Shipping cost guide
Shipping from China to US Cost Guide
Compare the main China-to-US shipping methods and learn which details you need before a freight quote can become a useful landed-cost input.
The short answer
Shipping cost depends on method, chargeable weight, CBM, origin, destination, Incoterms, pickup, delivery, customs handling, and local charges. A line-haul rate alone is not the final cost from China to your warehouse.
For a real landed-cost estimate, use a current quote from your supplier, freight forwarder, carrier, broker, or domestic delivery provider.
Shipping methods and quote boundaries
| Method | Typical use case | Quote requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Express parcel | Small cartons, samples, urgent e-commerce replenishment, or early supplier validation shipments. | Rates vary by carrier account, dimensional weight, fuel surcharge, lane, and service level. |
| Air freight | Time-sensitive cargo that is too heavy or bulky for normal express parcel pricing. | Chargeable weight can differ from actual weight. |
| Ocean LCL | Cargo that does not fill a container and can tolerate slower transit. | Origin, destination, warehouse, CFS, documentation, and delivery charges can dominate small LCL shipments. |
| Ocean FCL 20ft | Denser cargo or smaller full-container shipments where a 20ft container fits volume and weight constraints. | FBX is not a door-to-door user quote. |
| Ocean FCL 40ft | Full-container shipments where the importer has enough volume for FCL economics. | The benchmark is not a guaranteed bookable rate. |
| U.S. domestic delivery and drayage | Final movement from port, airport, warehouse, or CFS to the importer's destination. | Charges vary by distance, equipment, appointment rules, waiting time, storage, and delivery constraints. |
What to ask before you accept a shipping quote
- Incoterms and named place, such as EXW factory, FOB Shenzhen, or DDP US address.
- Carton count, gross weight, dimensions, CBM, and chargeable weight.
- Whether the quote includes customs brokerage, duty, MPF/HMF, and delivery.
- Origin charges, destination charges, storage, appointment delivery, and accessorial fees.
- Transit-time assumptions and whether the shipment is express, air, LCL, or FCL.
Use shipping inside the full cost estimate
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