Shipping From China to USA
As one of the world’s largest economies, the USA has close trade relations with China. Every year, the amount of goods shipped from China to the USA is very large, including electronic products, machinery and equipment, household goods, etc. Major ports such as Los Angeles, Long Beach, New York and Savannah are important hubs for receiving imported goods.
In terms of transportation methods, Sea Freight and Air Freight are the most commonly used options. Sea freight is the first choice for bulk goods due to its large capacity and economy, especially for goods with low timeliness requirements. Air freight is suitable for high-value or urgently needed goods due to its speed and efficiency. According to the different needs of customers, it is crucial to choose the right mode of transportation to ensure that the goods can be safely and efficiently shipped from China to the destination in the USA.
Bestlink Logistics has many years of experience in shipping services from China to the USA, and is committed to providing customers with a full range of solutions. Whether it is sea freight, air freight or door-to-door service, we can provide customized transportation plans according to customer needs.
What can we do when shipping from China to USA?
Sea Freight FCL from China to USA
- Shipping from China to the ports of Los Angeles, Long Beach, and New York in the USA
- We provide 20ft, 40ft and 40HQ standard container transportation, suitable for bulk goods.
- Professional team assists with customs clearance and document processing to reduce uncertainty during transportation.
Sea Freight LCL from China to USA
- Providing LCL services for small batches of cargo to effectively reduce transportation costs.
- Flexible shipping plans for a variety of cargo types.
- Professional cargo consolidation services to ensure that goods arrive at their destination safely and efficiently.
Air Freight from China to USA
- A fast and efficient mode of transport suitable for time-sensitive goods, with air freight time of 2 to 7 days.
- Covering major airports from China to USA, with flexible flight options.
- Provide cargo tracking services to understand the progress of transportation in real time.
Express Delivery from China to USA
- Suitable for fast delivery of small goods, providing door-to-door service.
- Cooperate with well-known express companies such as DHL and FedEx to ensure reliability.
- Handle customs clearance procedures throughout the process to simplify cross-border logistics processes.
Door to Door Shipping from China to USA
- One-stop service from China to the customer’s designated address in USA.
- Covering the entire process of cargo transportation, customs clearance, and distribution.
- Save time and energy, customers do not need to worry about complex logistics links.
DDP Shipping from China to USA
- Provide a “delivery after duty paid” model, the seller bears all transportation and taxes from China to USA.
- Including customs clearance and tax payment, ensure that customers can easily receive the goods.
- Professional team supervises the whole process to reduce potential risks in transportation.
Table of Contents
Guide to Shipping from China to USA
Shipment from China to USA is an essential part of international trade for many businesses. The entire shipping process involves multiple steps, including choosing the right mode of transport, customs clearance, and destination delivery. Here are some detailed descriptions of the main steps:
Choose the right mode of transport
Depending on the characteristics of the goods, shipping time, and budget, you can choose sea, air, or express services. Sea freight is suitable for bulk cargo transportation, air freight is suitable for high-value or urgent goods, and express services provide fast and flexible solutions.
What are the ways to ship from China to USA?
- Express: suitable for small, urgent goods; fast but expensive.
- Air freight: best for high-value, time-sensitive goods; higher costs.
- Sea freight: cost-effective for large, heavy goods; provides less than container load (LCL) and full container load (FCL).
- FBA shipping: designed specifically for Amazon sellers to ensure that your products arrive at the USA Amazon warehouse efficiently.
- Delivered Duty Paid (DDP): The seller is responsible for all costs including duties, taxes, and customs clearance.
- Door-to-Door Service: Provides end-to-end logistics, including picking up the goods in China and shipping them to the final destination in the United States.
Prepare Customs Clearance Documents
Regardless of the mode of transportation you choose, customs clearance documents are necessary, including commercial invoices, packing lists, bills of lading or air waybills, and certificates of origin that may be required. Ensuring that the documents are accurate is key to speeding up customs clearance.
