DDP Shipping Cost from China to USA:
Rates, Examples & Pricing Guide (2026)
How much does it really cost to ship from China? Air and ocean freight rates, full cost breakdowns with real examples, and how to get the lowest DDP price through competitive bidding.
Quick Answer:
DDP shipping from China to the USA costs $4-8/kg (air freight, 5-12 days), $100-150/CBM (ocean LCL, 20-55 days), or $3,500-$8,000 per full container (ocean FCL, 20-45 days). DDP prices include freight, customs clearance, import duties, and delivery. Rates vary by season, weight, product type, and destination port.
How Much Does DDP Shipping Cost in 2026?
The most common question in e-commerce logistics is simple: how much does it cost to ship my products from China?
This page gives you the real numbers. All rates shown are DDP (Delivered Duty Paid), meaning they include freight, customs clearance, import duties, taxes, and delivery to your US address or Amazon fulfillment center. One price. No hidden fees. For a full explanation of how DDP works, see our DDP shipping guide.
If you see a quote that looks significantly cheaper than the numbers below, it is probably not DDP. It likely excludes duties, customs brokerage, or last-mile delivery, and you will pay those separately.
Air Freight DDP Rates (Per Kg)
Air freight is charged by actual weight or volumetric weight, whichever is higher. Volumetric weight = Length x Width x Height (cm) / 5,000.
| Weight Bracket | Low Season (Mar-Jun) | Peak Season (Aug-Oct) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 45-100 kg | $6-8/kg | $7-10/kg | Minimum for most carriers |
| 100-300 kg | $5-6/kg | $5-8/kg | Good range for small sellers |
| 300-500 kg | $4-5/kg | $4.50-7/kg | Volume discount starts here |
| 500-1,000 kg | $3.50-4/kg | $4-6/kg | Significant savings |
| 1,000+ kg | $3-3.50/kg | $4.50-5.50/kg | Best rates, often negotiable |
Rates shown are DDP all-inclusive for major routes (Shenzhen/Shanghai to Los Angeles). East Coast destinations add $0.50-$1.50/kg. Rates updated: February 2026.
How to Read This Table
If you are shipping 200 kg of phone cases by air during low season, expect to pay roughly $4-6 per kg, which means $800-$1,200 total. This price covers pickup from your Chinese supplier, air freight, US customs clearance, import duties, and delivery.
During peak season (August through October), the same shipment costs $1,000-$1,600.
Ocean Freight DDP Rates
Ocean freight is charged per CBM (cubic meter) for LCL or as a flat rate per container for FCL.
LCL Rates (Less than Container Load)
| Volume | Low Season | Peak Season | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-2 CBM | $120-150/CBM | $150-190/CBM | Minimum charge may apply |
| 3-5 CBM | $100-120/CBM | $130-150/CBM | Most common for small sellers |
| 5-10 CBM | $70-100/CBM | $90-130/CBM | Better per-CBM rate |
FCL Rates (Full Container Load)
| Container | Low Season | Peak Season | Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20ft standard | $2,500-5,500 | $4,000-7,000 | ~28 CBM, ~22,000 kg |
| 40ft standard | $3,000-7,000 | $5,000-9,000 | ~58 CBM, ~27,000 kg |
| 40ft High Cube | $3,500-8,000 | $5,500-10,000 | ~68 CBM, ~27,000 kg |
All rates are DDP including freight, customs, duties, and delivery. Port pairs: Shanghai/Shenzhen to LA/Long Beach. East Coast rates are typically $500-$1,500 higher per container. Rates updated: February 2026.
Key Takeaway: Ocean freight costs 4-8x less per kg than air freight, but takes 25-55 days instead of 5-12. For planned replenishment, ocean freight is almost always the better choice.
Quick Mode Comparison
| Method | Rate Range | Transit | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air DDP | $4-8/kg | 5-12 days | Fastest option. Urgent restocks, high-value goods |
| Ocean LCL DDP | $100-150/CBM | 20-55 days | Budget option. Small volumes, 1-10 CBM |
| Ocean FCL DDP | $3,500-8,000 | 20-45 days | Cheapest per unit. Regular shipments 10+ CBM |
| Express DDP | $8-15/kg | 3-5 days | Samples, prototypes, urgent parcels under 50 kg |
Want exact DDP rates for your specific shipment? Post it on AiDeliv and let carriers compete.
