How much does air freight from China to the USA cost and how long does it take and what is the air freight shipping process? Let’s break down everything you need to know—from rates to delivery time and the full shipping process.
Air freight from China to the USA typically takes 3–10 days and averages USD 5–10 per kilogram depending on route, season, and chargeable weight. The process covers pickup, export customs, flight handling, U.S. import clearance, and final delivery. It’s ideal for urgent or high-value shipments requiring predictable door-to-door timelines.
Many importers struggle with long ocean transit times, unpredictable customs delays, and cash flow pressure caused by slow inventory turnover. I’ve seen countless businesses miss key sales windows simply because their goods were stuck at sea or held up at the port.
That’s why importers turn to air freight from China to the USA—a faster, more reliable option that helps you meet deadlines and keep your business running smoothly. In this guide, I’ll show you exactly how to calculate air freight cost, estimate transit time, and manage the end-to-end shipping process efficiently so you can avoid delays, hidden fees, and unnecessary stress.
What is air freight from China to the USA?
Air freight is the movement of cargo by aircraft between airports, with optional door-to-door arrangements. It’s best for time-sensitive, high-value, or forecast-critical goods. Compared to ocean freight, air freight compresses lead time from weeks to days—perfect for keeping bestsellers in stock. For Air freight provides from China to USA,you can get all the details here: Top China Logistics Providers for US Importers.
Key differences vs. other modes:
- Express courier: Faster for small parcels but costlier per kg; limited flexibility for bulky cartons.
- Ocean freight: Cheapest per CBM for volume cargos, but 25–40 days door-to-door.
- Air freight: A middle path—much faster than sea, more scalable than express.
How much does air freight from China to the USA cost?
Air rates fluctuate weekly with airline capacity and seasonality. Typical reference range: USD 5–10 per kg for general cargo (non-dangerous, non-temperature-controlled).
What components for air freight Cost you should plan for
- Air freight rate (per kg): Based on chargeable weight (higher of actual vs. volumetric).
- Origin fees: Pickup, consolidation, export documents, terminal handling.
- Fuel & security surcharges: Airline-set and subject to change.
- Destination fees: Import handling, brokerage, delivery to final address.
- Duties & taxes: If you choose DDP air with DFH, these can be included in one all-in quote.
how to Calculate your chargeable weight correctly in air freight
- Volumetric weight (kg) = (L × W × H in cm) ÷ 6000
- Chargeable weight = max(actual kg, volumetric kg)
Example: 4 cartons, each 60×40×40 cm, actual 18 kg per carton
- Volumetric per carton: (60×40×40) ÷ 6000 = 16.0 kg
- Chargeable per carton = max(18, 16) = 18 kg
- Total chargeable = 18 × 4 = 72 kg
- If rate = USD 6.50/kg, line-haul ≈ 72 × 6.50 = USD 468
Reference rates and times (indicative, 2025)
| Route | Estimated Cost (USD/kg) | Transit Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shenzhen → Los Angeles | 5.0 – 9.0 | 3–5 days | Strong capacity, quick turn |
| Shanghai → Chicago | 6.0 – 10.0 | 5–7 days | Reliable schedules |
| Guangzhou → New York | 6.5 – 11.0 | 6–8 days | Longer haul, higher DLV fees |
Tip: Lock space 7–10 days ahead of peak weeks (e.g., pre-Black Friday, Christmas, Chinese New Year holidays) to avoid rate spikes.
The Above is just a reference price, for the exactly price you can talk with your China Freight Forwarder .
How long does air freight take from China to the USA?
Transit time is one of the most important factors importers consider when choosing air freight. On average, door-to-door delivery from China to the USA takes 3–10 days, depending on the route, customs efficiency, and the final delivery location.
Below is a detailed air freight transit time matrix showing the average delivery time between major Chinese export airports and common U.S. destinations.
Detailed Air Freight Transit Time Matrix (Door-to-Door)
| China Origin / USA Destination | Los Angeles (LAX) | Chicago (ORD) | New York (JFK) | Miami (MIA) | Dallas (DFW) | San Francisco (SFO) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shenzhen (SZX) | 3–5 days | 5–7 days | 6–8 days | 6–9 days | 5–7 days | 4–6 days |
| Guangzhou (CAN) | 3–5 days | 5–7 days | 6–8 days | 6–9 days | 5–7 days | 4–6 days |
| Shanghai (PVG) | 4–6 days | 5–7 days | 6–8 days | 6–9 days | 5–7 days | 4–6 days |
| Hong Kong (HKG) | 3–5 days | 5–7 days | 6–8 days | 5–9 days | 5–7 days | 4–6 days |
| Beijing (PEK) | 4–6 days | 5–7 days | 6–8 days | 6–9 days | 5–7 days | 5–7 days |
| Xiamen (XMN) | 4–6 days | 6–8 days | 7–9 days | 7–10 days | 6–8 days | 4–6 days |
| Ningbo (NGB) | 5–7 days | 6–8 days | 7–9 days | 7–10 days | 6–8 days | 5–7 days |
Note: Times above represent average door-to-door delivery, including factory pickup, export customs clearance, flight transport, U.S. import customs clearance, and last-mile delivery.
