Ocean & Air Freight Shipping from Czech Republic to the United States

The Czech Republic has a strategic location in Central Europe and boasts robust economic development. Because of this, it’s become a key player in the European Union’s trader ecosystem, making it an essential partner for the United States.

The US, one of the largest markets in the world, offers plenty of opportunities for Czech companies to expand their reach. In 2023, the Czech Republic exported $7.74 billion to the US.

If you are looking for a guide on ocean and air freight shipping from the Czech Republic to the US, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve covered everything you need to know for a successful shipping experience here.

What Are the Options for Shipping Freight from the Czech Republic to the United States?

Ocean freight and air freight are two ways to ship freight from the Czech Republic to the US.

Ocean Freight from the Czech Republic to the United States

Ocean freight is the most common shipping option, preferred by shippers because of its affordability and flexibility. It can accommodate any type of cargo you need to get to the US and even offers you two options for container shipping, namely less than container load (LCL) and full container load (FCL).

LCL is used for smaller cargo. It involves the consolidation process, where goods belonging to different shippers are consolidated and shipped together in one container. This means each shipper only has to pay for the space their goods occupy.

FCL is used for larger shipments. The shipper rents the space in an entire container for their goods alone. Because of this, they get more space, control, and security for their cargo. When the space inside the container is maximized, FCL can provide good value for money.

Air Freight from the Czech Republic to the United States

Air freight is another way to ship goods from the Czech Republic to the US. Known as the fastest mode of international transport, this method can get your cargo to its destination in a couple of days, making it ideal for time-sensitive and perishable goods.

It’s also a good option for high-value cargo. Air freight is highly secure, with strict airport regulations and processes helping protect your goods during transit.

There are drawbacks, though. The first is its cost. Shipping fees for air freight can be significantly higher than ocean freight. It’s also not as flexible as its sea counterpart, with strict restrictions on the nature, size, weight, and volume of cargo allowable.

How Much Does it Cost to Ship Cargo from the Czech Republic to the United States?

How much you will need to pay to ship from the Czech Republic to the US will depend on the following:

• Your choice of ocean or air shipping
• Your preference for door-to-door, port-to-port, port-to-door, or door-to-port shipment
• Your consignment’s weight, volume, and size
• Weight and size limits

To determine your shipping costs, use our online freight costs calculator. Additionally, you can find the current cost of shipping a standard 20-foot container from the Czech Republic to the US in the table below:

How long does it take to ship cargo from the Czech Republic to the United States?

Shipping goods from the Czech Republic to the US varies in transit time, primarily based on your chosen international shipping mode. Additional factors impacting this include:

• The shipping season (peak or low)
• The directness of the shipment's route
• The popularity of the trade lane
• Geopolitical issues
• Potential incidents at ports

How long does it take to ship cargo by sea from the Czech Republic to the United States?

If you ship by sea from the Czech Republic to the US, expect your goods to arrive between 15 and 50 days after the shipment.

How long does it take to ship cargo by air from the Czech Republic to the United States?

If you ship via air freight, your goods will arrive at the destination airport in 2-8 days.

For the most accurate estimate, we recommend using our transit time calculator.

Customs Clearance in the Czech Republic and the United States

Customs clearance is an essential part of the international shipping process. To pass it, you need to prepare and submit the following paperwork:

• A commercial invoice
• A packing list
• A certificate of origin
• A letter of credit or other payment terms (depending on the contract between the parties involved)
• A bill of lading for ocean freight or an Airway Bill for air freight

For examples of each customs clearance requirement, check out our full documents list.

Should You Choose Ocean Freight or Air Freight?

Now it’s time to decide whether to ship via ocean or air freight. Whichever you choose, make sure it’s suitable for your needs, goals, and cargo requirements.

Ocean Freight

Ocean freight is best for those shipping on a budget or needing flexibility for their special cargo. This shipping method can transport any type of goods and offers two options for container shipping, allowing shippers to optimize their shipments.

