care of everything with the USA customs authorities.
In this article, we’ll delve into the details of the customs clearance process in the USA. If you still have questions after reading this article, please don’t hesitate to contact the DDPCH team. We’re here to assist you.
Customs clearance in the USA
Customs clearance in the USA is a complex process, especially if you lack sufficient information about it. Customs clearance problems can have a significant impact on your business. The United States boasts numerous air and sea ports, each with its own distinct rules and regulations for releasing shipments. Here at DDPCH shipping company, we provide the best customs clearance services from China to the USA.
Customs clearance is a vital step for international imports and exports, involving the verification of customs duties payment and documentation. Using a customs broker can streamline this process.
If you’re looking to import any type of product from China to the USA, it’s advisable to thoroughly read this complete guide on shipping from China to the USA.
Necessary documents for customs clearance in the USA
Customs clearance in the USA, like in all countries around the world, requires special and specific documents. Without these documents, your customs process will take more time and become more complicated.
So, before shipping or importing any package from China, we suggest that you prepare all the necessary documents required for customs clearance in the USA. Here at DDPCH, we will help you create a list of all the necessary documents you should prepare before your shipment arrives at USA customs.
USA Customs Invoice
The invoice is a necessary document for customs clearance in the USA. Typically, customs inspections calculate the customs fees based on the value of the goods specified in the invoice. If you intend to import any product into the USA, your invoice should adhere to the standard USA Customs template. Here, we will provide a sample of a U.S. Customs Invoice.
It seems like you want to provide a list of information typically included in a Customs Invoice. Here’s a list of the information commonly found in a Customs Invoice:
Shipper Information: This section should contain the name and address of the shipper (exporter) and the consignee (importer).
Description of Goods: Provide a detailed description of the goods being shipped.
Quantity of Goods: Specify the quantity or number of units for each item in the shipment.
Total Weight of Goods: State the overall weight of the entire shipment.
Pricing Information: Include the unit price and the total price for each item or product category.
Harmonised System (HS) Code: List the appropriate HS code for each type of product.
Invoice Number: Assign a unique invoice number to the document.
Country of Origin of Goods: Indicate the country where the goods were manufactured or produced.
Including all of this information in the Customs Invoice is crucial for a smooth customs clearance process and to ensure compliance with import regulations
Packing list
Another document that you must offer to USA customs is a Packing List. Without a Packing List, you can’t start your customs process for your shipment. So, don’t forget that when you buy any product from any Chinese seller, ask for the final Packing List from your seller.
In the Packing List, you can find much information, but some of them must be present, such as the number of packages, total weight, total volume, and the type of packaging. Here at DDPCH, we have compiled a list of all the necessary information that you should ask your seller to include in your Packing List:
- Exporter’s information: name, address, and contact information.
- Consignee’s information: name, address, and contact information.
- Shipping information: Shipping date, mode of transportation, and shipping carrier.
- Package information: Number of packages, size and weight of each package, and the contents of each package.
Bill of Lading
The bill of lading is another important document that you need to start your customs clearance process for your shipment when shipping from China to the USA.
The bill of lading is issued by your shipping company or forwarder. For example, if you use DDPCH shipping company service, we will provide you with a copy or the original bill of lading for your shipment from China to the USA.
Now, let’s explore what kind of information you can find in the bill of lading:
- Information about the transportation company (carrier), the shipper, and/or consignee.
- The location where the goods were loaded.
- The final destination.
- The mode of transportation used (e.g., road, rail, air, sea, etc.).
- The agreed-upon terms of the shipment, known as incoterms.
- A detailed description of the goods being transported, including their weight, dimensions, classification, and more.
You might wonder why the bill of lading is important for you. As we mentioned, it’s necessary for customs clearance with USA customs. However, there are other reasons, such as it serves as evidence of the contract of carriage. It’s also like a receipt for the shipped goods and shows how many packages and how many kilograms your shipping agent in China received from you.
