Shipping Cost From China to USA (Updated September 2024)

Shiping Knowledgeable Guideline

Cost Of Shipping From China to US

When Shipping from China to USA – a product manufactured in China ends up in the hands of a customer in the USA. Ever wonder about the journey it takes? It’s not just about distance, but also the cost involved in making this happen. Here’s the deal – shipping costs are a big player in the game of global trade. In this article, we’ll dig into what shapes these costs, look at the latest trends, and point out some need-to-knows for businesses and everyday buyers

Shipping Cost From China to USA

Breaking Down the Elements of China and US Shipping Price:

The shipping cost from China to the USA is influenced by several factors. 

Firstly, the travel distance and path play a significant role; a longer distance generally means higher costs due to fuel, labor, and maintenance. 

Secondly, the chosen transportation medium – air, ocean, or rail freight – also affects the cost. While air freight is quick but costly, ocean freight offers a cost-effective solution for larger shipments, and rail serves as a balanced alternative. 

Thirdly, container selection impacts the cost; options range from standard or high cube containers to specialized units like refrigerated ones. 

Another key factor is the weight and volume of the goods; heavier and bulkier shipments tend to cost more due to increased fuel consumption and space limitations. The chosen shipping Incoterms (International Commercial Terms) also significantly impact cost by determining which party is responsible for various shipping aspects. Finally, consider the customs and duties – import duties, taxes, and customs clearance fees vary depending on the type of goods and the existing trade agreements between China and the USA.

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5 Key factors determining Shipping Costs From China To US

 

Weight and volume of the cargo

Shipping rates hinge on the weight and volume of your cargo. Heavier shipments cost more, and for light yet large items, volume is the determining factor. For Air Freight, the greater of the actual weight and the volumetric weight (calculated as Length x Width x Height/6000) is used to calculate the cost. For a comprehensive guide on how to calculate chargeable weight, refer to this detailed resource.

Transit time

The urgency of your shipment significantly affects the cost. Express Air Freight, though priciest, delivers within 1-4 days, while regular Air Freight takes about 7-10 days. Sea Freight, the most economical option, requires 30-40 days for delivery. 

Distance

The shipping cost significantly varies with the distance between the loading and delivery points. For example, shipping a container from China to the East Coast of the US can cost approximately 13% more compared to the West Coast, primarily due to the increased distance.

Delivery Service Type

There are four main services – port-to-port, door-to-door, door-to-port, and port-to-door. Express Air Freight offers door-to-door service, while standard Air Freight is typically port-to-port unless you opt for an ‘all-included’ service that covers the entire transportation chain.

Shipping season

Shipping rates fluctuate with the season, peaking during Chinese holidays like the Chinese New Year, Dragon Boat Festival, Qing Ming Festival, Golden Week, and Mid-Autumn Festival. Planning your shipment around these high and low seasons can be cost-effective. 

 

Shipping container cost China to USA

Our team excels in navigating the complexities of shipping containers from China directly to your door in the U.S., or straight to Amazon’s FBA warehouses. Whether you need an all-inclusive service that covers taxes or prefer to handle them separately, we’ve got you covered. Plus, we’ve got your storage needs sorted with our containerized warehousing solutions before your goods make their journey to the States.

When it comes to Full Container Load (FCL) shipments, pricing is straightforward – it’s per container. So, if you’re sending a container from Shenzhen to a port in the U.S., the cost you’re looking at is for the space between those ports.

For those not filling a whole container, Less Than Container Load (LCL) is your go-to. It’s perfect for smaller shipments, and your freight forwarder will give you a rundown of the costs, which will include their announced rates along with any additional local fees.

