Shipping products from China to the United States has become a core part of global e-commerce, especially for Amazon sellers. Whether you are launching a private-label brand or scaling an existing store, your logistics setup can make or break your margins. Shipping costs, transit times, customs rules, and warehouse coordination all play a role in how efficiently your products reach customers.
This guide breaks down the best ways to ship from China to the USA, explains real shipping costs, and shows how working with a professional Amazon freight forwarding agent like
ARDI Logistics can simplify the entire process.
Why Freight Forwarding Matters More Than Ever
International shipping is not just about moving boxes across the ocean. It involves supplier coordination, export paperwork, customs clearance, carrier booking, warehousing, and last-mile delivery. A small mistake at any stage can lead to delays, storage fees, or rejected Amazon shipments.
A reliable freight forwarder acts as a single point of control. They coordinate all moving parts so your goods leave China on time and arrive in the US without surprises. This is especially important for Amazon FBA sellers, where strict delivery windows and labeling rules apply.
Shipping from China to the USA: An Overview
China remains the world’s largest manufacturing hub, supplying US businesses with electronics, home goods, apparel, tools, and consumer products. The most common shipping methods include air freight, sea freight, express courier services, and door-to-door DDP shipping.
For sellers focused on speed, express shipping from China to USA is often the fastest option. ARDI Logistics provides dedicated solutions for this route, which you can explore here:
Key Shipping Methods Explained
Air Freight from China to the USA
Air freight is the fastest standard shipping method, with transit times typically ranging from 10 to 14 days. It is ideal for time-sensitive goods, high-value products, or urgent Amazon restocks.
Best use cases:
- Lightweight, high-margin products
- Urgent inventory replenishment
- Fragile or expensive goods
Sea Freight Shipping from China to the USA
Sea freight is the most cost-effective solution for large or heavy shipments. While transit times are longer, usually 22 to 40 days, the savings are significant.
There are two main sea freight options:
Full Container Load (FCL)
- One shipper uses the entire container
- Lower risk of damage
- Faster handling at ports
Less Than Container Load (LCL)
- Multiple shippers share one container
- Ideal for smaller shipments
- Lower upfront cost
Express Shipping from China to USA
Express shipping combines air transport with priority handling and fast customs clearance. Transit time is typically 3 to 5 business days.
Best for:
- Small, urgent shipments
- New product launches
- High-demand seasonal items
While express shipping costs more per kilogram, it can save money by preventing stockouts and lost sales.
Amazon FBA Shipping Costs Explained
Shipping to Amazon FBA involves more than international freight. Sellers must also account for warehouse handling, labeling, palletizing, and delivery appointments.
Here is a breakdown of common FBA shipping cost components, based on ARDI Logistics pricing:
| Service | Starting Price |
| Container unloading | From $350 |
| Carton forwarding | From $2.5 |
| Pallet forwarding | From $30 |
| Fulfillment | From $1.50 |
| FNSKU labeling | From $0.35 |
| Set / Bundle | From $0.70 |
| Removal orders | From $0.50 |
For a detailed and updated breakdown, Amazon sellers can review full
FBA shipping cost directly.
Factors That Influence Shipping Costs
Understanding what drives shipping costs helps sellers plan better and avoid unnecessary expenses.
1. Container Size and Type
- 20-foot container for smaller loads
- 40-foot container for bulk shipments
Choosing the right size avoids paying for unused space.
2. Shipping Route and Distance
Popular routes like China to USA often offer better pricing due to high volume, while less common routes can be more expensive.
3. Seasonality
Rates increase during peak seasons such as Q4 and Chinese New Year. Booking early can significantly reduce costs.
Port-to-Port vs Door-to-Door Shipping
Port-to-Port
- Lower upfront cost
- Requires local handling and coordination
Door-to-Door
- All logistics handled end to end
- Higher cost but far less complexity
For Amazon sellers and growing brands, door-to-door shipping often saves money in the long run by reducing delays and errors.
DDP Shipping from China to the USA
Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) shipping means the seller or freight forwarder covers all costs, including duties and taxes. The buyer receives goods without dealing with customs.
DDP Air Freight
- 10 to 14 days transit
- Best for urgent or high-value goods
DDP Sea Freight
- 22 to 40 days transit
- Best for large, cost-sensitive shipments
Customs Clearance in the USA
Customs clearance is one of the most complex parts of international shipping. Missing or incorrect documents can lead to delays, inspections, or fines.
Required documents usually include:
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Bill of lading
- Import declaration
Working with an experienced freight forwarder ensures compliance and faster clearance.
Import Taxes and Duties in the US
Import duties depend on:
- Product type
- Declared value
- Country of origin
Duties are calculated based on the total landed value, including freight and insurance. A professional logistics partner helps classify goods correctly and avoid overpaying.
Shipping Cost and Transit Time Comparison
| Shipping Method | Delivery Time | Cost | Best For |
| Express | 3–5 days | From $6/kg | Urgent, small shipments |
| Air Freight | 10–14 days | From $4.5/kg | Fast restocking |
| Ocean + Truck | 35–45 days | From $100/cbm | Large LCL cargo |
| Ocean + UPS/FedEx | 30–35 days | From $0.9/kg | Balanced cost and speed |
| FCL 40ft | 35–55 days | From $6000 | High-volume shipments |
Why Amazon Sellers Choose ARDI Logistics
ARDI Logistics offers end-to-end freight forwarding, customs clearance, and 3PL warehouse services near major Amazon fulfillment centers in California, New York, and New Jersey.
Key benefits:
- Strategic warehouse locations near ONT8, ONT9, and LAX9
- Fast, professional support
- Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
- Secure handling of goods and data
- Specialized Amazon FBA expertise
Their combination of freight forwarding, express shipping, and warehouse services makes them a strong partner for sellers shipping from China to Amazon FBA in the USA.
Final Thoughts
Shipping from China to the USA does not have to be complicated or expensive. With the right planning, clear cost visibility, and a reliable logistics partner, businesses can move goods faster, reduce risk, and protect their margins.
Whether you need express delivery, sea freight, or full Amazon FBA support, working with an experienced Amazon freight forwarding agent ensures your supply chain runs smoothly from factory to final delivery.
If your goal is to scale confidently and avoid costly mistakes, professional logistics support is not an expense. It is a competitive advantage.