Ocean & Air Freight Shipping From the United States to Norway

The United States and Norway are two of the most advanced economies in the world. Naturally, they would collaborate and cultivate a strong trade relationship to help bolster each other’s economic growth. The U.S. and Norway have a long history of partnerships, with the U.S. contributing to Norway’s industrial, agricultural, and aircraft industries. 

The United States exported $4.7 billion worth of goods to Norway in 2022, a 17.4% increase from 2021 and up 34% from the previous decade. 

Shipping goods from the United States to Norway can be complex. This guide will simplify the process and cover everything you need to know, from your shipping options to customs clearance. 

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

You can ship freight from the United States to Norway via ocean or air freight.

Ocean Freight From the United States to Norway

Ocean freight is the cheapest and most flexible way to ship goods from the United States to Norway. It can accommodate any type of cargo, regardless of its size, weight, or volume. Ocean freight even offers two options for container shipping: less-than-container load (LCL) and full-container load (FCL). 

LCL is used by those with small shipments. Their goods will be consolidated with cargo belonging to other sellers and shipped together in one container. This is an economical option as each shipper only has to pay for the space their goods occupy. 

FCL, on the other hand, is where a shipper rents the space in an entire container for their goods alone. Those with large shipments often use FCL, which gives them more space, control, and security for their cargo. 

Air Freight from the United States to Norway

The other way to ship goods from the United States to Norway is by air. Air freight is the fastest international shipping mode, making it preferred by those shipping time-sensitive or perishable cargo. It’s also the most secure, with strict airport regulations helping guarantee the safety of high-value goods during transit. 

However, there are things that make air freight less popular. These are its costs and limitations. Air freight can be significantly more expensive than ocean freight. It’s also less flexible, unable to ship all types of cargo and limiting its size, weight, and volume. 

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

The cost of shipping goods from the United States to Norway will depend on several things. These include: 

• 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

For an accurate estimate of your shipping costs, utilize our freight costs calculator. Below, you'll find the current cost for shipping a standard 20-foot container from the US to Norway:

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

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

Ocean freight from the United States to Norway will take about 15 to 50 days. 

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

Air freight from the United States to Norway only takes 2 to 8 business days. 

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

Customs Clearance in the United States and Norway

When your U.S. goods arrive in Norway, they will undergo the customs clearance process. For this, you will 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 you can look at for examples of these customs clearance requirements. 

Should You Choose Ocean Freight or Air Freight?

When choosing between ocean and air freight for your shipping needs, consider your priorities and the requirements of your cargo. Here are some things to keep in mind to help you decide. 

Ocean Freight

Ocean freight is a good option if you value cost efficiency and flexibility. In addition to shipping any type of cargo, it allows you to optimize your shipment and choose between two modes of container shipping. 

Considerations for LCL Freight Shipping

Choose 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

Choose 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

If speed is your priority in shipping, you should go for air freight. It takes 2 to 8 days to complete and is the best option for time-sensitive or perishable shipments. You’ll also appreciate its higher levels of security if you’re shipping high-value goods. Airports have stricter rules and regulations that can help guarantee the safety of your cargo. 

Keep in mind, however, that air freight can get expensive. It costs significantly more than ocean freight. It’s also not as accommodating, unable to ship all types of cargo and setting limits on its size, weight, and volume. 

Ocean Cargo Port Guide

Cargo ports of origin in the United States

Port of Houston

The Port of Houston is the busiest in the United States by foreign waterborne tonnage. It has an extensive network of terminals that can accommodate various cargo types. The port excels in handling petroleum and petroleum products, handling over 247 million metric tonnes of goods per year. 

Port of Charleston

The Port of Charleston is an important southern port for its region’s economic growth and infrastructure development. It’s famous for its efficiency and environmental initiatives. The port handles over 2.79 million TEUs annually and has an economic impact of over $17 billion. 

Port of Long Beach

The Port of Long Beach is the 21st busiest container port in the world. It’s the U.S.’ primary trade gateway, handling over 9.13 million TEUs and 78.2 million metric tonnes of cargo annually. The port can handle a wide range of freight and is popular for its eco-friendly policies. 

Cargo ports of arrival in Norway

Port of Stavanger

The Port of Stavanger is one of the fastest-growing cruise ports in Europe, ranking as the third largest Norwegian cruise port. It’s also essential for cargo operations, receiving 55,000 vessel calls annually. It’s considered the largest oil and gas cluster in the world. 

Port of Haugesund

The Port of Haugesund is one of the most minor ports in Norway. Regardless, it’s one of the significant ports because of its convenient access to roads of the southern region. The port offers water and energy delivery, anchoring, and garbage disposal services. 

Port of Tromso

The Port of Tromso is located in Norway’s Arctic capital, Troms. It spans a land area of 2 million square meters, making it a crucial logistics hub in the far north. It offers shipping tools and equipment, subsea services, hydraulics, ship mechanics, mooring aids, and vessel tugs. 

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

Airports of origin in the United States

Los Angeles International Airport

The Los Angeles International Airport handles over 2 million tonnes of cargo annually. It’s home to the world’s largest air freight companies, making it a significant hub for international trade. Its cargo operations contribute billions of dollars in economic activity annually.  

Memphis International Airport

The Memphis International Airport is the second-busiest cargo airport in the United States. It’s a hub for FedEx, one of the largest air cargo hubs in the world. The airport boasts a strategic location for both domestic and international shipments. 

Miami International Airport

The Miami International Airport is the fourth busiest U.S. cargo airport, handling over 2 million tonnes of cargo annually. It houses over 50 cargo carriers and is equipped to handle a high volume of cargo traffic. 

Airports of arrival in Norway

Oslo Airport

The Oslo Airport is also called the Oslo Gardermoen Airport or simply Gardermoen. It serves Oslo, Norway's capital and most populous city. It is a hub for Norwegian Air Shuttle, Scandinavian Airlines, Widerøe, and more.  

Stavanger Airport

The Stavanger Airport, commonly known as “Sola,” is located in Rogaland County in Norway. It’s a hub for CHC Helikopter Service, Norway Airlines, and more. The airport is the second most frequented airport for cargo in the nation. 

Bergen Airport

The Bergen Airport is located in Flesland, Bergen, Vestland, Norway. It is the second busiest airport in the nation and a hub for Norwegian Air Shuttle, Widerøe, TUI Fly Nordic, Fonnafly, and more.