Shipping from China to the United States
5 min read. Updated Feb 2026
Shipping goods from China to the United States is one of the most important global trade routes, but it also comes with operational complexity. Choosing the right shipping method, managing transit time, ensuring customs compliance, and controlling total logistics costs are all critical to maintaining a reliable supply chain.
BSI Global Logistics provides end-to-end China to USA shipping solutions, combining air freight and ocean freight services to help businesses move cargo safely, efficiently, and in full compliance with international trade regulations.
BSI Global Logistics provides end-to-end China to USA shipping solutions, combining air freight and ocean freight services to help businesses move cargo safely, efficiently, and in full compliance with international trade regulations.
一、Shipping Methods from China to the USA
✈ Air Freight from China to the United States
Air freight is the fastest way to ship from China to the USA and is best suited for urgent shipments, high-value goods, fragile items, and small-volume cargo.
BSI Global Logistics works closely with leading international airlines, offering direct and transshipment services from major Chinese airports—Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen—to key U.S. gateways such as Los Angeles (LAX), New York (JFK), Chicago (ORD), and San Francisco (SFO).
Key features of our China–USA air freight services include:
- 1. Flexible direct and transit flight options
- 2. Door-to-door service covering pickup, export customs clearance, air transport, U.S. customs clearance, and final delivery
- 3. Certified handling of special cargo, including dangerous goods, perishables, and precision equipment
- 4. End-to-end shipment tracking with full visibility
Each air freight solution is customized based on your cargo type, delivery timeline, and budget requirements.
🚢 Ocean Freight from China to the United States
Ocean freight is the most cost-effective option for shipping from China to the USA and is ideal for large-volume, heavy, or non-urgent cargo, including industrial equipment, furniture, raw materials, and oversized e-commerce shipments.
BSI Global Logistics offers both Full Container Load (FCL) and Less than Container Load (LCL) services from major Chinese ports such as Shanghai, Ningbo, Yantian (Shenzhen), and Guangzhou to U.S. ports on both the West Coast and East Coast.
Our China–USA ocean freight solutions cover:
- 1. West Coast ports: Los Angeles, Long Beach, Oakland
- 2. East Coast ports: New York, Savannah, Charleston
- 3. Stable sailing schedules and reliable carrier partnerships
- 4. One-stop services including pickup, container loading, export clearance, ocean transport, import clearance, deconsolidation, and inland delivery
We optimize routing and container utilization to balance transit time and cost efficiency.
二、Transit Time from China to the USA
Transit times depend on the shipping method, origin, destination, and carrier schedules. Below are typical estimates under normal conditions (excluding customs inspections, weather disruptions, or force majeure events):
Air Freight
1. Direct flights: 1–3 business days
2. Transit flights: 3–7 business days
3. Door-to-door services: add approximately 1–2 days
Ocean Freight
1. To U.S. West Coast: 12–18 days
2. To U.S. East Coast: 25–35 days
3. Transshipment routes may add 7–15 days
Before shipment, BSI Global Logistics provides accurate transit time estimates based on your cargo details and continuously monitors shipment progress throughout the journey.
In addition to transit time, shipping cost is another key factor when planning shipments from China to the United States.
三、💰 Shipping Cost from China to the United States
The cost of shipping from China to the United States is not fixed and varies depending on shipment-specific details and market conditions. Selecting the right logistics solution requires balancing transit time, service scope, and total landed cost.
Rather than publishing generic price ranges, BSI Global Logistics provides customized quotations based on your actual cargo requirements.
Key factors that determine China–USA shipping costs include:
1. Shipping method
Air freight is usually charged based on chargeable weight (actual vs. volumetric), while ocean freight is priced
by container (FCL) or by volume (LCL).
2. Cargo weight and volume
Larger or heavier shipments generally result in higher transportation costs.
3. Origin and destination
Different ports and airports involve different terminal charges, handling fees, and inland delivery costs.
4. Cargo type
General cargo, dangerous goods, perishables, oversized, or high-value cargo may require special handling
and additional compliance costs.
5. Transit time requirements
Direct services typically cost more than transshipment options.
6. Seasonality and market conditions
Peak seasons, space shortages, fuel surcharges, and carrier rate adjustments can significantly affect pricing
7. Customs clearance and delivery scope
Whether import customs clearance, duties, taxes, and final delivery are included will affect the total shipping cost.
Because these variables differ from shipment to shipment, requesting a tailored quotation is the most reliable way to obtain accurate and up-to-date pricing.
四、U.S. Customs Clearance & Import Support
U.S. customs clearance is one of the most critical steps when shipping from China to the United States. Strict regulations and documentation requirements mean that errors can lead to delays, inspections, or penalties.
BSI Global Logistics provides comprehensive U.S. customs clearance and import support, including:
1. Pre-review of shipping documents (commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading / airway bill)
2. Assistance with U.S. import compliance and documentation
3. Coordination with licensed U.S. customs brokers
4. Handling inspections, additional filings, and exception management
5. Support with duty and tax payments
Our proactive approach minimizes customs risks and helps ensure smooth entry into the U.S. market.
五、China to USA Freight Services by BSI Global Logistics
China to USA Air Freight Solutions
1. Best for urgent, high-value, and time-sensitive cargo.
2. Coverage from major Chinese airports to U.S. international gateways
👉 Learn more about China–USA Air Freight Services
China to USA Ocean Freight Solutions
1. FCL and LCL shipping options available
2. Coverage from major Chinese ports to U.S. East & West Coast ports
👉 Explore China–USA Ocean Freight Solutions
Our logistics experts will recommend the most suitable shipping solution based on your cargo profile, timeline, and cost expectations.
六、Why Choose BSI Global Logistics for China–USA Shipping
1. Reliable capacity and transit time control
Long-term partnerships with airlines and ocean carriers ensure stable space availability.
2. Expert customs compliance
In-depth knowledge of U.S. Import regulations help reduce clearance risks.
3. One-stop logistics solutions
From pickup in China to final delivery in the United States, managed by a single team.
4. Full shipment visibility and responsive support
Real-time tracking and professional support throughout the shipping process.
5. Cost-efficient logistics planning
Optimized routing and scale advantages help control total logistics costs.
七、Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long does it take to ship from China to the USA?
Air freight typically takes 1–7 business days, while ocean freight usually takes 12–35 days, depending on the destination coast and routing.
2. What is the cheapest way to ship from China to the USA?
Ocean freight is generally the most economical option, especially for large or heavy shipments. LCL works well for smaller volumes, while FCL offers better unit costs for larger shipments.
3. What documents are required to ship from China to the United States?
Common documents include a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or airway bill. Some cargo types may require additional permits or certificates. BSI assists with document preparation and review.
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