When operating an eCommerce business, one may find themselves dealing with suppliers based in China. It is crucial for you to comprehend the various issues surrounding shipping goods from China to the US. Understanding this process will help you reduce your time and costs, thus ensuring that your products get to the consumers on time.
Recent events that have affected the supply chain can only explain the significance of logistics. Knowing shipping strategies will help you avoid the challenges that might be present in the shipment. This way, you not only get ready for the challenges but also get a head start over your competitors. You have the privilege of adjusting your shipping methods according to the needs of your business.
Methods for Shipping from China to the US
1. Fast Shipping Options
Fast shipping is the fastest way of moving goods from China to the United States, though at a costly price. The leading carriers in this category include Ship with Mina, UPS, FedEx, TNT, and DHL. All your shipments will be delivered within five days. This method is most efficient for use in emergencies, for instance, during the busy season when there is hardly any stock and demand is high.
Knowing the cost and potential benefits of fast shipping is important when considering this option. If faster delivery will help you sell more when sales are high, then it will be worth the extra cost. Reliable carriers have the personnel to facilitate customs clearance and delivery; however, the prices go up with speed.
Advantages:
- Highly effective during busy periods when faster delivery can significantly impact sales.
- Suitable for shipping high-value, smaller items without severely affecting profit margins.
Disadvantages:
- Limited to smaller, lighter shipments due to air freight constraints.
- Premium costs associated with short-notice shipping decisions.
2. Standard Air Cargo
Standard air cargo is a good substitute for express delivery, which is designed to balance time and price. It does not include the extra charges accompanying expedited shipping and is suitable for medium-weight consignments weighing between 400 lbs and 1200 lbs. This method can help you reduce your cost by up to 30% to 40% compared to express shipping fees.
Although this is an inexpensive method, one has to be well informed on what they are shipping to meet the required standards. However, for those who do not need their goods delivered as soon as possible, air cargo may be a perfect solution as it takes time to organize shipment.
Advantages:
- Cost-effective solution for medium-sized shipments, pairing good speed with reasonable pricing.
- Greater flexibility and accessibility than sea freight, especially for deliveries to the East Coast.
Disadvantages:
- Not suitable for shipping exceedingly heavy or oversized items.
- May require hiring a customs agent and coordinating final delivery from the airport.
- Shipping regulations limit certain items, such as aerosols and strong magnets.
3. Ocean Cargo
Ocean cargo or sea freight is an efficient way to ship large and heavy consignments from China to the USA, particularly to destinations along the Pacific coast. Since China has well-developed ports, this method can effectively handle large consignments.
When it comes to sea freight, there are two types of shipping: full containerized load (FCL) and less than containerized load (LCL). FCL is when your goods fill the entire container, while LCL is when your cargo is loaded with other goods in the same container. The latter can cause delays, as you may have to wait for other shipments to arrive before sending them off as one shipment.
Weather conditions are also an important factor affecting sea shipping. A good logistics provider will assist you in planning for these risks, but you will still be at risk of incurring losses from factors such as rough seas and handling incidents that may lead to goods damage.
Advantages:
- It is ideal for transporting large or bulky shipments economically.
- Significantly lower shipping costs compared to fast air options.
Disadvantages:
- Considerably slower transit times compared to air methods.
- Potential for delays due to staffing challenges and congestion at shipping ports.
- Need for careful planning concerning weather-related disruptions.
- Requires customs handling and arranging delivery from the port.
What are the Costs for Shipping from China to the US?
1. Expedited Shipping
The costs of expedited shipping are very much like the costs of air freight. But you should remember that express shipping may have extra charges that standard air freight does not. These extra charges are usually charged to fast-track your shipment. Through various control measures such as customs and terminal handling, you will have to pay a lot of money to ensure that your order is sorted out with high priority in the shipping process.
2. Air Freight
Air freight costs vary a lot depending on the size of the shipment. Most of the time, the more you send, the less you will be charged per kilogram. For instance, if you were shipping just 10 kilograms, you’d expect to pay between $18 and $28 per kilogram. However, for a shipment of 100 kilograms, the costs may be reduced to between $10 and $20 per kilogram.
Shipping by air has several set costs, which will not vary greatly even if you increase your shipment. Additionally, be prepared to account for various other fees, such as:
- Fuel surcharges: These can vary and are typically on the rise.
- Security fees: Airports and airlines require stringent checks of goods, which add to your overall costs.
- Terminal and airport charges: These additional fees also need to be considered.
3. Ocean Freight
Ocean transport is relatively cheaper than air transport when it comes to big consignments, as the charges are made depending on the container space, not the weight.As of April 2022, the price per 40-foot container from China to the US ranges from $9000 to $10000 USD. At first sight, it may seem quite pricey; however, for loads of 5,000 kilograms and above, it is quite efficient in terms of cost.