Choose a Reliable Freight Forwarder
Working with a professional freight forwarder can ensure a smooth transportation process. Bestlink Logistics provides one-stop services from cargo shipment to customs clearance and final delivery, making your cross-border logistics more efficient.
Sea Freight from China to USA
Sea freight is one of the main modes of transportation between China and the United States, especially in the transportation of bulk goods. China’s major export ports include Shanghai, Ningbo, Shenzhen and Qingdao, while the main receiving ports in the United States include Los Angeles, Long Beach, New York and Houston.
Full container shipping (FCL) and less than container shipping (LCL) are two common modes of sea freight. Full container shipping is suitable for independent transportation of large quantities of goods, and customers can fully control the use of the entire container, while less than container shipping allows multiple customers to concentrate their goods in one container, reducing the transportation cost of small quantities of goods.
The sea freight time from China to the United States is usually between 25 and 45 days, depending on the distance between the port of departure and the port of destination and the transit situation of the route. Although the time is longer, the freight rate of sea freight is usually more economical than air freight, especially for storable and non-urgent goods.
Sea Freight from China to USA: How to Choose between FCL or LCL
FCL (full container load) and LCL (less than container load) are two different ways to ship goods from China to the USA by sea, each with its own advantages and considerations.
Full container load:
- Best for large shipments: If a company has enough cargo to fill an entire container, then FCL is the best option. It’s like having a private taxi for your cargo; the entire container is for just one shipper.
- Higher freight rates: Full container load is the more common way to ship large shipments internationally, with an estimated 70% of all ocean freight shipped this way. You’re responsible for the cost of the full container alone, so the cost is higher.
- Shipping time: It takes about 25 to 40 days to ship from China to the USA using full container load. This method is generally more predictable in terms of arrival time because the container goes directly from the shipper to the consignee without having to share space with other cargo.
Less than container load (LCL) :
- Best for small shipments: LCL is for businesses whose cargo doesn’t fit into one container. It’s like carpooling; your goods are packed in one container with other people’s goods.
- Less shipping costs: About 20-30% of goods from China to the USA are shipped via LCL, because you share the cost of the full container, so you pay less.
- Shipping time: LCL shipping sometimes takes longer than FCL shipping, about 28 to 45 days. Because you share the container space with others, more stops or handling may be required, which increases the shipping time.
You can choose according to your needs. Generally, we will choose LCL for goods less than 15 cubic meters, and we will choose FCL for goods greater than 15 cubic meters from China to the USA.
In addition to the main FCL and LCL, Sea Freight has the following 3 shipping methods:
Special containers
Special containers are specially designed for specific types of goods, such as refrigerated goods or dangerous goods. Using these containers ensures the safe transportation of specialized products.
Roll-on/Roll-off ships (RoRo ships)
RoRo ships (RoRo) are used to transport vehicles and machinery that can be loaded and unloaded. This service is very effective for transporting cars, trucks, and heavy equipment.
Breakbulk Shipping
Breakbulk shipping involves transporting goods that cannot fit into standard containers, such as large machinery or construction materials. This method requires specialized handling and equipment.
Major Shipping Ports in the USA
Port of Los Angeles
Located in Southern California, the Port of Los Angeles plays an important role in trade between North America and the world, with an annual cargo volume of 19.2 million TEUs.
Port of Long Beach
Long Beach, adjacent to the Port of Los Angeles, ranks second in the United States in terms of container throughput, at 11.6 million TEUs.
Port of New York and New Jersey
Located on the East Coast, the Port of New York and New Jersey is the busiest port on the East Coast, with an annual throughput of more than 8.4 million TEUs.
Port of Savannah
Located in Georgia, the Port of Savannah is the fourth busiest port in the United States, with an annual throughput of approximately 5.4 million TEUs.
Port of Houston
Located in Texas, the Port of Houston has an annual throughput of more than 4 million TEUs, making it one of the largest ports in the Gulf of Mexico.
