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
Breaking Down the Elements of China and US Shipping Price:
The shipping cost from China to the USA is influenced by several factors.Â
Firstly, the travel distance and path play a significant role; a longer distance generally means higher costs due to fuel, labor, and maintenance.Â
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.Â
Thirdly, container selection impacts the cost; options range from standard or high cube containers to specialized units like refrigerated ones.Â
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.
5 Key factors determining Shipping Costs From China To US
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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.Â
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.Â
Shipping container cost China to USA
Sea freight Cost From China to US
Full Container (FCL) Shipping Cost From China To US (Updated May 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) | $4,880 |
| Shanghai | Long Beach | 40 foot container (40FT) | $5,920 |
| Shenzhen | Long Beach | 20 foot container (20FT) | $4,980 |
| Shenzhen | Long Beach | 40 foot container (40FT) | $6,180 |
| Ningbo | Long Beach | 20 foot container (20FT) | $5,950 |
| Ningbo | Long Beach | 40 foot container (40FT) | $6,100 |
| Hong Kong | Long Beach | 20 foot container (20FT) | $4,730 |
| Hong Kong | Long Beach | 40 foot container (40FT) | $6,670 |
| Guangzhou | USA | 20 foot container (20FT) | $5,500 |
| Guangzhou | USA | 40 foot container (40FT) | $6,450 |
| 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 |
Less-than-container-load (LCL) Shipping Cost From China To US (Updated May 2024)
For the US West, it starts at $480 for 3-5CBM and decreases to $270 for 10+CBM. In Central America, prices range from $380 to $280, and in the US East, it’s $390 to $290, for the same volume categories respectively.
Air Freight cost From China to US (Updated May 2024)
| Weight Range (KG) | Service Type | Rate per KG (USD) | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | Air Freight | $3.3 | 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 | $6.5 – $7.2 | The best rates are reserved for the heaviest shipments. |
Air Freight Rates From China to US Per KG (updated May 2024)
If you’re looking to send a shipment by standard air freight priced around $3.5 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 May 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 May 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.Â
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.
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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