Considerations for LCL Freight Shipping

LCL is best for cargo that is:

• Small in size and quantity
• Lightweight
• Suitable for consolidation with cargo belonging to other shippers
• Not delicate, fragile, or high-value
• Not requiring special handling or movement

Considerations for FCL Freight Shipping

FCL is a suitable option for cargo that is:

• Large in size and quantity
• Heavy or overweight
• Not suitable for consolidation with cargo belonging to other shippers
• Delicate, fragile, or high-value
• Requiring special handling or movement

Air Freight

Air freight is the ideal choice for time-sensitive, perishable, and high-value goods because of its speed and security. Transit times only span a couple of days, and strict airport regulations can help guarantee the safety of cargo during the entire shipping process.

It is, however, the most expensive way to transport goods internationally, so shippers should keep that in mind before committing. It’s also unable to transport all cargo types, so check the rules on restricted and prohibited goods to determine if air freight can cater to your cargo.

Ocean Cargo Port Guide

Cargo ports of origin in the Czech Republic

Port of Praha Radotin

The Port of Praha Radotin transports construction equipment, stone, gravel, sand, and substrates by sea. It is located on the biggest tributary of the Czech Republic’s main river, the Vltava. The port is highly busy and can accommodate six big ships simultaneously.

Port of Kolin

The Port of Kolin is located inside an important industrial zone and spans 6 hectares. It boasts a transshipment yard and a railway track that connects it with the main railway. The port also has new port equipment, including two forklifts and trailers for container lifting.

Port of Melnik

The Port of Melnik serves commercial, cargo, and cruise ships. It mainly deals with shipments of construction materials, chemicals, containerized goods, agricultural goods, iron, and loose substrates. Near the port is a logistics center that helps ease port operations.

Cargo ports of arrival in the United States

Los Angeles Port

The Los Angeles Port has been the number one port in the US in terms of annual cargo worth since 2000. Daily shipments to and from this port exceed 1 billion dollars. It’s also the busiest port in the Western Hemisphere and is top 19 on the world’s biggest freight hub list.

Savannah Port

The Savannah Port is located on the East Coast, right in Savannah in the US state of Georgia. It’s the fourth busiest port in the US. The port houses the largest container terminal in the Western Hemisphere.

Port of Seattle

The Port of Seattle is the fifth busiest port in the US. Along with the Port of Tacoma, it is the second busiest port on the West Coast. The port is a good transport hub for vehicle shipments.

Air Freight from the Czech Republic to the United States: An airport guide

Airports of origin in the Czech Republic

Václav Havel Airport Prague

The Václav Havel Airport Prague, formerly called the Prague Ruzyně International Airport, is located in Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic. It replaced Kbely Airport as the city’s principal airport and is a hub for Ryanair, Smartwings, Wizz Air, Czech Airlines, ABS Jets, and more.

Airports of arrival in the United States

Indianapolis International Airport

The Indianapolis International Airport is 7 miles southwest of downtown Indianapolis in Marion County, Indiana, US. It handles over 983,000 metric tonnes of cargo per year and is a hub for FedEx Express, Republic Airways, ATA Airlines, and more.

Newark Liberty International Airport

Newark Liberty International Airport is a major international airport serving the metropolitan area of New York. It is located right at the boundary between Newark and Elizabeth in the US state of New Jersey. The airport handles over 695,000 short tonnes of cargo per year and is a hub for United Airlines, FedEx Express, Republic Airways, and more.

Salt Lake City International Airport

The Salt Lake City International Airport is a joint civil and military airport located 4 miles west of downtown Salt Lake City in the US state of Utah. It handles over 357 million pounds of cargo per year and is a hub for Delta Air Lines, SkyWest Airlines, Delta Connection, and more.

Why Ship from the Czech Republic to the United States With iContainers?

Shipping cargo involves many factors, such as the season, the shipment size, the shipping method, and the origin and destination.

With extensive industry experience, iContainers offers traditional freight forwarding services enhanced with modern technology for customer convenience. Our digital platform lets you manage your entire shipment—from requesting a quote to booking and tracking your cargo—all from your mobile device.

Contact us anytime for a free quote. We are always ready to provide you with the information you need.