Shipping from China to the US Cost: Sea, Air & Express Freight

Shipping from China to the US has remained a core cost concern for importers throughout 2025. As the year draws to a close, freight rates have stabilized compared with earlier seasonal spikes, but fluctuations driven by fuel adjustments, carrier surcharges, port congestion, and shifting demand still affect landed costs. Many buyers are now reviewing full-year averages to budget more confidently for 2026.

Whether you’re shipping full containers, small LCL volumes, urgent air cargo, or express parcels, having realistic end-of-2025 benchmarks helps protect margins and avoid surprises. This updated breakdown summarizes the latest Shipping from China to the US cost in late 2025—including sea, air, and express freight—so you can choose the most efficient option for your products and timeline.

Let’s begin with a quick TL;DR for fast comparison.

Shipping from China to the US (2025): Quick TL;DR

Sea Freight (FCL / 40ft) —

Most 2025 spot rates land around $2,500–$5,300 per 40ft container, depending on origin port, destination coast, fuel, and season. Budget extra for THC, ISF filing, port fees, and possible demurrage.

Sea Freight (LCL) —

Priced per cubic meter, typically $60–$150+ /cbm. Ideal for smaller loads, but higher per-unit cost and longer handling times compared to full containers.

Air Freight (Standard Cargo) —

Generally $5–$8/kg for palletized shipments to major US airports. Rates can spike above $8/kg during peak demand or capacity shortages.

Express Courier (DHL / UPS / FedEx) —

Small parcels usually cost $20–$60+ door-to-door. For heavier shipments, expect $8–$15+/kg, plus fuel and peak-season surcharges.

1. Sea Freight — Best for Bulk (Lowest Cost per Unit)

1.1 Typical Cost Ranges

• 40ft FCL — Shanghai/Yiwu → Los Angeles (West Coast): ~$2,500–$5,300 port-to-port, depending on season, fuel, capacity, and rate fluctuations. West Coast routes remain cheaper than East Coast.
• 20ft FCL: Typically 60–80% of a 40ft container rate, influenced by availability and destination.
• LCL: Usually $60–$150+ per cbm, varying by consolidation provider, destination, and peak-season demand.

What’s Included vs. Extra

• Usually included: Ocean linehaul (port-to-port), basic export handling.
• Common additional charges: Terminal Handling Charges (THC), fuel/bunker adjustments, Peak Season/GRI surcharges, U.S. customs broker fees, ISF filing, documentation, port fees, domestic trucking, unloading, and possible demurrage or detention. These add-ons can total $200–$1,000+ per container, depending on timeline and congestion.

1.2 Transit Time

Origin Port (China)	US West Coast (LA/LB)	US West Coast (Oakland)	US West Coast (Seattle/Tacoma)	US Gulf (Houston)	US East Coast (NY/NJ)	US East Coast (Savannah)
Shanghai	14–18 days	16–20 days	18–22 days	28–33 days	30–35 days	32–37 days
Ningbo	14–19 days	17–21 days	18–23 days	28–34 days	31–36 days	33–38 days
Shenzhen (Yantian)	15–20 days	17–22 days	16–21 days	27–32 days	29–34 days	30–36 days
Guangzhou (Nansha)	16–21 days	18–23 days	17–22 days	28–33 days	30–35 days	31–37 days
Qingdao	16–22 days	18–24 days	17–22 days	29–34 days	32–37 days	33–39 days
Tianjin/Xingang	18–24 days	20–26 days	19–25 days	30–36 days	33–39 days	34–40 days

When to Choose Sea Freight

Best for large volumes, heavy goods, or flexible timelines. It offers the lowest cost per unit, but requires longer lead time and more logistics coordination compared to air or express freight.

2. Air Freight (air cargo) — speed at a premium

Transit time varies depending on distance, route, carrier capacity, customs processing, and the final delivery destination. Coastal US states usually receive shipments faster, while inland states require additional trucking time after port arrival. Shipping also becomes slower during peak seasons such as Q4 and Chinese New Year.