Customs Bond
If your shipment’s value exceeds $2,500 USD, you need to obtain a Customs Bond to release your shipment. Each Customs Bond signifies that the importer has paid all customs duties, taxes, and penalties and is in compliance with regulations for commercial goods.
If you plan to buy anything from a Chinese supplier or import a product from China to the USA with a value over $2,500 USD, you can acquire a Customs Bond from Customs and Border Protection (CBP). You can apply for a Customs Bond through a surety company or a certificate licensed by the US Department of the Treasury. Alternatively, you can contact your customs broker to assist you in applying for a Customs Bond.
In the DDPCH team, we recommend that before shipping any package from China to the USA, you first consult with a customs broker in your US state to obtain comprehensive information about Customs Bonds.
Now, let’s discuss more details about Customs Bonds. Many of our customers in China ask us if DDPCH can help them apply for a Customs Bond. Yes, we can help. Typically, it takes around 2 or 3 days for us to apply for a Customs Bond for your shipment with USA customs.
How to start the customs clearance process in the USA?
Now, let’s discuss how to initiate the customs clearance process for your shipment in the USA. While you may find plenty of online guides and articles about customs processes in the USA, many of them contain duplicated information that may not be very helpful. Therefore, at DDPCH, we have created this guide to address this issue.
Step 1: Find a Trustworthy Customs Clearance Agent or Broker in the USA
We recommend that you search for a reputable and reliable customs clearance agent or broker in your state in the USA before your shipment arrives at the seaport or airport. It’s essential to check the background of your customs broker, and they should have a good understanding of Customs and Border Protection (CBP) rules and regulations.
Step 2: Prepare Your Shipment Documents for Customs Processing
After finding a customs broker, you must provide all the necessary documents, as mentioned at the beginning of this article, to your customs agent or broker. These documents typically include the Commercial Invoice, Bill of Lading or Airway Bill, Packing List, Entry Summary (CBP Form 3461), and any other documents specific to your goods. Your customs broker should ensure that all documents comply with U.S. customs regulations and accurately describe the imported goods.
Step 3: Customs Broker Agreement and Declaration of Goods
Once you reach a comprehensive agreement with your customs broker in the USA and provide all the necessary documents, your agent will declare the goods in the customs system and follow all customs regulations while applying for all required licenses and certificates for clearing the goods. A trusted customs broker can ensure that your shipments meet all regulatory requirements, ultimately saving you time and ensuring a smooth customs clearance experience.
Step 4: Customs Inquires About Payment for Taxes and Duties
If customs suspects that you’re importing products from China for commercial purposes, you’ll be required to pay some taxes and duties for your shipment.
Step 5: Pay All Customs Costs and Collect Your Shipment
After paying all costs, such as taxes, duties, and other fees like storage, handling, and insurance, you can retrieve your shipment from customs and stock it in your store to sell to your customers. 😊
Import license in USA
Usually, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) does not request licenses for importing your goods into the USA. However, it’s possible that some other U.S. agencies may require specific licenses for imports. This requirement depends on the type of product you are importing from China or other countries, as some goods are restricted and cannot be freely imported.
For instance, if you are importing alcohol from China to the USA, it falls under the regulation of the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB), and you would need to complete Form TTB F 5100.24.
The importation of certain goods into the United States may be overseen by both the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and various Other Government Agencies (OGA). In such cases, you might be obliged to obtain an import permit or a specific import license.
Customs duties and tariffs in the USA
“Now, let’s talk about the hardest part of importing! We want to discuss costs ☹ We want to talk about Tax and Duties and how much you should pay in Tax and Duties if you import any product from China to the USA. But, at the beginning, you must know that in the USA, we have four types of Tax and Duties when importing any product to the USA:
- Customs Duties
- Excise Tax
- Merchandise Processing Fee or MPF
- Harbour Maintenance Fee or HMF Each one has different regulations and applies in different situations, which we want to explain to you:
Customs Duties: These duties are applied by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and normally apply when your shipment is worth more than USD 800. But, as we mentioned, for goods worth less than $2500, you don’t need to pay any duties. However, if your shipment is worth more than $2500, the import tariffs range from 0% to 37.5%, but on average, it’s around 3%. But let us give you a tip: for any product that you buy from any online shop from outside the USA and import to the USA with a value of more than $2500, you only need to pay a flat rate of duties, which is around 3%.
