Shipping from the USA to China involves a variety of methods depending on the size, weight, urgency, and type of goods being shipped. Below are the most common options for shipping from the USA to China, as well as some of the top freight forwarders and shipping companies that specialize in this route.
Shipping Methods from USA to China
1. Air Freight
- Best for: High-value, time-sensitive, or small shipments.
- Delivery Time: Typically 3-7 days.
- Cost: Higher than sea freight, but more efficient for smaller or urgent shipments.
- Shipping Companies: FedEx, UPS, DHL, China Airlines Cargo.
2. Sea Freight
- Best for: Large, bulky, or non-urgent shipments.
- Delivery Time: 20-30 days depending on the port of departure and destination.
- Cost: More affordable for large and heavy shipments compared to air freight.
- Shipping Companies: Maersk, COSCO, Evergreen, CMA CGM.
3. Rail Freight
- Best for: Medium-sized shipments that need to be delivered quickly but are not urgent enough for air freight.
- Delivery Time: Typically 15-25 days.
- Cost: More economical than air freight but faster than sea freight.
- Shipping Companies: China Railway Express, DB Schenker, and Kuehne + Nagel.
4. Express Shipping
- Best for: Small packages and urgent deliveries.
- Delivery Time: 2-5 days.
- Cost: More expensive than regular air freight.
- Shipping Companies: FedEx, UPS, DHL.
Top Freight Forwarders and Shipping Companies for USA to China Shipments
1. FedEx
- Services: Air freight, express shipping, customs clearance.
- Specialty: Fast and reliable express shipping for smaller packages or urgent shipments.
- Why Choose: Known for fast delivery and excellent tracking services.
- Website: FedEx USA to China
2. DHL
- Services: Express delivery, air freight, customs clearance, international logistics.
- Specialty: Global express services with fast delivery and comprehensive customs handling.
- Why Choose: Ideal for urgent and high-priority shipments.
- Website: DHL USA to China
3. UPS
- Services: Air freight, express shipping, ocean freight, customs clearance.
- Specialty: Reliable service with a variety of delivery options.
- Why Choose: Great for both small packages and larger freight shipments.
- Website: UPS USA to China
4. Maersk Line
- Services: Ocean freight, container shipping, LCL/FCL, customs clearance.
- Specialty: Large-scale, cost-effective sea freight for bulk shipments.
- Why Choose: A trusted global leader in container shipping, offering competitive rates for large cargo.
- Website: Maersk
5. C.H. Robinson
- Services: Air and ocean freight, warehousing, customs brokerage, and full-service logistics.
- Specialty: Provides end-to-end logistics solutions and excellent customer service.
- Why Choose: Offers flexibility and a global network for both large and small shipments.
- Website: C.H. Robinson
6. China Freight
- Services: Air, sea, and rail freight, LCL/FCL, customs clearance, warehousing, and door-to-door services.
- Specialty: Great for small to medium-sized shipments with competitive rates.
- Why Choose: Provides personalized service and good customer support for US-to-China shipping.
- Website: China Freight
7. Sino Shipping
- Services: Ocean freight, air freight, express shipping, customs clearance, warehousing.
- Specialty: Competitive pricing for smaller businesses and individual shippers.
- Why Choose: Known for cost-effective solutions, especially for small and medium-sized shipments.
- Website: Sino Shipping
8. DB Schenker
- Services: Air, sea, and rail freight, logistics solutions, warehousing, and supply chain management.
- Specialty: Offers a mix of shipping methods with comprehensive logistics support.
- Why Choose: Provides integrated solutions for larger businesses with complex shipping needs.
- Website: DB Schenker
How to Choose the Right Shipping Method
- Package Size and Weight: Small packages are best suited for air or express shipping, while larger shipments are more economical with sea or rail freight.
- Urgency: If you need to ship quickly, air or express shipping is ideal, while sea freight takes longer but is more cost-effective for larger shipments.
- Budget: Sea freight is the most affordable for large shipments, but air freight or express shipping will be more expensive.
- Destination Port: Make sure the shipping company serves the specific port in China that you need.
- Tracking: Choose a carrier with good tracking and customer service to ensure smooth logistics.
Would you like more information on quotes or specific services from these companies?