To help you compare, here’s a practical breakdown of average transit times, distances, and estimated freight costs from major Chinese export hubs to key US destinations:

Route	Approx. Distance	Sea Freight Transit Time	Air Freight Transit Time	Express Courier Time	Estimated Cost Range*
Shanghai → Los Angeles	10,600 km	14–18 days	2–4 days	3–5 days	Sea: $1,200–$2,000/40HQAir: $4–$7/kgExpress: $6–$10/kg
Shenzhen → New York	13,000 km	28–35 days	4–7 days	4–6 days	Sea: $1,500–$2,500/40HQAir: $5–$8/kgExpress: $7–$12/kg
Ningbo → Houston	12,300 km	25–30 days	3–6 days	4–6 days	Sea: $1,400–$2,300/40HQAir: $4.5–$7.5/kgExpress: $6–$11/kg
Qingdao → Seattle	9,200 km	13–16 days	2–3 days	3–5 days	Sea: $1,100–$1,900/40HQAir: $4–$6.5/kgExpress: $6–$9/kg
Xiamen → Miami	14,600 km	32–40 days	5–8 days	4–7 days	Sea: $1,800–$2,800/40HQAir: $5.5–$9/kgExpress: $7–$12/kg

*Approximate market rates based on 2025 averages — real prices change with fuel costs, seasonality, carrier capacity, and cargo type.

3. Express Courier (DHL, FedEx, UPS) — Fastest, Fully Door-to-Door

Express courier is the simplest import method because the carrier handles pickup, export paperwork, international transport, customs clearance, and final delivery. It’s widely used for samples, small e-commerce parcels, urgent restocking shipments, and goods under 200 kg.

3.1 What’s Included in Express Courier Pricing

Most express courier quotes already include the core logistics steps, so the per-kg rate typically covers pickup from the shipper (within major Chinese cities), export customs declaration, international air transport, U.S. customs clearance handled directly by the carrier, and final delivery to the recipient’s business or residential address. However, this assumes a simple shipment — usually one commercial invoice and one type of product. If the shipment contains multiple SKUs or requires more complex declarations, additional documentation fees may apply.

Typical Cost Range (China → US)

• $6–$12/kg for most commercial accounts or freight forwarder reseller rates
• $12–$20/kg if booked directly without negotiated discounts
• Minimum charge usually applies — commonly 0.5–1 kg billing minimum

Rates change based on fuel prices, demand, account tier, shipment frequency, and lane congestion.

How Couriers Calculate Charges：

Express is typically billed on the greater of actual weight vs dimensional (volumetric) weight.

DIM weight formula (DHL, FedEx, UPS in 2025):

Length (cm) × Width (cm) × Height (cm) / 5000

Example: 60 × 40 × 40 cm box = 38.4 kg chargeable weight

(Even if real weight is 20 kg)Bulky, lightweight goods — pillows, toys, packaging — cost more because DIM weight applies.

Size & Weight Rules

• Max weight per package: ~68–70 kg depending on carrier
• Max girth (UPS/FedEx): 165 in / 419 cm (L + 2W + 2H)
• Max length: typically 120–140 cm

Breaking limits triggers oversized or freight-type pricing.

Transit Time (China → US, 2025)

• Major U.S. cities: 3–5 days door-to-door
• Remote destinations: 5–7 days
• During peak/Q4: 5–10 days possible

Express shipments clear U.S. customs faster because couriers are licensed brokers.

