Right now, these are the core shipping services you can use from China to the USA:
- Air shipping service (air freight)
- Sea shipping service (ocean freight)
- DDP shipping service (door-to-door)
- Express courier service
Which one you should choose depends mainly on:
- Required transit time
- Your budget and cost targets
- Whether you want A–Z handled for you (customs, paperwork, delivery)
- Your cargo weight, volume, and type
We’ll break each option down in detail, but first let’s look at the key decision factors.
“For U.S. imports, the cheapest freight rate is not always the cheapest shipping choice once customs, inland delivery, and timing are added.”
How to Choose the Right Shipping Method
1. Transit Time: How Fast Do You Need It?
If you need the fastest possible delivery from China to the USA, you have two main choices:
- Air freight (air shipping):
Best for heavier cargo where speed is critical. Typical delivery: under 7 days for many routes. - Express courier:
Best for small parcels and samples, generally under 10 kg, and often delivered in 3–7 days. Not economical for very heavy shipments.
So, for heavy and urgent cargo, air freight is usually the best option. For urgent small packages, express courier is ideal.
2. Shipping Cost: How Much Do You Want to Save?
If your priority is lowest cost, and you can accept a longer transit time, then:
- Sea freight (ocean freight) is usually the best choice.
In many cases, sea shipping can be around 10 times cheaper than air shipping from China, especially for very heavy or bulky cargo.
Sea freight is the standard solution for:
- Large wholesale orders
- Heavy machinery
- Bulk inventory shipments to U.S. warehouses or fulfillment centers
3. A–Z Service: Do You Want Door-to-Door With Customs Included?
Some importers don’t want to deal with:
- U.S. customs clearance
- Tariffs and paperwork
- Domestic delivery from port/airport to warehouse
If you prefer a complete, done-for-you solution, our Door-to-Door (DDP) shipping from China to USA is usually the best match.
With DDP (Delivered Duty Paid):
- We handle pickup in China
- Arrange air or sea transport
- Manage customs clearance in the USA
- Deliver cargo directly to your address
You simply provide the documents and receive your goods.
Once you know whether speed, cost, or convenience matters most, it becomes much easier to pick between air, sea, DDP, or express. Now, let’s go into each method with real numbers.
Air freight from China to the USA is ideal when:
- You need your goods in less than 7 days
- Your shipment is time-sensitive or high value
- Your cargo weight/volume makes express courier too expensive
We can arrange air shipping in 2026 from all major Chinese cities, including:
…to major U.S. destinations such as:
- New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, Phoenix, Philadelphia, San Antonio, San Diego, Dallas, San Jose
We also operate weekly cargo flights on key trade routes between China and the USA.
One of the most common questions we receive is:
“What is the air freight cost from China to USA?”
Below you’ll find example 2026 air cargo rates for reference. Final quotes will always depend on your exact route, weight, volume, and cargo type.
Air Freight Rates – Shenzhen (SZX) to New York (JFK), 2026
Air Freight – China (Shenzhen SZX) to USA (New York JFK)
2026 Air Cargo Rates – 100 KG / 300 KG / 500 KG / 1000 KG
| Airline | Route | Transit Time | 100 KG | 300 KG | 500 KG | 1000 KG |
|---|
| China Southern (CZ) | Shenzhen SZX → New York JFK | 3–5 days | $1,508 | $2,597 | $3,698 | $7,420 |
| American Airlines (AA) | Shenzhen SZX → New York JFK | 5–7 days | $1,216 | $2,455 | $3,660 | $6,860 |
| Cathay Cargo (CX) | Shenzhen SZX → New York JFK | 6–8 days | $1,255 | $2,645 | $3,890 | $7,760 |
