What is the best way to ship from China to the US, via Amazon FBA, or other countries? This new guide will teach you how to pick the most suitable shipping methods for your goods based on their weight, budget, and shipping time (De La Rue, 2022).
We will discuss the top Freight Forwarder Services concepts to assist you with the shipping from China process. You can also use this method to ship from China to any country you want, or to use Amazon FBA (thedissertationhelp, 2022). Let’s get started.
Shipping from China to the US can be a complex process, but with the right preparation and knowledge, it can be done efficiently and cost-effectively. Here is a complete guide on how to ship from China to the US:
Steps to Ship from China to US
1. Choose a shipping method:
There are several shipping methods available for shipping from China to the US, including air freight, sea freight, and express courier services. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to choose the method that best suits your needs and budget.
- Regular Post
This means a normal, regular China Post delivery time of up to 1535 days. If you can wait, this is the most cost-effective option for small shipments such as samples and parcels. You can track and trace online, but the information is not always up to date.
Most of the time, we do not recommend this method. Although it is a very cost-effective method, it is risky and hard to locate lost packages. This method is typically a good choice for drop shipping.
- Air Express
Transportation with a courier company will be the most suitable method for most people starting out. DHL, UPS, and FedEx are popular courier companies in China. You get quick delivery times and online tracking with courier service. Most courier shipments arrive anywhere in the world in 35 business days or less.
The benefit of using an express courier is that you can get seamless delivery. All you have to do when the package arrives is sign for it. In most cases, delivery is prompt and reliable. When there is a problem, there is a tracking number that can assist in resolving the issue. However, the price is significantly higher than that of the postal service.
- Airfreight
If the weight of the sourced products is too heavy for couriers, such as 100kg, air shipment may be the best option. Costs for air freight will be significantly lower than for courier services.
Air freight Logistics method is appropriate for medium-weight cargo with tight deadlines or stricter security controls. Transit time varies according to airline schedule, but in general, it ranges between 810 days, which is not bad.
It’s worthy to mention that air freight usually has a minimum shipping weight requirement. The average cost of air express is approximately $5 to $10/kg, with a shipping time of 3 to 5 business days, whereas the average cost of air freight is approximately $4 to $8/kg with a shipping time 5 to 10 business days.
- Sea Freight/Ocean Freight
Transport by ocean can take a long time but can carry a massive amount of goods, lowering costs. The variety of cargo that can be shipped is another significant advantage of this model. That is why it is such a popular and widely used mode of transportation in logistics.
Despite the lengthy delivery time, sea freight is the best option if you plan ahead of time and have enough time to wait. Depending on where you live, it will be between 30 and 60 days.
Ocean shipping is classified into two types: FCL and LCL, which differ in terms of shipping costs and container size.
2- Find a reliable freight forwarder:
A freight forwarder is a company that specializes in managing the logistics of shipping goods from one country to another. They can help you navigate the complex shipping process and ensure that your goods arrive safely and on time. It’s important to choose a reliable freight forwarder with experience in shipping from China to the US.
3- Prepare your shipment:
Before shipping your goods, you’ll need to prepare them for transport. This may include packaging, labeling, and documenting your goods. Your freight forwarder can provide guidance on the specific requirements for your shipment.
4- Arrange for customs clearance:
When shipping from China to the US, your goods will need to go through customs clearance. This involves submitting documentation to US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and paying any applicable duties and taxes. Your freight forwarder can help you with this process.
5- Track your shipment:
Tracking your shipment is an important part of the shipping process from China to the US. It allows you to monitor the progress of your shipment and ensure that it arrives at its destination on time and in good condition. Tracking your shipment involves obtaining the tracking information from your carrier or freight forwarder, checking the shipment status regularly, monitoring the shipment’s progress, acting if necessary, and communicating with stakeholders. By tracking your shipment carefully, you can ensure that it arrives at its destination on time and in good condition and address any issues or delays that arise along the way.
6- Receive your shipment:
When your shipment arrives in the US, you’ll need to arrange for it to be delivered to your desired location. Your freight forwarder service can help you with this process.
Before accepting the delivery, you should verify the shipment details to ensure that you receive the correct shipment. This includes checking the number of packages, weight, and dimensions, and comparing them to the shipping documents. If there are any discrepancies, you should contact the carrier immediately to resolve the issue.
Once you have accepted the delivery, you should inspect the goods for any damage or discrepancies. This includes checking for broken or missing items, as well as any damage caused during shipping. If you notice any issues, you should document them and report them to the carrier as soon as possible.
After inspecting the goods, you should sign for the delivery to acknowledge that you have received the shipment. It’s important to keep a copy of the delivery receipt for your records.
Wrapping Up
In summary, shipping from China to the US requires careful planning and preparation. By choosing the right shipping method, finding a reliable freight forwarder, preparing your shipment, arranging for customs clearance, tracking your shipment, and receiving your shipment, you can ensure a smooth and successful shipping process.
Reference
De La Rue, C., Anderson, C.B. and Hare, J., 2022. Shipping and the environment: law and practice. Taylor & Francis.
TDH, 2022. List Of 15 Successful Companies In The World. Online available at <https://thedissertationhelp.co.uk/list-of-15-successful-companies-in-the-world/> [Accessed Date: 24-oct-2022]
