Shipping from the
Philippines to the USA
How much does it cost to ship goods from the Philippines to the United States? What shipping routes are available? This guide will give you all the relevant information and help you understand how to import goods from the Philippines.
Freight from Philippines to USA
Your Trusted Freight Forwarding Partner in Philippines
For nearly two decades, GORTO Freight has been the premier logistics partner for businesses navigating the complexities of trans-Pacific trade. With 18 years of dedicated experience, we have built a reputation as a leading freight forwarding expert in China, committed to delivering your cargo to the USA with unmatched precision and care. We understand that your shipment is more than just cargo; it’s the foundation of your business.
At GORTO Freight, we don’t just move boxes; we build lasting partnerships. Let us be the reliable backbone of your supply chain.
Cost-effective solutions for large shipments. Whether FCL or LCL, we ensure smooth and reliable delivery of your goods across the oceans.
Swift and reliable delivery for your urgent shipments. We minimize transit times and maximize your supply chain speed with efficient handling.
Need it there yesterday? Our express services offer door-to-door delivery with expedited handling, perfect for small packages and time-sensitive documents.
Multimodal Shipping from the Philippines to the USA
Sea, air, rail, road – we offer it all! GORTO Freight provides flexible, multimodal transport solutions tailored to your cargo and budget. No matter how complex your shipping needs, we’ll find the optimal route.
Why Choose GORTO Freight?
Unmatched Expertise: Our deep-rooted experience in the Philippines-USA shipping lane means we anticipate challenges, streamline processes, and ensure seamless customs clearance on both sides of the Pacific.
Comprehensive, End-to-End Solutions: We offer a complete range of services to manage every aspect of your supply chain. We are your single point of contact for:
24/7 Support
Our sales team responds to your messages 24/7
On-Time Delivery
Our China to US Super Fast sea Channel guarantees "door-to-door" transit in 18-24 days.
Customs Clearance
We handle customs clearance for both export and import, including documentation checks and advice on HS codes.
Hassle-Free Shipping
We handle everything from factory to doorstep, including communication, freight forwarding, consolidation, and packing guidance.
Pick up
We can pick up goods from all cities in China and arrange shipment from the nearest port
Competitive Price
If you find a lower price than ours, let us know and we will beat it
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how much is shipping from philippines to usa
Calculating international shipping costs is rarely as simple as looking at a flat rate card. If you are importing goods from the Philippines to the United States, your final price tag is a moving target influenced by your cargo’s volume, the speed of delivery you require, and the shifting landscape of US customs regulations in 2026.
We know that unpredictable logistics costs can severely cut into your profit margins. To help you forecast your supply chain budget accurately, here is a breakdown of the current market rates.
2026 Estimated Shipping Costs
Please note: These are average market estimates. Actual freight rates fluctuate based on seasonal demand, port congestion, and global fuel prices.
| Shipping Mode | Typical Cargo Size | Estimated Cost (USD) | Average Transit Time |
| Sea Freight (LCL) | 1 to 15 CBM | $150 – $350 per CBM | 30 – 45 Days |
| Sea Freight (20ft FCL) | Full Container | $1,500 – $3,800 | 18 – 35 Days |
| Sea Freight (40ft FCL) | Full Container | $2,500 – $6,000 | 18 – 35 Days |
| Standard Air Freight | 100kg+ | $5.00 – $15.00 per kg | 5 – 9 Days |
| Express Courier | Under 50kg | $25.00 – $60.00+ per kg | 1 – 4 Days |
Ocean freight costs from the Philippines to the USA
Ocean freight is the backbone of Philippines-US trade and the most cost-effective method for large volumes. Pricing depends on whether you are shipping a Full Container Load (FCL) or sharing space via a Less than Container Load (LCL).
Rates below are general estimates for routes from major Philippine hubs (like the Port of Manila) to the US West Coast (e.g., Los Angeles/Long Beach). Shipping to the US East Coast (e.g., New York) will generally cost 20% to 30% more and take longer.
| Container / Service Type | Estimated Cost (USD) | Average Transit Time |
| 20-Foot Container (FCL) | $1,500 – $3,800 | 18 to 35 Days |
| 40-Foot Container (FCL) | $2,500 – $6,000 | 18 to 35 Days |
| LCL (Shared Space) | $150 – $300 per CBM | 30 to 45 Days |
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Air freight costs from the Philippines to the USA
When your supply chain requires maximum speed and tighter security, air freight is the most reliable bridge between the Philippines and the United States. While more expensive than sea freight, it drastically reduces lead times and minimizes the risk of damage or theft due to less frequent handling.
