Ocean & Air Freight Shipping From Finland to the United States

Over the years, the trade relationship between Finland and the US has grown, benefiting various industries, from sustainable energy to high-tech sectors.

Finland’s cutting-edge technological solutions, including clean energy, and its expertise in telecommunications and healthcare have made their way to the US’ vast market and ecosystem, allowing trade between the two countries to continue expanding.

In 2022, Finland exported $9.17 billion worth of goods to the US. The main commodities included refined petroleum, passenger and cargo ships, and kaolin-coated paper.

To ship from Finland to the US successfully, you need to be aware of the entire process, starting with your ocean and air freight shipping options. Here’s a complete guide for you.

What Are the Options for Shipping Freight From Finland to the United States?

You can ship from Finland to the US in one of two ways. Choose between ocean freight and air freight.

Ocean Freight From Finland to the United States

Ocean freight is the most popular way to ship goods from Finland to the US, and shippers prefer it because of its flexibility and affordability. This shipping option can transport any type of cargo and even allows shippers to optimize their shipments by choosing between two modes of container shipping: less than container load (LCL) and full container load (FCL).

LCL is best for small shipments as it involves the consolidation process. Here, shippers’ cargo will be consolidated with goods belonging to other sellers and shipped together in one container. Each shipper will only pay for the space their cargo occupies, making it an economical shipping option.

FCL is for larger shipments. A shipper rents the space in an entire container for their goods alone, giving them more space, control, and security for their shipment. This is best for larger goods or higher shipping volumes that maximize the container's space.

Air Freight from Finland to the United States

The other way to transport goods from Finland to the US is by air. This is the fastest mode of international shipping, able to get cargo to its destination in a matter of days. It’s also the most secure, with strict airport regulations helping guarantee cargo security. Air freight is typically best for time-sensitive, perishable, and high-value cargo.

It does come with its cons, though. First, air freight is more expensive than ocean freight. Second, it’s not as flexible, with strict limitations on what you can ship and your cargo’s size, weight, and volume.

How Much Does it Cost to Ship Cargo From Finland to the United States?

• Your shipping costs will depend on a variety of factors. These include:
• 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

For an accurate estimate of your shipping costs, utilize our freight costs calculator. Below, you'll find the current cost for shipping a standard 20-foot container from Finland to the US:

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

The duration for shipping goods from Finland to the US is primarily influenced by the international shipping mode chosen. Other factors that can affect this include:

• The season (whether it's peak or low season)
• The directness of the shipment route
• How popular the trade lane is
• Geopolitical instability
• Potential incidents at the ports

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

Ocean freight from Finland to the US will take around 15-50 days.

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

Air freight from Finland to the US will take between 2-8 days.

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

Customs Clearance in Finland and the United States

When your goods arrive in the US, they will go through the customs clearance process, which will require the following documents from you:

• 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

Check out our full documents list for examples of these customs clearance requirements.

Should You Choose Ocean Freight or Air Freight?

Consider your needs, priorities, and cargo requirements to help you decide which shipping option best suits you. Here are some pointers to keep in mind.

Ocean Freight

Ocean freight is your best bet if you value cost efficiency and flexibility in your shipment. It doesn’t break the bank to ship by sea while allowing you to transport any type of cargo you need to get to the US.

When opting for ocean freight, decide whether LCL or FCL is best suited for your shipment.

Considerations for LCL Freight Shipping

LCL is great 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

If your cargo meets the following criteria, you might be better off shipping via FCL:

• 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

If you need your goods to arrive in the US fast, you should ship by air. With a transit time of only 2-8 days, it’s the fastest mode of international transport, making it best for time-sensitive and perishable cargo.

Air freight is also the most secure way to transport goods, with strict airport regulations helping guarantee the security of your cargo during transit. This makes it ideal for high-value shipments.

Before settling for air freight, though, consider its cons. Air freight is the most expensive shipping option. It’s also not as flexible as ocean freight, unable to ship cargo of all types, sizes, volumes, or weights.

Ocean Cargo Port Guide

Cargo ports of origin in Finland

Port of Helsinki

The Port of Helsinki is Finland's major seaport. Its main export items include textiles, metals, glassware, and forest goods. It’s the biggest commercial port in the country, home to the largest container handling facility. It handles over 10.2 million tonnes of cargo and 405,000 TEUs per year.

Port of Hamina

The Port of Hamina engages in regular trade with major North American ports. It’s the biggest export facility in Finland, mainly serving the forest industry. The port handles shipments like sawn timber, paper, boards, pulp, and plywood. It sees over 4.5 million tonnes of cargo annually.

Port of Kokkola

The Port of Kokkola is the third largest port in Finland, boasting one of the deepest waters and the capacity to accommodate ships of more than 100,000 DWT. It is also one of the busiest ports in the country, handling over 7 million tonnes of cargo per year.

Cargo ports of arrival in the United States

Newark Port

The Newark Port, also known as the Port of New York and New Jersey, is the number one port on the East Coast. The two ports rank third among the busiest ports in the US. The port is undergoing development to increase its container capacity and ability to handle bigger vessels.

Port of Seattle

The Port of Seattle is the fifth busiest port in the US. Combined with the Port of Tacoma, the two make up the second busiest port on the West Coast. It’s an important transport hub, especially for heavy-weight cargo-like vehicles.

Port of Miami

The Port of Miami is the closest harbor to the Panama Canal, making it the only port in the US that can handle neo-Panamax vessels. The port caters to both cruise and cargo ships, making it a well-known port in the Cruise Capital of the World.

Air Freight from Finland to the United States: An airport guide

Airports of origin in Finland

Helsinki Airport

The Helsinki Airport chiefly connects with trading partners in North America. It handles over 200,000 tonnes of cargo annually, making it Finland's largest cargo airport. It has modern facilities for handling a wide range of cargo types, including live animals, perishables, and pharmaceuticals.

Oulu Airport

The Oulu Airport handles over 22,000 tonnes of cargo per year, serving as a prime logistic center for Northern Finland. It mainly caters to industries like electronics and machinery. The airport boasts an efficient transport infrastructure connected with roads and seaports.

Turku Airport

The Turku Airport is one of the leading cargo airports in Finland, handling over 55,000 tonnes of goods per year. It is located in the Southwest region, mainly serving as a gateway for goods transported to and from Scandinavia.

Airports of arrival in the United States

Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport

The Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport is the busiest cargo airport in the US and among the busiest in the entire world. It’s located in the US state of Alaska, with a prime location that makes it a good stop for goods transported from one country to another.

Memphis International Airport

The Memphis International Airport is a central hub for air cargo facilities. It’s the second busiest cargo airport in the US. The airport serves as a hub for FedEx, the largest air cargo operator in the world.

Miami International Airport

The Miami International Airport is the fifth busiest cargo airport in the US, handling over 2 million tonnes of cargo per year. It boasts over 50 cargo carriers and several major warehouses and logistical facilities. It’s specially equipped to handle a high volume of cargo traffic.

Why Ship From Finland to the United States With iContainers?

Shipping cargo is influenced by various factors, including the season, shipment size, shipping method, and the starting and ending locations.

iContainers, with years of industry expertise, combines traditional freight forwarding services with modern technology to enhance your convenience. Our digital platform lets you manage every aspect of your shipment—from requesting a quote to booking and tracking your cargo—all from your mobile device.

Reach out to us for a free quote whenever you need it. We are always ready to assist you with the information you need.