Port of Seattle
Located in the Pacific Northwest, the Port of Seattle has an annual throughput of more than 1.8 million TEUs.
Shipping routes from China to the USA
Routes from China to the West Coast of the United States
The Trans-Pacific route is the main sea route connecting China and the United States. Ships usually depart from major Chinese ports such as Shanghai, Ningbo and Shenzhen, crossing the Pacific Ocean to various ports on the west coast of the United States, such as Los Angeles, Long Beach, Seattle and Oakland
Routes from China to the East Coast of the United States
Although most ships from China to the United States enter through West Coast ports, there are also routes to the East Coast, and some ships may reach East Coast ports via the Panama Canal, including: New York, Savannah, Georgia, Charleston, South Carolina, etc.
Suez Canal Route
Some goods shipped from China to the United States may need to pass through the Suez Canal, which is a long journey, especially when the destination is an East Coast port. Ships passing through the Suez Canal can enter the Mediterranean and then cross the Atlantic Ocean to reach the East Coast ports of the United States.
Each shipping company has its own route between China and the United States. Different shipping companies have different advantages in going through the East Coast and West Coast of the United States. Please refer to the following table:
| To West USA | To East USA | |
|---|---|---|
| From China |
|
|
Air Freight from China to USA
Air freight is the first choice for many high-value goods due to its fast and efficient characteristics. Electronic products, medical equipment, and high-end consumer goods often need to choose air freight to ensure timeliness.
In China, Shanghai Pudong International Airport, Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, and Beijing Capital International Airport are the main air freight hubs, while the United States has Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD), and New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) as major receiving points.
Air freight generally takes only 3 to 7 days to complete, from pickup to delivery to the consignee in the United States. However, since air freight is usually charged by volume weight, the packaging method and size of the goods will directly affect the total cost. To this end, optimizing the packaging of goods to reduce volume weight is an effective way to reduce air freight costs.
Our air freight service specifications:
- Stable air freight rates from China to USA
- Daily tracking reports.
- More than 50% discount compared to express delivery.
- Door to door delivery service (DDU/DDP)
- Customs clearance
- Insurance
Major USA International Airports
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
One of the busiest airports in the United States, JFK is conveniently located in New York City, providing a strategic advantage for businesses targeting the East Coast market.
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Located in California, Los Angeles International Airport conveniently serves the West Coast, connecting your business to key markets across the Pacific and beyond.
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
Recognized as the world’s largest airport by passenger traffic, ATL provides businesses with exceptional global connectivity to more than 150 U.S. destinations and more than 70 international destinations across 5 continents.
O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
Located in Chicago, O’Hare International Airport is a major cargo hub in the central United States, with direct flights to more than 200 cities worldwide.
Miami International Airport (MIA)
Located in southern Florida, MIA is the largest gateway between the United States and Latin America, making it an ideal hub for businesses involved in Latin American trade.
Shipping costs from China to USA
The cost of shipping from China to USA is an important consideration for customers when choosing logistics services. The main factors affecting transportation costs include cargo volume weight, mode of transportation (air or sea), port of origin and port of destination, and additional service requirements.
Generally, the cost of sea transportation is lower, with the transportation cost of a 20ft container ranging from US$2,800 to US$4,200. Although air transportation costs more, it generally costs between US$4 and US$9 per kilogram. Please refer to the table below:
| Shipping Method | Shipping From China to USA (Cost) |
|---|---|
| Sea Freight (20ft Container) | $2800 to $4200 |
| Sea Freight (40ft Container) | $3200 to $5600 |
| Sea Freight (LCL) | $80 to $150 per cubic meter |
| Air Freight | $4 to $9 per kg |
| Door to Door Shipping | $100 to $200 per cubic meter $7 to $15 per kg |
| DDP Air Freight | $7 to $15 per kg |
| DDP Sea Freight | $120 to $250 per cubic meter |
| Express Shipping | $10 to $18 per kg |
In addition, customers should also pay attention to hidden costs such as fuel surcharges, customs clearance fees and port surcharges.
