How to Ship from China to the USA Step by Step

Shipping goods from China to the USA starts with a few simple decisions. You choose the right shipping method, compare costs, and select a reliable partner. Many people trust FISHGOO because it offers prices at only 60%-70% of what others charge. Trade between China and the USA is huge. In the first ten months of 2024, the trade value reached about US$0.56 trillion, with exports rising nearly 5%. When you ship from China, you follow clear steps: arrange pickup, handle paperwork, and track your package. Even if you are new, you can manage this process with confidence.

Tip: Work with an experienced shipping partner like FISHGOO to save money and avoid common delays.

Key Takeaways

• Pick the best shipping method for your budget. Think about how big your shipment is. Check how fast you need it delivered. This helps you save time and money.

• Collect correct product details and shipping addresses. This helps you get clear quotes. It also stops hidden fees from showing up.

• Work with your supplier often. Use warehousing services to keep your goods safe. This makes shipping easier for you.

• Get all customs documents ready before shipping. This stops delays at the border. It also helps you avoid extra charges.

• Track your shipment often. Stay in touch with your shipping partner. This helps you fix problems fast.

Shipping Methods Overview

When you ship from China to the USA, you have several shipping methods to choose from. Each method fits different needs, budgets, and shipment sizes. Picking the right option helps you save time and money. FISHGOO can help you select the best shipping method, often at only 60%-70% of the price charged by others.

Air Freight vs. Sea Freight

You can use air freight or sea freight to ship from China. Air freight is the fastest option. It usually takes 3 to 10 days. You should use air freight for urgent or high-value goods, such as electronics, clothing, machinery, or gadgets. Air freight costs more and has limited space, but it is reliable for time-sensitive shipments.

Sea freight is slower, taking about 20 to 45 days. It is the most cost-effective choice for large or heavy shipments. Sea freight works well for bulky goods or when you do not need fast delivery. You can choose between Full Container Load (FCL) and Less than Container Load (LCL) when using sea freight.

Note: Express shipping by courier (FedEx, UPS, DHL, TNT) is also available for small or urgent parcels. Delivery can be as fast as 3 days.

FCL, LCL, and DDP Options

You need to understand the differences between FCL, LCL, and DDP when you ship from China. The table below shows how they compare:

FCL is best if your goods fill a container (about 15 CBM or more). LCL is for smaller shipments that share space with others. DDP means the seller handles all customs and delivery, so you do not need to worry about paperwork or extra fees.

Tip: FISHGOO can help you choose the right shipping method and handle all the details, making your shipping process smooth and affordable.

Get a Quote and Calculate Costs

What You Need for a Shipping Quote

You need to give some important details to get a shipping quote. First, write down your product’s size and weight. You also need to know where the seller is in China. Write the delivery address in the USA. If you ship to a warehouse, like Amazon FBA, include that address. Shipping terms, like FOB or DDP, decide who pays for insurance and customs. You must have the right documents for customs clearance. Sometimes, you need to share insurance details, depending on your shipping terms. Global things, like oil prices, can change shipping costs. This means quotes might be different each time.

Comparing Providers and Costs

Shipping costs change for many reasons. The shipping method, weight, and size matter. The type of goods and extra services, like insurance, also change the price. Customs fees, packaging, and busy seasons can make it cost more. FISHGOO gives quotes that are only 60%-70% of what others charge. You can check prices from USPS, UPS, FedEx, and China Post. FISHGOO shows clear prices, gives discounts for big orders, and helps with customs and tracking.

Tip: Use shipping calculators and check many providers to get the best price. FISHGOO’s website makes this easy and helps you save money.

Shipping Times and Price Ranges

Shipping times and costs are not always the same. Express shipping is the fastest but costs the most. Sea freight is slow but cheap for big shipments. Air freight is good if you need it fast but not too heavy. The table below shows normal times and prices:

Note: Shipping costs go up during busy times, like Chinese New Year or Black Friday. Try to plan early to avoid delays and higher prices.

Ship from China: Pickup and Warehousing

Shipping goods from China to the USA is more than just booking a shipment. You must talk with suppliers, set up pickup, and decide how to store your products before they leave China. This step helps you save time and money. It also keeps your goods safe.

