Shipping from China to USA:
Freight Rates, Forwarder Guide & DDP Explained (2026)
Air and ocean freight rates, port-to-port transit times, customs requirements, and how to find the right freight forwarder for your China-USA shipments.
Quick Answer:
Shipping from China to the USA costs $3,500-$8,000 per container (ocean FCL), $100-$150/CBM (ocean LCL), or $4-$8/kg (air freight). Transit times: 20-55 days ocean, 5-12 days air. DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) shipping includes freight, customs clearance, import duties, and delivery in one price.
Why Shipping from China to the USA Matters for Your Business
China is the largest source of US imports. If you sell on Amazon, run a Shopify store, or operate any e-commerce business, chances are you already ship from China or you are about to.
The logistics of moving goods from a Chinese factory to a US warehouse, Amazon fulfillment center, or customer doorstep can make or break your profit margin. The difference between a good shipping deal and a bad one is often $1-3 per unit, and that adds up fast when you are moving thousands of products every month.
This guide covers everything you need to know about shipping from China to the USA in 2026: which freight method to choose, what it should cost, how to pick a freight forwarder, how customs and duties work, and how DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) shipping simplifies the entire process into a single all-inclusive price.
Whether you are shipping your first test order of 50 kg or replenishing 10,000 units every month, the information here will help you make better decisions and avoid the most common (and expensive) mistakes.
Key Takeaway: Your shipping cost and method directly affect your product margins. Getting this right is one of the most impactful decisions in your supply chain.
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Shipping Methods: Air vs Ocean vs Express
There are three main ways to move goods from China to the USA. Each one makes sense for a different type of shipment.
Ocean Freight (20-55 days)
Ocean freight is the backbone of international trade. It is the cheapest option per unit for medium and large shipments.
Full Container Load (FCL): You rent an entire container. Nobody else's goods share the space.
| Container Type | Capacity (CBM) | Weight Limit | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20ft standard | ~28 CBM | ~22,000 kg | Heavy goods, small batches |
| 40ft standard | ~58 CBM | ~27,000 kg | Mid-size loads |
| 40ft High Cube | ~68 CBM | ~27,000 kg | Most popular for e-commerce (extra height) |
Less than Container Load (LCL): Your cargo shares a container with other shippers. The freight company consolidates multiple shipments into one container.
LCL is charged per CBM with a minimum of 1 CBM. It works well for shipments between 1 and 10 CBM. The downside is that consolidation and deconsolidation at the destination add 5-7 days to your total transit time.
Air Freight (5-12 days)
Air freight moves cargo on commercial airlines or dedicated cargo planes. It is 4-8 times more expensive per kg than ocean freight, but it gets your goods to the US in less than two weeks.
Air freight is charged by actual weight or volumetric weight, whichever is higher. Volumetric weight is calculated as Length x Width x Height (in cm) divided by 6,000. This means light but bulky products (like pillows or lampshades) cost much more to ship by air than their actual weight suggests.
Key airports for China-USA air cargo:
| China Airport | Code | Region | Primary US Destinations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shanghai Pudong | PVG | East China | LAX, JFK, ORD |
| Shenzhen Bao'an | SZX | South China | LAX, SFO |
| Guangzhou Baiyun | CAN | South China | LAX, JFK, ATL |
| Hong Kong | HKG | South China | LAX, JFK, ORD, MIA |
Express Shipping (3-7 days)
Express carriers like DHL, FedEx, and UPS offer door-to-door service with full tracking. They handle customs clearance automatically.
Express is the right choice for samples, prototypes, and small urgent shipments under 50 kg. For commercial freight above 100 kg, express becomes prohibitively expensive at $5-15 per kg.
Which Method Should You Choose?
| Your Shipment | Recommended Method | Approximate Cost | Transit Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Samples, 1-5 cartons, under 50 kg | Express (DHL/FedEx) | $250-$750 | 3-7 days |
| 50-500 kg, time-sensitive | Air freight | $150-$4,000 | 5-12 days |
| 1-10 CBM, can wait 4-6 weeks | Ocean FCL | $100-$800 | 20-55 days |
| 10+ CBM or 2,000+ kg | Ocean FCL | $2,000-$8,000 | 20-45 days |
Key Takeaway: Ocean freight saves money, air freight saves time, and express works for small urgent packages. Most e-commerce sellers use ocean for regular replenishment and air for product launches and emergency restocks.