There are several strategies further to reduce expenses in ocean freight, such as:
- Selecting the right container type: Choosing the appropriate container that fits your cargo type can help minimize costs.
- Choosing ports wisely: Some ports have lower fees than others.
- Insurance options: Evaluating insurance needs can also affect total expenses.
- Seasonal rates: Shipping during off-peak periods tends to be cheaper.
In most cases, employing a full container load is more effective and cheaper. If you choose to load your cargo in a container but do not take the whole container, you should prepare for further charges to be made during unloading at the port.
How long does Shipping from China to the US take?
1. Fast Shipping Options
When choosing the express shipping, you will be able to receive your item within 3 to 7 days. This method is useful when it comes to the high-value products that must be on the shelves as soon as possible. Below are average transit times for various carriers:
- Ship with Mina: 1 to 4 days
- DHL: 1 to 4 days
- FedEx: 1 to 5 days
- UPS: 1 to 5 days
- EMS: 3 to 16 days
These times can vary based on factors such as weather and customs processing.
2. Air Freight
Air freight is fast, but standard shipments, as they are not priorities, can take 7 to 15 days to deliver. This option can handle bigger consignments and is, therefore, ideal for organizations that require a balance between speed and cost. Although you will not get the quickest service, air freight is still faster than sea freight, even during uncertainties.
3. Ocean Shipping
Sea freight has been severely impacted by the closing of ports as well as other disruptions. For the West Coast of the U.S., you should expect to receive your shipment in 15 or more days. For the East Coast, you should wait for about 30 days or more for your shipment. At times, it is advantageous to direct shipments to the West Coast and then transfer them to a truck or a train to the Eastern Coast.
Choose the shipping technique that best meets your needs for time, funds, and freight. All methods have merits and demerits, so it is advisable to select the one that is most appropriate to your situation.
Tracking Packages from China
In order to track your packages from China, you first need to get the special alphanumeric tracking number, which is usually comprised of 9 digits and 2 letters from the order confirmation. Use the following websites for effective tracking:
- China Post: Includes a helpful forum for any questions you may have.
- Parcel App: Enter your tracking number for immediate updates on your shipment.
- 17track.net: Extremely user-friendly; just copy and paste your tracking number.
- Track-trace: Ideal for tracking containers and air cargo shipments.
Utilizing these resources simplifies the tracking process and keeps you informed.
Most Affordable Shipping Methods from China to the US
When shipping from China to the US, you will need to make a few choices, depending on the weight of the shipment and how quickly it needs to arrive. Here’s a breakdown of the most economical methods based on your needs.
Shipping for Bulk Items
Express shipping should be used when shipping lots of products that weigh between 200 and 400 lbs. At this weight, purchasing a full container is often not viable. Air freight might sound great, but if you have to hire a customs agent, it may not be worth it in the end.
For shipments between 400 and 1200 pounds, air freight generally offers a fair balance between cost and speed. Nevertheless, do not ignore sea shipping rates, as the LCL may be cheaper than air freight options. Consequently, for shipments that weigh more than 1200 lbs, sea freight offers the cheapest rates despite the fact that it takes a longer time.
When considering the speed factor, express mail emerges as the best option. This option does not require a customs agent, and your items are delivered straight to your address.
Options for Small Parcels
For small shipments weighing less than 5 lbs, you have three primary options: regular post, express shipping, and ePacket.
- Regular Post
This is the most economical method for light parcels, but be prepared for delivery times of up to 90 days, depending on the service selected. Options include:some text- China Post Small Parcel Air
- China Post Small Parcel Surface
- China International EMS (the fastest option, delivering in 3 to 15 days)
- Regular post remains the cheapest choice for small packages. However, for larger sizes, prices can match those of express shipping, so always compare rates.
- Express Shipping
The fastest and safest way to ship an item is through a global courier company such as FedEx, DHL, or UPS. However, express shipping is the most costly of the three, so it is important to find out if the quick delivery is worth the extra amount.
- ePacket Shipping
ePacket is a specialized low-cost shipping option for small parcels from China to the US, provided your package meets specific criteria:some text- Package weight must be less than 4.4 lbs.
- The combined length, height, and thickness should not exceed 36 inches.
- The merchandise's value must be under $400.
- What is quite interesting about ePacket is that it may cost less to ship a package from China to California than to ship it from California to Nevada using USPS. This competitive pricing makes ePacket a favorite of AliExpress drop shippers for fast and inexpensive shipping.
Cost vs. Timing Considerations
To improve your shipping process, manage your cost and delivery time as efficiently as possible. Air transport is suitable for products that need to be delivered quickly, and sea transport is more appropriate for mass goods offered at low prices.
No matter which shipping mode you choose, ensure that the logistics provider you choose can handle and accept the containers. Making well-informed decisions increases efficiency and saves costs, paving the way for smooth operations.
