When importing from China to the USA, one of your biggest concerns is likely the shipping time. Understanding the transit time for different shipping methods can help you plan and avoid unexpected delays. This guide breaks down the average shipping time from China to the USA and the key factors that affect delivery speed. Moreover, it provides practical tips to optimize your logistics for faster, more reliable shipments.
Understanding China to USA shipping times
If you’re wondering how long it takes to ship from China to the US, consider cargo volume, logistics solutions, and port selection. Let’s start with a look at the key US ports.
Major US ports for shipments from China
- West Coast ports: Los Angeles, Long Beach, San Francisco, Seattle, and Oakland.
- East Coast ports: New York, Houston, Miami, Norfolk, Savannah, Portland, Charleston, Baltimore, Jacksonville, Wilmington, and New Orleans.
Generally, shipping times vary depending on whether your cargo is headed to the East or West Coast. For example, cargo bound for the West Coast travels across the Pacific Ocean, typically taking 20–35 days via sea freight.
On the other hand, shipping to the East Coast involves crossing the Pacific, passing through the Panama Canal, and finally to the destination port. This route generally takes 25–45 days. Alternatively, some shipments arrive at a West Coast port and then move inland via rail or trucking to the East Coast. This method, known as MLB (Mini Land Bridge) shipping, can take 30–55 days and is often more expensive than direct sea freight to the East Coast.
Now that you understand how shipping routes would impact transit time. The following section will detail the standard shipping time from China to the USA for various transportation methods.
Airfreight transit time from China to the USA
Air freight is the fastest shipping option, typically taking 3–8 days. It’s ideal for high-value or time-sensitive goods but comes at a premium cost.
When to book air shipments?
It’s best to book 7–15 days in advance to ensure your shipment arrives within your desired timeframe.
Understanding flight schedules
Not all destinations in the USA have daily flights from China. In such cases, it’s crucial to negotiate and confirm the flight schedule with your freight forwarder to ensure timely delivery.
The air freight process
- Cargo pickup: Your forwarder collects the cargo from the supplier’s factory and transports it to the airline’s warehouse (0.5-1 day).
- Customs declaration: The forwarder handles customs declaration in China while the flight agent loads the cargo. (1 day)
- Flight to the USA: The flight typically takes 2–3 days.
- Customs clearance in the USA: Typically takes 1–2 days.
- Inland transportation: Once cleared, your cargo is transported to your warehouse by truck or express, taking 2–3 days.
Average port-to-port air shipping times to the USA
| POL | POD | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Guangzhou | LA | 6 days |
| Qingdao | Seattle | 6 days |
| Shenzhen | Atlanta | 7 days |
| Beijing | Chicago | 5 days |
| Shenzhen | Denver | 7 days |
| Xiamen | Houston | 7 days |
| Wuhan | New York | 8 days |
Sea freight time from China to the USA
Sea freight is the most cost-effective option for large shipments, with transit times ranging from 20–50 days depending on the port and shipping route. Here’s a breakdown of the typical process for sea freight:
1. Shipping companies release containers about a week before the scheduled sailing date. For instance, if the vessel departs on January 15, you can start loading cargo as early as January 8.
2. Complete the customs declaration before the CY (Container Yard) closing date. It marks the final deadline for container check-in at the port before the scheduled sailing.
3. Shipments to the U.S. require the ISF 10+2 filing, with a cut-off date similar to the CY closing date.
4. Once onboard, the cargo ship sails arrive in the U.S. during 20-45 days.
5. U.S. customs clearance usually takes 1–3 days if no inspection is required.
Here’s an overview of the average sea freight port-to-port shipping times to the U.S.:
| POL | POD | FCL time | LCL time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shenzhen | LA | 19 days | 23 days |
| New York | 36 days | 38 days | |
| Shanghai | Atlanta | 29 days | 34 days |
| Boston | 35 days | 37 days | |
| Ningbo | Chicago | 25 days | 29 days |
| LA | 20 days | 25 days |
Express shipping time from China to the USA
Express freight is your best bet if you need a fast and reliable shipping solution for small or urgent shipments. Major couriers like FedEx, UPS, and DHL offer door-to-door delivery.
How long does express Shipping take from China to the USA?
| Carrier | Estimated time |
|---|---|
| FedEx | 2–5 days |
| UPS | 2–3 days |
| DHL | 3–5 days |
| EMS | 5–7 days |
| ePacket/EUB | 15–30 days |
We at Airsupply offer competitive discounts for express services. Send your cargo details now to get the latest price!
Factors affecting time from China to the USA
1. Distance and destination
The farther the destination, the longer the shipping time. For example, air freight to Pakistan typically takes 3–5 business days, while deliveries to Finland may require 4–7 business days due to longer routes and potential layovers.
2. Choice of shipping method
Shipping speed depends on the transportation mode you select. Working with Airsupply for an optimized shipping plan ensures you get the most efficient and cost-effective solution.
3. Customs clearance and regulations
Customs procedures vary by country, and some ports process shipments faster than others. Busy hubs like Los Angeles or New York may experience delays due to congestion. Preparing and submitting all necessary documents in advance minimizes clearance time.
4. Seasonal & peak shipping delays
Weather conditions and peak seasons can impact shipping times. Winter fog, summer storms, high-demand periods like the holiday rush (Nov–Dec), and Chinese New Year often cause delays. Booking early helps secure space and avoid last-minute price hikes.
For fast, reliable, and cost-efficient shipping, contact Airsupply today!
How to avoid shipping delays from China to the USA?
Partnering with a trusted freight forwarder like Airsupply is essential for avoiding delays and ensuring a seamless shipping process. We handle everything—from customs clearance and documentation to final delivery—so your goods arrive on time and without hassle.
Additionally, we specialize in Amazon FBA shipping and customized logistics solutions, optimizing shipping time from China to the USA. Whether you need express shipping, air freight, or sea freight, our expertise guarantees fast, reliable, and cost-effective delivery.