Supplier Coordination

You need to work with your supplier to get your shipment ready. Here are some ways to do this:

1. Plan Ahead: Think about what you want to ship and when you need it. Planning early helps you avoid rushing at the last minute.

2. Consolidate Shipments: If you have many small orders, put them together. This makes shipping cheaper and easier.

3. Optimize Packaging: Ask your supplier to use strong packaging. Good packaging keeps your goods safe from damage.

4. Choose the Right Incoterms: Decide who pays for shipping, insurance, and customs. Terms like FOB or DDP make these rules clear.

5. Prepare Customs Documents: Make sure your supplier gives you all the right papers. You need things like the Bill of Lading, Commercial Invoice, and Packing List. Having the right documents helps you avoid problems at customs.

6. Work with Experienced Freight Forwarders: Pick a company that knows about international shipping. They can help with customs and make things go faster.

7. Maintain Communication: Stay in touch with your supplier and shipping partner. Share updates and check details so nothing gets missed.

8. Use Technology: Track your shipment online. Many websites let you watch your cargo and fix problems fast.

Tip: Exporters often face problems like language issues, bad quality, and long wait times. You can fix these by picking good suppliers, talking clearly, and working with experts.

Some common problems are:

• Language and culture differences make talking harder.

• Quality control is tough with different suppliers.

• Long wait times and possible delays.

• Rules and customs in China can be confusing.

• Handling many suppliers at once makes things tricky.

A trusted shipping partner like FISHGOO can help with these problems. FISHGOO talks to suppliers, handles payments, and gets your goods ready for shipping.

Using FISHGOO Warehouses

Warehousing in China is a smart choice for exporters and buyers. You can keep your goods in a warehouse after they are made and before they ship out. This has many benefits:

• It costs less than storing goods in the USA.

• You can control your inventory better and order smaller amounts more often.

• Quality checks are easier since your goods are near the factory. You can return or fix things quickly if needed.

• You can get extra services like kitting, labeling, and special packing.

• Shipping is faster and more flexible because your goods are ready to go.

FISHGOO’s warehouse services make things even easier. Here is what you get:

• Consolidation: Put many orders into one shipment. This saves money on shipping.

• Free Photo Checks: FISHGOO sends you photos of your packages so you can check them before they ship.

• Special Packing Services: Get extra protection for items that break easily or are valuable.

• Language and Payment Support: FISHGOO talks to sellers and pays them for you. This helps with language and payment problems.

• Reliable Tracking: Track your shipment from the warehouse in China to your door in the USA. FISHGOO gives you 24/7 customer support in English.

• Customs Assistance: FISHGOO helps with paperwork, duties, and stops delays or surprise fees.

• Flexible Shipping Options: Pick air, sea, or express shipping based on your needs.

• Transparent Pricing: There are no hidden fees. You always know what you pay.

• Quality Checks: FISHGOO checks your packages to make sure they are in good shape.

Note: Using FISHGOO’s warehouse services lets you ship from China at only 60%-70% of the price other companies charge. You get expert help, clear updates, and a stress-free process.

Typical Warehousing Solutions Used by Exporters in China:

• Warehouses in China for storage after making goods.

• Inventory control for shipping just in time.

• Quality checks and easy returns.

• Kitting, labeling, and sending out goods from the warehouse.

• Fast and flexible shipping for international orders.

When you ship from China, using a third-party warehouse like FISHGOO gives you more control. You can check your goods, manage your stock, and ship when you are ready. This helps you avoid problems and keeps your supply chain working well.

Customs and Import Duties

When you bring goods from China to the USA, you must clear customs first. Customs clearance means you fill out forms, pay taxes, and follow rules. If you have the right documents and know the steps, you can avoid waiting and extra fees.

Required Documents

You need a few important papers for customs clearance. Each paper has its own job. Here are the main documents you need:

1. Commercial Invoice: This paper shows what your goods are. It lists the name, amount, price, and where they come from. Customs uses it to figure out taxes.

2. Packing List: This tells how your goods are packed. It shows the number of boxes, their weight, and size.

3. Certificate of Origin: This proves where your goods were made. It can help you pay less duty or use trade deals.

4. Bill of Lading: This is a contract and a receipt between you and the carrier. It has details about your shipment and delivery.

