Ocean & Air Freight Shipping From the United States to Bulgaria

The trade relationship between the United States and Bulgaria has continued to grow over the years, characterized by a dynamic exchange of goods and services. Bulgaria, a developing key player within the European Union, has much to offer to the United States and its industries, such as agriculture, manufacturing, technology, and energy.

In 2022, the United States exported goods valued at $846 million to Bulgaria. The top exports include petroleum gas, petroleum coke, planes, helicopters, and spacecraft.

To ship from the US to Bulgaria, you need to be well-equipped with knowledge about the ocean and air freight shipping process. Here, we provide you with a complete guide.

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

Your options for freight shipping from the US to Bulgaria are ocean freight and air freight.

Ocean Freight From the United States to Bulgaria

The most popular shipping option is ocean freight, preferred by most shippers because of its cost efficiency and flexibility. At a fair shipping cost, ocean freight can transport any type of cargo from the US to Bulgaria. It even offers shippers two options for container shipping, including less than container load (LCL) and full container load (FCL).

LCL is used by shippers with small cargo or small volumes. It involves the consolidation process, where cargo belonging to different shippers are consolidated and shipped together in one container. Each shipper only has to pay for the space their goods occupy, making LCL highly economical.

FCL is used by those with large shipping needs. They rent the space in an entire container for their goods alone, which gives them more space, control, and security for their cargo. This shipping option can also provide good value for money if the space inside the container is maximized.

Air Freight from the United States to Bulgaria

The other way you can ship goods from the US to Bulgaria is through air freight. This is the fastest international shipping method, and it can get goods to their destination in a couple of days. This makes it highly suitable for time-sensitive or perishable cargo.

Shippers of high-value goods also like air freight since it’s more secure than any other shipping option. With strict airport regulations and processes, the safety of goods is much better guaranteed during transit.

Keep in mind, however, that air freight does have its disadvantages. The most pressing is its cost, with shipping fees significantly higher than ocean freight. It’s also not as flexible, with strict limitations on your shipment's type, size, weight, and volume.

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

The cost of shipping goods from the US to Bulgaria will depend on a case-to-case basis. These factors will come into play to determine the cost of your shipment:

• 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

Use our online freight costs calculator to get an estimate of your shipping costs. The table below provides the current cost for shipping a standard 20-foot container from the US to Bulgaria:

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

Shipping goods from the US to Bulgaria varies in transit time, primarily based on your international shipping mode. Additional factors impacting this include:

• The shipping season (peak or low)
• The directness of the shipment route
• The popularity of the trade lane
• Geopolitical issues
• Potential incidents at the ports

How long does it take to ship cargo by sea from the United States to Bulgaria?

You can expect your ocean freight shipment from the US to Bulgaria to arrive in 15 to 50 days.

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

If you choose air freight, your shipment should arrive in 2 to 8 days.

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

Customs Clearance in the United States and Bulgaria

Goods that arrive in Bulgaria from the US will need to go through the customs clearance process. This will require 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

For examples of these customs clearance requirements, you can refer to our full documents list.

Should You Choose Ocean Freight or Air Freight?

Now it’s time to choose whether to ship by sea or by air. This decision should carefully weigh your needs, priorities, and cargo requirements. Here are some pointers to help you make the right choice.

Ocean Freight

If you value affordability and flexibility, ocean freight is your best bet. Without putting a dent in your budget, it can transport any type of cargo from the US to Bulgaria. If you opt for ocean freight, carefully choose between LCL and FCL shipping.

Considerations for LCL Freight Shipping

LCL is suitable 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 for 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

If time is of the essence in your shipping endeavor, then you should ship by air. The fastest mode of international transport, air freight, can get your cargo from the US to Bulgaria in a couple of days. This makes it highly suitable for time-sensitive or perishable shipments.

You’ll also appreciate air freight if you’re shipping high-value goods. Because airports have stricter rules and procedures, the security of your cargo can much better be guaranteed.