Get a DDP Quote →What Is Included in a DDP Price?
When a carrier gives you a DDP quote, that single number covers six cost components. Here is roughly how they break down as a percentage of your total DDP cost:
| Cost Component | Share of Total | What It Covers |
|---|---|---|
| International freight | 35-55% | The actual air or ocean transportation |
| Import duties and taxes | 10-30% | Based on your product's HS code and declared value |
| Origin charges | 8-15% | Pickup from supplier, warehouse handling, export documentation |
| Destination charges | 8-12% | Port fees, unloading, terminal handling, customs processing |
| Last-mile delivery | 5-12% | Trucking from port to your warehouse or Amazon FC |
| Insurance | 1-3% | Cargo coverage (min $100,000 on AiDeliv) |
The single biggest variable is duties. A product with a 0% duty rate and a product with a 25% duty rate plus 25% Section 301 tariff will have dramatically different DDP prices even if they weigh the same and ship on the same vessel.
What Is NOT Included in a DDP Price
These costs are separate from your DDP shipping quote:
- Amazon FBA fees (placement fees, storage fees, fulfillment fees) if you sell on Amazon
- FBA prep services (labeling, poly bagging, palletization) unless the carrier includes them in the quote
- Additional cargo insurance above $100,000 per shipment
- Warehousing if you need storage before delivery
- Product compliance costs (FDA registration, CPSC testing, FCC certification)
Real DDP Cost Examples
These three examples show actual cost breakdowns for common e-commerce shipment types. Use them to estimate your own costs.
Example 1 - Small Shipment (New Amazon Seller)
A new seller shipping phone accessories from Shenzhen to an Amazon FBA warehouse in Ontario, California.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Product | Phone cases and screen protectors |
| Quantity | 5 cartons (150 kg, 1.5 CBM) |
| Declared value | $3,000 |
| HS code | 4202.32 (cases) |
| Duty rate | 8% standard + 7.5% Section 301 = 15.5% |
Option A: Air Freight DDP
| Component | Cost |
|---|---|
| Origin charges (pickup, handling, export) | $80 |
| Air freight (150 kg x $4.50/kg) | $675 |
| US customs clearance | $120 |
| Import duties ($3,000 x 15.5%) | $465 |
| Last-mile delivery to Amazon FC | $150 |
| Insurance | $12 |
| Total DDP (Air) | $1,502 |
Transit time: 5-12 days
Option B: Ocean LCL DDP
| Component | Cost |
|---|---|
| Origin charges | $80 |
| Ocean freight (1.5 CBM x $120/CBM) | $180 |
| Consolidation/deconsolidation | $60 |
| US customs clearance | $120 |
| Import duties ($3,000 x 15.5%) | $465 |
| Last-mile delivery to Amazon FC | $150 |
| Insurance | $12 |
| Total DDP (Ocean) | $1067 |
Transit time: 20-55 days
Takeaway: Ocean saves $435 but takes 3-4 weeks longer. For a product launch, air makes sense. For a planned restock, ocean is the better deal.
Example 2 - Medium Shipment (Growing Seller)
An established seller shipping home goods from Shanghai to a warehouse in New Jersey.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Product | Kitchen organizers and storage bins |
| Quantity | 30 cartons (800 kg, 6 CBM) |
| Declared value | $15,000 |
| HS code | 3924.90 (household articles, plastic) |
| Duty rate | 3.4% standard + 25% Section 301 = 28.4% |
Ocean LCL DDP:
| Component | Cost |
|---|---|
| Origin charges | $150 |
| Ocean freight (6 CBM x $100/CBM) | $600 |
| Consolidation/deconsolidation | $100 |
| US customs clearance | $180 |
| Import duties ($15,000 x 28.4%) | $4,260 |
| Last-mile delivery (port NJ to warehouse NJ) | $300 |
| Insurance | $45 |
| Total DDP (Ocean LCL) | $5,635 |
Notice: Duties alone are $4,260 on a $15,000 shipment. That is 28.4% of the product value. This is why DDP quotes for products hit by Section 301 tariffs look expensive. The freight itself is under $1,000. The duties are the real cost.
