Ocean & Air Freight Shipping from Malaysia to the United States

Looking to ship goods from Malaysia to the United States? Whether you're sending commercial cargo or personal belongings, you'll need to choose a shipping method that fits your needs. In this article, we give you all the insights on ocean and air freight shipping from Malaysia to the United States.

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

Shipping from Malaysia to the United States can be done in two main ways: ocean freight and air freight. Let’s take a look at each option and discuss their pros and cons, so you can determine which shipping method will work best for your specific needs.

Ocean Freight From Malaysia to the United States

Ocean freight is one of the most common options for shipping large or heavy items overseas. This is because it tends to be much more affordable than air freight, especially when shipping large quantities or large items like furniture, appliances, or machinery. 

Additionally, ocean shipments often travel on regular routes that have established pickup and delivery schedules, making them easier to plan and track than shipments using other methods. 

Ocean freight comes with two options: less than container load (LCL) or full container load (FCL). 

LCL is a type of ocean freight shipping used to send smaller shipments that cannot fill an entire container. LCL allows businesses to ship their products without having to pay for an entire container, which can be expensive. 

LCL shipping is a popular option for small businesses and startups who are looking to ship their products overseas. It is also a good option for businesses that only have a small amount of product to ship.

When you ship FCL, you are responsible for filling the entire container with your goods. This allows you to maximize space and avoid paying for unused space, as you would with LCL shipping. In addition, FCL shipping generally results in faster transit times since your goods do not need to be unloaded and reloaded onto different vehicles during transit.

Air Freight from Malaysia to the United States

Air freight is another option for shipping goods overseas. This method is typically more expensive than ocean freight, but it generally takes much less time to ship items. For example, a shipment sent via air cargo might make it from Malaysia to the United States in as few as three days or as many as eight days, depending on factors like weather conditions at the departure and arrival airports. 

Another main advantage of air freight is that it does not require any additional customs clearances or port fees for shipments that originate and end in the same country.

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

When you need to ship cargo from Malaysia to the United States, there are several factors you must consider to determine how much your shipment will cost. 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 Malaysia to the US:

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

The duration for shipping goods from Malaysia to the United States 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 Malaysia to the United States?

Typically, it can take anywhere from 15 to 50 days for a shipment to arrive once it has left a Malaysian port. 

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

Shipping cargo by air from Malaysia to the United States can take anywhere from 2 days to 8 days.

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

Customs Clearance in Malaysia and the United States

You will need the following documents to satisfy customs clearance requirements: 

• 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 a reference to the required customs clearance documents, check out our full documents list. 

Should You Choose Ocean Freight or Air Freight?

Ocean Freight

Ocean freight is typically much more affordable than other modes of transportation, such as air freight. This often makes it the preferred option for shipping large or heavy items across long distances.

Despite its many advantages, ocean freight does have a few downsides. For example, freight can be delayed or even lost due to unforeseen weather events or mechanical problems with the ship transporting your goods. In addition, marine insurance costs can add significantly to your shipping expenses, and shipments must often travel through crowded ports and waterways, which could lead to additional delays.

Considerations for LCL Freight Shipping

LCL freight shipping is 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 shipping is the preferred option for individuals shipping 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

Airfreight is often the quickest and most convenient method of shipping goods internationally. However, it can also be one of the most expensive. 

Ocean Cargo Port Guide

Cargo ports of origin in Malaysia 

Port Klang

Port Klang is one of the busiest cargo ports in Malaysia. It is situated about 25 km southwest of Kuala Lumpur and serves as the primary seaport for Selangor state and its capital city. The port plays an important role in facilitating trade between Malaysia and other countries around the world. It handles international containers from many parts of Asia, Europe, and North America.

Port Tanjung Pelepas

Tanjung Pelepas is another important cargo port in Malaysia. It is located on the southern tip of Peninsular Malaysia and serves as one of the busiest container ports in the country, with an annual capacity of 8 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units). The port handles about 2 million TEUs per year for Maersk Line, which is considered one of its major customers.

Port Kuantan

Port Kuantan is a seaport located in the Malaysian state of Pahang. It is the only deepwater port on the east coast of Malaysia and serves as an important gateway for trade and commerce in the region. The port handles a wide range of cargo, including containers, bulk commodities, and general cargo.

Cargo ports of arrival in the United States 

Port of Los Angeles

The Port of Los Angeles is one of the busiest ports in the world and plays a vital role in international trade. Located on the United States west coast, this port moves about 40% of all goods imported into and exported from the country.

Founded over 100 years ago, the Port of Los Angeles has become an important economic engine for Southern California. It helps to create jobs for workers throughout the region while supporting numerous industries through its cargo handling operations.

Port of Miami 

The Port of Miami, also known as the "Cruise Capital of the World", is a major seaport located in Miami, Florida. It is the busiest cruise port in the world and accommodates some of the largest cruise ships in the world. The port is also a major cargo handling facility and is home to many international shipping companies.

Port of San Francisco 

The Port of San Francisco is governed by a seven-member Board of Commissioners, appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the Board of Supervisors. The port authority oversees all maritime activities in the city including cargo operations, shipyards, passenger terminals, and ferry service.

In addition to its role in managing the city's waterfront, the Port of San Francisco also plays an important role in the economic development of the region. The port is home to a number of major businesses including shipping companies, cruise lines, and other maritime-related businesses. 

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

Airports of origin in Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA)

KLIA is the main international airport serving Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. It is located about 45 kilometers (28 mi) south of Kuala Lumpur city center, in the district of Sepang. The airport serves as a hub for Malaysian Airlines, Malindo Air, and AirAsia. KLIA is also a destination for many major airlines such as Emirates, Singapore Airlines, and Qatar Airways.

Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI)

Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI) is the main airport serving the city of Kota Kinabalu in Malaysia. It is located approximately 8km from the city center. The airport handles both domestic and international flights and is a hub for Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia.

Penang International Airport (PEN)

Penang International Airport (PEN) is the main airport serving the state of Penang in Malaysia. It is located near the town of Bayan Lepas on the island of Penang, about 16km from the capital city, Georgetown. The airport handles both domestic and international flight services and is a hub for budget carrier Firefly.

Airports of arrival in the United States 

John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)

John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) is an international airport located in New York City, United States. It is one of the busiest airports in the world, handling over 63 million passengers annually. JFK is also a major hub for air traffic, with over 1,000 arrivals and departures daily.

Miami International Airport (MIA)

The Miami International Airport (MIA) is a major international airport located in the city of Miami, Florida. It was founded in 1928 and has become one of the busiest airports in the United States, with more than 40 million passengers passing through it each year.

San Francisco International Airport (SFO)

The San Francisco International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world, handling over 50 million passengers each year. The airport is located just south of downtown San Francisco, making it convenient for travelers coming into the city.