As the co-founder of DFH Logistics, a freight forwarding company based in China with over 12 years of hands-on experience, I’ve helped thousands of clients—Amazon sellers, e-commerce brands, wholesalers, and small businesses—find the best way to ship from China to the USA. If you’ve been wondering “How much do I need to ship from China to the USA?”, you’re not alone.
Shipping cost isn’t a fixed number. It depends on many factors: the shipping method, your cargo size and weight, delivery speed, destination address, and whether you need door-to-door service. In this article, I’ll break it all down to help you find the right option for your business or personal needs.
What are the main shipping methods from China to the USA?
When calculating shipping cost, you first need to decide how you want to ship:
- Express courier (DHL, FedEx, UPS): Fastest but most expensive. Suitable for packages under 100kg.
- Air freight: A good middle option for speed and price, typically for shipments between 100–500kg.
- Sea freight (LCL/FCL): Cheapest option for large and heavy shipments. LCL (Less than Container Load) is ideal for 2–15 CBM; FCL (Full Container Load) is best for 15+ CBM.
- DDP shipping (Delivered Duty Paid): A door-to-door solution with customs clearance and taxes included. Perfect if you want a hassle-free service.
How is shipping cost calculated?
Shipping cost is calculated based on:
- Weight or volume: Whichever is greater. For air and express, volumetric weight matters.
- Shipping method: Air is faster and pricier; sea is slower but more affordable.
- Destination: Delivery to a business address in Los Angeles costs less than a residential delivery in Kansas.
- Service type: Port-to-port vs. door-to-door vs. DDP.
- Other services: Consolidation, repacking, warehousing, documentation, etc.
Here’s a basic comparison table to give you a general idea:
| Shipping Method | Transit Time | Estimated Cost (per kg/CBM) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Express Courier | 3–7 days | $6–$10/kg | Urgent small parcels |
| Air Freight (DDP) | 7–12 days | $5–$9/kg | Medium-sized shipments |
| Sea Freight (LCL) | 25–35 days | $120–$280/CBM | Bulk shipments (2–15 CBM) |
| Sea Freight (FCL) | 25–35 days | $4,000–$10,000 per 20ft/40ft | Full container shipments |
Note: These are reference prices. Actual costs fluctuate with market conditions.You contact us together with your shipment detail information, to get the exactly shipping prices
What documents do I need to ship from China to the USA?
Common required documents include:
- Commercial Invoice
- Packing List
- Bill of Lading (for sea freight) or Air Waybill (for air/express)
- Customs Declaration
- Importer of Record (IOR) information for USA customs
If you’re using DDP shipping, your freight forwarder (like DFH) can handle all of these on your behalf.
What are the cheapest ways to ship from China to the USA?
To save money on shipping:
- Use LCL sea freight for 2–15 CBM
- Choose FCL if your goods fill most of a container
- Consider consolidation if you buy from multiple suppliers
- Ship non-urgent goods via sea instead of air
- Choose port pickup instead of door delivery (if you can handle the last mile)
Working with a forwarder like DFH can help you evaluate all options and choose the most cost-effective one.
Can I get a door-to-door shipping service?
Yes, DFH provides door-to-door DDP shipping, which includes:
- Pickup from your supplier
- Export declaration in China
- International transport (air or sea)
- Customs clearance in the USA
- Payment of duties and taxes
- Final delivery to your door
This is ideal for Amazon sellers, e-commerce brands, and individuals who want a complete solution without dealing with customs or import paperwork.
Do I need to pay import duties and taxes in the USA?
Yes, most shipments into the USA are subject to import duties and taxes, depending on the HS code and product value.
- Duties range from 0% to 25% depending on the product
- De Minimis value: Shipments under $800 (for express) may enter duty-free
- If using DDP shipping, DFH handles all tax and duty payments for you
How long does it take to ship from China to the USA?
Transit time depends on the shipping method:
| Method | Estimated Time |
|---|---|
| Express Courier | 3–7 days |
| Air Freight | 2–5 days |
| Sea Freight | 15–25 days |
| DDP (Sea) | 28–40 days |
| DDP (Air) | 7–12 days |
Please allow for 2–5 extra days during peak seasons or when customs inspections occur.
How can I get an exact shipping quote?
To receive an accurate quote, you’ll need to provide:
- Pickup address in China (or supplier contact)
- Delivery address in the USA
- Cargo details: Dimensions, weight, HS code, product type
- Shipping urgency: Standard or express?
- Preferred method: Air, sea, courier, or DDP?
At DFH, we reply within 1–3 hours with a customized shipping plan and breakdown of all costs—no hidden fees.
Can I ship personal items or only commercial goods?
You can absolutely ship personal items. DFH supports:
- Personal shipments like household goods, furniture, electronics, or gifts
- Non-business importers who don’t have an EIN or import license
- Flexible solutions for small-volume and large-size cargo
Whether you’re moving, buying products for personal use, or shipping items to family, we can help you manage the entire process.
Still unsure which shipping method is right for your needs?
Let our expert team review your shipment details and recommend the best option for cost, speed, and convenience.
Contact DFH Logistics for a Free Shipping Quote
We’ll handle everything from factory to final delivery—so you can focus on growing your business.