5. Arrival Notice: This tells you when your goods get there. It helps you avoid paying for storage.

6. Customs Bond: This makes sure you pay all taxes and fees. You need it for shipments over $2,500.

Tip: If your documents are wrong or missing, customs will delay your shipment. Always check your papers before you ship.

Paying Taxes and Duties

You must pay taxes and duties before your goods enter the USA. Customs uses the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) to set the duty rate. Most goods from China have a duty rate between 2.5% and 6%. Some goods have extra tariffs, like Section 301 tariffs, which can be up to 25%. Customs figures out duties using the total value of your goods, including cost, insurance, and freight (CIF).

You can pay duties and taxes with U.S. money, certified checks, money orders, or bank transfers. Some carriers, like FedEx, let you pay online or through their billing system. Always pay duties to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) before your shipment is released.

Note: FISHGOO helps you with customs paperwork and stops delays or surprise fees. Their team checks your documents and makes sure your duties are paid on time.

Final Delivery and Tracking

When your shipment leaves China, you want to know where it is. You also want to know when it will arrive. Tracking your package helps you stay in control. If something goes wrong, you can fix it faster. This step makes delivery easier.

Tracking Your Shipment

You can track your shipment with a tracking number. Your shipping partner or courier gives you this number. FISHGOO also gives you a tracking link or code. Enter the code on the courier’s website or in your FISHGOO account. You will see updates about your shipment.

You can see each step from China to the USA. Tracking helps you find delays early. If your package stops moving, check the tracking details. Sometimes, shipments are held for customs checks or other reasons. This does not mean your package is lost. Holds can last a few hours or even weeks.

Tip: Always check your delivery address. Keep your shipping documents ready. Correct information helps stop delays.

Receiving and Troubleshooting

When your shipment arrives, look at the package before signing. If you see damage, take photos. Contact your shipping partner right away.

Common delivery problems include customs checks, wrong addresses, and unpaid duties. Bad weather, strikes, or busy ports can also cause delays.

You can fix these problems by checking your shipping documents. Make sure all fees and duties are paid. Check your address carefully. Stay updated about possible delays. Contact your courier or merchant if you need help.

Note: FISHGOO gives support after your shipment arrives. They help you solve delivery problems and answer questions. They also help you track your shipment until it gets to you safely.

If you want a reliable and cheap way to ship from China, FISHGOO offers prices at only 60%-70% of what others charge. This makes shipping easy and saves you money.

Shipping from China to the USA becomes simple when you follow clear steps. You start by choosing the right shipping method, then gather quotes, arrange pickup, and handle customs. You track your shipment and receive your goods with confidence. To make the process even smoother, consider these tips:

1. Research and pick a reliable shipping partner with strong customer support.

2. Compare quotes and check for hidden fees.

3. Use real-time tracking for peace of mind.

4. Confirm all paperwork before you ship from China.

FISHGOO helps you ship from China at only 60%-70% of the price others charge. Reach out for a personalized shipping plan or quote and enjoy a worry-free experience.

FAQ

How do I choose the best shipping method from China to the USA?

You should look at your budget, how fast you need your goods, and the size of your shipment. FISHGOO helps you compare air, sea, and express options so you can save money and time.

What documents do I need for customs clearance?

You need a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, and sometimes a certificate of origin. Always check your paperwork before shipping. Missing documents can delay your shipment.

How can I track my shipment from China?

You get a tracking number from your shipping provider. Enter this number on the courier’s website or in your FISHGOO account. You can see updates on your shipment’s location and status.

Why should I use FISHGOO for shipping?

FISHGOO offers shipping at only 60%-70% of the price other companies charge. You get expert support, clear pricing, and reliable tracking. This helps you save money and avoid common problems.

What should I do if my package is delayed?

Check your tracking information first. Delays can happen because of customs checks, weather, or busy seasons. Contact your shipping partner or FISHGOO support for help and updates.

See Also

How To Easily Shop And Ship From China Using Agents

Safe And Efficient Ways To Buy Products Online From China

Fishgoo Simplifies Buying From Taobao Straight To Your Door

Save Forty Percent On Shipping Costs Using Pinduoduo Easily

Reasons Smart Buyers Rely On China Freight Forwarders For Taobao