| Air China Cargo (CA) | Shenzhen SZX → New York JFK | 5–6 days | $1,522 | $2,913 | $4,345 | $8,045 |
| China Eastern (MU) | Shenzhen SZX → New York JFK | 7–10 days | $1,442 | $3,040 | $4,520 | $8,280 |
| FedEx Express (FX) | Shenzhen SZX → New York JFK | 5–6 days | $1,603 | $3,617 | $5,725 | $10,776 |
| UPS Airlines (5X) | Shenzhen SZX → New York JFK | 10–12 days | $1,255 | $2,995 | $3,805 | $8,085 |
Air Freight Rates – Shanghai (PVG) to Los Angeles (LAX), 2026
Air Freight – China (Shanghai PVG) to USA (Los Angeles LAX)
2026 Air Cargo Rates – 100 KG / 300 KG / 500 KG / 1000 KG
| Airline | Route | Transit Time | 100 KG | 300 KG | 500 KG | 1000 KG |
|---|
| China Eastern (MU) | Shanghai PVG → Los Angeles LAX | 7–8 days | $1,414 | $2,891 | $4,290 | $7,965 |
| China Southern (CZ) | Shanghai PVG → Los Angeles LAX | 10–12 days | $1,432 | $3,539 | $5,595 | $10,516 |
| Air China Cargo (CA) | Shanghai PVG → Los Angeles LAX | 8–10 days | $1,460 | $2,938 | $4,380 | $7,945 |
| EVA Air Cargo (BR) | Shanghai PVG → Los Angeles LAX | 14–16 days | $1,876 | $4,088 | $6,512 | $12,350 |
| Korean Air Cargo (KE) | Shanghai PVG → Los Angeles LAX | 15–17 days | $1,719 | $3,914 | $6,221 | $11,769 |
| FedEx Express (FX) | Shanghai PVG → Los Angeles LAX | 8–10 days | $1,620 | $3,413 | $5,385 | $10,085 |
| UPS Airlines (5X) | Shanghai PVG → Los Angeles LAX | 7–8 days | $1,499 | $2,986 | $4,390 | $8,065 |
These examples show how air freight rates and transit times vary by airline and route. For an exact price for your shipment, please contact the DDPCHAIN team with your cargo details.
Because of the strong economic relationship between China and the USA, many airlines operate cargo services on this lane, including:
- China Southern Airlines (CZ)
- China Eastern Airlines (MU)
- Air China Cargo (CA)
- SF Airlines (O3)
- Hainan Airlines Cargo (HU)
- American Airlines Cargo (AA)
- Delta Cargo (DL)
- United Cargo (UA)
- FedEx Express (FX)
- UPS Airlines (5X)
Each airline has its own pricing and sometimes special rules:
- Some carriers do not accept batteries or products containing built-in batteries.
- Certain routes have capacity limits or different surcharges.
If your shipment includes batteries or “sensitive” cargo, let us know so we can choose a suitable airline.
A simple rule to reduce your total logistics cost:
Pick the U.S. airport that is closest to your warehouse or company.
Why this matters:
- After customs clearance, your cargo still needs domestic delivery.
- Choosing a distant airport may save a little on international freight but add more on domestic trucking or courier fees.
We usually help you compare total landed cost, not just the air rate.
Sea freight (ocean freight) is the most common shipping method for:
- Heavy cargo
- Large volumes
- Cost-sensitive shipments
You can ship from China to the USA by sea in two main ways:
- FCL (Full Container Load) – You book an entire container for your shipment.
- LCL (Less than Container Load) – You share a container with other customers and pay only for the space (CBM) you use.
If you plan to use FCL, you need to choose the container type. Here are the most popular options:
Popular Container Types for Sea Shipping China to USA
| Container | Approx. CBM | Max Weight (kg) | Typical Use Case |
|---|
| 20ft | ~28 CBM | ~28,000 kg | Small–medium shipments |
| 40ft | ~58 CBM | ~27,500 kg | General FCL cargo |
| 40ft High Cube | ~68–76 CBM | ~27,000 kg | Large or bulky cargo |
| 45ft High Cube | ~78–86 CBM | ~27,000 kg | Light, high-volume loads |
If you’re not sure which container is suitable, you can share your total CBM and weight, and we’ll recommend the best option.
Typical transit time by sea from China to the USA on a direct route is roughly:
- Around 15–35 days, depending on:
Now let’s look at example rate tables so you can see how costs differ by port and container size.
