Shipping furniture from China to the USA might seem overwhelming at first—especially if you’re dealing with large, bulky, or fragile items. As the owner of a logistics company with over 12 years of experience handling international shipments, I’ve helped thousands of importers—Amazon sellers, e-commerce businesses, interior designers, and first-time buyers—successfully move furniture across continents.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through every essential step of the process, from choosing the right shipping method to customs clearance, packaging, costs, and more. Whether you’re importing a single piece or an entire container of furniture, you’ll find everything you need right here.
Why do so many people choose to import furniture from China?
China is the world’s largest furniture exporter, offering unbeatable prices, massive product variety, and custom design options. Whether you’re sourcing from Alibaba, a factory, or a trade fair, Chinese suppliers can deliver high-quality pieces for far less than local options in the USA.
Importers often choose China because:
- Prices are 30%–70% cheaper than domestic sourcing.
- OEM & ODM capabilities allow brand customization.
- Massive product categories: wooden, metal, upholstered, outdoor, and modular furniture.
What are the main shipping methods for furniture from China to the USA?
The three most common ways to ship furniture include:
- Sea Freight (LCL or FCL) – Best for bulky or large-volume shipments.
- Air Freight DDP – Suitable for small-volume or urgent furniture deliveries.
- Sea Freight DDP – Best for New beginers without business license or want to have hands free shipping solution.
Here’s a comparison:
| Shipping Mode | Best For | Transit Time | Cost Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sea Freight | Large items, full containers | 25–40 days | Low |
| Air Freight | Urgent, lightweight pieces | 5–10 days | High |
| Express | Small samples or parts | 3–7 days | Very High |
What’s the difference between LCL and FCL shipping?
- LCL (Less than Container Load): Your furniture shares container space with other shippers. Ideal for small-volume orders.
- FCL (Full Container Load): You rent an entire container. Recommended if you’re shipping large quantities or want better protection during transit.
We usually recommend FCL if your cargo is over 15 CBM. It offers better value per cubic meter and reduces damage risk.
While if you don’t have business license and buy some for personal use only, then we recommend by DDP shipping, no matter it is more then 15CBM or 20CBM, the DDP shipping of LCL or can save you lots of effort and money.
How do I calculate the shipping cost for furniture from China to the USA?
Shipping costs depend on:
- Volume (measured in CBM or cubic meters)
- Weight (actual or dimensional)
- Shipping method (sea, air, or express)
- Delivery terms (port-to-port, door-to-door, or DDP)
- Final destination in the USA
Here’s an approximate rate example for sea freight (FCL):
| Destination Port | 20ft Container | 40ft Container |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | $2,000 – $2,500 | $3,000 – $3,800 |
| New York | $2,600 – $3,000 | $4,000 – $4,800 |
Note: Final costs also include destination charges, customs duties, and inland transport.
What are the packaging requirements for shipping furniture?
Proper packaging is crucial to protect furniture in long-distance shipping. We recommend:
- Wooden crate packaging for fragile or expensive items.
- Corner protectors, foam wrap, and bubble wrap for all surfaces.
- Plastic film and cartons for moisture resistance.
- Use fumigated wooden pallets or crates (with IPPC stamp) to meet USA import standards.
At DFH, we can repack, reinforce, or custom-crate your goods upon request—especially useful if your factory doesn’t provide export-ready packaging.
What documents are required for customs clearance?
When importing furniture to the USA, you’ll need:
- Commercial Invoice
- Packing List
- Bill of Lading or Air Waybill
- Importer Security Filing (ISF for sea shipments)
- Customs Entry Form
- Any fumigation certificates (if using wood materials)
We prepare all required documents for our clients and handle USA customs clearance as part of our DDP services—no importer number needed from your side.
Do I need to pay customs duty when importing furniture?
Yes, most types of furniture are subject to US customs duties, typically ranging from 0%–10%, depending on material:
- Wooden Furniture: 1%–4%
- Metal Furniture: 2.5%–5%
- Upholstered Furniture: Up to 10%
Additionally, the USA imposes anti-dumping duties on some wooden bedroom furniture from China. Always check HS Codes for accurate rates—or let your freight forwarder verify for you.
But if you choose DFH Logistics DDP shipping, we’ll take care of everything—from pickup and export clearance to customs duties and final delivery—so you don’t have to worry about a thing.
What is the best Incoterm for furniture shipping?
The most common Incoterms for furniture shipping include:
- FOB (Free on Board): You handle shipping from port of origin.
- CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight): Includes main transport and insurance to your port.
- DDP (Delivered Duty Paid): Full door-to-door solution, with all taxes and customs included.
If you’re a new importer or lack a customs broker, DDP is the safest and most convenient choice. Many of our clients rely on DDP to avoid dealing with US customs.
Can I consolidate furniture from multiple suppliers?
Absolutely. If you’re sourcing from different Chinese factories, we can help you:
- Receive and inspect goods at our Shenzhen warehouse
- Repack, photograph, and label furniture as per your instructions
- Consolidate into one shipment to save on shipping and customs fees
This is especially useful for interior designers or personal buyer purchasing from multiple suppliers.
How long does it take to ship furniture from China to the USA?
Estimated shipping times vary by method:
| Shipping Type | Estimated Transit Time |
|---|---|
| Sea Freight (DDP) | 25–40 days |
| Sea Freight (to Port) | 15–25 days |
| Air Freight | 5–10 days |
| Express Courier | 3–7 days |
These timeframes include pickup, export clearance, transport, and delivery. Holidays, port congestion, or customs checks may affect timing.
How can DFH Logistics help with furniture shipping?
At DFH Logistics, we’ve helped clients ship everything from antique chairs to custom-made office sets. With over 12 years in the business, we offer:
- Free warehousing & consolidation
- Repacking and wooden crate services
- DDP door-to-door delivery across the USA
- Real-time tracking and one-on-one service
- Fast and transparent quoting
- And more
Happy Clients who use DFH to ship Funiture from China to USA.
Ready to ship furniture from China to the USA?
Let’s make it simple. Whether you’re a first-time importer or a seasoned business owner, we’ll tailor a plan that suits your budget, timeline, and delivery goals.