Cost of Shipping 20ft and 40ft Containers from China to USA
The cost of container shipping from China to the USA depends on a variety of factors, including the type of FCL you use (20ft, 40ft, 40HQ container) and market fluctuations in shipping costs. In addition, other fees such as insurance, storage fees, tariffs, and customs clearance fees also have an impact on the overall cost.
Below is a list of the cheapest prices for shipping standard cargo from major Chinese ports to the USA using 20ft and 40ft containers (FCL).
| Container Shipping Routes | Container Type | Sea freight rates from China to USA |
| Shanghai, China – USA | 20ft container FCL | Average Rates: $2550 20FT |
| 40ft container FCL | Average Rates: $3650 40FT | |
| Shenzhen, China – USA | 20ft container FCL | Average Rates: $2500 20FT |
| 40ft container FCL | Average Rates: $3500 40FT | |
| Ningbo, China – USA | 20ft container FCL | Average Rates: $2650 20FT |
| 40ft container FCL | Average Rates: $3750 40FT | |
| Hongkong, China – USA | 20ft container FCL | Average Rates: $2550 20FT |
| 40ft container FCL | Average Rates: $3550 40FT | |
| Guangzhou, China – USA | 20ft container FCL | Average Rates: $2600 20FT |
| 40ft container FCL | Average Rates: $3700 40FT | |
| Qingdao, China – USA | 20ft container FCL | Average Rates: $2650 20FT |
| 40ft container FCL | Average Rates: $3650 40FT | |
| Tianjin, China – USA | 20ft container FCL | Average Rates: $2650 20FT |
| 40ft container FCL | Average Rates: $3750 40FT | |
| Dalian, China – USA | 20ft container FCL | Average Rates: $2750 20FT |
| 40ft container FCL | Average Rates: $3950 40FT | |
| Xiamen, China – USA | 20ft container FCL | Average Rates: $3000 20FT |
| 40ft container FCL | Average Rates: $4100 40FT | |
| Yingkou, China – USA | 20ft container FCL | Average Rates: $3150 20FT |
| 40ft container FCL | Average Rates: $4150 40FT |
Additional costs for shipping from China to the USA
- Customs clearance costs:
Export customs clearance costs from China: 50 – 150 USD.
Import customs clearance costs from the USA: 80 – 200 USD, depending on the type of goods. - Insurance:
Optional but recommended, costs 0.15% – 0.25% of the value of the goods. - Port handling fees:
Port handling fees for arrival at USA ports are usually 80 to 150 USD per container. - Documentation fees:
Preparing bills of lading and other documents usually costs 20 to 50 USD.
LCL costs for shipping from China to the USA
From China Port | To USA Port | Price/cubic meter |
Shanghai | Long Beach, LA | $80-$130 |
Ningbo | Long Beach, LA | $90-$140 |
Shenzhen | Long Beach, LA | $85-$135 |
Shanghai | Seattle | $90-$130 |
Ningbo | Seattle | $90-$140 |
Shenzhen | Seattle | $95-$145 |
Shanghai | Houston | $100-$150 |
Ningbo | Houston | $105-$155 |
Shenzhen | Houston | $110-$160 |
Shanghai | Chicago | $70-$120 |
Ningbo | Chicago | $75-$135 |
Shenzhen | Chicago | $70-$130 |
Shanghai | Newark (NY, NJ) | $80-$140 |
Ningbo | Newark (NY, NJ) | $85-$155 |
Shenzhen | Newark (NY, NJ) | $90-$160 |
Air freight from China to USA price per kg
The cost of air freight from China to the USA depends on factors such as the type of goods, weight, volume, and departure airport in China. It is generally between 4-9 USD/kg. The heavier the goods, the cheaper the price. The cost of 100 kg of goods can be referred to the table below.