During peak seasons (October–January or Chinese New Year), expect 1–3 additional days due to limited flight capacity and customs congestion.
Factors That Influence Transit Time
- Flight Frequency: Major hubs like Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Shanghai, and Hong Kong operate daily U.S. flights; smaller airports may only have several per week.
- Customs Clearance: Proper documents can save 1–3 days on both export and import sides.
- Cargo Category: Batteries, liquids, or magnetic goods require extra security screening.
- Delivery Distance: Inland U.S. locations require additional domestic trucking after airport release.
- Seasonal Demand: Q4 and promotional periods often cause air cargo congestion.
For importers shipping urgent goods or Amazon FBA inventory, I recommend booking flights at least 7 days in advance and preparing documents early.
You can also refer to How to Choose the Right Freight Forwarder in China to ensure you work with an experienced forwarder who can secure space and deliver on time.
What is the air freight shipping process?
Below is the exact flow my team runs so your shipment moves smoothly:
Supplier pickup & consolidation (Shenzhen warehouse)
- We coordinate pickups from one or multiple suppliers.
- We verify quantities, condition, and labels; re-pack if needed to reduce volumetric weight.
Export customs declaration in China
- We prepare the commercial invoice/packing list and lodge export entries.
- If a supplier lacks export rights, we can file under our export entity.
Airline booking & flight handling
- We match your priority with the right carrier/service (general vs. priority).
- We oversee cargo acceptance, screening, and build-up before loading.
Import customs clearance in the USA
- We file entry documents, confirm HS codes, manage duty/tax, and resolve queries.
- With DDP air, we pre-arrange duties/taxes and speed up release.
Last-mile delivery
- We arrange direct truck delivery to your address or Amazon FBA (with appointment/labels as needed).
If you’re comparing DDP vs. standard terms or need multi-address distribution, message me—this is where door-to-door planning saves days.
Which documents are required for air freight from China to the USA?
Documentation plays a crucial role in ensuring that your shipment clears customs smoothly on both sides. Missing or inaccurate paperwork is one of the most common causes of air freight delays and unexpected costs.
Based on my 12+ years of experience at DFH Logistics, I always advise clients to prepare the following documents before booking flights with their China shipping agent.
Essential Documents Checklist
| Document | Purpose | Key Information Required | Who Prepares It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial Invoice (CI) | Declares the product details and value for customs | Seller & buyer info, HS code, item description, quantity, unit price, currency, total value, and Incoterms (e.g., DDP, FOB, EXW) | Supplier / Exporter |
| Packing List (PL) | Lists all package details for inspection and customs declaration | Number of cartons, dimensions, gross & net weight, product type | Supplier / Exporter |
| Air Waybill (AWB) | Official document issued by the airline or forwarder confirming cargo acceptance | Shipper & consignee info, AWB number, flight details, cargo weight & pieces | Freight Forwarder / Airline |
| Export Declaration (China) | Required by Chinese customs for export authorization | Exporter details, product category, value, and export license number | Freight Forwarder / Export Agent |
| Importer ID (U.S.) | Identifies the consignee for U.S. customs clearance | Employer Identification Number (EIN) for companies, or personal ID for individuals | U.S. Importer |
| Certificates / Licenses | Mandatory for regulated goods | FDA (food, cosmetics), FCC (electronics), UL (electrical safety), MSDS or UN38.3 (batteries), textile origin | Supplier / Freight Forwarder |
Additional Supporting Documents
Depending on your cargo type and import scenario, these may also be required:
- Certificate of Origin (CO): Confirms where the goods were manufactured; useful for tariff preferences.
- Insurance Certificate: Proof of cargo insurance coverage.
- Inspection Certificate: For quality verification or buyer requirements.
- FBA Labels / Pallet Labels: For Amazon warehouse deliveries.
Practical Advice for Faster Customs Clearance
- Ensure Consistency: Details on the Commercial Invoice, Packing List, and AWB must match exactly—especially HS codes and values.
- Declare the True Value: Under-declaring goods can lead to fines, confiscation, or long delays at U.S. customs.
- Prepare in Advance: Provide your freight forwarder with digital copies of all documents at least 3 days before departure.
- Keep Soft and Hard Copies: Customs may request verification during inspections.
