Ocean & Air Freight Shipping From the United States to Algeria

In 2022, the United States exported $1.2 billion worth of goods to Algeria, 52.9% up from $415 million in 2021. This growth makes shipping to Algeria from the U.S. profitable, as long as you know how to do it with ease. 

In this article, we share all the information you need to know about ocean and air freight shipping from the United States to Algeria. 

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

Your options for shipping freight from the United States to Algeria are ocean freight or air freight. 

Ocean Freight From the United States to Algeria

Ocean freight is the most economical way to ship goods from the United States to Algeria. It can accommodate budget-conscious shippers and is flexible enough to ship any type of cargo. Ocean freight offers shippers two options: shipping via less than container load (LCL) or full container load (FCL). 

LCL is ideal for those shipping small volumes of goods. Here, goods are consolidated with cargo belonging to other shippers. That way, the shipper only pays for the goods their cargo occupies. 

On the other hand, FCL is for those shipping large volumes of goods. They rent the space in an entire unit for their cargo alone, which provides them with more security and control over their shipment. 

Air Freight from the United States to Algeria

Air freight from the United States to Algeria is the fastest mode of shipment. It’s also the most secure, with strict airport regulations, making it best for high-value and time-sensitive goods. There are, however, limitations as to what you can and cannot ship with air freight. It’s also worth noting that it’s rather expensive to ship goods by air. 

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

The cost of shipping cargo from the United States to Algeria depends 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

Determine your shipping costs by using our online freight costs calculator. The table below shows the current cost of shipping a standard 20-foot container from the US to Algeria:

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

The transit time for goods shipped from the United States to Algeria 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 the United States to Algeria?

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

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

Depending on the season, air freight from the United States to Algeria will take 2 to 8 days to complete.

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

Customs Clearance in the United States and Algeria

When your goods arrive in Algeria, they will undergo customs clearance. This will require you to prepare and present 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

We have a full documents list that you can refer to for examples of each customs clearance document. 

Should You Choose Ocean Freight or Air Freight?

Choosing the right mode of shipment for you will depend on your priorities, needs, and the requirements of your cargo. 

Ocean Freight

Ocean freight is right for you if you value cost savings and flexibility. It can ship almost any type of cargo at a price that won’t put a dent in your budget. It also gives you options for container shipping, depending on the volume and size of your cargo. 

Considerations for LCL Freight Shipping

LCL shipping might be the best mode of ocean freight shipping 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, on the other hand, may 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 your priority is a short timeframe, you should use air freight. This is also a suitable shipping mode for high-value, perishable, and time-sensitive cargo. Stricter airport regulations will ensure the security of your goods. 

It’s worth noting, however, that air freight is the most expensive way to ship goods from the United States to Algeria. There are also some restrictions on what you can and cannot ship by air. 

Ocean Cargo Port Guide

Cargo ports of origin in the United States

Port of Houston, Texas

The Port of Houston is the busiest in America by foreign waterborne tonnage. It serves as the main driver of economic growth on the Gulf Coast. It boasts extensive terminal networks that manage a range of cargo. 

Port of Virginia

The Port of Virginia, located along the eastern coast, handles the world’s largest container vessels. It ranks sixth among the biggest U.S. ports. The port also boasts modern infrastructure and efficient cargo-handling processes. 

Port of Charleston, South Carolina

The Port of Charleston, South Carolina, is famous for its efficient operations and environmental commitment. It’s an important port that supports its state’s economic growth and infrastructure development. 

Cargo ports of arrival in Algeria

Port of Alger

The Port of Alger is one of Algeria’s largest deep-water seaports, with a water channel 22.9 meters deep and a cargo pier 7.6 meters long. It handles more than 400,000 TEUs and 2000 vessels per year. 

Port of Skikda

The Port of Skikda is an important oil-exporting port in Algeria. It mainly handles energy products but also facilitates the import of large equipment, cereal, packaged miscellaneous goods, and metallurgical products. 

Port of Arzew

The Port of Arzew is mainly responsible for Algeria's hydrocarbon exports. It boasts a large channel depth of 10.4 meters, allowing it to accommodate oil tankers and large container ships. Vessels up to 500 feet in size can be accommodated here. 

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

Airports of origin in the United States

Metro Oakland International Airport

The Metro Oakland International Airport serves the city of Oakland, California. It’s located 7 miles south of Downtown and 12 miles east of San Francisco. The airport serves as a hub for Southwest Airlines, FedEx Express, Contour Airlines, and more. 

John F Kennedy International Airport

The John F. Kennedy International Airport is the main international airport serving New York City. It’s the sixth busiest airport in the United States and a hub for passenger and cargo airlines like Delta Air Lines, JetBlue, American Airlines, and more. 

Philadelphia International Airport

The Philadelphia International Airport primarily serves the city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It is the 21st busiest airport in the U.S. by passenger traffic, but it also has strong cargo operations, handling more than 3 billion pounds of freight per year. 

Airports of arrival in Algeria

Algiers Houari Boumediene Aiport

The Algiers Houari Boumediene Aiport, also known as the Algiers International Airport, is the main international airport serving the capital city of Algeria. It’s named after the former president, Houari Boumediene. The airport is a hub for passenger and cargo airlines, including Air Algérie, Tassili Airlines, Aigle Azur, Khalifa Airways, and Antinea Airlines.

Oran Ahmed Ben Bella Airport

The Oran Ahmed Ben Bella Airport, formally called the Es-Sénia Airport, is located 4.7 nautical miles south of Oran in Algeria. It’s close to Es Senia city. The Etablissement de Gestion des Services Aéroportuaires d'Oran manages the airport.

Constantine Mohamed Boudiaf Airport

The Constantine Mohamed Boudiaf Airport is located 9 kilometers south of the city of Constantine in Algeria. It has a 3,000-meter runway and operates over 9 carriers.