Who This Guide Is For
Importers moving goods from China to the United States (B2B and e‑commerce).
Teams comparing air vs sea, planning budgets, or aligning compliance steps (ISF, bond, FDA/FCC/EPA).
At‑a‑Glance Transit Times (Typical, Door‑to‑Door)
Air: 6–12 days (3–7 A2A + origin/destination handling)
Sea FCL: 25–45 days (West Coast faster than East Coast)
Sea LCL: FCL time + 7–10 days for consolidation/deconsolidation
Transit Time Table (Typical In‑Market Ranges)
| Mode | China → US West Coast (LA/LB, SEA, OAK) | China → US East Coast (NY/NJ, SAV, CHS) | Notes |
| Air (A2D) | 6–10 days | 6–12 days | Capacity, screening, delivery appointments affect lead time |
| Sea FCL (D2D) | 25–35 days | 30–45 days | Add time for IPI rail to inland ramps |
| Sea LCL (D2D) | 32–45 days | 37–55 days | Consolidation adds ~7–10 days |
Cost Basics — What Really Drives the Total
Mode choice, seasonality, port pair, Incoterms, commodity/compliance, last‑mile services.
How to Estimate Costs (Safe Framework)
Air Freight
Chargeable weight = max(gross kg, L×W×H cm / 6000). Add origin/destination handling, delivery, customs, duties/taxes.
Sea FCL
Ocean base rate + BAF + THC + docs + delivery. Duties/taxes excluded unless DDP.
Sea LCL
CBM rate + CFS handling + docs + delivery. Re‑check FCL when volume > 15–20 CBM.
Ports and Airports We Most Often Use
Origin Hubs
Shanghai, Ningbo, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Xiamen, Qingdao
US Gateways
LAX/LGB, SFO/OAK, SEA, IAH, JFK/EWR, SAV/CHS
Tip: For East Coast, compare all‑water vs West Coast + rail/truck landbridge.
Your Practical US Customs Checklist
ISF 10+2 (Ocean)
File ≥24 hours before vessel loading; late/missing ISF risks penalties. Source: CBP.
Customs Bond
Single‑entry or continuous for most formal entries.
Entry & Duties
HS codes, values, Incoterms; include Section 301 tariffs where applicable.
Importer of Record (IOR)
Ensure the correct entity on the entry.
Partner Government Agencies (PGA)
FDA, FCC, EPA, etc. Obtain required certificates pre‑shipment.
Required Documents
Commercial invoice, packing list, HS codes, shipper/consignee, B/L or AWB, MSDS/UN38.3 if batteries, product certificates.
Step‑by‑Step Workflow (Sea: FCL/LCL)
Quote & booking → 2) ISF filing → 3) Origin handling & export → 4) International transport → 5) Arrival notice & entry filing → 6) CBP/PGA releases → 7) Delivery appointment & POD
Common Pitfalls (And How to Avoid Them)
Missing/late ISF, misclassification/undervaluation, Incoterms mismatch, LCL delays, FBA labeling/appointment issues.
When to Choose Air vs Sea
Air for urgent/high‑value; FCL for >15–20 CBM and lower damage risk; LCL for small volumes with weekly sailings.
FAQs
How long does shipping from China to the USA take?
Typical D2D: air 6–12 days; sea FCL to West Coast 25–35 and East Coast 30–45; LCL adds ~7–10 days.
Do I need a customs bond?
Most formal entries do; we can arrange single‑entry or continuous bonds via licensed brokers.
What is ISF 10+2?
ISF for ocean shipments must be filed before vessel loading. Late/missing filings may incur penalties. Source: U.S. CBP.
Can you deliver to Amazon FBA?
Yes—labels, appointments, and delivery to FCs (e.g., ONT8, LGB8, JFK8).
Can I use Section 321 for low‑value B2C?
If ≤ $800 and criteria met. We’ll assess eligibility and volume limits.
Sources and Further Reading
- U.S. CBP (ISF): https://www.cbp.gov/trade/programs-administration/security-filing
- U.S. CBP (Section 321): https://www.cbp.gov/trade/entry-summary/section-321
- U.S. CBP (Import basics): https://www.cbp.gov/trade/basic-import-export