Amazon Shipping from China to the US: A Complete Guide
If you are an Amazon seller sourcing products from China and shipping them to Amazon FBA warehouses in the US, there are several shipping methods, costs, and processes to consider.
1. Shipping Methods from China to the US for Amazon FBA
A. Express Shipping (Fastest: 3-7 Days)
- Carriers: DHL, UPS, FedEx, EMS
- Best for: Small shipments (< 100kg) & urgent orders
- Cost: $5 – $12 per kg
- Delivery Time: 3-7 days
- Pros: Fastest option, reliable tracking, minimal customs issues.
- Cons: High cost, not suitable for large shipments.
B. Air Freight (Faster: 7-15 Days)
- Best for: Medium-sized shipments (100-500kg)
- Cost: $3 – $7 per kg
- Delivery Time: 7-15 days
- Process: Cargo is flown to the US, then delivered to Amazon FBA warehouses via UPS/FedEx.
- Pros: Faster than sea freight, lower cost than express shipping.
- Cons: Higher cost than sea freight, customs clearance needed.
C. Sea Freight (Cheapest: 25-40 Days)
- Best for: Large shipments (500kg+)
- Cost: $1 – $3 per kg (LCL/FCL)
- Delivery Time: 25-40 days
- Process: Goods are shipped via ocean freight to US ports (Los Angeles, Long Beach, New York, etc.), then transported by truck/rail to Amazon warehouses.
- Pros: Cheapest option for large shipments.
- Cons: Longest transit time, customs clearance required.
D. DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) Shipping
- Many freight forwarders offer DDP shipping, where they handle customs clearance and duties.
- Best for: Amazon FBA sellers who want hassle-free shipping.
- Cost: Competitive, varies by forwarder.
- Time: 15-35 days (Air or Sea).
2. Key Amazon FBA Shipping Requirements
- Labeling – Follow Amazon’s FBA label guidelines.
- Packaging – Meet Amazon’s packaging standards.
- Carton & Pallet Requirements – Ensure proper dimensions and weight limits.
- Customs & Duties – Declare the correct HS code and pay import taxes.
3. Amazon FBA US Warehouse Address Selection
- Use Amazon Seller Central to generate your FBA warehouse address.
- Amazon assigns warehouses based on your product category and shipping method.
- Major Amazon FBA warehouses in the US include:
- ONT8 (California)
- LGB8 (California)
- MDW2 (Illinois)
- JFK8 (New York)
- FTW1 (Texas)
4. Estimated Shipping Costs from China to Amazon FBA (2024)
| Shipping Method | Cost per kg | Delivery Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Express (DHL, FedEx) | $5 – $12 | 3-7 days | Small & urgent shipments |
| Air Freight | $3 – $7 | 7-15 days | Medium shipments |
| Sea Freight (LCL) | $1 – $3 | 25-40 days | Large shipments |
| DDP Shipping | Varies | 15-35 days | Hassle-free Amazon FBA shipments |
5. Best Freight Forwarders for Amazon FBA Shipping
- Flexport (Tech-driven Amazon FBA freight solutions)
- Freightos (Online marketplace for freight quotes)
- Sino Shipping (China-based Amazon FBA expert)
- Zencargo (Specialized in Amazon logistics)
- EcommOps (DDP solutions for Amazon sellers)
6. Customs Duties & Taxes for Amazon Shipping
- US Import Duty: Varies based on product HS Code (Check at USITC.gov).
- Tariffs: Some products from China may face extra Section 301 tariffs (e.g., 25% on certain goods).
- IOSS/EORI (if shipping to Europe).
7. How to Save Money on Amazon FBA Shipping
- Consolidate Shipments: Reduce cost per unit.
- Use FCL Instead of LCL: Full containers are cheaper.
- Negotiate Freight Rates: Work with multiple freight forwarders.
- Choose DDP for Simplicity: Less risk of customs delays.
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