Ocean & Air Freight Shipping From the United States to the Czech Republic

The US and the Czech Republic have a history of trade, developing a robust economic relationship over the years. This is characterized by a steady exchange of goods, reflecting the dynamic nature of modern commerce. 

In 2022, the trade relationship between the US and the Czech Republic reached record-high levels. U.S. exports were valued at almost $3.8 billion, comprising top commodities like automotive parts, medical equipment, and scientific paraphernalia. 

Shipping goods from the US to the Czech Republic requires a thorough understanding of the process. This article discusses everything you need to know to ensure a successful shipment, from your ocean and air freight shipping options to customs clearance and more. 

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

There are two ways to ship freight from the US to the Czech Republic: ocean freight and air freight. 

Ocean Freight From the United States to the Czech Republic

Ocean freight is the most common shipping option because of its cost efficiency and flexibility. It doesn’t cost much to ship cargo by sea, but shippers can ensure that any type of cargo they need to transport will be accommodated. 

Ocean freight also offers shippers two options for container shipping: less-than-container load (LCL) and full container load (FCL). 

LCL is for those transporting small goods. Their cargo will be consolidated with shipments from other sellers and shipped together in one container. That way, they only need to pay for the space their cargo occupies, making it the most economical option. 

FCL, on the other hand, is where a shipper rents the space in an entire container for their goods alone. This gives them more space, control, and security for their shipment. FCL is best used for large, heavy cargo. 

Air Freight from the United States to the Czech Republic

Air freight is another way to ship goods from the US to the Czech Republic. It’s the fastest mode of international transport, and you can get your goods to their destination in a matter of days. This makes it highly suitable for time-sensitive and perishable goods. Air freight is also more secure, with strict airport processes and regulations helping guarantee cargo security. 

The only drawback of air freight is its cost—it is significantly more expensive than ocean freight. It’s also not as flexible and cannot accommodate all cargo types, sizes, volumes, and weights. 

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

The cost of shipping cargo from the US to the Czech Republic differs depending 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

To estimate your shipping costs, use our online freight costs calculator. The table below also shows the current cost of shipping a standard 20-foot container from the United States to the Czech Republic:

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

The transit time for goods shipped from the United States to the Czech Republic is mainly determined by your selected international shipping method. However, other influencing factors include:

• The season of shipment (peak or low season)
• Whether the shipment route is direct or not
• The trade lane's popularity
• Geopolitical instability
• Possible incidents at any port

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

Ocean freight from the US to the Czech Republic will take approximately 15 to 50 days.

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

Cargo by air from the US to the Czech Republic takes 2 to 8 days to ship. 

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

Customs Clearance in the United States and the Czech Republic

When your goods arrive in the Czech Republic, they will be subject to the customs clearance process. This can be a breeze, provided that you have the following requirements ready:

• 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 each customs clearance requirement, refer to our full documents list. 

Should You Choose Ocean Freight or Air Freight?

Now, it’s time for you to decide whether to ship via ocean or air freight. Below are pointers to consider. 

Ocean Freight

Ocean freight is the right choice if you value your budget and flexibility. It can accommodate any type of cargo you need to get to the Czech Republic without costing you an arm and a leg. You can also optimize your shipment by choosing between LCL and FCL. 

Considerations for LCL Freight Shipping

You should ship via LCL 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

On the other hand, FCL might be better 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 need your cargo to arrive in the Czech Republic quickly, you should ship by air. It’s best for time-sensitive and perishable cargo, as it only takes 2-8 days to complete. It’s also the most secure way to transport goods, with strict airport rules helping guarantee the security of high-value shipments. 

Before settling for air freight, consider your budget, as it can get significantly more expensive than ocean freight. It’s also not as flexible, unable to transport all types of goods and setting limits on your shipment's weight, size, and volume. 

Ocean Cargo Port Guide

Cargo ports of origin in the United States

Port of Los Angeles

The Port of Los Angeles is known as America’s Port. It’s the largest port in North America, spanning 7,500 acres in land area. The port handles 20% of all incoming cargo for the U.S. Every year, it sees a container volume of 10.7 million TEUs. 

Port of Seattle-Tacoma

The Port of Seattle-Tacoma is one of the busiest ports in the US. It handles a large amount of container traffic and has become the third-largest port in terms of cargo handling in America. The port is located on Puget Sound in the state of Washington. 

Port of Oakland

The Port of Oakland is where the first terminals for container ships were built, making it the first important port on the Pacific Coast. It is among the US’ top 3 gateways on the West Coast. The port handles 99% of all containerized goods that move through Northern California. 

Cargo ports of arrival in the Czech Republic

Port of Usti Nad Labem 

The Port of Usti Nad Labem handles many cargo types, including palletized goods, agricultural goods, metallic sheets, steel, minerals, etc. It spans 32 hectares in land area and has a 7,400 square meter storage space. It also has the latest port equipment, including mobile and quay cranes. 

Port of Praha Radotin

The Port of Praha Radotin is on the left coast of the Bernouka River in the Czech Republic. It is a busy commercial port that transports a wide range of commodities, from construction equipment and substrate to gravel, stone, and sand. 

Port of Kolin

The Port of Kolin is located on the left coast of the Elbe River in the Czech Republic. It lies in a critical industrial zone, making it an important port for the shipment of automobile units and parts. The port houses a transshipment yard and boasts a fully automated surveillance system. 

Air Freight from the United States to the Czech Republic: An airport guide

Airports of origin in the United States

Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport

The Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport is the US’ third-largest cargo airport by landed weight. It handles over 17 billion pounds of cargo per year. The airport houses the UPS Worldport, which spans 5.2 million square feet and can process 115 packages per second. 

Chicago/Rockford International Airport

The Chicago/Rockford International Airport is the 17th largest cargo airport in the United States. Its landed cargo weight increased by 244% in the last decade, the largest rise among the top 30 cargo airports in the nation. The airport houses UPS's second-largest North American facility and is a major hub for Amazon Air. 

Los Angeles International Airport

The Los Angeles International Airport is a top hub for US trade. It ranks fourth in the country for landed cargo weight. In recent years, the port has nearly doubled the cargo it handles. Its top import commodities are electronics, importing over $10 billion worth of cell phones per year. 

Airports of arrival in the Czech Republic

Václav Havel Airport Prague

The Václav Havel Airport Prague, formerly known as the Prague Ruzyně International Airport, is located in the capital of the Czech Republic. It opened to replace the Kbely Airport. It is a hub for Smartwings, Wizz Air, Czech Airlines, ABS Jets, and more. 

Brno-Tuřany Airport

The Brno-Tuřany Airport is located in Brno, Czech Republic, about 7.5 kilometers from the city center. It’s right on the edge of the Austerlitz battlefield. The airport is a hub for Van Air Europe, Seagle Air, Czech Connect Airlines, Škoda Air, and Euro Cargo Air.

Ostrava Leos Janáček Airport

The Ostrava Leos Janáček Airport, also known as the Leoš Janáček Airport Ostrava, is located in the city of Ostrava in the Czech Republic. It is a major economic and industrial center, serving as a point of entry to northern Moravia and Czech Silesia.