Sea Freight Rates – Shanghai (CNSHA) to Los Angeles (USLAX) – 20ft Container
| Line | Route | Transit Time | Price (USD) |
|---|
| OOCL | CNSHA → USLAX | 26–31 days | $880 |
| Carrier TBN | CNSHA → USLAX | 17–20 days | $1,758 |
| Evergreen | CNSHA → USLAX | 25–30 days | $976 |
| HMM | CNSHA → USLAX | 28–35 days | $1,047 |
| Chinese Line | CNSHA → USLAX | 19–22 days | $1,941 |
| Chinese Line Premium | CNSHA → USLAX | 19–22 days | $2,417 |
Sea Freight Rates – Shanghai (CNSHA) to Los Angeles (USLAX) – 40ft Container
| Line | Route | Transit Time | Price (USD) |
|---|
| OOCL | CNSHA → USLAX | 17–20 days | $2,185 |
| Carrier TBN | CNSHA → USLAX | 19–22 days | $2,350 |
| Evergreen | CNSHA → USLAX | 27–32 days | $2,265 |
| HMM | CNSHA → USLAX | 27–32 days | $2,330 |
| Chinese Line | CNSHA → USLAX | 19–22 days | $2,863 |
| Chinese Line Premium | CNSHA → USLAX | 24–28 days | $2,743 |
Sea Freight Rates – Shanghai (CNSHA) to Oakland (USOAK) – 20ft Container
| Line | Route | Transit Time | Price (USD) |
|---|
| OOCL | CNSHA → USOAK | 30–35 days | $2,381 |
| Carrier TBN | CNSHA → USOAK | 30–36 days | $2,478 |
| Evergreen | CNSHA → USOAK | 31–37 days | $2,538 |
| HMM | CNSHA → USOAK | 33–39 days | $2,502 |
| Chinese Line | CNSHA → USOAK | 29–34 days | $2,701 |
| Chinese Line Premium | CNSHA → USOAK | 37–44 days | $2,583 |
| Chinese Line Fast Service | CNSHA → USOAK | 28–33 days | $3,254 |
| Chinese Line Economy | CNSHA → USOAK | 38–46 days | $2,829 |
Sea Freight Rates – Shanghai (CNSHA) to Oakland (USOAK) – 40ft Container
| Line | Route | Transit Time | Price (USD) |
|---|
| OOCL | CNSHA → USOAK | 30–35 days | $2,774 |
| Carrier TBN | CNSHA → USOAK | 28–33 days | $2,920 |
| Evergreen | CNSHA → USOAK | 31–37 days | $2,938 |
| HMM | CNSHA → USOAK | 29–34 days | $3,182 |
| Chinese Line | CNSHA → USOAK | 33–39 days | $3,010 |
| Chinese Line Premium | CNSHA → USOAK | 37–44 days | $3,079 |
| Chinese Line Fast Service | CNSHA → USOAK | 28–33 days | $3,717 |
| Chinese Line Economy | CNSHA → USOAK | 38–46 days | $3,292 |
Sea Freight Rates – Shanghai (CNSHA) to Houston (USHOU) – 20ft Container
| Line | Route | Transit Time | Price (USD) |
|---|
| OOCL | CNSHA → USHOU | 24–28 days | $2,010 |
| Carrier TBN | CNSHA → USHOU | 37–44 days | $2,140 |
| Evergreen | CNSHA → USHOU | 31–37 days | $2,775 |
| HMM | CNSHA → USHOU | 28–33 days | $3,465 |
| Chinese Line | CNSHA → USHOU | 32–37 days | $3,235 |
| Chinese Line Economy | CNSHA → USHOU | 41–49 days | $2,861 |
Sea Freight Rates – Shanghai (CNSHA) to Houston (USHOU) – 40ft Container
| Line | Route | Transit Time | Price (USD) |
|---|
| OOCL | CNSHA → USHOU | 24–28 days | $3,090 |
| Carrier TBN | CNSHA → USHOU | 31–37 days | $3,205 |
| Evergreen | CNSHA → USHOU | 37–44 days | $3,386 |
| HMM | CNSHA → USHOU | 28–33 days | $4,077 |
| Chinese Line | CNSHA → USHOU | 41–49 days | $3,429 |
| Chinese Line Premium | CNSHA → USHOU | 36–44 days | $3,615 |
LCL Shipping Rates – China to USA (Per CBM)
For smaller shipments that do not fill a full container, LCL is often a good choice. Here are example LCL rates per CBM:
LCL Shipping Rates – China to USA (per CBM)
| Carrier | Route | Service | Price (USD) |
|---|
| Maersk | Shenzhen, CN → Los Angeles, US | LCL | $376 per CBM |
| CMA CGM | Shanghai, CN → Long Beach, US | LCL | $410 per CBM |
| Hapag-Lloyd | Ningbo, CN → Oakland, US | LCL | $345 per CBM |
| Evergreen | Qingdao, CN → Houston, US | LCL | $398 per CBM |
| COSCO | Xiamen, CN → New York, US | LCL | $442 per CBM |
| ONE (Ocean Network Express) | Guangzhou, CN → Savannah, US | LCL | $325 per CBM |
These sea freight and LCL rates are for reference only. For your exact shipment, please contact DDPCHAIN with your origin, destination, volume (CBM), and weight.