Excise Tax: Excise tax only applies to liquors and tobacco products.
Merchandise Processing Fee or MPF: The Customs and Border Protection (CBP) imposes the Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF) on imported goods based on the type of entry into the United States. There are two types of entry:
- Formal Entry:
- For commercial purposes.
- When the value of imported goods is above USD 2500.
- The importer classifies the goods’ Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) code and handles customs documentation.
- Informal Entry:
- For commercial and personal use.
- When the value of imported goods is below USD 2500.
- A Customs officer provides the goods’ HTS code and handles customs documentation. It’s important to note that samples are declared differently than other imported goods. If you run your own store or are a reseller on an e-marketplace like eBay, you can order samples at a low or $0 value by declaring the samples at a nominal value of USD 1 and marking them as “samples of no commercial value” on the invoice. This is because there won’t be any earnings from this order, making it of insignificant commercial value.
Harbour Maintenance Fee or HMF: The Harbour Maintenance Fee (HMF) is a specific levy imposed by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) on imported goods that are transported by sea. It is calculated as 0.125% of the commercial value of the imported cargo. It’s important to note that HMF is applicable only to goods transported by sea and is exempt from all imported air freight shipments.”
Calculate Customs Duty in USA
Calculating customs duty in the USA is straightforward. You only need to know two factors:
- The HTS CODE of your product.
- The import duty rate for your goods.
You can find the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) for your product by searching online or asking your customs broker in the USA. The United States employs a 10-digit HTS code, an extended version of the international HS (Harmonized System) codes. To determine the HTS code for your goods, you can reference the Harmonized Tariff Schedule, or your customs broker can assist you.
Here’s a simple example to demonstrate how to calculate customs duty in the USA:
Suppose you are importing 500 cellphones, each valued at USD 300, into the US.
- HTS Code for Cellphones: 8517.12.00.00
- Duty Rate: 3.2%
- Total Cellphone Commercial Value: USD 150,000 (USD 300 x 500 units)
The duty rate calculation would be as follows:
USD 150,000 x 3.2% = USD 4,800
The total value of goods and import duty would be:
USD 150,000 + USD 4,800 = USD 154,800
So, USD 154,800 is the approximate amount you will pay for the goods and customs duty when importing 500 cellphones, each valued at USD 300.
Restricted products for import to USA
Like all countries around the world, the USA does not allow you to import any product without restrictions. Before buying any product from China, it’s better to check this list and be sure not to buy any of these products because you can’t send and import them to the USA. Here are some items that are forbidden to import to the USA:
- Illegal Drugs: This includes narcotics and certain substances that are illegal under U.S. law.
- Certain Firearms and Ammunition: Strict regulations govern the import of firearms and ammunition.
- Explosives and Fireworks: Importing explosives and fireworks is heavily regulated and often prohibited.
- Counterfeit Items: Items that infringe on intellectual property rights, such as fake brand-name goods, are prohibited.
- Certain Animal Products: This includes ivory, certain furs, and products made from endangered species.
- Certain Plants and Seeds: Some plants and seeds, especially those that might harm the local ecosystem, are restricted.
- Hazardous Materials: Chemicals and other materials that are hazardous to health or the environment.
- Certain Foods and Agricultural Products: Some food items and agricultural products are restricted to prevent the spread of pests and diseases.
- Obscene and Pornographic Materials: Importation of obscene material is prohibited under U.S. law.
- Cuban Cigars: U.S. law prohibits the importation of Cuban cigars, even if purchased in third countries.
- Cultural Artifacts and Cultural Property: Items of significant cultural value or stolen cultural property are restricted.
