Shipping from China to USA: Complete Guide 2026

Top US Ports for Imports from China

The United States has several major ports receiving cargo from China. Knowing which port to use can save you time and money.

West Coast ports are closer to Asia, meaning shorter transit times. Los Angeles and Long Beach are the busiest. They handle over 60% of China-US ocean freight. Oakland serves Northern California. Seattle and Tacoma serve the Pacific Northwest.

East Coast ports take longer to reach but avoid West Coast congestion. New York and Newark are the largest. Savannah is growing fast. Houston is ideal for Gulf Coast deliveries.

Choosing the right port depends on your final destination. If your warehouse is in California, use Los Angeles. If your customers are in New York, ship to the East Coast directly.

Ocean Freight vs Air Freight: Which to Choose?

Ocean freight is the most popular choice for China to USA shipping. It is cost-effective and handles large volumes well.

FCL (Full Container Load)

FCL means you rent an entire container. A 40HQ container fits about 68 CBM of cargo. Transit time from Shenzhen to Los Angeles is 18-25 days. FCL is best for shipments over 15 CBM. Your cargo is sealed at the factory and not opened until arrival. This reduces damage risk.

LCL (Less than Container Load)

LCL means you share a container with other shippers. You pay only for the space you use. LCL is ideal for small shipments under 15 CBM. Transit takes 18-25 days, slightly longer than FCL due to consolidation. LCL costs more per CBM but less total for small cargo.

Air Freight

Air freight is the fastest option. Delivery takes 2-7 days from China to USA. It is ideal for urgent, high-value, or lightweight cargo. Express service via FedEx, UPS, or DHL takes 2-3 days. Economy air freight takes 5-7 days. Air freight costs 5-10x more than ocean freight per kg.

US Customs Clearance Requirements

Every shipment from China to the USA must clear US Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Here is what you need to know.

ISF-10 Filing

ISF-10 (Importer Security Filing) is mandatory for all ocean freight. You must file it at least 24 hours before the vessel sails from China. The filing includes 10 data elements such as seller, buyer, origin, and HS code. Late or incorrect filing can result in CBP penalties up to $5,000. Our licensed US customs brokerage team handles the entire ISF process for you.

Section 301 Tariffs

Section 301 tariffs apply to many Chinese goods. Rates range from 7.5% to 25% depending on the product. You must check if your HS code is on the tariff list. These tariffs are paid in addition to normal customs duties. DDP shipping includes all tariffs in one upfront price, so you have no surprises.

Customs Bond

A customs bond is required for all commercial imports. It guarantees payment of duties and compliance with CBP regulations. Single-entry bonds cover one shipment. Continuous bonds cover all shipments for one year. We can arrange the right bond for your import volume.

DDP Door-to-Door Shipping from China to USA

DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) is the easiest shipping method for importers. You pay one all-in price. We handle everything else.

Our DDP service includes: factory pickup in China, export customs clearance, ocean or air freight, import customs clearance, duty and tax payment, and last-mile delivery to your US address. No hidden charges. No surprise fees. You just wait for your cargo to arrive.

DDP is perfect for Amazon FBA sellers, first-time importers, and businesses that want a hassle-free experience. Learn more about our DDP door-to-door service.

Amazon FBA Shipping from China to USA

Amazon FBA sellers need to ship inventory directly to Amazon fulfillment centers. We handle the entire process.

Our FBA prep services include: FNSKU labeling, polybagging, suffocation warning labels, bubble wrapping, and palletization. We ensure 100% compliance with Amazon FBA requirements. We ship to all major US FCs including ONT8 (California), LGB8 (California), LAX9 (California), DFW6 (Texas), and MEM1 (Tennessee).

Sea-express is the most popular FBA route. Ocean freight from Shenzhen to Los Angeles takes 18-18-25 days. Then trucking to the Amazon FC takes 1-3 days. Total door-to-Amazon time is about 25-35 days. Learn more about our Amazon FBA prep service.

Get a Quote in 2 Hours

Ready to ship from China to the USA? We provide quotes within 2 hours. No obligations. Just tell us your cargo details and destination. We will recommend the best shipping method for your needs and budget.