This guide breaks down the actual air freight shipping cost from China to the USA. We’ll cover key pricing factors, including courier rate comparisons, and discuss how timing and volume impact your total cost. Let’s dive in and clarify the shipping cost from China to the USA per kg, from factory pickup to final delivery.
Air freight vs. express: Shipping cost per kg from China to USA
When shipping goods by air from China to the U.S., you’ll typically choose between standard air freight and express courier services. Each has its pricing model, speed, and service level, and selecting the right one depends on your cargo type, urgency, and budget.
1. Standard air freight (Port-to-port or door-to-door)
It is the preferred choice for bulk shipments over 100 kg that don’t need next-day delivery. The air freight cost from China to the USA per kg generally ranges from $4 to $8, depending on the origin, destination, airline, and delivery terms.
Say you’re moving 200 kg of general cargo from Shenzhen to Los Angeles. A port-to-port shipment might cost around $6.50/kg. If you opt for full door-to-door service, which covers customs clearance and last-mile trucking, the rate could increase by 20–30%.
You can choose standard air freight if:
- Your shipment weighs over 100 kg
- You can allow 5–10 days for delivery
- You’re looking for a better freight shipping cost per kg from China to the USA
- Suit for bulk cargo, restocking orders, or B2B deliveries that don’t require rush service.
2. Express shipping (DHL, FedEx, UPS)
Express couriers are ideal for small, time-critical parcels, usually under 100 kg. The DHL shipping cost per kg from China to the USA often falls between $9 and $18, with 3–5 day door-to-door delivery.
Pricing depends on weight brackets. A 10 kg parcel might cost $100–$150, while a 30 kg shipment could benefit from discounted bulk rates. This method is fast and reliable, but you’ll pay a premium for speed.
Go with express shipping if:
- Your cargo is under 100 kg
- You need fast, tracked, door-to-door delivery
- Your goods are high-value or time-sensitive
- You prefer an all-in-one solution with minimal paperwork
- Forsamples, urgent replenishment, or small electronics
How are the air freight costs from China to USA calculated?
1. Air freight: Charged by chargeable weight (actual or volumetric)
The air shipping cost from China to the USA is typically billed based on the higher of actual weight or volumetric weight. Here’s the formula used:
Volumetric Weight (kg) = Length × Width × Height (cm) ÷ 6000
Example:
Let’s say you’re shipping 200 kg of clothing packed into eight boxes. Each box measures 80 × 60 × 50 cm.
Total volume = 8 × (80×60×50) = 1,920,000 cm³
Volumetric weight = 1,920,000 ÷ 6000 = 320 kg
Although the actual weight is 200 kg, the rate will be calculated based on 320 kg due to the cargo’s larger space requirement on the plane.
2. Express shipping: Tiered, all-inclusive pricing
Express couriers use their rate charts, depending on weight tiers and zones. While they also consider volumetric weight (usually with a divisor of 5000 or 4000), pricing is based on weight tiers and destination zones. Unlike traditional freight, express shipping offers a flat, door-to-door rate that includes customs clearance, tracking, and last-mile delivery.
Additional costs in air freight from China to USA
1. Fuel and security surcharges
Airlines often add a fuel surcharge tied to global oil prices. Security screening fees also apply, especially for sensitive or high-value items. Usually, a forwarder’s quote will list these charges.
2. Customs duties & taxes
Depending on your product’s HS code, you may be responsible for U.S. import duties, tariffs, or even anti-dumping penalties. Even if you use express shipping, duties aren’t always prepaid. In many cases, the consignee pays upon delivery unless you’ve arranged otherwise.
3. Warehouse & handling fees
Delays at customs often result in extra storage costs, also known as demurrage. Additionally, both Chinese and U.S. airport terminals may charge handling or documentation fees, typically ranging from $30 to $100, depending on the carrier and shipment volume.
4. Remote area surcharge (Express shipping only)
Express couriers may apply remote area surcharges if your pickup or delivery location is outside their standard network. These fees can range from $20 or over $50 per shipment.
5. Insurance (Optional, but smart)
Insuring your cargo provides a layer of protection, especially for fragile, high-value, or time-sensitive shipments. Premium rates are typically 0.3% to 0.5% of the cargo’s declared value.
5. Insurance (Optional, but smart)
Pro tip: Don’t just ask for the freight shipping cost per kg from China to the USA. Request a detailed cost breakdown to avoid hidden fees and choose the most cost-effective shipping strategy.
Save more with ASLG: Transparent rates & better deals
At ASLG, we believe in full transparency. Our quotes are clear and built on a straightforward pricing structure. For express shipping, our discounted rates on DHL, FedEx, and UPS are often lower than booking directly through their official channels.
We also deliver tailored air freight solutions that match your timeline and budget, helping you optimize every shipment from China to USA by cost per kg.