| Shipping Route | Weight Category | Price Per KG ($USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Beijing – Los Angeles (LAX) | 100KGS | 4.6-8.6 |
| Beijing – New York (JFK) | 100KGS | 4.9-8.9 |
| Beijing – Miami (MIA) | 100KGS | 5.5-8.5 |
| Beijing – Chicago (ORD) | 100KGS | 4.9-8.9 |
| Shanghai – Los Angeles (LAX) | 100KGS | 4.6-8.6 |
| Shanghai – New York (JFK) | 100KGS | 4.5-8.5 |
| Shanghai – Miami (MIA) | 100KGS | 5.6-8.6 |
| Shanghai – Chicago (ORD) | 100KGS | 4.6-8.7 |
| Guangzhou – Los Angeles (LAX) | 100KGS | 4.6-8.3 |
| Guangzhou – New York (JFK) | 100KGS | 4.9-8.5 |
| Guangzhou – Miami (MIA) | 100KGS | 5.5-8.6 |
| Guangzhou – Chicago (ORD) | 100KGS | 4.9-8.6 |
Additional costs for air freight from China to USA
- Airport customs clearance fees:
USA airport customs clearance fees usually range from 80 to 200 US dollars, depending on the type and value of the goods. - Insurance:
Optional but recommended, the cost is 0.1% – 0.2% of the value of the goods. - Document fees:
Preparing an air waybill (AWB) and other export documents usually costs 30 to 80 US dollars.
How long does it take to ship from China to the USA?
The shipping time from China to the USA varies according to different modes of transportation.
Shipping time from China to the USA by sea
The shipping time from major ports in China to the USA is approximately 25 to 45 days, and the specific time is affected by factors such as weather, port loading and unloading, and routes.
| POL (Port of China) | POD (Port of USA) | Transit time |
| Shanghai | Los Angeles | 26 days |
| Shanghai | New York | 32 days |
| Shanghai | Savannah | 34 days |
| Shanghai | Charleston | 34 days |
| Shenzhen | Los Angeles | 30 days |
| Shenzhen | New York | 32 days |
| Shenzhen | Savannah | 36 days |
| Shenzhen | Charleston | 38 days |
| Qingdao | Los Angeles | 28 days |
| Qingdao | New York | 34 days |
| Qingdao | Savannah | 37 days |
| Qingdao | Charleston | 35 days |
Air freight time from China to the USA
Air freight is the fastest way to transport from China to the USA, usually taking 3 to 7 days, suitable for goods with high time requirements.
| USA | China Airport to USA Airport | Average Time |
|---|---|---|
| West USA | Guangzhou to LA | 3 days |
| Qingdao to Seattle | 4 days | |
| Ningbo to Atlanta | 5 days | |
| East USA | Shanghai to Houston | 4 days |
| Shenzhen to Denver | 5 days | |
| Beijing to New York | 6 days | |
| Middle USA | Beijing to Chicago | 4 days |
Door to Door Shipping from China to USA
Door to Door Shipping from China to USA service provides customers with a one-stop logistics solution, from picking up the goods to the final delivery, without much intervention from the customer. This service model is suitable for cargo transportation needs of different sizes. Whether it is a small package or a full container of goods, the logistics company can arrange door-to-door pickup, transportation, customs clearance and destination delivery services according to customer requirements.
In addition, door-to-door transportation combines flexibility and convenience. Customers do not need to worry about the complexities in customs clearance or logistics, but can focus on other core businesses.
When choosing door-to-door shipping services from China to USA, companies can choose between DDU and DDP terms:
- DDU (Delivered Duty Unpaid): Under DDU terms, the seller is responsible for shipping the goods to the buyer’s location, but the buyer is responsible for paying import duties, taxes and any other customs-related fees when the goods arrive.
- DDP (Delivered Duty Paid): Under DDP terms, the seller bears all costs and risks of shipping the goods, including import duties, taxes and customs clearance. This option provides buyers with a worry-free experience.
Steps of Door to Door Shipping from China to USA:
- Pickup: The freight forwarder arranges to collect the goods from the supplier’s location in China.
