Ocean & Air Freight Shipping from the United States to Germany

U.S. and Germany have a long history of maritime trade and are home to some of the largest ports in the world. If you are looking to ship goods from the United States to Germany, this article will tell you all about ocean and air freight shipping in this trade lane, including your options, things to consider, costs, estimated transit time, and more.

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

There are a few different options for shipping freight from the United States to Germany. 

Ocean Freight From the United States to Germany 

The most common and probably most economical way is via ocean freight. This method involves loading the freight onto a vessel bound for Germany and can take anywhere from two weeks to a month, depending on the route. 

Ocean freight grants shippers two options: less than container load (LCL) and full container load (FCL). 

LCL is a method of shipping goods that allows companies to ship smaller quantities of product than would otherwise fill an entire container. LCL service is often used for shipments of less than 10,000 pounds or 4,500 kilograms.

LCL shipping can be a cost-effective alternative to shipping by airfreight or parcel delivery services, as it offers a lower per-unit cost for small shipments.

FCL are the most common and efficient way to ship large quantities of goods overseas. A full container load typically consists of standard 20-foot or 40-foot intermodal containers, but can also be other sizes such as 45-foot containers.

FCL shipments usually go directly from the shipper’s loading dock to the consignee’s receiving dock, with no intermediate handling. This reduces the risk of damage or loss and makes for a more efficient and cost-effective shipment.

Air Freight from the United States to Germany 

The air freight market between the United States and Germany is one of the busiest and most important in the world. Every year, billions of dollars worth of goods are shipped back and forth between the two countries, making it a vital trade route for companies on both sides.

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

The cost of shipping cargo from the United States to Germany can vary depending on a number of factors, including:

• 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 the US to Germany in the table below:

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

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

It usually takes about 15 to 50 days for cargo to travel by sea from the United States to Germany. 

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

The average air cargo shipping time from the United States to Germany is about 2 to 8 days. 

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

Customs Clearance in Germany and the United States

When your US goods arrive in Australia, they will go through the customs clearance process, for which 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 customs clearance requirements, take a look at our full documents list.

Should You Choose Ocean Freight or Air Freight?

When choosing between ocean and air freight, you must consider your needs, priorities, and cargo requirements. 

Ocean Freight

Ocean freight is ideal if you value cost efficiency and flexibility. It can ship almost all types of cargo and offers you two modes of container 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

You may opt for FCL 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

Air freight is the process of shipping goods via aircraft, either via commercial airlines or private charter flights. It is generally faster and more expensive than other methods of shipping, but it offers the advantage of being able to transport large items or items that need to arrive quickly.

Ocean Cargo Port Guide

Cargo ports of origin in Germany

Port of Hamburg

The Port of Hamburg is a seaport in the German city of Hamburg. It is one of the busiest ports in Europe and also one of the largest, handling over 9 million containers each year. The port covers an area of over 73 square kilometers, with over 2,300 berths and 100 kilometers of quaysides. It is connected to the North Sea via the Elbe River, and its facilities include container terminals, ro-ro terminals, cruise terminals, and general cargo terminals.

Port of Bremen

The Port of Bremen is one of the most important seaports in Germany. It is located on the River Weser in the state of Bremen. The port is a vital link in the country's transport infrastructure, handling around 35 million tonnes of cargo each year. It is also an important employer, with over 8,000 people working in its various businesses.

The Port of Bremen consists of two main sections - the Überseehafen ( Overseas Port) and the Nordhafen (Northern Port). The Overseas Port is the larger of the two and handles container traffic, while the Northern Port is used for general cargo and bulk commodities.

Port of Bremerhaven

The Port of Bremerhaven is located on the River Weser in the northwestern corner of Germany. It is the country's busiest port, handling around 123 million tonnes of cargo yearly. The port is made up of two main sections: the inner harbor and the outer harbor. The inner harbor handles containers, while the outer harbor handles breakbulk and bulk cargoes.

Cargo ports of arrival in the United States

Port of Los Angeles/Long Beach

The Port of Los Angeles and Long Beach handle a combined total of over $1 trillion in goods each year, making them the busiest cargo container ports in the United States. The port complex is located just south of downtown Los Angeles, stretching from Long Beach in the south to San Pedro in the north. Together, these two ports handle nearly half of all containerized cargo that enters the United States each year.

Port of New York/New Jersey

The Port of New York/New Jersey is the busiest port on the East Coast of the United States. Located at the confluence of the Hudson River and the Atlantic Ocean, the port is a major gateway for trade between the United States and other countries.

Port of Houston

The Port of Houston is one of the busiest seaports in the United States. Located in Houston, Texas, it is a major hub for international trade. The port handles a large volume of container traffic and is also a major player in the oil and gas industry. It is home to several major refineries and is responsible for a significant portion of the country's petroleum imports.

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

Several airports worldwide offer air freight services. These airports have facilities and infrastructure to handle the movement of goods by air.

The most important factor in choosing an airport for air freight services is the location. The airport should be located close to the final destination of the goods. This will minimize the time and cost of transportation.

Another important factor to consider is the type of aircraft the airport can accommodate. Some airports can only handle smaller aircraft, while others have facilities for large cargo planes. Another thing to remember when it comes to air shipping is the pallets required for your cargo. 

Airports of origin in Germany

Frankfurt Airport

Frankfurt Airport is the busiest cargo airport in Europe and the fifth busiest in the world. The airport offers a wide range of services for cargo operators, including customs clearance, warehousing, and transportation. It also has a dedicated airfreight terminal, which handles around 1,000 weekly flights.

Frankfurt Airport is well-connected to the European road network and offers direct access to the Port of Hamburg. This makes it an ideal hub for businesses shipping goods to and from Europe.

Munich Airport

Munich Airport is one of Europe's leading cargo airports. It is the fifth largest cargo airport in Europe and the tenth largest in the world. The airport offers a wide range of services for freight forwarders, shippers, and airlines. These include handling services, warehousing, trucking, and customs clearance. Munich Airport also offers a number of value-added services, such as packaging, labeling, and security screening.

Düsseldorf Airport

Düsseldorf Airport is one of the busiest airports in Europe, handling over 60 million passengers annually. The airport is also a major cargo hub, handling over 1.5 million tons of cargo annually.

Düsseldorf Airport offers a wide range of cargo services and has a dedicated cargo terminal with all the necessary facilities and equipment to handle all types of cargo.

Airports of arrival in the United States

John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)

JFK offers various cargo services to accommodate the needs of businesses and individuals. The airport has four cargo terminals capable of handling various commodities, including live animals, perishables, and dangerous goods. JFK also has a dedicated express cargo facility that can handle time-sensitive shipments. In addition to these standard services, it offers a number of value-added services, such as on-site customs clearance and packaging assistance.

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is one of the busiest airports in the world, handling over 84 million passengers and 2.2 million tons of cargo each year. Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) manages LAX's cargo operations and also oversees the airport's passenger operations.

There are two main cargo facilities at LAX: the Centralized Inspection Facility (CIF) and the On-Airport Cargo Handling Facility (OCHF). The CIF inspects import and export shipments, while the OCHF handles domestic shipments. Both facilities are staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

San Francisco International Airport (SFO)

The San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is one of the busiest airports in the United States, handling over 50 million passengers and 1.8 million tons of cargo annually. The airport is a major hub for both domestic and international flights and offers a wide variety of cargo services to meet the needs of its many customers.

SFO's cargo operations are managed by the airport's Air Cargo Division, which oversees all aspects of airfreight activity at the facility. The division works closely with airlines, shippers, and other stakeholders to ensure that cargo is handled safely and efficiently.