Shipping Routes and Transit Times
Not all China-to-USA routes take the same amount of time. Your transit depends on which ports your cargo departs from and arrives at.
Major Chinese Ports
| Port | Region | Known For | Ships To |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shanghai / Ningbo | East China | Largest port complex in the world, general cargo | All US ports |
| Shenzhen / Guangzhou | South China | Electronics, consumer goods | West Coast, East Coast |
| Qingdao | North China | Industrial products, machinery | West Coast, Gulf |
| Xiamen | Southeast China | Stone, tea, electronics | West Coast, East Coast |
| Yiwu | Central China | Small commodities hub | All US ports (via Ningbo) |
Major US Ports
| Port | Region | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles / Long Beach | West Coast | Fastest from China, handles 40%+ of US container imports, busiest and sometimes congested |
| Savannah | East Coast | Fastest-growing US port, less congestion than LA |
| New York / New Jersey | East Coast | Largest East Coast port, closest to Northeast markets |
| Houston | Gulf Coast | Good gateway to Midwest and South |
| Seattle / Tacoma | Pacific Northwest | Shortest trans-Pacific route, lower volume |
Transit Time Matrix (Port-to-Port, Ocean Freight)
| Port | Region | Notes | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shanghai | Los Angeles | 14-18 | Most common route |
| Shenzhen | Los Angeles | 12-16 | Slightly shorter |
| Shanghai | New York/NJ | 25-30 | Via Panama Canal or trans-Pacific + rail |
| Ningbo | Savannah | 28-32 | Growing route for e-commerce |
| Guangzhou | Houston | 25-30 | Gulf alternative |
| Shanghai | Seattle | 11-14 | Shortest trans-Pacific |
| Shenzhen | New York/NJ | 23-28 | Via Suez or Panama |
Add 5-10 days for door-to-door delivery on top of these port-to-port times. This covers customs clearance, port handling, and inland trucking to your warehouse or Amazon FC.
Key Takeaway: West Coast ports are 10-15 days faster from China than East Coast ports. If speed matters, route through LA/Long Beach or Seattle. If your warehouse is on the East Coast, Savannah and NY/NJ offer direct service.
How to Choose a Freight Forwarder
A freight forwarder is the company that arranges the transportation of your goods. They book cargo space on ships and planes, handle export documentation in China, manage customs clearance in the US, and coordinate last-mile delivery.
Choosing the wrong forwarder is one of the most expensive mistakes you can make. A bad one will cost you extra in hidden surcharges, lose your shipments, and blame you for their mistakes. A good one will save you money and headaches on every shipment.
7 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Forwarder
-
Are you licensed?
In the US, check for an FMC (Federal Maritime Commission) license for ocean freight. Ask about NVOCC registration and customs broker license if they handle customs clearance. -
Do you offer DDP service?
If they only do FOB or CIF, you will need to hire a separate customs broker and manage duties yourself. DDP means they handle it all. -
What insurance do you carry?
Look for minimum $100,000 per shipment coverage. Ask for a copy of the policy, not just a verbal promise. -
Can you handle Amazon FBA prep and delivery?
If you sell on Amazon, this is critical. FBA has strict labeling, palletization, and appointment requirements. Not every forwarder knows how to handle them. -
What are your payment terms?
Standard terms range from prepayment to Net 14 depending on your relationship. Be cautious of anyone who demands full payment before pickup with no track record. -
Do you have operations on both ends?
A forwarder with offices or partners in both China and the US can resolve problems faster than one who relies on third parties for everything. -
Can you provide references?
Ask for 3 clients in your industry. If they will not share references, that is a red flag.