- Packing and labeling: Ensures proper packaging and meets international shipping standards.
- Customs clearance at origin: The freight forwarder handles all the documents required for the goods to pass through Chinese customs.
- Transportation: The goods are shipped to the USA by sea or air.
- Customs clearance at destination: The customs clearance process after the goods arrive in the USA is handled by the freight forwarder.
- Final delivery: The goods are delivered to the location specified by the consignee, whether it is a warehouse, office or home.
DDP Shipping from China to USA
Delivery Duty Paid (DDP) is a popular service model in international logistics, especially in freight from China to the United States.
Compared with other modes of transportation, the main advantage of DDP is that it relieves buyers from having to deal with tariffs, customs clearance and tax-related issues, all of which are handled by the logistics company.
DDP service is particularly suitable for B2B customers, helping buyers better control their budgets and reduce cost uncertainty. For example, electronics, clothing and consumer goods are often shipped to the United States via DDP.
For DDP shipping from China to the USA, Chinese freight forwarders combine the advantages of air and ocean shipping modes and integrate local express companies such as UPS and FedEx to complete door-to-door shipping from China to the U.S. This model represents an innovative business approach that uses the speed of air freight and the cost efficiency of ocean freight to achieve point-to-point and full-process door-to-door delivery.
Reasons to choose DDP Shipping from China to USA:
- Safe and smooth delivery: DDP shipping guarantees timely and worry-free delivery. Compared with DDU (Delivery Duty Unpaid), DDP provides a more direct experience, making it an ideal choice for companies and individuals who are not familiar with Chinese and US customs.
- Protect the interests of buyers: DDP shipping promotes transparency and respect between sellers and buyers, allowing buyers to explore the feasibility of shipping from China to the USA to start a small business.
- Improves buyer experience: The seller handles all international fees and taxes, alleviating buyers’ concerns about additional costs and potentially increasing the likelihood that the purchase will be completed.
- Ensures safe delivery: Whether it is shipped by air or sea, DDP ensures safe delivery because the seller has a vested interest in ensuring the goods reach their destination.
Shipping from China to USA Amazon FBA
Shipping from China to USA Amazon FBA involves sending products directly from Chinese manufacturers or suppliers to Amazon’s logistics centers in the United States. This process allows sellers to store their products in Amazon’s warehouses, which are responsible for storage, packaging, and shipping to customers. Leveraging Amazon FBA can simplify logistics and ensure that products can be delivered to customers quickly and reliably.
What is the process of shipping from China to USA Amazon FBA?
- The manufacturer prepares the goods, labels the products, and affixes the FBA barcode, ‘Made in China’ note, and warehouse identification number to the outer box.
- The manufacturer provides a commercial invoice, packing list, declaration elements, and complete customs declaration information.
- We pick up the goods according to the warehouse order number and deliver them to the designated warehouse.
- After the goods arrive at our logistics warehouse, we check the packaging, arrange export customs declaration, and transport the goods from China to the USA.
- After the goods arrive in the USA, our local partners in the United States are responsible for import customs clearance, payment of tariffs, and picking up and delivering the goods to private destinations in the United States or Amazon warehouses.
- If shipped to Amazon by truck, the local agent in the United States will make an appointment with Amazon in advance and deliver the goods to FBA according to the scheduled arrival time.
- Amazon successfully signs for it, and Amazon sellers can view the goods storage details on the Amazon website.
Express Delivery from China to USA
Express delivery is the fastest mode of delivery from China to the USA, and is more suitable for urgent sample shipments and shipments weighing less than 50KG. There are 3 well-known express carriers from China to the USA: DHL, FedEx, and UPS.
DHL Delivery from China to the USA
DHL is the fastest express delivery from China to the USA, with a shipping time of about 1-5 days, and DHL’s customs clearance capabilities are better than other couriers such as UPS and FedEx. DHL Express has higher shipping rates than FedEx and UPS, and is suitable for shipping samples and the most urgent shipments.
