Ocean & Air Freight Shipping from the United States to China

The United States and China are two of the world's largest economies, and trade between the two countries has been growing rapidly in recent years. The United States is China's second-largest trading partner after the European Union, so if you're looking to extend your business to the Chinese market, you're heading to a very fruitful business landscape. 

But before you start, you need to know everything about ocean and air shipping from the U.S. to China.

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

There are a few different ways to ship freight from the United States to China. The most popular options are by air and ocean.

Ocean Freight From the United States to China

Ocean shipping is the most common method for shipping freight to China. It is less expensive than air shipping, but it takes longer for your goods to arrive. Ocean freight has two shipping methods: LCL and FCL. 

LCL is a method of shipping goods that don't fill an entire container. This type of shipping is often used for smaller shipments or when consolidating multiple shipments into one container. LCL can be less expensive than shipping via airfreight or express courier but may take longer.

FCL is a shipping term used to describe a method of cargo transportation in which all of the items being shipped are loaded into a single container. This type of shipment is typically used when shipping large quantities of goods or when the items being shipped are particularly large or delicate and require their own dedicated container. 

FCL can also be more cost-effective than less efficient methods of shipping, such as LCL (less than container load) since it allows for a more streamlined shipping process.

Air Freight from the United States to China

Shipping by air is the fastest way to get your goods to China, but it is also the most expensive option. If you need your goods to arrive quickly, this is the best method.

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

It can cost quite a bit of money to ship cargo from the United States to China. The cost will depend on the following: 

• 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 the US to China: 

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

Shipping goods from the United States to China 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 the United States to China?

It typically takes around 15 to 50 days to ship cargo by sea from the United States to China. 

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

It takes an average of 2-8 days to ship cargo by air from the United States to China. 

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

Customs Clearance in the United States and China

The United States and China have different customs clearance procedures, so it's important to know what to expect before shipping your goods to either country. In general, you need 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 the customs clearance paperwork you need to accomplish.

Should You Choose Ocean Freight or Air Freight?

Ocean Freight

Ocean freight is generally less expensive than air freight, making it a more cost-effective option for large shipments. Shipping by ocean freighter is also much more environmentally friendly than flying cargo, as it emits far less carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

Ocean freight can accommodate large and heavy shipments that would be impractical to send by air.

Considerations for LCL Freight Shipping

LCL (less than container load) 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 (full container load) is great 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

Air freight is one of the most popular methods for shipping goods around the world. It is fast, efficient, and relatively safe. However, there are also some drawbacks to using air freight that you should be aware of before making your decision.

Ocean Cargo Port Guide

Cargo ports of origin in the United States

Port of Los Angeles

The Port of Los Angeles, also called America's Port, is the busiest container port in the United States. Located in San Pedro Bay in Los Angeles County, about 20 miles (32 km) south of downtown Los Angeles, the port complex occupies 7,500 acres (3,000 ha) of land and water along 43 miles (69 km) of waterfront. 

The port is located on the Pacific Ocean with an entrance through San Pedro Bay. The main portion of the port lies within the city limits of Long Beach and Los Angeles. A small portion of the port lands in Orange County and another tiny sliver extends into Ventura County to service oil fields near Oxnard.

Port of Seattle

Port of Seattle, located in the U.S. state of Washington, is a seaport on Puget Sound that serves the Seattle metropolitan area and the greater Pacific Northwest region. The port is situated around the Elliott Bay waterfront and is made up of three major facilities: container terminals, cruise ship terminals, and public marinas.

The port handles over 25 million metric tons of cargo each year and is ranked as the 9th busiest port in the United States by cargo volume. Containerized cargo makes up a large portion of the port's traffic, with over 2 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) passing through each year.

Port of Miami

The Port of Miami is one of the busiest cruise ports in the world and is known as the "Cruise Capital of the World". It is also a major cargo port. Located in Biscayne Bay in Miami, Florida, the port is connected to the Atlantic Ocean via the Port of Miami Tunnel.

Over five million cruise passengers pass through the Port of Miami each year, making it the busiest cruise port in the world. The port is also a major cargo port, handling over two million tons of cargo each year.

Cargo ports of arrival in China

Shanghai Port

As the largest port in China, Shanghai Port is one of the busiest ports in the world. It handles a large volume of container traffic and is an important gateway for trade with China. The port is located at the mouth of the Yangtze River and has access to a deep water channel. It is equipped with a wide range of modern facilities and equipment. Shanghai Port is also home to a large number of shipping companies and freight forwarders. The port has a strong network of transportation connections, making it an important hub for logistics in China.

Ningbo-Zhoushan Port

Ningbo-Zhoushan Port is one of the busiest ports in China. It is located in the city of Ningbo in Zhejiang province and consists of a number of different port facilities. These include the Beilun Port, the Zhoushan Port, and the Xiangshan Port. Together, these three ports handle a huge volume of shipping traffic each year.

Tianjin Port

Located in the Bohai Sea in northern China, Tianjin Port is one of the busiest ports in the world. Serving as a major gateway for trade with Beijing and the surrounding region, the port handles a large volume of container traffic each year. Tianjin Port is also home to a large number of industries, including shipbuilding, steel production, and chemical manufacturing.

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

Airports of origin in the United States 

Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)

Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) is one of the world's busiest airports, handling over 90 million passengers and 2.3 million tons of cargo each year. The airport is a major hub for both passenger and cargo traffic, with over 100 airlines operating from its three terminals.

The airport's cargo operations are managed by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which also operates the region's other major airports, JFK and LaGuardia. EWR is home to a number of freight forwarders and logistics companies, as well as several on-site cargo facilities.

John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)

As one of the busiest airports in the world, JFK International Airport offers a wide variety of cargo services to meet the needs of businesses and individuals.

JFK is home to a number of freight forwarders and customs brokers who can assist with the logistics of shipping goods to and from the airport. The airport also has a dedicated cargo terminal that handles all incoming and outgoing freight.

Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)

Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is one of the busiest airports in the world, handling over two million tons of cargo each year. The airport is home to a number of cargo services, including airfreight, express delivery, and ground transportation.

Airfreight is the most popular form of cargo service at ORD, accounting for nearly 60% of all cargo traffic. Airfreight services are provided by a number of airlines, including American Airlines, United Airlines, and FedEx. Express delivery services are also available at ORD, with UPS and DHL both operating facilities at the airport.

Airports of arrival in China

Beijing Capital International Airport

Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) is the main airport serving Beijing, China. It is located 32 kilometers northeast of central Beijing, in an enclave of Chaoyang District and the suburban district of Shunyi. The airport is owned and operated by the state-owned company Beijing Capital International Airport Company Limited.

Shanghai Pudong International Airport

Shanghai Pudong International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world, handling over 60 million passengers each year. The airport is a major hub for both domestic and international flights, and offers a wide range of cargo services.

Pudong Airport has three main cargo terminals: Terminal 1, Terminal 2, and the Shanghai Free Trade Zone Cargo Terminal. These terminals handle a variety of cargo, including general cargo, perishables, dangerous goods, and live animals.

Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport

Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport is the largest airport in South China and the busiest cargo airport in China. It is also an important international hub connecting Asia, Europe and America. The airport has a full range of freight services to meet the needs of different customers.

The cargo services of Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport include airfreight, express delivery, bonded warehousing, cold chain logistics, etc. Airfreight is the most popular service at the airport, with a large number of flights and routes to choose from.