3.2 Common Extra Fees & How They’re Charged (2025)

Fee Type	Typical Range	When Applied
Fuel surcharge	15%–28% of base freight	Adjusted monthly, tied to aviation fuel index
Remote area surcharge (RAS)	$20–$40 per shipment or ~$0.50/kg	Rural US ZIP codes
Peak season surcharge	$0.50–$2.50/kg	Q4 holiday demand, pre-CNY
Disbursement/brokerage fee	$10–$25	Courier pays duties first, invoices later
Duty & import tax	Varies by HS code/value	Always separate from freight
Additional handling	$12–$30	Non-stackable, irregular shapes
Oversize package fee	$80–$200	Exceeds courier size limits
Lithium battery surcharge	$0.40–$1/kg	Electronics, power banks
Re-delivery / address correction	$15–$25	Incorrect U.S. address
Insurance	0.5%–1% of declared value	Optional but recommended

Not all forwarders include fuel — always verify what “all-in” means.

3.3 When to Use Express Courier

Express courier is the best choice for small, time-sensitive shipments, particularly samples, prototypes, marketing materials, and urgent inventory replenishment. It also works well for lightweight e-commerce orders under 20–30 kg and high-value products where reliability and predictable delivery dates matter more than freight savings. However, once a shipment grows beyond roughly 100–200 kg, the cost per kilogram rises quickly, and standard air freight usually becomes the more economical option.

4. Surcharges & Fees to Watch

A competitive per-kg express quote doesn’t guarantee a low final landed cost, because most carriers apply a long list of variable surcharges. The biggest and most volatile is the fuel surcharge, which DHL, FedEx, and UPS adjust weekly or monthly based on global aviation fuel indexes. In 2025, fuel surcharges frequently ranged 18%–28% of the base rate, and forwarders expect similar or slightly higher volatility in early 2026 due to tightening fuel supply and jet fuel price projections. Importers should also expect recurring peak season surcharges, especially in the six weeks before Chinese New Year and during the U.S. Q4 holiday retail spike. These can add $0.50–$2.50/kg, and carriers have already signaled stricter peak pricing structures for 2026 to manage network congestion.

Remote Area Surcharges (RAS) are another increasing cost factor. Carriers maintain U.S. ZIP-code databases for delivery zones, and shipments going to low-density or rural regions often trigger **$20–$40 per shipment**, or in some cases, an additional per-kg fee. DHL and UPS updated their RAS lists twice in 2025, expanding coverage—so importers should verify ZIP codes before quoting customers.

One of the most misunderstood—and financially painful—fees is dimensional weight billing. Express carriers charge based on whichever is higher: actual weight or volume weight using the 5000 divisor formula. This means lightweight but bulky products—yoga mats, plush toys, packaging inserts, pet beds—may cost more than expected. Many importers assume the weight on the scale determines price, only to discover they’re charged for “volumetric weight” after delivery.

Couriers may also apply administrative and compliance fees, including:

• Address correction fees if the ZIP code, suite number, or business name is wrong
• Disbursement/brokerage fees when the carrier pays duties upfront
• Lithium battery and dangerous goods surcharges due to tightened IATA safety rules
• Oversize package penalties for long or non-stackable cartons
• Insurance premiums, usually 0.5%–1% of the declared value

With U.S. customs enforcement increasing, 2026 may bring stricter screening on small parcels entering under the Section 321 de minimis rule ($800 duty-free limit). Some policymakers are pushing for revisions, especially for e-commerce shipments, meaning importers relying heavily on low-value express parcels should watch for potential regulatory changes. If de minimis thresholds tighten or require more documentation, additional clearance, data filing, or duty-collection fees may appear.

Finally, duties and taxes are not included in express freight quotes—even when INCOTERMS are not discussed—so importers must add HS-code-based tariffs, state taxes, and potential Section 301 duties for China-origin goods. These charges often exceed the freight cost itself, especially for consumer electronics, tools, apparel, and furniture.

In short, express shipping remains fast and convenient, but 2025–2026 importers should treat surcharges as part of the core rate—not an afterthought—and request an all-in, itemized quote before shipping.

