Shipping from Alibaba to the USA involves multiple steps, from order confirmation to final delivery. Understanding the process helps ensure smooth and cost-effective shipping. Below is a step-by-step breakdown of the entire shipping process.
To ship from Alibaba to the USA, follow these steps:
Choose a reliable supplier and confirm shipping terms (EXW, FOB, CIF, or DDP).Select a freight forwarder for customs clearance and logistics.Pick the best shipping method (express, air freight, sea freight, or DDP). Inspect goods and ensure proper packaging.Prepare necessary shipping documents (invoice, packing list, bill of lading, etc.).
Complete China export customs clearance. Arrange international shipping to the USA. Handle U.S. customs clearance and import duties.Arrange last-mile delivery to your warehouse or Amazon FBA. For hassle-free shipping, consider using a freight forwarder specializing in DDP shipping.
Step 1: Find a Reliable Supplier and Confirm Shipping Terms
Before placing an order, discuss the shipping terms with your Alibaba supplier. Common shipping terms include:
- EXW (Ex Works): You handle everything, from pick-up in China to final delivery.
- FOB (Free on Board): The supplier delivers the goods to a Chinese port, and you arrange international shipping.
- CIF (Cost, Insurance & Freight): The supplier ships to a U.S. port, but you handle customs clearance.
- DDP (Delivered Duty Paid): The supplier or freight forwarder handles everything, including customs and final delivery.
Best Option for Beginners: DDP shipping, as it includes customs clearance and import duties, simplifying the process.
Step 2: Find a Reliable Freight Forwarder
A freight forwarder is a company that handles logistics, customs clearance, and shipping for importers. If you are not using Alibaba’s direct shipping, it is essential to find a reliable freight forwarder to:
- Get the best shipping rates based on volume and urgency.
- Handle customs clearance in China and the USA.
- Ensure smooth delivery from China to your warehouse or Amazon FBA.
- Provide warehousing and consolidation services if purchasing from multiple suppliers.
How to Choose the Right Freight Forwarder?
- Experience in handling shipments from China to the USA.
- Offers multiple shipping options (Air Freight, Sea Freight, Express, DDP).
- Transparent pricing with no hidden fees.
- Good customer reviews and reliable tracking services.
You can Click here for more tips and details of How to Find the Right Freight forwarder in China
Tip: For the fastest and Simplest way is to contact with DFH Logistics who specializes in DDP shipping, consolidation, and Amazon FBA deliveries—making the entire process seamless.
Step 3: Choose the Best Shipping Method
Once you confirm the Incoterms, choose a shipping method based on cost, speed, and shipment size.
| Shipping Method | Best for | Delivery Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Express (DHL, FedEx, UPS) | Small, urgent shipments | 3-7 days | High |
| Air Freight | Medium-sized orders (100-500kg) | 5-12 days | Moderate |
| Sea Freight (LCL/FCL) | Large shipments (500kg+) | 20-45 days | Low |
| DDP (Air/Sea) | Hassle-free shipping | 10-40 days | Moderate |
Tip: If you are unsure which method to use, consult a freight forwarder for the best option.
Here with All the details of What is the Cheapest way to ship from China for E-commerce.
Step 4: Prepare and Inspect Goods Before Shipment
Before shipping, ensure:
- Quality Inspection: If possible, inspect the goods before they leave China to avoid issues later. You can use third-party inspection companies or ask your freight forwarder to check the shipment.
- Proper Packaging: Ensure goods are well-packed for international shipping. Use cartons, pallets, or wooden crates for fragile items.
- Labeling and Documentation: For Amazon FBA or specific U.S. import requirements, ensure the supplier adds correct labels and shipping marks.
For this work, You can hire a third party quality control company to do it, can also let your China Freight forwarder to handle it before they help you to repack and send all items.
Step 5: Prepare the Shipping Documents
Proper documentation is essential to avoid customs delays and fines. Ensure you have the following:
Required Documents for International Shipping:
- Commercial Invoice – Includes product details, value, and seller/buyer information.