- Certain Prescription Medications: Without proper documentation and adherence to FDA regulations, importing prescription drugs can be prohibited.
Shipping from China to USA ( Full Guide )
Now, let’s talk about the main topics of this article. For sure, if you’re reading this, you want more information about shipping methods from China to the USA. In this article, we aim to share all our experience regarding shipping services from China to the USA. But first, you must know that there are many shipping methods with different types of shipping solutions from China to the USA. Here, we have compiled a list for you.
- Air Freight
- Sea Freight
- Express Courier Service
- Door to Door Shipping Service (DDP)
- Amazon FBA
But you must know that each one of these shipping methods has different options with different costs and delivery times. Here at DDPCH, we will help you choose the best option for your shipment from China to the USA
Air freight from China to USA
If you want to import or ship heavy cargo ranging from 45 kg to 5000 kg, you can use air freight service. Normally, air freight service is slower than express courier service but much faster than sea freight from China to the USA. Just imagine you have a shipment in Guangzhou city bound for a US city like Dallas. The best option for shipping from China to Dallas is air freight because Dallas does not have any sea port. If you opt for sea freight, you would need to ship your cargo to the nearest seaport, like Houston, and then transit by road to Dallas.
At DDPCH, we suggest that if you need to ship any package quickly, within about 5 to 10 days, and your shipment is very valuable, you should definitely use air freight services from China to the USA.
We are pleased to inform you that these days, air freight is available from major Chinese cities like Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Qingdao, and Ningbo to most cities in the USA, including Los Angeles, New York, Atlanta, Washington, etc. So, without any stress, book your air freight service from China to the USA and enjoy the fastest and safest shipping method in the world for shipping to the USA.
Now we want to talk about more details regarding air freight transit times and costs from China, and finally, tell you why to choose air freight. We will also explain the benefits of Door to Door air freight from China to the USA and why you might consider using it.
Air Freight in USA: Top Hubs for China-USA Trade
Now, we want to talk about the top 5 major cities in the USA that play a strategic role in air freight services from China to the USA. This is because most airlines from China to the USA operate daily air freight services to these cities, and every day, thousands of kilograms of shipments transit from China to these cities. We will inform you about which airlines normally offer air freight services from China to these cities. So, after reading this table, if you still have any questions, please contact the DDPCH team.
This table summarizes the strategic roles of the top 5 cities in the USA for air freight services from China and lists some of the airlines that offer flights to these cities.
The Best Airports for Air Freight from China to USA
If you want to ship any shipment from China to any city in the USA, choosing the right destination airport is an important factor for your shipping process. Selecting the best destination airport for you can reduce the transit time and air freight cost for shipping your package from China to the USA.
For example, some airports in the USA have extra handling costs, which means if you choose them, you’ll need to pay those costs as a destination local charge when your shipment arrives in the USA. Another factor to consider is the distance from the airport to your place in the USA. For instance, if you choose an airport that is far from your company, you will have to pay a significant amount in domestic transit costs inside the USA for the delivery of the shipment from that airport to your company or warehouse.
At DDPCH, we have compiled a list of 10 airports in the USA and the distance of each airport to another major city in the USA, so you can choose the one closest to you
Here is the table with estimated distances between the top 10 biggest airports in the USA and 10 other major cities (in miles):
Main Airline for Air freight from china to USA
Another factor that is very important for air freight from China to the USA is choosing the right airline. There are more than 70 active airlines in the USA, of which around 30 provide air freight service from China to the USA. However, it’s important to know that choosing the right airline can affect transit time and air shipping costs. For example, some well-known airlines typically offer better shipping services but at a higher cost. Below, we have compiled a list of the top 10 shipping airlines that provide air freight service from China to the USA, allowing you to choose one of them when booking your shipment from China
For the most suitable option, shippers should consider their specific requirements and compare the services, schedules, and rates of these airlines. It’s also advisable to consult with freight forwarders or logistics providers who can provide detailed insights and facilitate the shipping process.
