In today’s article, we’ll examine the real cost of shipping from China to USA via air and sea freight. You’ll discover how to estimate your total expenses, including customs, fees, and per-kilogram pricing. We’ll also share proven strategies to lower your shipping costs from China to the US without sacrificing quality. Let’s get started.
Air freight cost from China to the USA
As we all know, air freight from China to the USA is fast, reliable, and ideal for urgent or high-value shipments, but it comes at a higher price.
So, how much does it cost to ship from China to the USA by air?
On average, air shipping costs range from $8 to $15 per kilogram. The final rate depends on several key factors:
- Carrier choice: DHL, FedEx, UPS, and freight forwarders each offer different pricing and service levels.
- Cargo type: Dangerous goods are subject to stricter regulations and higher rates compared to general cargo.
- Volume & weight: Larger shipments often qualify for better per-kilo pricing. Havier but lower-volume cargo (like electronics) often benefits from consolidated air freight.
- Route & airport: A direct flight from Shenzhen to Los Angeles typically costs more than a transit flight to Chicago via Anchorage.
Example: Shipping a 100 kg load of electronics via economy air from Guangzhou to New York might cost around $9/kg, totaling $900. If you use express door-to-door services (e.g., DHL Express), prices could rise to $12–$15/kg.
⚠️ Note: Air freight prices change frequently due to fuel costs, seasonal demand, and carrier capacity.
Sea freight cost from China to the USA
When you’re shipping in bulk and want to keep costs low, sea freight from China to the USA is your most economical option. Here’s a general breakdown to help you plan:
Cost of shipping a 20ft or 40ft Container from China to USA
- 20ft container: $2,000–$5,000
- 40ft container: $3,500–$8,000
These rates vary based on the time of year, fuel prices, space availability, and global demand.
For example:
Shipping a 40-foot container from Shanghai to Los Angeles in peak season can cost around $7,000. In contrast, shipping the same container from Ningbo to New York could cost up to $8,000 due to longer transit and port handling fees.
LCL cost of shipping from China to USA per CBM
If your goods don’t fill a full container, LCL (Less than Container Load) shipping is a cost-effective alternative.
Average LCL cost: $100–$250 per CBM (depending on route and freight class)
⚠️ Heads up: Sea freight prices don’t stay still. Port congestion, shipping line policies, currency shifts, and even weather can all impact your final cost.
Cost of shipping from China to USA by door to door
Door-to-door shipping simplifies the process by handling pickup, export, shipping, customs clearance, and final delivery—all in one smooth flow.
Door-to-door air freight from China to the USA
- Estimated cost: $10–$15/kg
- Transit time: 10–15 days
Door-to-door sea freight from China to the USA
Estimated cost:
- LCL: $300–$600 per CBM
- FCL: 20ft container: $4,000–$6,000; 40ft container: $6,500–$9,000
Transit time: 35–50 days
DDP vs. DDU: What's the difference?
When choosing door-to-door, you’ll often hear two terms:
- DDP (Delivered Duty Paid): The seller handles everything, including import taxes and duties. It’s truly an all-inclusive quote.
- DDU (Delivered Duty Unpaid): The freight forwarder handles the shipping, but you (the buyer) are responsible for paying taxes when the goods arrive.
Most small to medium-sized businesses prefer DDP for simplicity, while larger importers may opt for DDU to control costs.
⚠️ Note: All prices listed here are estimates and do not include import taxes or duties, which vary because of US customs classification and state-level tax rules. Always confirm with your freight forwarder before shipping from China.
How to estimate the cost of shipping from China to the USA?
1. Measure your cargo
Start by calculating the actual weight and dimensions of your goods. Most carriers charge based on chargeable weight, which is the greater of actual weight or volumetric weight.
2. Choose your shipping method
Pick between air freight and sea freight, based on your timeline and budget. To determine which option suits your shipments, refer to this article.
3. Compare freight quotes
Reach out to different providers:
- Use DHL, FedEx, or UPS for small parcels.
- For bulk shipments or commercial freight, request quotes from freight forwarders.
4. Don't forget the extra fees
- Local charges
- Customs clearance fees
- Import duties and taxes
- Documentation and handling charges
- Last-mile delivery costs.
These extras can significantly impact your total shipping cost from China to the USA.
At Airsupply, we provide clear, competitive shipping solutions tailored to your business, with no hidden charges, no surprises.
Cheapest way to ship from China to the USA
There is no absolute “cheapest” way to ship from China to the USA. The most cost-effective method depends on the weight, volume, urgency, and delivery destination of your cargo. Instead of focusing solely on the lowest freight rate, it’s more practical to evaluate the total landed cost, balancing cost, time, and reliability.
At ASLG, we offer more than just freight rates. We help you select the smartest logistics solutions for your business. Whether it’s air, sea, LCL, FCL, DDP, or door-to-door, we deliver real-time pricing and expert support every step of the way.
1. How much does it cost to ship from China to the USA?
- Air freight typically ranges from $8 to $15 per kilogram, based on the carrier and delivery speed.
- Sea freight costs approximately $2,000 to $5,000 for a 20-foot container, and $3,500 to $8,000 for a 40-foot container.
- LCL shipments are charged per cubic meter, generally between $100 and $250 per CBM.
2. How can I reduce the shipping cost from China to the USA?
To lower your cost of shipping from China to the USA, consider the following strategies:
- Consolidate shipments to move larger volumes less frequently.
- Choose sea freight over air if time allows.
- Ship during off-peak seasons to avoid premium rates.
- Work with a trusted freight forwarder who can offer competitive rates through carrier partnerships.
3. How long does it take to ship from China to the USA?
- Air shipping time from China to USA generally takes 5 to 10 days, including customs clearance.
- Sea freight takes 20 to 50 days, depending on the route and final destination. Generally, deliveries to the West Coast (e.g., Los Angeles) are typically faster than those to the East Coast (e.g., New York) or inland cities.
For precise timelines and real-time rates, it’s best to consult our logistics expert.