However, there are some downsides to air freight. The first is its cost, with shipping fees significantly higher than ocean freight. The second is its lack of flexibility, limiting the type, size, weight, and volume of your cargo.

Ocean Cargo Port Guide

Cargo ports of origin in the United States

Port of New York and New Jersey

The Port of New York and New Jersey spans the entire New York Harbor coastal area, spreading over 25 miles of land area. It’s the largest natural harbor with direct access through the Atlantic. The port boasts 9 terminals and handles over 7.8 million TEUs per year.

Port of Beaumont

The Port of Beaumont handles 57% of total petroleum transport and 14% of gasoline cargo across the US. It sees over 8 million tonnes of cargo per year, the majority of which include military equipment and petrochemical items. It’s mainly a breakbulk facility.

Port of New Orleans

The Port of New Orleans handles vessel traffic across the Mississippi River, connecting 14,500 miles of trading waterways to the coast of America. It is one of the busiest ports in the US, welcoming over 36,000 vessels carrying 455,000 TEUs per year.

Cargo ports of arrival in Bulgaria

Port of Varna

The Port of Varna is one of the biggest ports in Bulgaria. It’s located in Varna, the country’s third biggest city. The port is operational throughout the year, serving as Bulgaria’s principal seaport. It handles half of the country’s international maritime trade, seeing over 7.7 million tonnes of cargo annually.

Port of Balchik

The Port of Balchik is the sea gateway of Dobrudzha, which is one of Bulgaria’s largest grain-producing regions. It’s a multipurpose port that can handle general cargo shipments, liquid bulk, breakbulk, and containers. It handles over 186,000 tonnes of cargo per year.

Port of Bourgas

The Port of Bourgas is located on the western coast of the Black Sea. It’s a major port that handles a wide range of cargo types, including raw materials, bulk cargo, and RORO. It boasts a highly integrated system that records all port operations.

Air Freight from the United States to Bulgaria: An Airport Guide

Airports of origin in the United States

Miami International Airport

The Miami International Airport is the top airport in the US for international freight. It handles over 2 million tonnes of cargo per year. The airport boasts a strong network of cargo facilities, including 18 warehouses with more than 3.4 million square feet of space capacity.

John F. Kennedy International Airport

The John F. Kennedy International Airport is one of the world's leading international air cargo centers. The construction of a 600,000-square-foot cargo building has recently been completed in the airport, giving it a total of 20 cargo facilities that handle over 1.2 tonnes of cargo annually.

Indianapolis International Airport

The Indianapolis International Airport is one of the largest cargo centers in the US. It’s home to the world’s second-largest FedEx Hub, strengthening its cargo capabilities. The airport handles over 1 million tonnes of cargo per year in its five dedicated cargo facilities.

Airports of arrival in Bulgaria

Burgas Airport

The Burgas Airport is the second largest airport in Bulgaria. It’s located in the southeastern region, about 10 kilometers from the city center. The airport is a hub for Bulgaria Air, European Air Charter, BH Air, Electra Airways, and Air VIA.

Sofia International Airport

The Sofia International Airport is Bulgaria’s main international airport, located in the capital city of Sofia. It serves as a hub for Ryanair, Wizz Air, Bulgaria Air, Wizz Air Bulgaria, BH Air, and more. The airport handles over 12,000 tonnes of cargo per year.

Varna Airport

The Varna Airport is located in Varna, the historical maritime capital of Bulgaria. It’s the country’s third-largest airport, serving Varna, Golden Sands, and the nation’s northeastern region. The airport serves as a hub for Bulgaria Air, European Air Charter, Electra Airways, BH Air, Air VIA, and Voyage Air.

Why Ship From the United States to Bulgaria With iContainers?

Shipping cargo involves many factors, such as the season, the shipment size, the shipping method, and the origin and destination.

With extensive industry experience, iContainers offers traditional freight forwarding services enhanced with modern technology for customer convenience. Our digital platform lets you manage your entire shipment—from requesting a quote to booking and tracking your cargo—all from your mobile device.

Contact us anytime for a free quote. We are always ready to provide you with the information you need.