Air freight cost from China to USA (2024 UPDATE)
Now, let’s discuss your first question about air freight services from China to the USA, a common query for our team at DDPCH. The cost of air freight from China to the USA depends on several factors such as:
- Weight of the shipment
- Volume of the shipment
- Type of goods (e.g., general, battery, etc.)
- Shipping terms
- Type of packaging (e.g., wooden pallet, carton, etc.)
- Origin city in China and destination city in the USA
Therefore, we can’t provide a simple answer to your question. However, as a reference, we’ve created a table of estimated air freight costs from China to the USA for a standard shipment weighing 100kg. This is based on shipping from Shenzhen, China to five major cities in the USA. For an exact price, we suggest contacting the DDPCH sales team.
- From: Shenzhen To: New York, Cost: $5.50 per kg
- From: Shenzhen To: Los Angeles, Cost: $4.75 per kg
- From: Shenzhen To: Chicago, Cost: $5.25 per kg
- From: Shenzhen To: Houston, Cost: $5.00 per kg
- From: Shenzhen To: Phoenix, Cost: $4.90 per kg
- From: Shenzhen To: Philadelphia, Cost: $5.35 per kg
- From: Shenzhen To: San Antonio, Cost: $4.80 per kg
- From: Shenzhen To: San Diego, Cost: $4.85 per kg
- From: Shenzhen To: Dallas, Cost: $5.15 per kg
- From: Shenzhen To: San Jose, Cost: $4.95 per kg
Air freight Transit time from China to USA (2024 UPDATE)
Another important question that customers ask us about air freight from China to the USA is about transit time. Actually, transit times from China to the USA can vary greatly and many factors affect it, such as:
- Which airline you choose, whether it’s a direct or indirect flight
- Type of goods
- Number of flights available per week to your destination airport
- Weight of shipment
But for your reference, we have made a list of transit times from Shenzhen to major cities in the USA. However, if you have any questions, please contact the DDPCH team. Please don’t forget: never send your shipment from China to the USA right before holidays. Before holidays, there are many shipments and fewer flights, so transit times can increase significantly.
- From: Shenzhen To: New York – Transit Time: 3 to 4 days
- From: Shenzhen To: Los Angeles – Transit Time: 1 to 3 days
- From: Shenzhen To: Chicago – Transit Time: 2 to 3 days
- From: Shenzhen To: Houston – Transit Time: 1 to 4 days
- From: Shenzhen To: Phoenix – Transit Time: 2 to 4 days
- From: Shenzhen To: Philadelphia – Transit Time: 1 to 2 days
- From: Shenzhen To: San Antonio – Transit Time: 3 to 4 days
- From: Shenzhen To: San Diego – Transit Time: 2 to 3 days
- From: Shenzhen To: Dallas – Transit Time: 1 to 4 days
- From: Shenzhen To: San Jose – Transit Time: 2 to 3 days
Sea freight from China to USA
If air freight is too expensive for you, another option for shipping from China to the USA is sea freight service. Approximately 70% of products from China use ocean and sea freight services to the USA, which is a significant amount. Most people and importers in the USA opt for sea freight due to its cost-effectiveness. It may be slower than air freight, but the price can be up to 50 times lower, making a substantial difference.
In sea freight services, there are many tips that, if followed, can help you ship your goods from China to the USA in the most cost-effective and fastest way possible.
We will discuss all these tips, and if you still have any problems or questions, please contact the DDPCH team. We are ready to provide you with the best sea freight solution for your shipment.
FCL & LCL from China to USA
If you have any experience with sea freight from China to the USA, you surely know what FCL and LCL are. But if you don’t, it’s not a problem; here at DDPCH, we will explain it to you.
FCL, or Full Container Load, means your shipment planned for the USA can fill a container after loading. Normally, if your shipment is more than 15 CBM, you can use a full container to ship your package because it will be much cheaper and more cost-effective for you.