 

Key factors determining Shipping Costs From China To US

Sea freight Cost From China to US

 

Full Container (FCL) Shipping Cost From China To US (Updated September 2024)

Discover the average costs of shipping a 20 foot (20FT and 40 foot (40FT) Full Container Load (FCL) from various cities in China to the USA

From (China) To (USA) Type of Container Average Ocean Freight Rate
Shanghai Long Beach 20 foot container (20FT) $5,990
Shanghai Long Beach 40 foot container (40FT) $8,080
Shenzhen Long Beach 20 foot container (20FT) $6,180
Shenzhen Long Beach 40 foot container (40FT) $7,380
Ningbo Long Beach 20 foot container (20FT) $4,850
Ningbo Long Beach 40 foot container (40FT) $6,000
Hong Kong Long Beach 20 foot container (20FT) $6,230
Hong Kong Long Beach 40 foot container (40FT) $7,370
Guangzhou USA 20 foot container (20FT) $6,500
Guangzhou USA 40 foot container (40FT) $7,450
Qingdao USA 20 foot container (20FT) check with us
Qingdao USA 40 foot container (40FT) check with us
Tianjin USA 20 foot container (20FT) check with us
Tianjin USA 40 foot container (40FT) check with us
Dalian USA 20 foot container (20FT) check with us
Dalian USA 40 foot container (40FT) check with us
Xiamen USA 20 foot container (20FT) check with us
Xiamen USA 40 foot container (40FT) check with us
Yingkou USA 20 foot container (20FT) check with us
Yingkou USA 40 foot container (40FT) check with us
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Less-than-container-load (LCL) Shipping Cost From China To US (Updated September 2024)

For the US West, it starts at $380 for 3-5CBM and decreases to $270 for 10+CBM. In Central America, prices range from $480 to $380, and in the US East, it’s $390 to $290, for the same volume categories respectively.

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Air Freight cost From China to US (Updated September 2024)

Weight Range (KG) Service Type Rate per KG (USD) Note
Standard Air Freight $6.1 Standard air freight rate from China to US.
0.5 – 5.5 Air Express Freight $4.65 – $17.36 For lightweight packages sent via air express.
6 – 11 Air Express Freight $9.82 – $15.73 Cost-effective for mid-weight air express shipments.
20.58 Air Express Freight $14.61 An example package of 20.58KG would cost around $280 total.
21 – 70 Air Express Freight $7 – $7.8 For heavier shipments over 21KG, with slightly lower rates.
Over 70 Air Express Freight $6.1 – $7 The best rates are reserved for the heaviest shipments.

Air Freight Rates From China to US Per KG (updated September 2024)

If you’re looking to send a shipment by standard air freight priced around $6.1 per kilo, it’s an affordable way to get your goods where they need to go.

Air Express Freight Rates per KG from China to US for under 21kgs (updated September 2024)

For items weighing 0.5-5.5KG, the cost is $4.65 – $17.36 per kg, and for those between 6-11KG, it’s $8.82-$14.73 per kg. So if you have a 20.58kg package, you’ll pay around $280. Simple and clear!

Air Express Freight Costs per KG from China to US for over 21kgs (updated September 2024)

For shipments over 21KG, the rates adjust accordingly. For cargo weight between 21KG-70KG, the rate ranges from $7-$7.5 and for anything over 70KG, you’re looking at a rate of $6.3-$7. It’s all about the weight with freight. 

ePacket and China Post per kgs from China to US

For ePacket and China Post services from China to the US, there’s a fixed fee of $2.17 per package. The charge per weight is $0.01 per gram, starting from a weight of 50g. The maximum weight limit for these services is 2000g.

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What are the additional Costs in China and USA Shipping

What are the additional Costs in China and USA Shipping

When calculating total shipping costs, don’t forget to account for additional costs. These include:

  • Port Charges, which cover the use of port facilities, handling, and administration.
  • Customs Fees and Duties, which vary based on the type of goods and their value.
  • Inland Transportation, which covers the cost of moving goods to and from the ports.
  • Insurance to protect against damage, loss, or theft during transportation.
  • Documentation Fees for processing and handling the required shipping documents.
  • Destination Charges at the US port for unloading, handling, and other services.
  • Container Type and Special Requirements, such as refrigerated containers, which can come with additional costs.

Market Dynamics:

Keep in mind that shipping costs can be influenced by various market factors, including global economic conditions, trade imbalances, fuel prices, and geopolitical events. These dynamics can lead to fluctuations in shipping rates over time.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information on shipping costs from China to US ports and port charges, contact Super International Shipping. Our freight forwarding experts can provide a custom quote based on your specific shipping needs and the latest shipping costs.

