Over the recent years, the trade relationship between China and the US has grown massively. In just September 2024 alone, the US traded goods worth $54.33 billion with China.
With such high trade volumes, choosing a fast and dependable shipping method is the need of the hour. That’s where the air shipping from China to USA comes in—it’s super dependable and quicker than sea freight (which takes weeks).
Air freight is the big deal now if you’re in a hurry to get the hot-selling products to the customers across borders. Let’s learn everything about this time-sensitive shipment method.
What Types of Air Freight Serve Are There From China to USA?
The always-expanding global markets require modern and quick international freight services. Now, fast shipping from China to USA through air freight has become a possibility, with numerous companies and businesses offering a variety of options.
How long does air shipping take from China to USA? It depends on the type of air freight you choose.
Express Air Freight
Think FedEx, DHL, or UPS—these are your go-to if you need something small delivered right away. If the fastest shipping from China to USA is your concern, you can rely on Express air freight. Typically, it takes about 1-5 days. However, it is costly.
Standard Air Freight
Standard air freight from China to USA is also a relatively fast delivery method, although not as quick as express air freight. It is undeniably more economical than express. Also, this works well for larger shipments.
The standard time for China to USA shipping is usually 8-10 days, with a port-to-port taking about five days, while door-to-door takes anywhere between 8-10 days, which is still quicker than sea freight.
Consolidated Air Freight
If you’re okay with waiting a little longer and want to save some money, consolidated air freight is your best option. Think of it as carpooling, but for cargo, because your shipment gets combined with others, it comes down to cost sharing.
Air Freight Cost From China to USA
| 15KG+ | 21KG+ | 75KG+ | 100KG+ |
|---|---|---|---|
| $9.1/KG | $8.8/KG | $7.6/KG | $7.1/KG |
Now, let’s talk about money. How much does it cost to airship from China to USA? It isn’t absolutely free (we wish it were).
The weight of your shipment does play a role in shipping costs from China to the USA.
Let’s look into the pricing.
- 15 kg and above: The shipping cost China to USA is around $9.1 per kilogram.
- 21 kg and above: The price drops slightly to $8.8 per kilogram.
- 75 kg and above: You’ll pay about $7.6 per kilogram.
- 100 kg and above: The cost is reduced further to $7.1 per kilogram.
This shows that the cost of air freight from China to the USA can vary a lot depending on the weight of the shipment. It’s better to get quotes from a few different freight forwarders before you make a decision. This gives you an idea of competitive pricing, too.
Why Use Air Freight Services From China Freight Forwarders?
Why not just book directly with an airline? Well, here’s why working with a freight forwarder makes much more sense.
- Better Rates: Since freight services ship in bulk, Chinese freight forwarders often get lower rates from airlines. That means they can pass on some of those savings to you.
- They Know Their Stuff: Air freight companies are all about logistics. They are familiar with the air cargo rules and regulations. Besides, you can count on them to know the best possible routes to get your goods from point A to B.
- They Handle Everything: Reliable freight forwarders pick up your goods, handle customs clearance like pros, and make sure everything gets delivered right to your doorstep. All you need to do is sit back and relax.
Air Freight From China to USA Process
What is the air cargo China US transit process? Here’s what happens when you ship something from China to the USA.
- Pickup from the Supplier in China: Your freight forwarder arranges to pick up the goods from your supplier’s warehouse or factory.
- Export Customs Clearance: Before your goods can leave China, they need to clear customs. Don’t worry — your freight forwarder will handle all the paperwork.
- International Air Freight: Once customs clear the shipment, the goods are sent off and headed for the USA.
- Import Customs Clearance in the US: When your shipment lands, it has to clear US customs. Again, your freight forwarder takes care of this part.
- Final Delivery to the Destination: After being cleared by customs, your goods are delivered to your warehouse store or sent wherever you need them.
Your choice of air freight determines the transit time. For example, express air freight is much faster than consolidated air freight.
What Are the Factors That Affect Air Freight Costs?
Several factors can influence how much you end up paying for air freight. Here are some influencing factors.
Weight and Volume
Airlines charge based on either actual weight or dimensional weight (whichever is higher). Dimensional weight is calculated by multiplying the shipment’s length, width, and height and dividing by a set factor. So, don’t be surprised if something light but bulky costs more than you expected.
Distance and Route
Direct flights are faster but usually more expensive. If you’re okay with a layover or two, you might save some money.
Speed and Service Level
As we mentioned earlier, express services are pricier than standard or consolidated options.
Fuel Surcharges
Fuel prices can be unpredictable, and when they go up, so do shipping costs. Most freight quotes will include a fuel surcharge.
Customs Duties and Taxes
Don’t forget about import duties and taxes—these can drive up the shipping cost. Knowing how to calculate the customs duties and taxes lets you budget ahead.
The US government imposes tariffs on goods that people import from other countries, such as China. Different goods have different customs duties. Customs calculate them as a percentage of the declared value of the goods imported.
Wrapping Up
Air shipping from China to USA has improved modern trade methods. It certainly has given numerous businesses the ability to send and receive goods quite immediately.
Air freight is a fast and reliable delivery method. If it makes you question, what can I air ship from China to USA? The answer is pretty much anything the government doesn’t restrict. Common shipment items include electronics, clothing, machinery, and gadgets.
As long as you comply with the US import regulations, air shipping from China to the USA is doable. Get in touch with Gorto Freight, compare quotes, calculate custom duties and taxes, and ensure smooth transit of goods.