- For DDP Air Freight: If you use DFH Logistics’ DDP air service, we handle export declaration, U.S. customs clearance, and duty/tax payment for you—so you don’t need an EIN or import license.
If you’re unsure how to prepare these correctly, you can refer to our detailed compliance guide in How to Choose the Right Freight Forwarder in China. Working with an experienced forwarder ensures your paperwork is compliant and your shipment moves without interruption.
How to reduce air freight costs without risking delays?
I use this 7-step playbook with clients to keep costs tight and ETAs intact:
- Consolidate SKUs/suppliers into fewer, fuller cartons to raise actual weight closer to volumetric weight.
- Optimize packaging (shorter sides, proper inner packs) to cut dimensional weight by 10–30%.
- Book ahead of peak weeks and avoid weekend cutoffs; Tuesday–Thursday flights are often smoother.
- Choose the right airport pair (e.g., SZX/HKG → LAX) for better capacity and faster ground handling.
- Use DDP air when you need one all-in price (duties/taxes included) and a predictable total landed cost.
- Pre-clear documents and share serials/labels in advance to reduce holds at TSA/CBP.
- Split urgent/normal lots: fly urgent 30% by air, send balance by sea for margin control. See comparisons inside How to Reduce Shipping Costs.
How do I ship to Amazon FBA by air without rejections?
Shipping from China to Amazon FBA warehouses by air requires meeting Amazon’s packaging and labeling rules, along with U.S. customs compliance. A small mistake can cause warehouse rejections or delays, so preparation is key.
Steps to Ship to Amazon FBA by Air
Create an FBA Shipment Plan
In your Amazon Seller Central, create the shipment and generate FNSKU and box labels. Share them with your supplier or forwarder.
If your supplier can’t label, DFH can print and apply all FBA labels correctly before shipment.Follow Amazon’s Packaging Rules
- Each carton must weigh under 24 kg .
- Carton size should be below 63.5 × 50.8 × 50.8 cm .
- Use strong cartons and standard pallets for bulk shipments.
- Label every carton clearly with the FBA box label.
Prepare the Right Documents
- Commercial Invoice and Packing List with Amazon warehouse address.
- Air Waybill (AWB) showing DFH Logistics or Amazon as the consignee.
- Amazon Reference ID on all shipping labels.
If you choose DFH’s DDP Air Freight, we’ll also handle export declaration, U.S. customs clearance, and duty payment for smooth delivery.
Book Amazon Delivery Appointment
Amazon requires a Carrier Central delivery appointment. DFH’s U.S. team will arrange this and deliver directly to the FBA warehouse.
Avoid Rejections by:
- Using correct and scannable FBA labels.
- Matching quantities in your shipment plan.
- Following Amazon’s carton and pallet standards.
- Booking delivery before arrival.
By working with a professional forwarder like DFH Logistics, your air shipment can go from your supplier in China to the Amazon warehouse without delays or rejections.
Why choose DFH Logistics for air freight from China to the USA?
Choosing the right logistics partner determines whether your shipment arrives smoothly or faces costly delays. With over 12 years of experience in international air freight, DFH Logistics provides reliable, cost-effective, and fully managed door-to-door air freight solutions from China to the USA.
What Makes DFH Logistics Different
All-in-One DDP Air Freight Service
We offer Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) air freight — meaning we handle export customs, U.S. import clearance, and duty/tax payment. You get one clear price and no surprise fees.Fast and Flexible Air Routes
DFH works directly with major airlines such as CZ, CA, UPS Air, DHL Aviation, and Cathay Pacific, ensuring consistent space availability from major airports like Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Shanghai, and Hong Kong to Los Angeles, Chicago, New York, Miami, and Dallas.Free Warehousing and Consolidation in China
You can ship goods from multiple suppliers to our Shenzhen warehouse. We offer 30 days of free storage, quality checking, labeling, and repacking before shipping—helping you save both time and freight cost.Real-Time Tracking and Transparent Communication
Every shipment is monitored step by step. You’ll receive tracking updates from pickup to delivery, and our customer service team is available 24/7 to answer your questions.Specialized in Amazon FBA and E-Commerce Logistics
DFH’s team knows Amazon’s delivery rules and helps sellers avoid FBA rejections. We can label, repack, and deliver directly to Amazon warehouses across the U.S.Cost Optimization and Route Planning
We analyze your cargo size, weight, and delivery deadline to recommend the most efficient route — balancing speed, price, and reliability.
Conclusion
Air freight is the most effective way to bridge demand spikes and launch windows between China and the USA. By calculating chargeable weight correctly, booking at the right time, preparing compliant documents, and using DDP air when needed, you’ll control both lead time and landed cost. If you want my team to run this playbook for your next shipment, reach out and I’ll tailor a lane-by-lane plan for you.
Get a tailored air freight quote: Contact DFH Logistics