FedEx Delivery from China to the USA
FedEx is one of the best express delivery companies from China to the USA. The shipping time is about 3-5 business days, and the shipping cost is more economical than DHL Express for shipments weighing more than 21 pounds; you can consult your China freight forwarder, as their agency prices have discounts compared to shipping directly from express carriers.
UPS Shipping from China to USA
It offers two different UPS services from China to the USA, UPS Worldwide Saver and UPS Worldwide Expedited; for UPS Worldwide Saver, the delivery time is about 3-5 business days, for UPS Worldwide Expedited, the delivery time is about 5-7 business days, and the delivery time and stability of UPS Worldwide Saver are better than UPS Worldwide Expedited. However, the shipping cost is slightly higher than UPS Saver service; you can consider the shipping method according to your unique needs.
How to track shipments from China to USA?
If you are shipping via courier services such as DHL and FedEx, you can monitor the progress of your shipment by visiting the courier carrier’s official website and entering the unique tracking number.
You can also track shipments for ocean and standard air freight by visiting the carrier’s website and entering the provided tracking number.
Another option to track the status of your shipment is to use a third-party website such as 17track, which supports more than 1,500 carriers and more than 120 airlines worldwide.
Of course, if you are shipped by Bestlink Logistics, you can consult your customer service staff. If it is not shipped by our company, we cannot query it.
Tariffs and VAT from China to the USA
Reference range of US tariffs
The US tariff rate is usually determined by the type of goods and HS code, and the tariff rate for most goods is between 0%-20%. For example:
| HS Code | Product Category | Estimated Customs Duty |
|---|---|---|
| 8504 | Electrical Transformers | 2.5% |
| 6204 | Women’s Suits | 16.5% |
| 8471 | Computers and Components | 0% |
| 9503 | Toys | 0-12% |
| 8703 | Passenger Vehicles | 2.5% |
| 4202 | Handbags | 5-20% |
| 8528 | Televisions | 0-5% |
VAT and sales tax
The United States does not have a unified value-added tax (VAT), but some states may impose sales tax, which is usually 4%-10%, depending on the state where the goods are sold. Importers need to understand the specific state policies to avoid unnecessary additional costs.
If you choose the DDP shipping method, tariffs and related taxes are usually paid by the logistics company, and the fees will be included in the overall transportation cost, which is convenient for budget management.
Customs clearance from China to the USA
Customs clearance is an essential step after the goods are shipped from China to the United States. You need to prepare complete customs clearance documents, including commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, etc., and pay the corresponding duties and taxes.
Customs clearance documents for shipping from China to the USA:
- Bill of Lading
The bill of lading is crucial in international shipping from China to the United States. As the official proof of your ownership, the bill of lading comes into play when the goods are transferred from the seller to the buyer. - Packing List
The packing list is your best friend during your transportation from China to the United States. It is like an ID card for your goods, recording in detail what your goods are, how many pieces there are, and how much they weigh. - Commercial Invoice
To ensure that the transportation process from China to the United States goes smoothly, first prepare a commercial invoice. This key document lists all your goods and their value and is the backbone of customs clearance. - Certificate of Origin
This important document specifies the country where your goods are produced and is key to determining whether your goods qualify for preferential tariff rates. - Fumigation Certificate
If the goods are packaged in wood, a fumigation certificate is required to prove that the wood has been treated with pesticides. If no wood is used, a wood-free declaration is required.
How to Ship from China to USA
Process and Steps of Shipping from China to USA:
- Choose Your Shipping Option: Decide on the shipping method that suits your needs. You can choose between air or sea shipping to the USA. Each shipping method has its advantages and considerations, depending on your specific shipping requirements.
- Request Quotes from Freight Forwarders: Contact multiple China freight forwarders to request quotes based on your shipment type and desired shipping options. Choose the one that best meets your requirements and satisfaction.
- Prepare Necessary Documents: After selecting a suitable freight forwarder, instruct your China factory to package the goods appropriately and prepare the required customs clearance documents. This includes commercial invoice, packing list, and country of origin.
