Ocean & Air Freight Shipping from Switzerland to the United States

As a small, landlocked country, Switzerland has to import and export many goods in order to meet the needs of its citizens. The country has excellent infrastructure and is well-connected to the United States by road, rail, and air. If you are thinking about importing goods to the U.S. from Switzerland, learn everything you need to know here. 

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

When it comes to shipping goods to the United States, Switzerland has a few different options. Ocean freight is one of the most popular methods for shipping large items or large quantities of items. Swiss companies can also use air freight for smaller shipments or for items that need to be delivered more quickly.

Ocean Freight From Switzerland to the United States

Ocean freight is a good, affordable option for most shipments, as it’s cost-effective and can accommodate large volumes of goods. It is also recommended for larger shipments with heavier objects and more fragile items. There are two modes of container shipping in ocean freight. These are less than container load and full container load. 

LCL is a method of shipping cargo. It's a term used to describe a shipment that contains less than an entire container. When you choose LCL, you pay for the amount of space your goods occupy in the container, even if it's only part of one unit. 

LCL is often cheaper than using a whole container, though some factors may affect this, including the weight and dimensions of your goods.

FCL is the most common type of cargo shipment, particularly for international shipments. It allows for a higher degree of control over the shipping process as compared to Less than Container Load (LCL) shipments, where multiple shippers' goods are consolidated into one container. FCL also generally results in lower shipping costs per unit of cargo.

Air Freight from Switzerland to the United States

Air freight from Switzerland to the United States is fast and reliable, and it is often the best choice for companies that need to move large quantities of goods quickly.  It is also a great option for businesses looking to keep costs down by avoiding delays and slow transit times. And thanks to its advanced tracking systems, air freight shipments arrive at their destination on time, every time.

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

The cost of shipping cargo from Switzerland to the United States can vary considerably depending on a number of different factors, including:

• 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 Switzerland to the United States: 

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

Shipping goods from Switzerland to the United States varies in transit time, primarily based on the international shipping mode you choose. 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 Switzerland to the United States?

Shipping cargo by sea from Switzerland to the United States can take anywhere between 15 to 50 days, depending on a number of factors. 

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

The average air freight shipping time from Switzerland to the United States by plane is about 2 to 8 days. 

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

Customs Clearance in Switzerland and the United States

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

• 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 check out our full documents list for examples of the paperwork you need for customs clearance.

Should You Choose Ocean Freight or Air Freight?

Ocean Freight

Ocean freight is typically cheaper than air freight, and it is a more environmentally-friendly option as well. Additionally, ocean freight can accommodate larger shipments than air freight, making it a good option for businesses that need to ship large quantities of goods. However, a disadvantage of ocean freight is the long transit time, so it might not be a good choice if you have urgent shipments. 

Considerations for LCL Freight Shipping

LCL shipping 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 a better option 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

Air freight is one of the most popular methods of shipping goods around the world. It is fast, reliable, and generally quite affordable. However, there are also some drawbacks to using air freight that should be considered before making a final decision.

One of the biggest advantages of air freight is its speed. Airfreight can get goods from point A to point B in a matter of days, or even hours in some cases. This is much faster than other methods of shipping, such as ocean freight, which can take weeks or even months. This can be critical for time-sensitive shipments.

Another advantage of air freight is its reliability. Airfreight companies have developed extensive networks and have built relationships with airports and airlines around the world. This allows them to provide a reliable service that can be counted on to get shipments where they need to go.

However, there are also some disadvantages to using air freight. One of the biggest is the potential for delays. Airfreight shipments can be delayed for a variety of reasons, such as bad weather or mechanical problems with the aircraft. This can be a problem if the shipment is time-sensitive.

Another disadvantage of air freight is that it is not always possible to track shipments as closely as with other methods, such as express couriers. This can be a problem if the shipment is valuable or needs to be delivered by a certain date.

Ocean Cargo Port Guide

Cargo ports of origin in Switzerland 

Port of Geneva

The Port of Geneva is located on the shores of Lake Geneva in Switzerland, close to the French border. It is one of the main ports on Lake Geneva and acts as a hub for goods coming and going from parts of both France and Switzerland.

During its long history, it has been important for trade between many European countries including France, Italy, Germany, and even Russia. Today, it continues to play an important role in transporting goods across Europe via road or rail links that connect to other nearby ports on Lakes Leman and Bourget such as Lausanne and Annecy.

