Cheapest Shipping From China to the US: Our Top Tips | Easyship Blog (2024)

Key points:

• Choosing the cheapest shipping option from China to the US depends on factors like weight, size, and speed requirements
• Sea freight is the cheapest option for bulky items but takes the longest (30-45 days), while air freight is the fastest but most expensive (3-7 days)
• Consider using fulfillment centers in Hong Kong to benefit from faster delivery times, potentially lower costs, and improved customer service

Every ambitious eCommerce entrepreneur can appreciate the importance of keeping costs low while delivering a great customer experience. If you are importing your products, then the shipping process from China to the USA can be a significant expense.

According to 2023 US Government figures, over $427 Billion worth of goods was imported from China to the US! This monumental figure highlights the volume of goods shipping from China to the USA every year.

With such huge demand, shipping prices can range wildly depending on the freight forwarders used, plus fast services such as express shipping. This guide will equip you with the knowledge to find the cheapest shipping options from China to the US, allowing you to optimize your shipping cost. Boosting profit margins and fueling growth.

When it comes to sourcing products from China and selling them in the US, keeping your shipping costs under control is crucial for maintaining healthy profit margins. But the cheapest isn't always a one-size-fits-all answer. The most cost-effective option depends on several factors relating to your shipping process you need to consider:

Package Weight and Dimensions:

• The Golden Rule: Generally, the heavier and bulkier your cargo, the more expensive shipping from China to the USA and freight costs will be
• Dimensional Weight: Carriers often calculate shipping costs based on dimensional weight, which considers both the actual weight and the package's size. This means a large, lightweight box can cost more to ship than a smaller, heavier one with the same actual weight
• Optimizing Your Packaging: By using appropriate-sized boxes and void-fill materials, you can minimize dimensional weight and potentially reduce shipping costs.

Delivery Speed:

• Need for Speed: Faster delivery times naturally come at a premium. Customers who prioritize quick delivery might be willing to pay extra for expedited options like express freight
• Standard vs. Expedited: Consider offering a range of shipping options to cater to different customer needs. Standard shipping might be sufficient for non-time-sensitive items, while offering expedited options for customers who need their products faster.

Origin and Destination:

• The Geography Factor: Shipping costs can vary depending on the specific origin city in China and the destination point within the US. Shipping goods longer distances typically equals higher costs and potential shipping delays
• Negotiating with Suppliers: Some suppliers might be located in regions with more competitive shipping rates. Negotiating with them to see if they can handle the initial shipping leg within China could potentially lead to cost savings.

Shipping Method:

This is where the real decision-making comes in. Here's a deeper dive into the two main methods for shipping from China to the USA, sea or air freight, along with some additional considerations:

Air Freight:

• Pros: Air freight offers the fastest delivery times, typically ranging from 3-7 business days. Ideal for time-sensitive products or customers who value rapid delivery.
• Cons: Air freight is the most expensive option compared to sea freight. This method becomes less cost-effective for larger or heavier shipments.

Sea Freight:

• Pros: Sea freight is the cheapest option for bulkier shipments. While delivery times are significantly longer (typically 30-45 days), it's ideal for non-perishable items where speed isn't a priority.
• Cons: Patience is key. Sea freight has the longest delivery times when shipping from China to the USA, a factor you'll need to consider when setting customer expectations. Not suitable for shipping goods that are time-sensitive.

Additional Considerations:

• Less Than Container Load (LCL): Not quite filling an entire shipping container? LCL shipping allows you to share space with other businesses, making it a cost-effective option for medium-sized shipments. However, it can add some complexity and potentially longer transit times due to consolidation processes.
• Consolidation: If you source products from multiple suppliers within China, consider consolidating them into one larger shipment before sending them internationally. This can leverage economies of scale and potentially lower your overall shipping costs.

Making the Right Choice:

The best approach when you ship cargo often involves a strategic balance between cost and speed. Here are some additional tips:

• Analyze Your Products: Categorize your products based on weight, size, and customer demand for fast delivery. This will help you determine the most cost-effective shipping method for each category.
• Offer a Range of Options: Cater to different customer preferences by offering standard and expedited shipping options.
• Utilize Shipping Calculators: Freight forwarders and platforms like Easyship offer shipping calculators that allow you to compare rates from different carriers and find the most cost-effective option for each shipment.

By understanding these factors and strategically choosing your shipping methods, you can significantly reduce your overall shipping costs and improve your profit margins as your eCommerce business scales.

Beyond air and sea freight, there are different service levels within each method that impact cost and delivery times. Here's a quick overview:

• Express Delivery (Air): Fastest option
• Standard Delivery (Air): Offers a balance between speed and cost
• Economy Delivery (Air): Most affordable air freight option, but with longer delivery times
• Ocean Freight (Sea): Traditional sea freight with the longest delivery times, but ideal for large shipments.
• FCL (Full Container Load): Renting an entire container for your shipment (most cost-effective for very large volumes).