Takeaway: If your product has a high duty rate, the biggest way to reduce your total DDP cost is not to negotiate freight rates. It is to verify your HS code is classified correctly. A one-digit difference in HS classification can change your duty rate by 10-20 percentage points.
Example 3 - Full Container (Established Seller)
A high-volume seller shipping furniture parts from Ningbo to a distribution center in Savannah, Georgia.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Product | Furniture components (wood and metal) |
| Quantity | 40ft High Cube container (18 CBM, 17,000 kg) |
| Declared value | $80,000 |
| HS code | 9403.90 (furniture parts) |
| Duty rate | 0% standard + 25% Section 301 = 25% |
Ocean FCL DDP:
| Component | Cost |
|---|---|
| Origin charges (factory loading, export) | $350 |
| Ocean freight (40ft HC, Ningbo-Savannah) | $4,000 |
| US customs clearance | $250 |
| Import duties ($80,000 x 25%) | $20,000 |
| Drayage (port to warehouse, Savannah) | $450 |
| Insurance | $120 |
| Total DDP (Ocean FCL) | $25,170 |
Notice: On an $80,000 shipment, $20,000 is duties. The actual logistics cost (freight + handling + delivery) is under $5,200. When someone says "shipping from China is expensive," they usually mean "tariffs on Chinese goods are expensive."
Key Takeaway: Duties are typically the largest single component of a DDP price for products subject to Section 301 tariffs. Know your HS code and duty rate before you order from your supplier.
Post your shipment on AiDeliv and see real DDP bids from competing carriers. The auction is free. You only pay if you accept a bid.
Run a DDP Auction →Factors That Affect Your DDP Shipping Cost
Understanding these variables helps you predict costs and plan your inventory budget.
Weight vs Volume (Dimensional Weight)
Carriers charge by actual weight or volumetric weight, whichever is higher. If your product is light but bulky, you pay for the space it takes, not its actual weight.
- Air freight volumetric weight formula: L x W x H (cm) / 6,000
- Ocean freight: charged per CBM, with dimensional weight applied at 1 CBM = 363 kg (varies by carrier)
Practical example: A box of pillows weighing 5 kg but measuring 60 x 40 x 50 cm has a volumetric weight of 20 kg. You pay for 20 kg, not 5 kg. That is a 300% increase in your per-unit shipping cost.
Product Type and Duty Rate
Your product's HS code determines the duty rate. Rates range from 0% (some raw materials and components) to 50%+ (certain finished goods with Section 301 tariffs applied).
Common e-commerce product duty rates (standard + Section 301 combined):
| Product Category | Approximate Combined Rate |
|---|---|
| Phone cases and accessories | 12-17% |
| Clothing and textiles | 12-32% |
| Kitchen gadgets (metal) | 5-30% |
| Kitchen gadgets (plastic) | 28-34% |
| Toys | 0-6% |
| Electronics (consumer) | 0-25% |
| Furniture | 0-25% |
| Beauty and cosmetics | 0-6% |
| Pet products | 3-20% |
Season
Peak season (August through October) increases freight rates by 30-100% compared to low season (March through June). Chinese New Year (late January through February) creates a separate spike as factories rush to ship before closing.
The smartest time to ship large orders: March through June.
Origin and Destination
West Coast ports (LA, Long Beach) are the cheapest and fastest destinations from China. East Coast ports (NY/NJ, Savannah) add $500-$1,500 per container and 7-14 extra transit days. Inland destinations add trucking costs on top.
6 Ways to Reduce Your DDP Shipping Cost
- Consolidate shipments. Fewer, larger shipments cost less per unit than frequent small ones. If you order monthly, consider switching to bimonthly with double the volume.
- Ship during off-peak season. March through June offers the lowest rates. Plan your inventory so your biggest orders ship during this window.
- Optimize your packaging. Reduce carton dimensions to minimize volumetric weight. Even 5 cm less per box adds up over hundreds of units. Ask your supplier to use the smallest box that protects the product.
