Industries // International Shipping
Published June 25, 2025
Written by EA Support Team
Read Time Approximately 5 minutes
To stay competitive in today’s global market, businesses need to master international shipping. It’s not just about moving goods; it’s a critical part of an efficient supply chain strategy. This guide covers everything you need to know about shipping from China to the USA, from freight methods and transit times to customs clearance, tariffs, and why a reliable freight forwarder is your best friend.
Quick Look Ahead:
Shipping products from China to the U.S. has long been a cornerstone of global trade. When it comes to transportation, you typically choose between air freight and ocean freight.
Air freight is significantly faster, making it ideal for urgent or high-value shipments, but it comes at a higher cost. Think of it as the express lane for your goods.
Ocean freight, on the other hand, is more cost-effective and perfect for large, bulky goods that aren’t time-sensitive. This is your economical choice for volume.
Your choice of mode also depends on the shipping type your business needs and the associated Incoterms. There are four main transportation types to consider: Door-to-Door, Door-to-Port, Port-to-Port, and Port-to-Door.
Explore the shipping options that work for you. From full-service Door-to-Door delivery to flexible Port-to-Port solutions. Elite Anywhere makes international logistics simple, secure, and tailored to your needs.
Want to know which shipping method fits your needs best? Learn more about air vs. sea freight in our quick guide.
Transit times depend heavily on your chosen mode of transportation and the specific destinations within the US. However, here are the general averages:
Several factors can impact how long your shipment takes. Holidays in both countries, especially peak seasons like Chinese New Year or Golden Week, can cause significant delays. Additionally, customs clearance procedures, port congestion, and unforeseen weather conditions may all extend transit times.
Shipping costs from China to the U.S., especially for standard 40-foot containers, can change a lot depending on the time of year, demand, and global events. These prices are tracked monthly by the U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics and are used as a guide to help businesses plan their shipping budgets. Rates usually go up during busy times like the holiday season or when unexpected issues happen, such as port delays or international disruptions.
From early 2020 to late 2023, container shipping prices saw major ups and downs. In early 2020, it cost about $1,700 to ship a container from China to the U.S. But during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, prices skyrocketed, reaching nearly $11,700 by mid-2021 due to delays and supply chain problems around the world. Since then, prices have slowly come back down, leveling off between $2,000 and $2,500 in 2023. This big swing in costs shows just how important it is to plan ahead and stay informed when importing goods from overseas.
A freight forwarder is a logistics expert who helps manage the complex process of shipping goods internationally. From booking cargo space to handling documentation, customs clearance, and tracking, they make sure your shipment reaches its destination smoothly and on time. Using a freight forwarder is especially helpful if you’re navigating international shipping for the first time or managing high-volume orders.
When choosing a reliable freight forwarder, look for companies with certifications like FMC (Federal Maritime Commission) licensing, strong industry experience, and positive client reviews. These indicators show they understand compliance regulations and can handle unexpected issues professionally.
Whether you’re importing from China or exporting abroad, a skilled freight forwarder is a valuable partner in streamlining the entire shipping process.
Understanding U.S. import tariffs from China is essential for budgeting and compliance when shipping goods. Over the past few years, tariff rates on many Chinese products have increased due to ongoing trade policy shifts, with some categories subject to additional duties.
To calculate duties and taxes accurately, you’ll need to determine the product’s classification using the Harmonized System (HS) Code and apply the corresponding duty rate listed in the U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule. Because tariff classifications and regulations can be complex, working with a licensed customs broker is highly recommended. They help ensure your shipments are properly declared, reducing the risk of delays, fines, or unexpected fees during customs clearance.
Shipping goods internationally can be complex, but a few smart steps can make everything run more smoothly.
Stay informed and organized, and you’ll reduce surprises and keep your shipments moving on time.
At Elite Anywhere, we simplify international shipping by managing each phase of the logistics journey from pickup at the origin point to final delivery in the U.S. Our experienced team ensures seamless coordination with full visibility, whether you’re shipping by air or sea. We partner with a trusted global network to book, track, and manage freight based on your timeline and budget, giving you reliable results and peace of mind.
Beyond transport coordination, we handle customs clearance and documentation. Our compliance experts prepare all necessary paperwork, including commercial invoices, packing lists, and declarations, to meet international trade regulations and avoid delays or costly penalties. Once your cargo arrives stateside, we offer both Full Truckload (FTL) and Less Than Truckload (LTL) ground transport options to ensure smooth final-mile delivery tailored to your shipment size and destination.
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From choosing between air or sea freight to understanding shipping costs, delivery timelines, and applicable tariffs, our team can handle that for you. Need help with your next shipment? Contact Elite Anywhere for a free quote and personalized logistics support.
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