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Key Observations on 2024 Market Trends in China-USA Shipping From Super International Shipping Team

As we navigate through September 2024, the Super International Shipping Team has compiled pivotal data and insights reflecting significant trends in the freight forwarding industry, particularly focusing on the China-USA shipping corridor. The data collected over the year reveals substantial shifts in both sea freight and air freight costs, indicative of broader economic pressures and market dynamics impacting global trade.

Staggering Increase in Sea Freight Costs

From May to September 2024, we have observed a remarkable escalation in the cost of shipping containers from various Chinese ports to the US. This increase is particularly noticeable when comparing the rates from earlier in the year:

  • Shanghai to Long Beach: The cost for a 20-foot container rose from $4,880 in May to $5,990 in September, a spike of approximately 22.7%. The 40-foot containers saw an even steeper increase from $5,920 to $8,080, marking a 36.5% rise.
  • Shenzhen to Long Beach: Here, the 20-foot container cost climbed from $4,980 to $6,180, reflecting a 24.1% increase, while the 40-foot container cost ascended from $6,180 to $7,380, up by 19.4%.
  • Ningbo to Long Beach: The 20-foot container prices decreased slightly by 1.7%, from $5,950 to $4,850. However, the 40-foot container costs decreased from $6,100 to $6,000, a modest drop of 1.6%.
  • Hong Kong to Long Beach: The cost for a 20-foot container increased from $4,730 to $6,230, marking a 31.7% increase, while the 40-foot container rose by 10.5%, from $6,670 to $7,370.
  • Guangzhou to USA: The 20-foot container experienced an 18.2% increase from $5,500 to $6,500, and the 40-foot container rose by 15.5% from $6,450 to $7,450.

This uniform hike across container sizes suggests that the cost surge transcends container dimensions and reflects broader economic pressures, including increased fuel prices, supply chain disruptions, and heightened demand post-pandemic recovery phases.

Air Freight Costs Nearly Double

In addition to sea freight, air freight rates from China to the US have seen a near doubling from May to September 2024. The standard air freight rate escalated from $3.3 per kg to $6.1 per kg. This dramatic increase in cost is likely due to constrained air cargo capacity and increased fuel surcharges imposed by air carriers.

Widespread Industry Impact Anticipated

The first three quarters of 2024’s steep climb in shipping fees is poised to trigger a domino effect across multiple sectors, potentially escalating product prices and altering global trade patterns. Entities dependent on trans-Pacific supply lines should brace for these escalating expenditures by integrating them into their budgetary strategies and exploring countermeasures to soften the blow.

Companies may need to reassess their inventory levels, consider nearshoring or reshoring certain manufacturing operations, and leverage more predictable supply chain solutions to mitigate these rising costs.

The Super International Shipping Team remains committed to providing our clients and industry stakeholders with timely market insights and strategic guidance to navigate this turbulent period. We will continue to monitor these trends and provide updates as new data becomes available.

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    Choosing the Right Freight Forwarder from China to the USA

    Selecting the appropriate freight forwarder is crucial for efficient and cost-effective shipping from China to the USA.  Here are key considerations to guide your choice:

    Choosing a Reputable Freight Forwarder

    Hiring a freight forwarder can significantly simplify your shipping process. They can navigate through common issues, manage all organizing aspects, and fix problems as they come up. However, before you enlist their services, there’s a crucial step you shouldn’t skip. It’s essential to understand incoterms before you seal any deals with your suppliers.

    Many importers commit to incoterms without fully recognizing the risks involved. While some might not encounter immediate issues, misunderstanding these terms can lead to major problems that could devastate your profit margins.

    Shipping Documents

    Employing a freight forwarder doesn’t mean you can ignore the details of shipping. Although they handle the complexities, it’s wise to familiarize yourself with the essential freight documents involved. Being proactive about understanding these forms can prevent future complications.

    Always take the time to double-check that all your paperwork and the details in bill of lading or Airway bill are complete and correct before proceeding. These extra moments are invaluable. Additionally, keep a reference for freight charges nearby. This ensures you’re not blindly agreeing to any unexpected fees or surcharges.

     

    Correct Packing is important for freight cost saving

    For those considering regular shipments, it’s crucial to discuss packaging options with your supplier. Selecting the right packaging can significantly reduce your freight costs. This conversation can lead to more efficient shipping solutions and substantial savings.

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