Tip: Research and choose a reliable freight forwarder who can offer a variety of shipping options to suit your needs. Look for transparent pricing, good customer service, and experience handling shipments from China.

While the core principles of choosing a shipping method remain the same (weight, dimensions, speed, cost), there are some additional factors to consider specifically when shipping from China to the USA:

Origin and Destination:

• China's Vast Landscape: China is a large country. The origin city within China can significantly impact shipping costs. Ports on the eastern coast (e.g., Shanghai, Shenzhen) typically offer more competitive rates compared to inland cities due to easier access to international shipping routes.
• US Delivery Spread: The US is a vast country as well. Consider offering different shipping tiers based on the destination within the US. East Coast customers might be more receptive to standard airfreight, while West Coast customers might prioritize faster options.

Customs Clearance:

• Understanding Duties and Taxes: Be aware of potential import duties and taxes that your US customers might incur upon the shipment's arrival. Research and clearly communicate these potential charges on your product pages to avoid any surprises for your customers.
• HS Codes: HS Codes (Harmonized System Codes) are used to classify products for customs purposes. Knowing the HS code for your products helps expedite the clearance process. Many online resources can help you identify the correct HS code.
• Working with a Reputable Customs Broker: Consider partnering with a customs broker to handle the clearance process for you. This can save you time and ensure smooth processing, especially if you're dealing with complex regulations or high-value shipments.

Finding the Right Partner:

• Reliable Freight Forwarder: Choosing a reputable freight forwarder with experience handling shipments from China to the US is crucial. Look for a freight forwarding company that offers transparent pricing, good customer service, and a variety of China to USA shipping options to suit your needs.
• Communication is Key: Maintain clear communication with your freight forwarder regarding your specific requirements, shipment details, and any questions you have about the process.

Additional Considerations:

• Tracking and Visibility: Ensure your chosen shipping method offers robust tracking capabilities so you and your customers can monitor the shipment's progress.
• Insurance: Consider purchasing shipping insurance for valuable items to protect yourself from potential loss or damage during transit.

By keeping these specific considerations in mind, you can navigate the complexities of shipping from China to the USA with greater confidence and efficiency. This allows you to focus on growing your business and reaching your US customer base without unnecessary delays or unexpected costs.

We understand the complexities of selling online, especially when your products are manufactured in China. The current trade landscape throws additional hurdles your way, with issues like:

• Rising import tariffs: The 25% tariffs on China imports can significantly increase your landing costs.
• Uncertain shipping quality: Inconsistent tracking from Chinese postal systems can create anxious customers.
• Customs delays: Strict inspections and trade policy uncertainties can lead to frustrating delays.

But there's a better way! Easyship offers a solution that bypasses these challenges: fulfillment from Hong Kong.

Why Hong Kong?

• Faster Delivery Times: Hong Kong boasts superior global connectivity, reducing delivery times by up to 3 days compared to shipping directly from China
• Enhanced Customer Experience: Major shipping providers offer a wider range of high-quality services with better tracking options in Hong Kong
• Reduced Costs: As a free port, Hong Kong offers significant cost advantages. There are no import or sales taxes, and depending on the value of your products, you might avoid US import tariffs altogether
• Improved Customer Service: Faster customs clearance and frequent tracking updates free up your customer service team to focus on what matters most
• Business-Friendly Environment: Hong Kong's strong legal system and trade-focused regulations make it an ideal location for international businesses

With a market-leading range of courier integrations, you can use the Easyship Shipping calculator to compare shipping rates on any route in seconds. For the example below, we shipped a 2LB package from Hong Kong to New York:

In this example, the cheapest and best-value courier service is HK Post - e-Express, with 6-8 working days estimated delivery time for just over $24. While the fastest available is a 2 working day service for $65.

As the top shipping and logistics platform, Easyship is in a position to negotiate some of the best shipping discounts with leading couriers, and we can help you reduce your shipping expenses by up to 91%.

Some of our major discounts include the following:

• Save up to 65% on USPS First Class Package
• Save up to 89% on USPS Priority Mail
• Save up to 50% on UPS® Ground
• Save up to 76% on UPS Worldwide Saver®
• Save up to 91% on DHL eCommerce

We also offer a range of easy-to-use shipping tools, to help streamline your shipping experience and delight your buyers. Popular features include:

• Comparison Tool: With our courier comparison tool, you can compare the different shipping services offered by each courier, allowing you to choose your cheapest way to ship based on other factors, not just the cost
• Insurance: To help keep your packages safe in transit, Easyship offers you insurance up to $10000
• Tracking: From custom-branded tracking emails to automatic message alerts, Easyship helps you maintain package visibility with your buyers throughout the delivery process
• Shipping Rate Calculator: You can use our shipping rate calculator to compare shipping rates from different carriers