- Packing List – Lists the contents, weight, and dimensions of the shipment.
- Bill of Lading (BOL) or Air Waybill (AWB) – Proof of cargo shipment and ownership.
- Certificate of Origin (COO) – Required for some products to qualify for reduced import duties.
- Importer Security Filing (ISF) (for sea freight) – Must be submitted to U.S. customs before shipment departure.
- Other Special Documents (if applicable):
- FDA approvals (for food, cosmetics, medical products).
- MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) for hazardous goods.
Different shipping method with different shipping documents required, and different products with different certificate required when shipping from China to USA.It may a little complicate for beginners to handle it, but
Tip: If using a reliable and expereienced freight forwarder, they will handle all the necessary paperwork for you.
Step 6: Export Customs Clearance in China
In China, every international shipment must pass export customs clearance before departure. This process involves:
- Supplier submitting export documents (Invoice, Packing List, Customs Declaration).
- Paying export duties (only for some product categories).
- Customs Inspection (if required): Some shipments may be randomly inspected by Chinese customs.
If using DDP shipping, the freight forwarder handles all export procedures. Otherwise, you may need a customs broker to assist. But if you have your own China Frieght forwarder, No matter which kind of shipping routes do you use, they will ways help you to handle the China Export customs clearance for you.
It is very important for you to find your own China freight forwarder before place the orders to the Alibaba Suppliers. The experienced China freight forwarder can help you save lots of money and effort indeed.
Step 7: International Shipping to the USA
After clearing Chinese customs, the goods leave China and are transported to the USA:
- Express shipping (via DHL, FedEx, UPS) – Fast but expensive.
- Air Freight – Faster than sea freight but more costly.
- Sea Freight (LCL/FCL) – Cost-effective for bulk shipments but slower.
So after finished the China Export customs clearance, your shipment will be arranged for intermational shipping from China to USA by the confirmed shipping method between you and your China Freight forwarder.
Meanwhile after send out your shipment, the China freight forwarder should provide you a tracking number togheter with the tracking website. Which let you can tracking whole the shipping statues.
Step 8: U.S. Customs Clearance and Import Duties
When the goods arrive in the USA, they must clear U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). This process involves:
- Submitting required documents:
- Commercial Invoice
- Packing List
- Bill of Lading (BOL)
- Importer Security Filing (ISF) for sea freight
- Paying Import Duties & Taxes (unless using DDP shipping).
- Customs Inspection (if necessary): Some shipments may be randomly checked.
Tip: DDP shipping is the easiest option as the freight forwarder handles all customs clearance and duty payments.
While if you have your own customs broker in USA, you can choose other trade terms. as you can let your US customs broker help you to handle the customs and import duties.
Step 9: Last-Mile Delivery in the USA
After clearing U.S. customs, your shipment is delivered to its final destination via:
- Courier Service (DHL, FedEx, UPS) – For express and small parcel shipments.
- Trucking & Freight Services – For large shipments transported from ports to warehouses.
- Amazon FBA Warehouses – If shipping directly to Amazon fulfillment centers, the freight forwarder arranges labeling and delivery.
For door-to-door delivery, DDP shipping ensures that goods arrive at your warehouse or home hassle-free.
Please pay attetion: the destimation address is the important information which you should write down 100% correct in the shipping documents, as if the address is wrong, the final mile delivery will be difficult, what’s more, if you want to change the delivery address at this time, then there will have some extra fees happend.
Conclusion: Streamlining the Alibaba Shipping Process
To ensure a smooth shipping process from Alibaba to the USA, follow these key takeaways:
- Choose the right shipping method based on your budget and urgency.
- Work with reliable suppliers who understand international shipping.
- Use a freight forwarder for customs clearance and logistics support.
- Consider DDP shipping to simplify the process and avoid customs delays.
- Inspect your goods before shipment to prevent quality issues.
Need expert help for your Alibaba importation Business? Contact DFH Logistics today for hassle-free shipping from Alibaba to the USA!