Red Flags to Watch For
These warning signs indicate a forwarder you should avoid:
- No verifiable physical address or registered company
- Quotes that are dramatically lower than everyone else (hidden surcharges will follow)
- No insurance documentation when asked
- No tracking capability or real-time updates
- Requires 100% payment before they pick up your goods
- Cannot explain their customs clearance process clearly
- Pressures you to commit immediately
Why Traditional Quoting Fails
The standard process looks like this: you email 5-10 freight forwarders, wait 3-5 days for quotes, receive responses in different formats that are hard to compare, and then negotiate back and forth. Some quotes include duties, others do not. Some quote per kg, others per CBM. You spend hours building spreadsheets to make an apples-to-apples comparison.
Even after all that work, you have no way of knowing whether any of these quotes represent a fair market rate. The forwarder knows what carriers actually charge. You do not. This information gap is the reason small shippers overpay: the forwarder prices at maximum margin, and you negotiate blind.
How Reverse Auctions Solve This
A reverse auction eliminates the information asymmetry. Instead of asking forwarders what they want to charge, you post your shipment and let carriers bid against each other.
When Carrier A sees that Carrier B bid $4.00/kg, Carrier A bids $3.85/kg to win the volume. This is not negotiation. This is price discovery, the same mechanism that drives stock markets and commodity exchanges. The result is a market-formed rate rather than a forwarder-set price.
On AiDeliv, this works for every China-USA shipment:
- You post shipment details once: origin, destination, cargo specs, preferred method
- Verified carriers bid during a defined auction window. Each bid must meaningfully beat the previous one.
- The AI recommends carriers based on price, reliability, on-time history, and route experience. But you make the final call.
- Accept the winning bid, reject it, or start a new auction. No obligation.
For a full explanation of how the auction mechanism works, see our DDP shipping guide.
Post your shipment details and see what carriers actually bid. No commitment. You decide. Run a Freight Auction ->
Understanding DDP Shipping from China to USA
DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) means the carrier is responsible for everything from factory pickup in China to delivery at your US address, including customs clearance and import duties. You pay one price. No hidden costs, no separate duty bills.
For a full explanation of how DDP works under Incoterms 2020, see our complete DDP shipping guide.
Why DDP Matters Especially for China Imports
DDP solves three specific problems with China-USA shipments:
Tariff complexity. US import duties on Chinese goods range from 0% to 25%, and Section 301 tariffs add an extra 7.5-25% on top. Under DDP, the carrier handles all of this.
ISF penalties. US Customs requires an Importer Security Filing at least 24 hours before vessel departure. Missing this deadline results in a $5,000 fine. Under DDP, the carrier files the ISF.
One invoice. Instead of separate bills for freight, customs brokerage, duties, drayage, and delivery, you get one DDP price.
DDP vs FOB for China Imports
| Factor | DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) | FOB (Free On Board) |
|---|---|---|
| Carrier responsibility | Factory to your door | Factory to ship in China |
| Customs clearance (US) | Carrier handles | You handle |
| Import duties | Included in price | You pay separately |
| Customs broker needed | No | Yes ($150-300 per entry) |
| Risk of surprise costs | Low (one price) | High (duties, drayage, storage) |
| Best for | E-commerce sellers, first-time importers | Experienced importers with own logistics setup |
For a detailed side-by-side comparison of all shipping terms, see our DDP vs DAP vs FOB comparison guide.
Shipping Costs from China to USA in 2026
Here is what you should expect to pay in 2026 depending on your shipping method, shipment size, and the time of year.
2026 Rate Ranges (Summary)
| Mode | Rate Range | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| Ocean FCL (40ft) | $3,500-$8,000/container | 20-45 days |
| Ocean LCL | $100-$150/CBM | 20-55 days |
| Air freight | $4-$8/kg | 5-12 days |
| Express (DHL/FedEx) | $5-$15/kg | 3-7 days |
These are freight-only ranges for major routes (Shanghai/Shenzhen to LA/Long Beach). East Coast destinations add $500-$1,500 per container or $0.50-$1.50/kg for air. For complete rate tables by weight bracket, container type, and season, see our DDP shipping cost guide.
