Ocean & Air Freight Shipping From Thailand to the United States

The trade relationship between Thailand and the United States is grounded in economic interdependence, cultural exchange, and strategic cooperation. The trade relationship spans a wide range of sectors, from agriculture to technology, underscoring the economic dynamic of the two countries. 

In 2022, Thailand imported $53.4 billion worth of goods to the United States, the top product being office machine parts. Other common goods shipped are broadcasting equipment and rubber tires. The trade between the two countries has grown at an annualized rate of 5.91% in the last 27 years. 

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

You can choose between ocean or air freight to ship freight from Thailand to the United States. 

Ocean Freight From Thailand to the United States

Ocean freight is the most economical way to ship goods from Thailand to the United States. It’s also very flexible and can accommodate many cargo types. Shippers can choose between less-than-container-load (LCL) and full-container-load (FCL) transport options. 

LCL is best for small shipments or shippers transporting small volumes of goods. Here, their cargo is consolidated with shipments belonging to other shippers. That way, they only pay for the space their cargo occupies. 

FCL, on the other hand, is better for larger and heavier shipments or those shipping large volumes of goods. Here, the shipper rents the space in an entire container for their goods alone, giving them more control and security.

Air Freight from Thailand to the United States

Air freight is another option for shipping goods from Thailand to the United States. This mode of shipment is the fastest but also the most expensive. 

Air freight is generally best for time-sensitive, perishable, and high-value shipments because of stricter airport regulations that ensure cargo security. However, this also means that there are certain types of goods that you cannot ship by air. 

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

The cost of shipping cargo from Thailand to the United States will depend on a couple of factors, which 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 Thailand to the United States in the table below:

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

The transit time for goods shipped from Thailand to the United States depends mainly on the international shipping mode you select. 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 Thailand to the United States?

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

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

Air freight from Thailand to the United States will take only 2 to 8 days. 

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

Customs Clearance in Thailand and the United States

When your goods arrive from Thailand to the United States, they must go through customs clearance. For this, you need to prepare and submit the following documents: 

• 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

If you need examples of these documents, take a look at our full documents list. 

Should You Choose Ocean Freight or Air Freight?

When choosing whether to ship with ocean freight or air freight, you should consider your needs, priorities, and the unique requirements of your cargo. 

Ocean Freight

Ocean freight can accommodate all types of cargo without costing you an arm and a leg, which means it’s best for budget-conscious shippers with unique shipping needs. When opting for ocean freight, you must consider shipping via LCL or FCL. 

Considerations for LCL Freight Shipping

LCL freight shipping is best 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

A full container load might be ideal for you 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 you prioritize speed, air freight is the best mode of shipping for you. It only takes 2-8 days for your cargo to arrive in the United States, making it ideal for perishable and time-sensitive shipments. Because of more stringent processes and regulations, air freight can also guarantee the security of high-value goods. 

However, keep in mind that air freight can get expensive. It also limits what you can and cannot ship, so check restricted and prohibited goods beforehand. 

Ocean Cargo Port Guide

Cargo ports of origin in Thailand

Bangkok Port

Bangkok Port, also known as Khlong Toei Port, is located on the Chao Phraya River in Thailand. It is considered one of the top 100 busiest container ports in the world. The seaport boasts two container terminals and excellent road and railway access. 

Laem Chebang Port 

The Laem Chebang Port is an alternative to the Port of Bangkok. It is located in the Chonburi Province in Thailand, close to Surasak, Pattaya City, and Nong Kham—the port houses Thailand’s most advanced container terminals. 

Chanthaburi Port

The Chanthaburi Port is located at the mouth of the Mae Nam Chanthaburi River. It handles cargo types, with primary shipments including precious stones, rubber, rice, tobacco, fruit, dried fish, and pepper. 

Cargo ports of arrival in the United States

Port of New York and New Jersey

The Port of New York and New Jersey is located in the coastal area of the New York Harbor. It spreads 25 miles and is considered the most significant natural harbor in the world. The port has an annual turnover of $5.5 billion, making it the USA’s most profitable port. 

Port of Corpus Christi

The Port of Corpus Christi is located in Texas. It is one of the USA’s few ports with an energy conservation blueprint. The port mainly handles the shipment of crude oil and gas. It boasts a 1500 PSI bearing capacity, the strongest among all Gulf ports. 

Port of Beaumont 

The Port of Beaumont is another port in Texas, United States. It used to operate in a military capacity but later became a commercial shipping hub. The port mainly handles military goods and manufacturing products, generating an annual revenue of $2.2 billion. 

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

Airports of origin in Thailand 

Suvarnabhumi Airport

The Suvarnabhumi Airport, also known as Bangkok International Airport, mainly serves Bangkok, Thailand. It is a hub for Thai Airways International, Bangkok Airways, Thai AirAsia, and more. 

Phuket International Airport 

The Phuket International Airport is 32 kilometers from downtown Phuket, specifically in the Mai Khao subdistrict, Thalang district, Phuket, Thailand. It serves as a hub for Thai Airways International, Thai AirAsia, Phuket Air, Orient Thai Airlines, New Gen Airways, City Airways, and Happy Air.

Chiang Rai International Airport

The Chiang Rai International Airport is located 8 kilometers from the city center of the serves Ban Du subdistrict in the Mueang Chiang Rai district, Thailand. It serves as a hub for Thai AirAsia and Thai VietJet Air.

Airports of arrival in the United States

Piedmont Triad International Airport

The Piedmont Triad International Airport is in Guilford County, North Carolina, United States. It serves Greensboro, High Point, Winston-Salem, and the entire Piedmont Triad region. 

Bradley International Airport 

The Bradley International Airport is located in Windsor Locks, Connecticut, United States. It is New England’s second-largest airport. It is situated halfway between Connecticut, Hartford, Springfield, and Massachusetts and is the airport of choice for goods bound for these destinations. 

San Antonio International Airport

The San Antonio International Airport is in San Antonio, Texas, 8 miles north of Downtown. It spans 2,305 acres and boasts three runaways. The airport is a hub for Merlin Airways and other passenger and cargo airlines.