5. Practical Tips to Reduce Landed Shipping Cost

6. How to Get Accurate Quotes (Checklist for Your Forwarder)

1. Shipment Details

• Product name, HS code, and material composition
• Number of cartons, each carton’s length/width/height (cm)
• Actual and dimensional weight per carton
• Total weight and volume after consolidation
• Whether lithium batteries, liquids, powders, magnets, or DG are included

2. Pickup Information

• Supplier’s full address, contact person, and pickup date
• Whether pickup is included or self-delivered to the carrier warehouse
• Any factory handling or loading fees

3. Delivery Requirements

• Full U.S. delivery address and ZIP code
• Residential or commercial delivery?
• Liftgate service needed?
• Business hours, delivery appointment, inside delivery, or signature required

4. Service Level & Transit Time

• Priority vs. economy express
• Estimated transit time door-to-door
• Guaranteed delivery or best-effort?
• Peak season expectations or possible delays

5. Price Structure & Surcharges

• Ask for an itemized quote showing:Base freight rate ($/kg)
• Fuel surcharge percentage
• Peak season, remote area, oversize, or address correction fees
• DIM weight calculation method (divisor used—5000 or 6000)
• Minimum billing weight or minimum charge per shipment

6. Customs & Compliance

• Who handles U.S. customs clearance—the courier or forwarder?
• Section 321 eligibility, if applicable
• Expected duties, taxes, Section 301 tariffs
• Documents required (invoice, packing list, COO, product certificates)

7. Billing & Liability

• Whether duties and taxes are prepaid or billed after delivery
• Insurance cost and coverage limits
• Claimed value restrictions for express couriers
• Refund policy for lost or delayed shipments

8. Quote Validity

• How long the rate is valid (often 7–14 days)
• Whether fuel or peak surcharges may increase before shipping

Final Tip

Before approving shipment, ask for the chargeable weight confirmation based on final carton dimensions—not estimates—so there are no surprises after delivery.

7. Recommended Sources & Indices to Watch (Live)

Because freight markets shift weekly—and sometimes daily—importers should monitor a few reliable benchmark sources. The Shanghai Shipping Exchange’s CCFI (China Containerized Freight Index) remains the most authoritative indicator for China-origin sea freight trends and publishes weekly rate movements across major global routes (en.sse.net.cn). For a broader global picture, the World Container Index and platforms like Trading Economics track spot container pricing and historical volatility, helping buyers decide whether to lock or wait on rates.

For express and air freight, the most up-to-date surcharge and pricing information comes directly from FedEx, UPS, and DHL carrier notices, which publish fuel, remote area, peak season, and handling charges—often updated monthly and ahead of peak seasons. Real-time spot quotes can also be tracked through freight marketplaces such as Freightos, forwarder newsletters, and weekly market reports from companies like Gorto and other China-based freight agencies.

Monitoring these sources regularly—especially before booking—helps importers avoid surprises, negotiate confidently, and time shipments strategically.

8. Short Conclusion — What Buyers Should Do Now

For bulky, non-urgent cargo, sea FCL remains the most cost-efficient choice. Importers shipping full containers should request itemized quotes early and consider locking rates with a reliable forwarder, as most 2026 forecasts suggest a $3,000–$6,000 all-in landed range per 40ft container, depending on route, season, and inland delivery.

For urgent replenishment or high-value inventory, air freight offers the fastest reliability, but buyers should budget roughly $5–$8/kg—and more during peak seasons or capacity shortages. Reserve this method for products where delivery speed clearly protects sales or prevents stockouts.

For samples, prototypes, and lightweight e-commerce parcels, express courier remains the simplest solution, but importers should closely review fuel, dimensional weight, remote-area, and peak surcharges before booking. Express saves time, but hidden fees can quickly inflate landed cost.

Ultimately, the smartest import strategy in 2025–2026 is not choosing one shipping method, but matching each shipment to its purpose—balancing cost, urgency, margins, and inventory planning.

If you need freight guidance, rate comparisons, or sourcing support from China, TopTrade can help—contact us anytime for a transparent, itemized quote tailored to your shipment.