Hidden Costs to Watch For (Non-DDP Shipments)
If you ship under FOB, CIF, or DAP terms instead of DDP, expect these additional line items:
| Cost | Typical Range | When It Hits |
|---|---|---|
| ISF filing fee | $25-$75 | Before vessel departure |
| Customs broker fee | $150-$300 | At US port of entry |
| Customs bond (annual) | $300-$500 | Annual requirement for imports over $2,500 |
| Port drayage (trucking from port) | $300-$800 | After customs clearance |
| Chassis rental | $30-$60/day | If container stays on chassis |
| Demurrage | $150-$350/day | If container sits at port too long |
| Detention | $100-$250/day | If you keep the container too long |
| Customs exam fee | $300-$1,000 | If CBP selects your shipment for inspection |
Under DDP, most of these costs are absorbed into one price. That is why a DDP quote may look higher than an FOB quote at first glance, but the total landed cost is often lower and always more predictable.
For a complete cost breakdown with real examples, see our DDP shipping cost guide.
Customs, Duties, and Documentation
Understanding US customs is critical whether you ship DDP or not. Even under DDP, you are still responsible for providing accurate product information. The carrier handles the process, but you provide the inputs.
Required Documents for China-USA Imports
| Document | Who Provides It | What It Does |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial Invoice | Your Chinese supplier | Declares product value, quantity, and description |
| Packing List | Your Chinese supplier | Details weight, dimensions, and contents of each carton |
| Bill of Lading (B/L) | The carrier | Contract of carriage, proof that goods are on the vessel |
| ISF (10+2) | Carrier or customs broker | Security filing required 24 hours before vessel departure |
| Entry Summary (CBP 7501) | Customs broker or carrier | Formal declaration of duties owed to US Customs |
| Certificate of Origin | Your supplier (if applicable) | Required for certain products and trade agreements |
Under DDP, the carrier prepares and files most of these documents. Your main responsibility is making sure your supplier provides an accurate Commercial Invoice and Packing List.
US Import Duties in 2026
Import duties are calculated based on your product's HS (Harmonized System) code. Every product has a specific 10-digit HS code that determines the duty rate.
- Standard duty rates: 0% to 25% depending on the product category.
- Section 301 tariffs on Chinese goods: An additional 7.5% to 25% on top of standard duties. These tariffs cover a wide range of Chinese-made products and have been in effect since 2018 with various modifications.
- De minimis threshold: Shipments valued at $800 or less may enter the US duty-free. This applies per shipment, per day, per importer.
How duties are calculated:
Duty = (Declared Value of Goods) x (Duty Rate %)
Example: You import phone cases with an HS code of 4202.32 at a standard duty rate of 8% plus a Section 301 tariff of 7.5%. On a $10,000 shipment, your duty would be $10,000 x 15.5% = $1,550.
Under DDP, the carrier calculates and pays all duties. You see one price that covers everything.
Common Customs Problems and How to Avoid Them
Misdeclared value. Undervaluing goods on the Commercial Invoice to reduce duties is illegal. US Customs uses databases to flag suspiciously low valuations. Penalties include seizure and fines up to 4x the duty owed.
Wrong HS code. An incorrect HS code means the wrong duty rate, which leads to delays, re-classification, and potential penalties. If you are unsure about your product's HS code, ask your carrier or a customs broker to confirm it before you ship.
Missing agency clearances. Certain products require clearance from agencies beyond CBP:
| Product Type | Agency | What They Check |
|---|---|---|
| Food, supplements, cosmetics | FDA | Safety, labeling, registration |
| Children's products | CPSC | Lead, phthalates, testing certificates |
| Electronics | FCC | Radio frequency compliance |
| Textiles | OTEXA | Fiber content, country of origin |
If your product falls into any of these categories, make sure you have the required certifications before shipping. Under DDP, the carrier handles the customs process, but you are responsible for providing compliant products.
Key Takeaway: Provide accurate product information, confirm your HS code before shipping, and get required certifications in advance. Under DDP, the carrier handles the customs process itself.
Shipping to Amazon FBA from China
If you sell on Amazon, your China-to-USA shipment likely ends at an Amazon fulfillment center. This adds specific requirements on top of standard freight logistics.