- Usage: The entire container is used by a single shipper.
- Cost-Effectiveness: More cost-effective for larger shipments.
- Risk of Damage: Lower risk of damage as the container is dedicated to one shipper’s goods.
- Speed: Generally faster as the container is loaded and shipped directly without waiting for other cargo.
- Best Suited For: Shipments large enough to fill a container (typically over 15-20 cubic meters).
LCL, or Less than Container Load, means your shipment is less than one full container and there is no need to fill a full container. So, you share the space of a container with other people and you just pay for the CBM and space that you use in the container. Normally, you use LCL when your shipment is less than 15 CBM.
- Usage: The container space is shared among multiple shippers.
- Cost-Effectiveness: More economical for smaller shipments, as shippers pay only for the space they use.
- Risk of Damage: Slightly higher risk of damage due to the loading and unloading of different shipments.
- Speed: Can be slower than FCL, as it involves consolidation and deconsolidation of various shipments.
- Best Suited For: Smaller shipments that don’t require a full container (typically less than 15 cubic meters).
We are happy to inform you that we offer both LCL and FCL sea freight services from China to the USA with the best prices and transit times. So, if you want to know the price, just contact us.
Main Sea ports in USA
If you want to ship your package from China to the USA, choosing the destination sea port is very important. In the USA, there are more than 360 sea ports, each with different advantages and disadvantages. The first item you should consider is the distance of the sea port from your office or warehouse in the USA. This is because, after your shipment arrives at the USA sea port and completes customs clearance, you must send your shipment to your warehouse and pay for domestic transportation. Choosing a sea port closer to your warehouse means saving money on domestic transportation.
Here, we have made a list of the top 20 main sea ports in the USA that you can choose from when you send your shipping inquiry to the DDPCH team.
Port of Los Angeles, California
- Address: 425 S. Palos Verdes Street, San Pedro, CA 90731
Port of Long Beach, California
- Address: 4801 Airport Plaza Drive, Long Beach, CA 90815
Port of New York and New Jersey
- Address: 4 World Trade Center, 150 Greenwich Street, New York, NY 10007
Port of Savannah, Georgia
- Address: 2 Main Street, Garden City, GA 31408
Port of Seattle, Washington
- Address: 2711 Alaskan Way, Seattle, WA 98121
Port of Oakland, California
- Address: 530 Water Street, Oakland, CA 94607
Port of Virginia
- Address: 600 World Trade Center, Norfolk, VA 23510
Port of Charleston, South Carolina
- Address: 176 Concord Street, Charleston, SC 29401
Port of Houston, Texas
- Address: 111 East Loop North, Houston, TX 77029
Port of Tacoma, Washington
- Address: 1 Sitcum Plaza, Tacoma, WA 98421
Port of Miami, Florida
- Address: 1015 North America Way, Miami, FL 33132
Port Everglades, Florida
- Address: 1850 Eller Drive, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
Port of Baltimore, Maryland
- Address: 401 East Pratt Street, Baltimore, MD 21202
Port of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Address: 3460 N. Delaware Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19134
Port of New Orleans, Louisiana
- Address: 1350 Port of New Orleans Pl, New Orleans, LA 70130
Port of Beaumont, Texas
- Address: 1225 Main Street, Beaumont, TX 77701
Port of Corpus Christi, Texas
- Address: 222 Power Street, Corpus Christi, TX 78401
Port of Wilmington, North Carolina
- Address: 1 Shipyard Blvd, Wilmington, NC 28401
Port of San Diego, California
- Address: 3165 Pacific Highway, San Diego, CA 92101
Port of Mobile, Alabama
- Address: 250 North Water Street, Mobile, AL 36602
Best container type for shipping from china to USA
If you choose the FCL service, meaning your shipment can fill a container, when you contact the DDPCH team, you’ll need to tell us what type of container you need. We have different types of containers like Standard 20ft, Standard 40ft, High Cube 40ft, and more. Depending on your product and the CBM you need, you can choose one of them.