- Coordinate with Freight Forwarder: Coordinate with the selected China freight forwarder to arrange for pickup from the China factory and delivery to your designated destination in the United States.
- Arrange Pickup and Delivery: Coordinate with the shipping company to schedule a pickup time and organize delivery to your preferred location within the United States.
In conclusion, the shipping process can be complicated without the assistance of a reliable freight forwarder. It is recommended to work with a trusted China freight forwarder to assist you with the shipping process, ensuring that your goods arrive safely and on time.
Freight Forwarding from China to USA
Freight forwarding services are the core link in international freight transport, connecting shippers and various logistics service providers, including sea, air and inland transport.
Professional freight forwarders can not only coordinate transportation, but also provide customers with value-added services such as customs clearance, document preparation, warehousing and distribution. For example, from Shenzhen, China to Los Angeles, USA, freight forwarders will choose direct routes or economic routes according to customer needs, which can not only meet time requirements but also control costs.
In addition, freight forwarding services can also provide real-time logistics tracking to ensure that customers are always aware of the status of their goods. This transparency can effectively reduce the uncertainty and delay risks in international freight transport.
Freight forwarding services in China include:
- Developing a transportation plan.
- Packaging, loading and transportation of goods.
- Handling customs clearance and processing necessary paperwork.
- Dispatch to the destination address.
Bestlink Logistics specializes in freight forwarding services from China to USA, providing seamless and efficient logistics solutions based on your specific needs. With years of industry experience, we ensure that your goods are transported safely, quickly and cost-effectively.
What are the advantages of choosing Bestlink Logistics for shipping from China to the USA?
- Partnership with top shipping companies
Bestlink Logistics maintains good relationships with leading global carriers. You can rest assured that your goods will arrive in the United States intact. - Most competitive freight rates
The top priority of every importer is to save on shipping costs. If you want to enjoy competitive freight rates, consider hiring a reputable freight forwarder like Bestlink Logistics to enjoy more favorable prices. - Multiple shipping methods to the United States
Whether you plan to ship your goods to the United States by air, sea or express, you can get all shipping services at Bestlink Logistics
FAQ for shipping from China to USA
Common modes of transportation include sea freight, air freight, express delivery and door-to-door service.
Sea freight is suitable for bulk goods, with low costs but longer transportation time (about 25-40 days).
Air freight is suitable for goods with high timeliness requirements, usually arriving in 3-7 days.
Sea freight: usually takes 20-40 days, depending on the port distance and logistics arrangements.
Air freight: generally 3-7 days, the specific time varies according to flights and cargo volume.
Express delivery: 2-5 days, suitable for small items or urgent transportation.
Tariffs are determined according to the HS code and type of the goods, usually between 0%-20%.
For example, electronic products are about 0%-5%, and clothing is 10%-20%.
You can check the tariff in advance or use the DDP service, which will be paid by the logistics company.
Most goods do not require it, but some special goods (such as medicines, food, and dangerous goods) may require a license or special certification.
It is recommended to verify the cargo requirements in advance to ensure smooth customs clearance.
The costs include freight, tariffs, customs clearance fees, destination port fees, etc.
Choosing the right shipping method and service (such as FCL, LCL, or DDP) will directly affect the total cost.
Yes, full logistics can be achieved through DDP or door-to-door service, including pickup, transportation, customs clearance, and distribution.
Suitable for customers who need to simplify operations or do not have a professional logistics team.
Restricted or prohibited goods include counterfeit and shoddy products, dangerous chemicals, certain animals and plants, and weapons and ammunition.
It is recommended to confirm the compliance of the goods with the logistics service provider to ensure that the transportation is legal.
Choose the appropriate mode of transportation according to the volume, weight, timeliness and budget of the goods.
Choose sea transportation for bulk goods, air transportation for goods with high timeliness requirements, and express delivery for small quantities of goods.
Professional logistics companies can provide you with customized transportation solutions.