Many American importers worry about:
- Customs rules and regulations
- Preparing accurate invoices for customs
- Paperwork, duties, and hidden fees
If you don’t want to handle customs clearance yourself and prefer a fully managed service, our DDP (Door to Door) shipping solution from China to USA is designed for you.
We provide DDP services by both air and sea:
- DDP Air to USA
- DDP Sea to USA
Each option has its own cost structure and transit time, but the logic is the same:
we pick up the goods in China and deliver them directly to your address in the USA with customs clearance included.
DDP Air Shipping from China to USA (Door to Door)
| Weight Range | Cargo Type | Price (USD) | Transit Time |
|---|
| +22 KG | Normal Goods | $8.29 / KG | 6–8 working days |
| +100 KG | Normal Goods | $7.57 / KG | 6–8 working days |
| +100 KG | Sensitive Goods | $8.29 / KG | 6–8 working days |
DDP Sea Shipping from China to USA (Door to Door)
| Weight Range | Cargo Type | Price (USD) | Delivery Fee (USD) | Transit Time |
|---|
| +101 KG | Normal Goods | $1.71 / KG | $71.42 | About 40 days |
| +300 KG | Normal Goods | $1.28 / KG | $71.42 | About 40 days |
These examples show how DDP sea shipping becomes very cost-effective as weight increases, while DDP air is faster but higher per-kg.
When you ship a package from China to the USA with DDPCHAIN under a DDP service, the process typically looks like this:
You provide documents
We arrange pickup
We move goods to port/airport
Cargo is loaded and shipped
Customs clearance in the USA
Final delivery to your address
You get one partner managing the entire journey from China to your door.
If you need to ship:
- Small packages
- Product samples
- Or any parcel that must arrive from China to the USA in less than 5 days
…then express courier service is usually the best option.
This solution is ideal for packages under about 10 kg. For this service we use branded global couriers, but thanks to our contracts, the prices we offer are often up to 60% cheaper than standard public rates.
Below are example express rates for 2026.
Express Shipping Rates – China to USA (Cost by Weight & Courier)
DHL, FedEx, UPS, YunExpress, HSD – Updated Rates in 2026
| Courier | 1 KG | 2 KG | 5 KG | 7 KG | 10 KG | 15 KG |
|---|
| HSD Express | $22.40 | $38.40 | $86.40 | $118.00 | $155.00 | $215.00 |
| DHL | $38.53 | $53.15 | $106.43 | $148.89 | $212.58 | $306.04 |
| FedEx IP | $53.98 | $78.67 | $102.46 | $142.83 | $208.67 | $309.91 |
| UPS Expedited | $57.43 | $66.56 | $135.52 | $182.43 | $254.10 | $365.16 |
| UPS Saver | $59.60 | $75.30 | $115.30 | $142.76 | $185.09 | $260.08 |
| YunExpress (General Goods) | $34.64 | $64.24 | $141.20 | $200.40 | $289.20 | $437.20 |
| YunExpress (With Battery) | $35.72 | $66.52 | $146.60 | $208.20 | $300.60 | $454.60 |
Express Shipping Transit Time – China to USA
| Courier | Transit Time |
|---|
| HSD Express | 8–15 days |
| DHL | 3–6 days |
| FedEx International Priority (IP) | 5–8 days |
| UPS Expedited | 8–12 days |
| UPS Saver (HK Express) | 5–7 days |
| YunExpress (General Goods) | 6–14 days |
| YunExpress (With Battery) | 6–12 days |
Courier services are perfect when you need speed and simplicity for small shipments, and don’t want to deal with complex logistics.
How to Track Your Express Package from China to USA
When you ship via our express courier partners such as DHL, UPS, USPS, FedEx, YunExpress, HSD, we provide you with a tracking number.
You can track your shipment using the official websites below:
Express Courier Tracking – China to USA
Just enter your tracking number, and you’ll see the latest status of your shipment from China to the USA.
To quickly recap:
Need it fast and heavy?
Choose air freight from China to USA.
Need the lowest price for big volumes?
Go with sea freight (FCL or LCL).
Want everything handled for you, including customs and final delivery?
Use our DDP door-to-door service (by air or sea).
Sending samples or small urgent parcels?
Pick express courier.
All the costs and transit times above are for reference in 2026. For a custom shipping plan and exact quote tailored to your shipment, contact the DDPCHAIN team with your:
- Product details
- Weight and CBM
- Pickup address in China
- Delivery address in the USA
We’ll help you choose the most efficient and cost-effective shipping solution from China to the USA for your business.