If you don’t know the differences between each container, it’s not important. We will create a table for you so you can see all the differences between all containers and choose the best one for shipping from China to the USA.
Sea freight cost from China to USA (2024 UPDATE)
Now, let’s discuss the cost of sea shipping from China to the USA, which is one of the first questions customers ask when they contact the DDPCH sales team. Like air freight costs, sea freight cost depends on many factors such as:
- Whether you need FCL or LCL service.
- The volume of the shipment (how many CBM?).
- The type of products.
- The departure sea port in China and the destination sea port in the USA.
- The timing of your booking, especially if it’s during a peak season or not.
But in simple terms, if you want to save on sea freight costs from China to the USA, remember these three tips:
- Always purchase products under FOB (Free on Board) incoterms from the seller.
- Don’t book and ship containers before holidays in China and the USA, as prices tend to go up.
- Choose the closest sea port to the factory or seller’s warehouse in China.
As a reference, we can create a table of price lists for sea freight from China to the USA for FCL service from Shanghai and Shenzhen port to 5 main sea ports in the USA.
Sea freight Transit time from China to USA (2024 UPDATE)
As you know, sea freight is much slower than air freight or other shipping methods when you want to ship anything from China to the USA. However, customers often ask us how long the transit time normally takes from China to the USA by sea. It depends on many factors, but for your reference, and according to our experience, we have made a table of estimated transit times for sea freight from China to the USA.
Door to Door Shipping Service from China to USA ( DDP )
As we said at the beginning of this article, if you want to ship any package from China to the USA, you need to do customs clearance yourself or through our company or personal name and handle all customs clearance processes by yourself or through an agent. However, most of the time, customers ask the DDPCH team because they don’t know how to do customs clearance or can’t offer some license or permission. So, is there any way that they can import any product from China and DDPCH does customs clearance for them in the USA?
Our answer is yes 😊
DDPCH is the king of Door to Door shipping service (DDP) from China to the USA. We offer special door-to-door shipping with air and sea methods from China to all cities in the USA with the lowest price and transit time.
It’s not important what type of product with which weight and size you want to ship to the USA; we can do everything for you in our door-to-door shipping service from China to the USA, including shipping, customs clearance in the USA, and delivery to your front door in the USA.
So, no need to be worried about any problem for shipping or any problem during customs clearance in the USA, the DDPCH team will handle everything.
Door to Door shipping process from china to USA
Now, let’s talk about the shipping process for Door to Door shipping service from China to the USA. It’s quite simple, but let’s go over the details:
Step 1: Prepare your documents In the first step, you must prepare all necessary documents like the packing list and proforma invoice, which you can get from your seller.
Step 2: Submit your inquiry with DDPCH In this step, you can send us your shipping inquiry from China to the USA, along with all your information and documents. We’ll check everything and give you our best Door to Door shipping cost from China to the USA.
Step 3: Pick up your shipment from the seller After you confirm our price, we pick up your shipment from the seller. There’s no need to worry about anything; the DDPCH team will arrange everything on the China side for you and send the shipment to the airport or sea port in China.
Step 4: Load the shipment in a container or flight Depending on your shipping method, we arrange the shipping process from China to the USA for you. There’s no need to worry; we’ll arrange everything.
Step 5: Start customs clearance in the USA In this step, after the shipment arrives in the USA, we start doing customs clearance for you. You don’t need to do anything; we handle everything and do the customs on our name in the USA, so you don’t need to provide any documents or licenses for it.
Step 6: Delivery to your address in the USA After finishing the customs clearance, we deliver your package to your address in the USA. So now, you can see that in Door to Door shipping service from China to the USA, we do everything from A to Z for you.
Express Courier service from China to USA
You can get your package from China to the USA in just less than 5 days with an express courier service. Although it may be more expensive, it’s the best option if you’re looking for a fast and safe shipping method from China to the USA.
