Ocean & Air Freight Shipping From Ireland to the United States

Ireland and the United States share a robust and multifaceted trade relationship. In fact, the United States is one of Ireland’s largest export markets, sharing foods like pharmaceuticals and medical devices, technology, food, and beverages. 

In 2022, Ireland exported $70.7 billion worth of goods to the United States. If you want to get into and take advantage of their strong economic ties, learn everything you need to know about your ocean and air freight shipping options in this article. 

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

Ocean and air freight are your options for shipping cargo from Ireland to the United States. 

Ocean Freight From Ireland to the United States

Ocean freight is the cheapest way to ship cargo from Ireland to the United States. It’s also the most flexible, accommodating almost any type of goods you need to transport. It even offers shippers two container shipping options: less than container load (LCL) and full container load (FCL). 

LCL is best for small shipments. Cargo is consolidated with goods belonging to other sellers and shipped together in a single container. That way, each shipper only pays for the space their goods occupy, making LCL economical for small cargo or small volumes. 

FCL, on the other hand, is best for larger shipments. The shipper rents the space in an entire container for their goods alone. It’s usually used by those shipping large, heavy, or oddly shaped goods to maximize the space in the whole unit. 

Air Freight from Ireland to the United States

Your other option for shipping goods from Ireland to the United States is air freight. This is the fastest international shipping mode, so those shipping time-sensitive or perishable cargo prefer it. Thanks to strict airport regulations and processes, it's also quite secure. 

The only drawback of air freight is its cost, which can be significantly more expensive than ocean freight. It’s also not as flexible, with restrictions on what can and cannot be shipped. 

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

The cost of shipping cargo from Ireland to the United States will depend on the following factors: 

• 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 calculate your shipping costs, try our online freight costs calculator. The table below displays the current cost of shipping a standard 20-foot container from Ireland to the United States: 

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

The transit time for goods shipped from Ireland to the United States depends mainly on your selected international shipping mode. Additional factors influencing the transit time are:

• The shipping season (peak or low)
• Direct or indirect shipment route
• The trade lane's popularity
• Geopolitical instability
• Potential incidents at ports

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

Ocean freight from Ireland to the United States will take about 15 to 50 days.

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

Air freight from Ireland to the United States will take about 2 to 8 days. 

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

Customs Clearance in Ireland and the United States

When your goods arrive in the United States, they must go through customs clearance before a successful import. This should be a breeze, provided that you 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

You can look at our full documents list if you need examples of these documents. 

Should You Choose Ocean Freight or Air Freight?

Now, it’s time to decide whether to ship by sea or air. Here are some factors to consider to help you choose the suitable international shipping mode. 

Ocean Freight

Ocean freight is ideal for budget-conscious shippers or those who need flexibility in their shipment. It can accommodate almost any type of cargo at a sensible cost and even offers you two ways to ship your freight. 

Considerations for LCL Freight Shipping

LCL might be right for you if your cargo 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 might be better if your cargo 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

If your priority is getting your shipment from Ireland to the United States fast, you should choose air freight. Air freight, which only takes 2 to 8 days, is ideal for time-sensitive or perishable cargo. Better airport and aircraft security is also suitable for high-value shipments. 

When opting for air freight, remember that it can cost significantly more than ocean freight. It’s also unable to ship all types of goods, limiting the nature, size, volume, and weight of cargo that can be shipped by air. 

Ocean Cargo Port Guide

Cargo ports of origin in Ireland

Port of Dublin

The Port of Dublin is located at the mouth of the Liffey River in Dublin Bay. Its location is in the heart of Dublin, making it an important regional port. It handles 50% of all maritime traffic and is the biggest port in Ireland. 

Port of Galway

The Port of Galway is located on the western coast of Ireland in Galway Bay. It spans 32 acres of land and has numerous facilities leased to companies in different industries. The port boasts nine berths and welcomes over 300 ships carrying 1 million tonnes of cargo annually.

Port of Shannon Foynes

The Port of Shannon Foynes is on the Shannon River on Ireland’s southwestern coast. Its main exports include meat and bulk sugar. The port handles 300 ships and 7.6 million tonnes of cargo annually and boasts six berths accommodating vessels, container carriers, and oil tankers.

Cargo ports of arrival in the United States

Port of New York and New Jersey

The Port of New York and New Jersey has a land area that encloses the entire New York Harbor coastal area. It spans 25 miles, making it the largest natural harbor in the world. The port handles over 136.6 million metric tonnes of cargo per year. 

Port of Corpus Christi

The Port of Corpus Christi is located in Texas. It’s known as one of the few ports in the U.S. with an energy conservation blueprint. It’s an essential port for handling crude oil and gas shipments, seeing 100 million metric tonnes of cargo annually. 

Port of Beaumont 

The Port of Beaumont, also in the state of Texas, is an important port for handling military goods and manufacturing products. It spans 150 square miles and handles 57% of all total petroleum transport and 14% of gasoline cargo across the United States. 

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

Airports of origin in Ireland

Dublin Airport

The Dublin Airport serves Dublin and is located in Collinstown, 7 kilometers north of Dublin and 3 kilometers south of Swords. It is a hub for Ryanair, Aer Lingus, Ryanair Holdings PLC, TUI Airways, and more. 

Shannon Airport

The Shannon Airport is located in Clare County, Ireland. It is the third busiest airport in the Republic of Ireland and the fifth busiest on the island. It is a hub for Ryanair, Aer Lingus, ASL Airlines Ireland, EUjet, Skynet Airlines, Eirjet, and Futura Gael.

Airports of arrival in the United States

Piedmont Triad International Airport

The Piedmont Triad International Airport is located in Guilford County, North Carolina. It serves the Piedmont Triad region of Greensboro, High Point, and Winston-Salem and is a hub for FedEx Express and 21 Air.

Bradley International Airport

Bradley International Airport is located in Windsor Locks, Connecticut. It is the second-largest airport in New England. The airport is a hub for UPS Airlines and Gama Aviation and the operating base for Breeze Airways. 

San Diego International Airport 

The San Diego International Airport, formerly Lindbergh Field, is located 3 miles northwest of downtown San Diego in the state of California. It serves as a hub for Southwest Airlines, Pacific Southwest Airlines, and West Air.