freight usa to china insights for smooth shipping

Route choices and timing

Moving goods from the U.S. to China hinges on mode, lane, and season. Ocean FCL/LCL offers the best cost per unit, with transit typically 16–35 days to major ports like Shanghai and Shenzhen. Air cargo, whether deferred or express, cuts that to 3–7 days but raises spend.

Documents and compliance

Shippers should align Incoterms (FOB, EXW, DDP), list accurate HS codes, and prepare commercial invoice, packing list, and US export filings (including EEI when required). Chinese customs favors clear descriptions and sturdy, scannable labels.

Factor peak-season surcharges, capacity swings around Golden Week and Lunar New Year, and drayage at origin. Reliable transit starts with cartonized, pallet-ready freight and forecasted volumes.

• Book early and compare carrier alliances and routings.
• Confirm duties/VAT and any PRC permits for controlled goods.
• Choose insurance; general average is rare but consequential.
• Match packaging to humidity and long haul handling.
• Track milestones: pickup, port cutoff, departure, arrival, clearance, delivery.

Partnering with a forwarder who can bundle door-to-door, customs brokerage, and visibility tools often yields the best balance of speed, cost, and certainty.