Port of Basel

The Port of Basel is the largest inland port in Switzerland and one of the most important in Europe. It is located on the Rhine River, at the border between Switzerland and France. The port handles a wide range of cargo, including containers, RoRo (roll-on/roll-off) traffic, liquid bulk, and general cargo.

The port is served by a dense network of rail and road connections, making it an important hub for landlocked Switzerland. It is also well connected to the river shipping network, with regular barge traffic to destinations up and downstream.

Port of Zurich

The Port of Zurich is one of the busiest and most important ports in Switzerland. It is located on the River Limmat, just upstream from Lake Zurich. The port handles a wide range of cargo, including containers, bulk commodities, and general cargo. 

The port has been in operation since the 13th century, and it has undergone several major expansions and renovations over the years. Today, it covers an area of ​​approximately 200 hectares and employs around 1,700 people.

Cargo ports of arrival in the United States 

Port of Los Angeles

The Port of Los Angeles is a major seaport in the US state of California. Located in San Pedro Bay, it covers 7,500 acres and is the busiest container port on Earth.

The Los Angeles ports make up one of the top five cargo hubs in the world. They handle around $1 trillion worth of goods every year – more than 30% of all cargo imported into American shores by sea. This makes them a crucial part of America’s economy and infrastructure, as well as being essential to our trading partners across the globe.

Port of Long Beach

The Port of Long Beach is one of the busiest seaports in the world, with cargo volumes well over 6 million TEU (twenty-foot equivalent units) each year. With that level of traffic comes a wide range of logistical challenges - including coordinating with other ports, managing congestion in and around port facilities, and providing secure transport for both cargoes and people.

In order to meet these challenges, the Port of Long Beach has developed an impressive array of technology solutions. These include a comprehensive maritime information network that connects all terminals to each other and provides real-time updates on port conditions; sophisticated vessel gate management systems; automation at key points such as container yards; and much more.

Port of New York and New Jersey

The Port of New York and New Jersey is the busiest port on the East Coast of the United States. Located at the confluence of the Hudson River and the Atlantic Ocean, the Port is a natural deepwater harbor that can accommodate large ships.

More than 3,000 vessels call at the Port each year, carrying over 200 million tons of cargo. The Port is a major gateway for trade between the United States and Europe, Asia, and Latin America.

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

Airports of origin in Switzerland 

Zurich International Airport

The Zurich International Airport is one of the busiest airports in Europe, handling over 26 million passengers and 1.8 million tons of cargo each year. The airport is a major hub for Swiss International Air Lines and is also a base for EasyJet Switzerland and Edelweiss Air.

The airport has two main passenger terminals (A and B) and a smaller private jet terminal (C). Zurich Airport is also home to a large cargo operation, handling over 400,000 tons of freight each year. Zurich Airport is certified as a Category II Instrument Landing System (ILS) airport.

Geneva International Airport

The Geneva International Airport is one of the busiest airports in Switzerland, with over 10 million passengers passing through each year. The airport offers an extensive selection of cargo services, including international shipping and handling, as well as a range of other transportation options.

Bern Belp Airport

The Bern Belp Airport, or Bern airport, is a regional airport located in the municipality of Belp in the Swiss canton of Bern. It was opened on 1 November 1940 and serves as the main hub for many cargo companies due to its strategic location close to major cities such as Basel, Zurich, and Genève.

It offers several cargo services that make use of its vast warehouse space, including dedicated handling areas for general cargo, special goods, live animals, perishables, and dangerous goods.

Airports of arrival in the United States 

John F. Kennedy International Airport

The John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) is one of the busiest airports in the world, handling over 63 million passengers and more than 2 million tons of cargo annually.  The airport offers a wide range of cargo services, including airfreight, express shipping, and perishable goods. 

JFK also houses a large number of freight forwarders and other logistics companies that provide vital services to the airport's many businesses and travelers.

Los Angeles International Airport

The Los Angeles International Airport, or LAX, is the primary international airport serving the Greater Los Angeles Area. This busy airport offers cargo services to a wide range of industries and businesses in the region.

With two runways measuring more than 10,000 feet long and extensive ground handling capabilities, LAX can accommodate all sizes of commercial aircraft with ease. There are also many different transportation options for getting goods from the airport to their final destination, including trucks, trains, ships, and even blimps.

Chicago O'Hare International Airport

The Chicago O'Hare International Airport is a major cargo hub, handling millions of pounds of freight each year. The airport offers a variety of cargo services, including airfreight, ground transportation, warehousing, and customs clearance. Chicago O'Hare is also home to a number of freight forwarding companies that can help shippers with the logistics of shipping their cargo.