- Verify your HS code. An incorrect classification can cost you thousands in excess duties. Have your carrier or a customs consultant confirm the correct code before you commit to large orders.
- Compare carriers through competitive bidding. Do not accept the first freight quote you receive. Traditional forwarders price in isolation: they know the market rate, you do not. This information gap is why small shippers overpay. On AiDeliv, carriers compete in a reverse auction where each bid must beat the previous one. When Carrier A sees Carrier B bidding $4.00/kg, Carrier A bids $3.85/kg to win the volume. The result is a market-formed price rather than a forwarder-set price. For a full explanation of how this works, see our DDP shipping guide.
- Consider ocean for planned replenishment. If you can forecast 4-6 weeks ahead, ocean freight saves 60-80% compared to air on a per-kg basis. Use air only for urgent restocks and product launches.
Key Takeaway: The two biggest cost-reduction levers are HS code verification (reduces duties) and competitive bidding (reduces freight). Together, they can save 20-50% compared to a single-forwarder FOB arrangement.
DDP Cost Calculator
The rate tables on this page give you a solid starting estimate. For an exact quote tailored to your specific shipment, use AiDeliv's reverse auction.
How it works:
- Enter your shipment details: origin, destination, weight, dimensions, product type
- Verified carriers bid with real DDP prices during the auction window
- You see all bids and choose the one that fits your budget
No commitment. No fees for getting quotes. You pay only if you accept a carrier's bid.
5 free points when you register. Post your shipment and see how much DDP shipping actually costs for your specific cargo. No contracts. You decide.
Start Your First Auction →Frequently Asked Questions
How much does DDP shipping cost from China to USA?
Air freight DDP costs $4-8 per kg depending on weight and season. Ocean LCL runs $100-150 per CBM. Full containers cost $3,500-8,000 DDP. These prices include freight, customs clearance, import duties, and delivery. Your actual cost depends on product weight, volume, declared value, duty rate, and the time of year.
How much does it cost to ship 1 pallet from China to USA DDP?
A single pallet (roughly 1-2 CBM, 300-500 kg) costs approximately $150-300 by ocean LCL DDP or $1,200-3,500 by air DDP, depending on weight, product value, duty rate, and season.
Are customs duties included in DDP shipping cost?
Yes. DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) includes all costs: freight, customs clearance, import duties, taxes, and delivery. That is what makes it different from FOB, DAP, or CIF. You pay one price and receive your goods with nothing else owed.
For a comparison of how different shipping terms handle duties, see our DDP vs DAP vs FOB guide.
Why do DDP rates vary so much?
DDP rates vary because they bundle multiple cost components. The biggest variables are duty rate (0-50% depending on product), shipping method (air is 4-8x more than ocean), season (peak rates are 30-100% higher), and destination (East Coast costs more than West Coast from China).
Is DDP shipping cheaper than hiring a customs broker separately?
Often, yes. Under FOB terms, you pay freight plus a customs broker ($150-300 per entry), customs bond ($300-500 annually), port drayage ($300-800), and duties separately. The individual charges often add up to more than a DDP all-in quote, especially when you factor in the time you spend coordinating multiple vendors.
How do tariffs affect DDP cost in 2026?
US tariffs on Chinese goods include standard duty rates (0-25%) plus Section 301 tariffs (an additional 7.5-25%). These are included in any DDP quote. For some products, duties represent more than half of the total DDP price. The best way to manage tariff impact is to verify your HS code classification and explore whether your product qualifies for any duty exemptions.
How can I estimate my DDP cost before getting a quote?
Start with the rate tables on this page for the freight component. Then look up your product's HS code on the US International Trade Commission website (hts.usitc.gov) to find the duty rate. Multiply your product value by the duty rate and add it to the freight estimate. For an exact number, post your shipment on AiDeliv and get competing DDP quotes from real carriers.
What is the cheapest shipping method from China to USA?
Ocean freight LCL is cheapest for 1-10 CBM. Full containers (FCL) offer the lowest per-unit cost for larger volumes above 10 CBM. Express carriers (DHL, FedEx) are the most expensive and only make sense for samples or urgent shipments under 50 kg. The cheapest overall approach is to use ocean freight during off-peak season and get quotes through a competitive bidding platform.