Ocean & Air Freight Shipping from the Netherlands to the United States

Trade between the Netherlands and the United States has a long history, dating back to the early days of American independence. The two countries have always been major trading partners, with the Netherlands serving as an important gateway for American goods entering Europe. 

In recent years, trade between the two countries has only increased, with the Netherlands becoming one of America's top 10 trading partners.

If you're thinking about participating in trade between the two countries and shipping from the Netherlands to the United States, here's everything you need to know about ocean and air freight shipping in these countries.

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

When a business owner in the Netherlands needs to get products or materials from their facility to one in the United States, they have several options, such as ocean and air freight shipping.

Ocean Freight From the Netherlands to the United States

There are two ways to ship from the Netherlands to the United States by sea. 

The most common type of freight shipment is using large containers known as full containers or FCLs, which are 20 or 40 feet long and can hold between 1-2 tons of cargo each. 

For smaller shipments that don’t require an entire container, there is a less expensive option called LCL shipping also known as groupage or consolidation shipping, where multiple small shipments are grouped into one container and shipped to their destination in the U.S.

Air Freight from the Netherlands to the United States

Air freight shipping is mainly used for urgent shipments or large shipments that require fast delivery times. In addition to ocean and air freight shipping methods, there are also several options for international courier services using either private couriers or registered mail like FedEx, UPS, DHL, and others.

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

Different factors can affect the cost of shipments from the Netherlands to the US. 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

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 Netherlands to the US in the table below:

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

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

When shipping cargo by sea from the Netherlands to the United States, it usually takes anywhere from 15 to 50 days.

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

It typically takes about 2 to 8 days to ship cargo from the Netherlands to the United States by air.

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

Customs Clearance in the Netherlands and the United States

In general, importers and exporters need to have all required documents in place before they can complete their customs clearance process. For the Netherlands specifically, important documents can include:

• 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

We have a full documents list that you can refer to for examples of each customs clearance document required by both the Netherlands and the United States. 

Should You Choose Ocean Freight or Air Freight?

Ocean Freight

If you are looking for a reliable, efficient, and cost-effective shipping method, ocean freight is a great option to consider. Choose between LCL and FCL to optimize your shipment. 

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 freight shipping should be considered 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

There are many reasons to use air freight when shipping goods. Airfreight is generally the fastest and most reliable shipping method available. It is also relatively safe and secure, with little chance of damage or loss during transit. 

However, there are also some drawbacks to using air freight, including the high cost of shipping and the potential for delays due to weather or other factors. 

Ocean Cargo Port Guide

Cargo ports of origin in the Netherlands

Port of Amsterdam

The Port of Amsterdam is located in Amsterdam, Netherlands. It is a key port for trade within Europe. The port has a very high level of automation compared to other ports with only about 1% of manual work being conducted. 

Because many ships do not have sufficient draft to enter the main harbor, they must instead use one of two entrance channels; this adds additional time and cost to the overall shipping process.

Port of Rotterdam

The Port of Rotterdam is the largest port in Europe, and one of the busiest ports in the world. Located in the Netherlands, it is a major hub for container shipping and handling. The port also handles a large amount of bulk cargo, including coal, oil, and petroleum products. The Port of Rotterdam is also home to a large number of businesses involved in logistics and transportation.

Port of Hague/ Den Haag

The Port of Den Haag is one of the busiest ports in the Netherlands. Located on the North Sea, it is a major hub for both freight and passenger traffic. The port handles over 14 million tons of cargo each year and is home to many international shipping companies.

Cargo ports of arrival in the United States 

Port of New York and New Jersey

The Port of New York and New Jersey is a major port on the East Coast of the United States. The port handles over 4 million containers per year and is a major center for international shipping.

Port of Houston

The Port of Houston is one of the largest ports in the United States, handling over 2 million containers per year. The port is located in the heart of one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world and has access to several major rail and road networks.

Port of Oakland

The Port of Oakland is another large and popular port on the West Coast of the United States. It handles over 1 million containers each year and serves as a major center for international trade with Asia and Europe.

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

Airports of origin in the Netherlands 

Schiphol Airport

The Schiphol Airport is the largest cargo airport in Europe, handling over 2.6 million tonnes of cargo each year. The airport is located just outside Amsterdam, with easy access to the city center and the rest of the Netherlands. 

Schiphol offers a wide range of cargo services, including handling, storage, transportation, and customs clearance. The airport also has its own dedicated freight terminal, which is used by many of the world's leading airlines. Schiphol is also home to a number of logistics companies, which provide a range of services to businesses operating at the airport.

Eindhoven Airport

Eindhoven Airport is a cargo airport located in the south of the Netherlands. It offers many different services for travelers, like luggage services and boarding facilities.

One of Eindhoven's main cargo offerings is its parcel delivery service. This service allows businesses to send shipments or packages from one part of the country to another. The airport also has several freight warehouses that store goods safely until they are ready to be sent out.

Rotterdam The Hague Airport

Rotterdam The Hague Airport, or Rotterdam Airport for short, is a cargo airport located in the city of Rotterdam in the Netherlands. With an annual intake of over 3 million tons of cargo and more than 100,000 tonnes of airmail, it is one of the busiest airports in Europe.

Some of the products that are handled at this airport include pharmaceuticals, electronics, perishables, and textiles. It also handles dangerous goods such as flammable liquids and explosives.

Airports of arrival in the United States 

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)

The Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is one of the busiest airports in the world, handling over 80 million passengers and 2 million tons of cargo each year. LAX is a major hub for both passenger and cargo flights, with over 1,000 arrivals and departures each day.

The airport has several cargo services available to handle the needs of businesses and individuals shipping goods to and from the Los Angeles area. LAX offers both direct and indirect cargo service options, as well as on-site storage facilities.

John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)

As the largest and busiest international airport in the United States, JFK Airport is a major hub for cargo services. The airport offers a wide range of cargo facilities and services to accommodate the needs of businesses and individuals shipping goods domestically and internationally.

The airport offers a variety of storage options for cargo, including refrigerated units for perishable items. JFK also has a dedicated animal quarantine facility for live animals being shipped into or out of the country.

Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

The Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is the busiest airport in both the United States and the world. The airport is also a major cargo hub, with over two million tons of cargo passing through its facilities each year.

ATL's cargo operations are managed by the airport's Department of Aviation - Cargo Division. The division oversees all aspects of cargo operations, from aircraft loading and unloading to warehouse and storage management. ATL is home to over 30 freight forwarders and customs brokers, as well as a variety of other businesses that support the airport's cargo operations.