How to Ship from China to the USA (2026 Complete Guide)
Why Shipping from China to the USA Is Still Growing
Despite global supply chain challenges, China remains the world’s largest manufacturing hub. Thousands of businesses in the USA rely on Chinese suppliers for:
-
Consumer electronics
-
Home products
-
Apparel
-
Amazon FBA inventory
-
Wholesale and private label products
The demand is still strong, but the process has become more complex. That is why understanding shipping basics is no longer optional — it is essential for protecting your profit.
Step 1: Understand Your Cargo Before Shipping
Before you ask any forwarder for a quote, you must prepare accurate cargo details. This affects both price and shipping method.
You should confirm:
-
Product name and material
-
Quantity of cartons
-
Weight per carton and total weight
-
Carton dimensions
-
Total volume (CBM)
-
Destination address (warehouse, business address, residential)
-
Required delivery time
Many shipping problems start simply because this information was unclear or incorrect.
Step 2: Choose the Right Shipping Method
There is no “best” shipping method for everyone. The best option depends on your cargo size, budget, and timeline.
Express Courier (DHL / UPS / FedEx)
Best for:
-
Small packages
-
Samples
-
Urgent shipments
-
Under 50kg
Pros:
-
Fast (3–7 days)
-
Door-to-door service
-
Easy tracking
Cons:
-
Highest cost per kg
-
Not suitable for large volume
Air Freight
Best for:
-
Medium shipments (100–500kg)
-
Amazon FBA replenishment
-
Time-sensitive goods
Typical transit time:
-
7–12 days door to door
Many experienced Amazon sellers use air freight when inventory is low and they need quick restocking.
Sea Freight
Best for:
-
Large shipments
-
Heavy cargo
-
Cost-sensitive shipments
-
Long-term inventory planning
Typical transit time:
-
25–40 days door to door
Sea freight offers the lowest cost per unit but requires good planning. If you wait until your stock is almost gone, sea freight will feel “too slow.”
Step 3: Understanding DDP Shipping (Door-to-Door)
Many beginners prefer DDP shipping because it is simple.
DDP means:
-
The forwarder handles export
-
The forwarder handles customs clearance
-
The forwarder pays duties (in their structure)
-
Goods are delivered directly to your door
You do not need to deal with customs or paperwork.
However, not all DDP services are equal. Extremely cheap DDP offers often mean:
-
Risky customs declarations
-
Unstable delivery times
-
Poor communication
A reliable DDP service is worth paying slightly more for.
Step 4: Documents Required for US Imports
Shipping is not just transportation — it is also paperwork.
Basic documents usually include:
-
Commercial Invoice
-
Packing List
-
Airway Bill or Bill of Lading
-
Shipper and consignee details
-
HS code
Some products require additional documents:
-
FDA for food, supplements, cosmetics
-
FCC for electronic devices
-
MSDS for batteries and chemicals
-
Certification reports for regulated items
A professional forwarder will check documents before shipment leaves China. This alone can prevent most customs delays.
Step 5: Customs Clearance – Where Many Beginners Fail
Customs is not complicated, but it is strict.
The most common problems we see:
-
Wrong product description
-
Incorrect HS code
-
Under-declared value
-
Missing documents
-
Shipping restricted items without knowing
Even small mistakes can cause:
-
Inspection delays
-
Extra storage fees
-
Seizure of goods
If you are unsure, always ask your forwarder to confirm compliance before shipping.
How Much Does It Cost to Ship from China to the USA?
There is no fixed price, but costs are mainly affected by:
-
Weight and volume
-
Shipping method
-
Destination city
-
Cargo type
-
Fuel surcharge
-
Season (peak season is more expensive)
As a general principle:
-
Express = most expensive, fastest
-
Air freight = balanced
-
Sea freight = cheapest per unit
Many businesses reduce their shipping costs by using package consolidation, combining goods from multiple suppliers into one shipment.
How Long Does Shipping Take?
Typical delivery times:
-
Express: 3–7 days
-
Air freight: 7–12 days
-
Sea freight: 25–40 days
Delays can be caused by:
-
Customs inspections
-
Incorrect documents
-
Port congestion
-
Holidays (Chinese New Year, Christmas peak season)
Smart importers always plan shipments at least 2–3 weeks ahead.
Best Shipping Strategy for Amazon Sellers
Amazon sellers usually use a mixed strategy:
-
Sea freight for main inventory restock
-
Air freight for urgent replenishment
-
DDP shipping to avoid dealing with customs
This combination balances cost and speed.
Many successful sellers do not chase the cheapest shipping. They prioritize:
-
Stability
-
Predictable delivery
-
Low risk
Because stockouts cost more than shipping.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
From real cases we see every month, beginners often:
-
Choose the cheapest quote without checking service quality
-
Provide unclear cargo information
-
Ship restricted products unknowingly
-
Wait until stock is almost zero before shipping
-
Trust agents who avoid explaining the process
A reliable partner will always explain clearly and answer questions patiently.
Final Advice from Real Operations Experience
Shipping from China to the USA is not risky if handled correctly. Problems usually come from lack of knowledge, not from the process itself.
If you are:
-
A small business owner
-
An Amazon seller
-
A first-time importer
Focus on:
-
Understanding the process
-
Choosing stable partners
-
Planning inventory early
-
Asking questions before shipping, not after
That alone puts you ahead of most beginners.
Need Help with Shipping from China?
If you are planning to ship goods from China to the USA and want a safer, clearer process, you can always start by asking the right questions and getting transparent guidance before booking any shipment.
A professional shipping plan can save you far more than it costs.