Amazon does not clear customs for third-party sellers and does not act as your Importer of Record. That means you (or your carrier under DDP) must handle customs clearance before the shipment arrives at the FC.
Amazon FBA also requires:
- FNSKU barcode labels on every sellable unit
- Amazon-generated carton labels on every box
- Pallet labels on all four sides of every pallet
- Standard GMA pallets (40" x 48") with max 72" total height
- Delivery appointments booked through Amazon's CARP system
- Carton weight under 50 lbs (23 kg)
DDP shipping through a carrier with FBA experience is the simplest way to handle all of this. The carrier manages customs, duties, FBA prep (labeling and palletization), appointment scheduling, and delivery to the assigned FC.
For a complete step-by-step guide including rate tables, AGL comparison, and seasonal strategy, see our DDP shipping to Amazon FBA guide.
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Start Your First Auction →Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to ship from China to USA?
Ocean freight ranges from $3,500 to $8,000 per full container depending on season and route. LCL costs $100-$150 per CBM. Air freight costs $4-$8 per kg. With DDP terms, these prices include customs clearance and import duties. Your actual cost depends on product weight, dimensions, value, duty rate, and the time of year.
How long does shipping from China to USA take?
Ocean freight takes 12-20 days port-to-port. Air freight takes 3-8 days. Add 8-25 days for customs clearance, inland trucking, and final delivery. Total door-to-door: 25-55 days by ocean, 10-15 days by air.
What is the cheapest way to ship from China to USA?
Ocean freight LCL is cheapest for shipments between 1 and 10 CBM. For larger volumes, a full container load (FCL) offers the lowest cost per unit. Using a reverse auction platform like AiDeliv typically reduces rates by 15-40% compared to traditional freight forwarder quotes because carriers compete for your cargo.
Do I need a customs broker to import from China?
With DDP shipping, no. The carrier handles customs clearance and pays import duties as part of the service. Without DDP, you need a US customs broker (typically $150-$300 per entry) and your own customs bond ($300-$500 annually for continuous bonds).
What is DDP shipping from China?
DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) means the carrier handles everything from factory pickup in China to delivery at your US address. This includes export clearance, freight, US customs clearance, import duties, and last-mile delivery. You pay one price. No hidden fees, no surprise duty bills.
For a full explanation, see our complete DDP shipping guide.
What documents do I need to import goods from China?
Your Chinese supplier provides the Commercial Invoice and Packing List. The carrier issues the Bill of Lading. Under DDP, the carrier also handles ISF filing, customs entry, and duty payment. You need to provide accurate product descriptions, HS codes if known, and any required certifications (FDA, CPSC, FCC) for regulated products.
How do tariffs affect shipping costs from China?
Tariffs are import duties, which are separate from freight costs. Standard duties range from 0% to 25% depending on product type. Section 301 tariffs on Chinese goods add 7.5-25% on top. Under DDP, all duties are included in your one-price quote, so you know the total cost before you ship.
For a comparison of DDP vs other Incoterms and how they handle duties, see our DDP vs DAP vs FOB guide.
What is the best freight forwarder for China to USA shipping?
Look for: DDP capability, minimum $100,000 cargo insurance, Amazon FBA experience (if applicable), transparent pricing with no hidden surcharges, verifiable client references, and operations on both the China and US sides. Or, skip the individual forwarder search entirely and use a platform like AiDeliv where multiple verified carriers compete for your shipment.
Can I ship directly from a Chinese factory to my US address?
Yes. Your freight forwarder or carrier arranges pickup from the factory, handles all export and import processes, and delivers to your US address, warehouse, or Amazon fulfillment center. You do not need a US-side warehouse to receive imports.
What items cannot be shipped from China to USA?
Prohibited items include hazardous materials, controlled substances, counterfeit goods, and products under trade sanctions. Regulated items such as food, supplements, cosmetics, children's products, and electronics require specific certifications from agencies like FDA, CPSC, or FCC. Confirm that your product clears all applicable regulations before you ship.