How to calculate air freight Chargeable Weight?
In air freight, you are billed based on Chargeable Weight. Airlines use a specific formula to ensure they are compensated for both heavy items and bulky, lightweight items that take up significant space. The chargeable weight is the higher of these two values:
Actual Gross Weight: The weight of the cargo on a scale.
Volumetric (Dimensional) Weight: Calculated using the industry-standard formula:
Service Levels: Standard vs. Expedited
Depending on your urgency and budget, you can choose between two primary service tiers:
Standard Air Freight (5–9 Days): Your cargo typically travels on commercial “belly cargo” flights or consolidated freighters. This is the most cost-effective air option for shipments over 100kg.
Expedited/Direct Air Freight (3–5 Days): Ideal for mission-critical shipments or high-value electronics. These routes prioritize direct flights from Ninoy Aquino International (MNL) or Mactan-Cebu (CEB) to major US hubs like LAX, ORD, or JFK.
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Cost Components to Expect
Base Freight Rate: The price per kilogram.
Fuel Surcharge (FSC): Fluctuates based on global oil prices.
Security Surcharge (SSC): Covers mandatory airport security screening.
US Customs Entry: Charges for processing the legal entry of goods into the United States.
Express delivery from the Philippines to the USA
When time is your absolute highest priority, international express courier services are the most frictionless way to move goods from the Philippines to the United States. Dominated by major global players like DHL, FedEx, and UPS, this tier of shipping provides a true, end-to-end logistics solution.
While it commands the highest price tag, express delivery eliminates the complex handoffs between local truckers, freight forwarders, and airlines.
What is the average shipping time for express delivery
Express delivery is unparalleled in speed. Your parcel is picked up directly from your supplier in Metro Manila, Cebu, or Clark, flown on the courier’s dedicated fleet of aircraft, and delivered straight to your US warehouse or customer’s doorstep.
Average Transit Time: 1 to 4 business days.
Visibility: You get real-time, milestone-by-milestone tracking under a single tracking number, offering complete peace of mind.
FAQ: Shipping from philippines to the USA
Transit times depend primarily on your chosen mode of transport and the final US destination:
Express Courier (DHL, FedEx, UPS): 1 to 4 days (door-to-door).
Standard Air Freight: 5 to 9 days (from airports like MNL or CEB to major US hubs).
Sea Freight (US West Coast): 18 to 26 days port-to-port (e.g., Manila to Los Angeles/Long Beach).
Sea Freight (US East Coast): 30 to 45 days port-to-port (e.g., Manila to New York or Savannah, via the Panama Canal). Note: For sea freight, you should always add an extra 3 to 7 days to your timeline to account for customs clearance and inland trucking.
To ensure a smooth customs clearance process and avoid delays, your supplier in the Philippines must provide accurate documentation. The mandatory documents include:
Commercial Invoice: Detailing the buyer, seller, exact product descriptions, and the value of the goods.
Packing List: Itemizing the weights, dimensions, and packaging details of the cargo.
Bill of Lading (B/L) or Air Waybill (AWB): The official contract with the carrier.
Certificate of Origin: Crucial for verifying that the goods were manufactured in the Philippines, which can impact duty assessments. (Depending on the product, you may also need specific permits, such as FDA prior notice for food items or agricultural clearances).
Shipping costs vary widely based on volume and speed:
LCL Sea Freight (Shared Space): Generally costs between $150 and $350 per cubic meter (CBM).
FCL Sea Freight (Full Container): A 20ft container to the US West Coast typically ranges from $1,500 to $3,800.
Air Freight: Costs range from $5.00 to $15.00 per kilogram based on "chargeable weight" (the greater of the actual or volumetric weight).
Express Delivery: The most expensive option, usually starting between $25.00 and $60.00+ per kilogram.
As of early 2026, the US tariff landscape has seen significant updates. Currently, most imports entering the US are subject to a temporary 10% global import surcharge enacted under Section 122 of the Trade Act. This 10% surcharge is applied in addition to your product's standard duty rate, which is determined by its 10-digit Harmonized System (HS) code. It is highly recommended to consult with a customs broker to calculate your exact landed costs before shipping.
Historically, the US allowed shipments valued under $800 to enter duty-free under the "de minimis" exemption. However, the US government has heavily restricted and suspended this exemption. In 2026, all express parcels and postal shipments—regardless of how small or low-value they are—are now subject to standard customs processing, duties, and the current 10% import surcharge.
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