Freight Forwarder from China to USA: Your Complete Guide
Shipping goods from China to the United States is a key element of global trade. Whether you’re importing electronics, textiles, or consumer goods, choosing the right freight forwarder from China to USA helps streamline your supply chain, cut costs, and avoid logistical headaches.
This guide covers everything you need to know about tariffs, shipping costs, transit times, and top routes—so you can choose the most efficient and affordable way to ship.
Why Use a Freight Forwarder from China to USA?
A freight forwarder acts as your shipping partner, organizing and managing the entire logistics journey—from supplier pickup in China to delivery at your U.S. warehouse.
Services Typically Include:
- Booking ocean, air, or express freight
- Handling customs documentation
- Managing tariffs and taxes
- Offering cargo insurance
- Providing door-to-door and DDP options
- Tracking shipments in real time
With their expertise, you’ll avoid common pitfalls and delays—and reduce your total shipping costs.
Shipping Options from China to the USA
- Ideal for: Large, heavy shipments
- Transit Time: 20–40 days
- Shipping Cost: Lowest per cubic meter
Freight forwarders help determine if FCL (Full Container Load) or LCL (Less than Container Load) is best for your volume. Ocean freight is best for cost-efficiency when timing is flexible.
- Ideal for: Medium-sized shipments needing faster delivery
- Transit Time: 5–10 days
- Shipping Cost: Higher than sea, lower than express
Perfect for businesses balancing urgency with cost.
- Ideal for: Small parcels or eCommerce orders
- Transit Time: 2–5 days
- Shipping Cost: Highest, but fast and reliable
Freight forwarders may offer discounted express services and can consolidate multiple packages for savings.
Shipping Tariffs from China to the US
Tariffs play a significant role in your total shipping cost. U.S. import tariffs vary by product category (HS code), and additional duties may apply depending on trade regulations (such as Section 301 tariffs).
Your freight forwarder can help:
- Identify correct HS codes
- Calculate duties and taxes in advance
- File documentation for customs clearance
- Advise on tariff exemptions or trade agreements
Avoid surprises by getting a full landed cost quote from your forwarder before shipping.
Shipping Cost from China to the US
Shipping cost depends on several factors:
- Volume and weight
- Shipping method (sea, air, express)
- Distance between origin and destination ports
- Incoterms (e.g., EXW, FOB, DDP)
- Peak season surcharges and fuel costs
Here’s a general estimate (as of 2025):
| Mode | Estimated Cost (per CBM or KG) |
|---|---|
| Ocean (LCL) | $30 – $80 per CBM |
| Air Freight | $4 – $8 per KG |
| Express | $6 – $12 per KG |
Tip: Ask your freight forwarder from China to USA for an all-inclusive DDP quote that includes duties and delivery.
Top Shipping Routes from China to the US
Freight forwarders typically work with the busiest and most cost-effective routes. Here are some of the most common ones:
| Route | Mode | Popular Ports |
|---|---|---|
| Shenzhen → Los Angeles | Ocean | Yantian to Port of LA |
| Ningbo → New York | Ocean | Ningbo-Zhoushan to Port Newark |
| Guangzhou → Chicago | Air | Baiyun Airport to O’Hare |
| Shanghai → Houston | Ocean | Yangshan to Port of Houston |
Freight forwarders select optimal routes based on cost, transit time, and port congestion.
Cheapest Shipping from China to the US
If you’re focused on affordability, here are some key strategies:
- Choose sea freight (LCL) for small-to-medium volume
- Consolidate shipments to fill a full container (FCL)
- Avoid peak seasons (before Chinese New Year and Q4)
- Use port-to-port shipping instead of door-to-door when possible
- Partner with a freight forwarder that offers discounted rates
TJ China Freight, for example, offers competitive pricing on high-volume trade lanes and bulk cargo consolidation—perfect for keeping costs low.
Customs Clearance in the USA
A good freight forwarder from China to USA also ensures smooth customs clearance by:
- Preparing import documentation (commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading)
- Calculating and paying duties and tariffs
- Coordinating with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
- Ensuring compliance with FDA, FCC, or USDA regulations if needed
Why Choose TJ China Freight?
As a trusted freight forwarder from China to USA, TJ China Freight offers:
- Door-to-door and DDP shippin
- Fast customs clearance
- Real-time shipment tracking
- Consolidated LCL and air freight options
- Competitive tariffs and rates
Need a Shipping Quote?
Click below to get a free, no-obligation quote from TJ China Freight.
We’ll respond within 24 hours with the best shipping options for your cargo.
FAQ
How to find a freight forwarder in China?
You can find a freight forwarder in China through:
- Online directories like Alibaba, Made-in-China, or Freightos
- Referrals from suppliers or other importers
- Searching for specialized logistics companies with China-USA experience
Look for forwarders that offer DDP, provide tracking, speak English fluently, and are transparent with pricing.
How to pick a freight forwarder?
When choosing a freight forwarder from China to USA, consider:
- Their experience handling your product type or shipping route
- Whether they offer full-service logistics (DDP, customs, insurance, etc.)
- Responsiveness and communication
- Online reviews or references from past clients
- Competitive, all-inclusive quotes with no hidden fees
A reliable forwarder can make or break your shipping process—don’t choose based on price alone.
Is it cheaper to use a freight forwarder?
Yes, using a freight forwarder is usually more cost-effective than managing logistics on your own. Here’s why:
- They consolidate shipments to reduce unit costs
- They negotiate better carrier rates due to high volume
- They help avoid customs delays and penalties
- They offer optimized shipping solutions tailored to your needs
Over time, a professional freight forwarder saves you both money and time.
Is the U.S. still accepting shipments from China?
Yes—but with new rules. Since May 2, 2025, the U.S. ended the “de minimis” duty exemption for low‑value goods from China and Hong Kong. Now even small packages (≤ US $800) must pay tariffs ranging from 30–120%, plus item‑level fees. The U.S. Postal Service and carriers continue processing shipments, though they now collect duties at entry . So yes—shipments are still accepted, but expect significantly higher costs and duty charges.