How to Track a Shipment from China to the USA – Method by Method

When importing from China to the USA, tracking your shipment is essential for managing supply chain timelines and keeping your customers informed. But the tracking method varies based on the shipping channel you choose.

In this guide, I’ll break down how to track each of the major transport modes from China to the USA, complete with example tracking numbers, sample tracking results, and helpful links.

1. Express Couriers (DHL, UPS, FedEx)

Overview:
Express shipping is the fastest option from China to USA, typically delivering within 3–7 days. Suitable for small to medium-sized packages.

Tracking Number Format:

• DHL: JD1234567890CN
• UPS: 1Z9999999999999999
• FedEx: 123456789012

Where to Track:

• DHL Tracking Enter the DHL tracking number from your freight forwarder at the webiste, and then you can see whole the shipping satus of your shipments.

The DHL tracking result status like this:

• UPS Tracking Enter the UPS tracking number from your freight forwarder at the webiste, and then you can see whole the shipping satus of your shipments.

The UPS tracking result status like this:

• FedEx Tracking
  The FEDEX tracking result status like this:Enter the FEDEX tracking number from your freight forwarder at the webiste, and then you can see whole the shipping satus of your shipments.

2. Air Freight (Airport to Airport)

Overview:
Used for bulk shipments that are time-sensitive. This is not door-to-door, so you’ll need to handle customs and pickup at the destination airport.

Tracking Number Format:

• Air Waybill (AWB) Number: 784-12345675

Where to Track:

• TrackTrace Air Cargo
• Airline official websites (e.g., China Southern, Emirates Cargo)

Sample Tracking Result:

3. Air Freight DDP (Door-to-Door Special Line)

Overview:
A door-to-door service that includes customs clearance and tax. Ideal for importers who don’t want to handle complex import procedures.

Tracking Method:
Your freight forwarder (like DFH) provides a tracking link or parcel number.
Sometimes tracked via last-mile carrier like UPS or USPS.

Air freight DDP tracking, it combined by two parts, first part, from China to Airport in USA, and then after finished the customs clean and paid the taxes and tariffs, goods’s final mile delivery will arranged by UPS or FEDEX or DHL.

Sample Tracking Result:
For example, this package ship from China to USA by Air DDP and the final mile be delivred by the UPS express.

4. Sea Freight (Port-to-Port)

Overview:
Cost-effective for large shipments, usually takes 25–40 days depending on destination port.

Tracking Numbers:

• Container Number: MSCU1234567
• Bill of Lading Number: Provided by your forwarder

Where to Track:

• TrackTrace Container
• Maersk
• COSCO

5. Sea Freight DDP (Door-to-Door)

Overview:
End-to-end solution including pickup in China, sea shipping, customs clearance, and delivery to the USA.

Option A: Sea + Express Delivery (e.g., UPS)

• Tracked via UPS or FEDEX
• Final tracking number is available once goods clear customs in the USA

It means from China to USA any seaport, by common sea freight, after finished the customs, then will be arranged by the USA local fedex or ups express delivery.
Sample Tracking Result for Sea DDP + Express:

Option B: Sea + Truck Delivery

This means from China to USA sea port by the common sea freight. After goods finished the cusotms clean, then will be arranged by the USA local truck team to do the final mile delivery.
This method is usually good for the shipments that with oversize packages, and time not sensitive. As the sea + truck delivery of sea freight DDP from China to usa usually takes 1 week more than then Sea + Express sea freight DDP shipping.

• Tracked via logistics platforms or via the freight forwarder’s internal system
• May include photos or delivery confirmation

Sea + Truck delivery DDP

Why Can’t I See My Tracking Info?

If you can’t find tracking updates in the webiste, here are possible reasons:

For the exact reason why your shipment still can’t be tracked after a long time, it’s best to talk directly with your China freight forwarder. They should have access to internal system updates and can tell you the real reason and when you can expect to receive your goods.

Understanding Shipment Statuses

Get Help Tracking Your DFH Shipment

As your trusted China-based freight forwarder, DFH Logistics provides real-time updates and one-on-one tracking support for all shipping channels—air, sea, express, and DDP door-to-door.

Click here to contact us now
Or message us on WhatsApp for immediate support.