Normally, we suggest using this shipping method if your package is less than 20 kg or has high value. This shipping solution from China to the USA is the most expensive, more so than air cargo, sea cargo, and other shipping methods.
Many famous express companies like FedEx, UPS, and DHL offer services from China to the USA. We can ship your package with one of these courier companies and arrange everything for you on the China side, including booking, pickup from the seller, and shipping the package to your address in the USA.
This shipping solution is the best option for small packages, like samples.
Why use DDPCH for booking Fedex, DHL or UPS from china to USA?
Simple answer, because of money! 🙂
If you want to save money on shipping costs from China to the USA by FedEx, UPS, and DHL, it’s better to book express shipment from the China side, and DDPCH has a high discount from all these companies. For example, you can go to the FedEx website and check the shipping cost by FedEx from China to the USA for 20 kg, the price that you can see maybe around 400 or 500 USD, but we can book this shipment for you just with 150 USD!! Now you can see why it’s better to ask DDPCH to book a shipment from China to the USA by FedEx, DHL, or UPS.
Main Express courier service from china to USA
Fedex ( Number 1 )
When shipping from China to the USA by, FedEx offers a range of services tailored to different needs, ensuring that your packages reach their destination swiftly and securely. Here’s a customized overview of FedEx services for shipments from China to the USA we provide you:
- FedEx International First (IF): Ideal for extremely time-sensitive shipments, this service ensures early morning delivery to the USA. It’s perfect for urgent business documents or critical packages that need to reach the USA as early as possible, typically within 1-3 business days, often by 8:00 or 8:30 am.
- FedEx International Priority Express (IPE): This service offers a faster option for urgent shipments from China to the USA, with early day delivery. Deliveries are typically made within 1-3 business days, with specific time commitments like next business day delivery by 10:30 am, making it suitable for shipments that require a bit more urgency than the standard International Priority service.
- FedEx International Priority (IP): A balanced choice for shipping from China to the USA, this service offers reliable and fast delivery, typically within 1-3 business days. It’s a popular option for businesses needing definite delivery times for their shipments, without the premium cost of the express services.
- FedEx International Economy (IE): When your shipments are less time-sensitive and you’re looking for a more cost-effective solution, FedEx International Economy is the go-to choice. While it takes a bit longer, with delivery usually within 2-5 business days, it provides a reliable and economical option for shipping from China to the USA.
These services provide a range of options depending on the urgency of your shipment and your budget, leveraging FedEx’s extensive international network to ensure your packages are delivered from China to the USA efficiently and securely.
Fedex Shipping cost from China to USA
The documents required include a commercial ID, delivery order, warehouse receipt, bill of loading, packing list, proforma invoice, certificate of origin, standard certificate, order of registration, and logical permission.
Yes, both countries have import/export restrictions. It’s advisable to check with customs regulations of both countries to understand what can and cannot be shipped.
Customs duties and taxes vary based on the type of goods and their value. Check with the Iran Customs Administration or a customs broker for detailed information.
Services vary by shipping company. Some may provide door-to-door delivery, while others may require pick-up from specific locations.
You can typically obtain a quote from the shipping company’s website or by contacting their customer service. The cost may depend on factors like the size and weight of the shipment, and the type of service chosen.
You can typically obtain a quote from the shipping company’s website or by contacting their customer service. The cost may depend on factors like the size and weight of the shipment, and the type of service chosen.
Many shipping companies offer customs brokerage services or can recommend a broker to assist with the customs clearance process.
If your shipment is lost or damaged, you should immediately contact the shipping company. If you have purchased insurance for your shipment, they will guide you on how to file a claim.
The cities in Iran that can accept air freight shipments from China are Tehran, Mashhad, Shiraz, and Tabriz. These cities have international airports that handle international flights and shipments.
Air freight cost from China to Iran varies and changes weekly. It depends on several factors such as weight, size, and type of shipment. The cost also differs based on the departure city in China. For the most current pricing, it’s recommended to contact us directly.