shipping from china to the us
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.
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.
What’s Included vs. Extra
| 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.
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.
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.
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)
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
Breaking limits triggers oversized or freight-type pricing.
Transit Time (China → US, 2025)
Express shipments clear U.S. customs faster because couriers are licensed brokers.
| 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.
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.
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:
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.
Work with your supplier to shrink carton dimensions and remove unnecessary fillers. Because express couriers charge based on dimensional weight, even a 2–3 cm reduction per side can meaningfully lower cost per shipment.
Instead of shipping multiple small parcels, ask the supplier or forwarder to combine them into one well-packed box. This reduces minimum charges, customs entry fees, and handling surcharges.
Rates typically rise before Chinese New Year, back-to-school season, and Q4 holidays. If timing is flexible, ship 2–4 weeks earlier to avoid peak and emergency surcharges.
Express carriers offer different service tiers. Economy express may take one extra day but often saves $1–$3/kg, especially on heavier commercial shipments.
Instead of booking directly with DHL, UPS, or FedEx, use a freight forwarder with discounted volume pricing. Importers shipping 50–100+ kg per month can request contract-rate reductions.
Correct delivery information and accurate product classification help avoid address correction fees, customs delays, and unexpected duties—reducing both cost and transit time.
1. Shipment Details
2. Pickup Information
3. Delivery Requirements
4. Service Level & Transit Time
5. Price Structure & Surcharges
6. Customs & Compliance
7. Billing & Liability
8. Quote Validity
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.
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.
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.
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