Ocean & Air Freight Shipping From the United States to Switzerland

The United States and Switzerland have a fascinating cross-continental collaboration and exchange relationship. As the world’s largest economy, popular for its technological prowess and diverse industrial sectors, the US is a crucial partner for Switzerland, with its innovation and financial acumen.

In 2022, the United States exported $36.7 billion worth of goods to Switzerland, a number that is 55.5% more than its exports the previous year. 

If you need to ship freight from the United States to Switzerland, here’s your complete guide to your ocean and air freight shipping options. 

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

To ship freight from the United States to Switzerland, you can choose between ocean freight and air freight. 

Ocean Freight From the United States to Switzerland

Ocean freight is the most economical way to ship goods from the United States to Switzerland. It’s also the most flexible, able to accommodate any cargo you want to transport. Ocean freight has two modes of container shipping: less than container load (LCL) and full container load (FCL). 

LCL is often used by shippers shipping small quantities of goods. This is because it involves the consolidation process, in which your goods are consolidated with cargo belonging to other shippers and transported together in one container. That way, you only pay for the space your goods occupy, making it budget-friendly for small shipments. 

FCL, on the other hand, is used by shippers to transport large cargo. They rent the space in an entire container for their goods alone, which gives them more control and security for their shipment. FCL does not involve consolidation, so it can get costly—but it is economical for large volumes of goods. 

Air Freight from the United States to Switzerland

Another way to ship goods from the United States to Switzerland is air freight. This is the fastest mode of international shipping, preferred by shippers transporting time-sensitive and perishable goods. Thanks to stringent airport processes and regulations, it’s also the most secure way of transporting cargo, making it ideal for high-value shipments. 

Air freight, however, can get expensive. It cannot accommodate all cargo types, volumes, sizes, and weights. 

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

The cost of shipping cargo from the United States to Switzerland will depend 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 service
• Your consignment’s weight, volume, and size
• Weight and size limits

Determine your shipping costs by using our online freight costs calculator. The table below shows the current cost of shipping a standard 20-foot container from the United States to Switzerland:

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

Shipping goods from the US to Switzerland 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 Switzerland?

Ocean freight from the United States to Switzerland takes approximately 15 to 50 days. 

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

Air freight from the United States to Switzerland takes 2 to 8 days. 

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

Customs Clearance in the United States and Switzerland

When goods from the US arrive in Switzerland, they will go through the customs clearance process, which requires that you 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

Refer to our full documents list for examples of each customs clearance requirement.

Should You Choose Ocean Freight or Air Freight?

When choosing between ocean and air freight, consider your needs, priorities, and the requirements of your cargo. Here are some pointers to help you choose the right mode of international shipping: 

Ocean Freight

Ocean freight is best if you prioritize cost efficiency and flexibility. Not only can it accommodate any type of cargo you need to ship to Switzerland, but it also offers you two container shipping options. 

Considerations for LCL Freight Shipping

LCL 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 is a much better option 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

You might consider air freight if you want your goods to arrive in Switzerland fast, such as when shipping time-sensitive and perishable goods. It is also good for high-value cargo, with stricter airport regulations guaranteeing cargo security. 

However, before going for air freight, you should know that it can get expensive. It also has quite a list of restricted and prohibited goods, so check if it can accommodate the cargo you’re transporting.

Ocean Cargo Port Guide

Cargo ports of origin in the United States

Port of Houston

The Port of Houston is located along the Gulf Coast. It is one of the busiest ports in the United States, handling over 2 million TEUs annually. The port is a gateway for trade with Central America and South America. 

Port of Savannah

The Port of Savannah is in the southeastern region of the United States. It’s an important global trade port and one of the busiest ports on the East Coast. The port handles 4 million TEUs per year and can accommodate large vessels. 

Port of Long Beach

The Port of Long Beach is the third busiest in the United States, handling around 8 million TEUs annually. It has a well-developed infrastructure, with investments underway to adapt automation and sustainability port initiatives. 

Cargo ports of arrival in Switzerland

Port of Basel

The Port of Basel is Switzerland's most important river port. It is divided into three sub-ports: the Port of Kleinhüningen, Port Birsfelden, and Port Muttenz-Au. Together, they handle 30% to 40% of mineral oil in Switzerland. 

Port of Birsfelden

The Port of Birsfelden specializes in the storage of steel and the shipment of dry cargo, oil products, containers, and petroleum. It has a long history, built between 1938 and 1940. It has facilities for pharmaceutical companies and the production of steel. 

Port of Muttenz-Auhafen

The Port of Muttenz-Auhafen is designed to handle heavy cargo. It boasts a huge storage capacity for liquid fuels and propellants. It also handles many fertilizers, clay, dry cargo, edible oil, grains, and aluminum oxide. 

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

Airports of origin in the United States

Memphis International Airport 

The Memphis International Airport is called “Superhub” because of its role in cargo operations. It is the home of the global hub of FedEx, which processes millions of packages in the airport daily. The airport is crucial for e-commerce and time-sensitive shipments. 

Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport

The Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport is located in Alaska, United States. Its unique geographical position makes it an important stopover for trans-Pacific cargo flights. The airport can efficiently handle shipments of fresh seafood, perishable goods, and live animals. 

Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport 

Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport is home to the UPS Worldport, the world’s largest automated package handling facility. The airport sorts and processes millions of packages a day and helps ensure speedy deliveries worldwide. 

Airports of arrival in Switzerland

Zurich Airport

The Zurich Airport is the largest international airport in Switzerland. It serves the area of Zurich, the largest city in the nation, and key areas in the rest of the country. The airport is a hub for Swiss International Air Lines, Lufthansa, Edelweiss Air, and more.

Geneva Airport

The Geneva Airport, also called the Cointrin Airport, is located in Geneva, the second-most populated city in Switzerland. It is 4 kilometers northeast of the city center. The airport is a hub for EasyJet, Swiss International Air Lines, and more. 

Bern Airport 

The Bern Airport, also called the Bern-Belp Regional Aerodrome, is a regional airport serving Bern, Switzerland's capital. It is a hub for passenger and cargo airlines such as Helvetic Airways, SkyWork Airlines, and Heliswiss.