Air Freight from China to the USA

Discover efficient air freight solutions from China to the USA. Experience timely deliveries, competitive rates, and exceptional customer service tailored to your needs.

Air freight has become a cornerstone of global trade, facilitating the rapid and efficient movement of goods across vast distances. In particular, the route from China to the USA is one of the busiest and most crucial air freight corridors in the world. This article delves deeply into the various aspects of air freight from China to the USA, focusing on costs, types of services, the intricacies of the shipping process, factors influencing fees, types of cargo and restrictions, and the pivotal roles played by service providers such as freight forwarders and airlines.

Air Freight from China to the USA

‌I. Costs and Types of Air Freight Services‌

Air freight costs are influenced by a multitude of factors, and understanding these is crucial for businesses seeking to optimize their shipping strategies. The primary components of air freight costs include weight and volume, distance and route, speed and service level, fuel surcharges, and customs duties and taxes.

‌Weight and Volume‌

Air freight costs are primarily determined by the weight and volume of the goods being shipped. Airlines use a formula to calculate the chargeable weight, which is the greater of the actual weight or the dimensional weight (also known as volumetric weight). Dimensional weight is calculated based on the length, width, and height of the cargo, taking into account the space it occupies in the aircraft. For lightweight but bulky items, such as clothing or toys, the dimensional weight may be higher than the actual weight, resulting in higher shipping costs.

‌Distance and Route‌

The distance between the origin and destination, as well as the specific route taken, have a significant impact on air freight costs. Generally, longer distances and more complex routes involve higher costs due to increased fuel consumption, longer flight times, and potential layovers or transshipments. Direct flights are typically more expensive than indirect ones, but they offer faster transit times and reduced handling costs.

‌Speed and Service Level‌

Air freight services come in various levels of speed and service, each with its own cost implications. Express services, which offer the fastest transit times, are usually the most expensive. These services are ideal for time-sensitive goods, such as perishable items or emergency supplies. On the other hand, consolidated services, which combine multiple shipments into a single consignment, are more cost-effective but may result in longer transit times. Standard services fall somewhere between express and consolidated, offering a balance of cost and speed.

‌Fuel Surcharges‌

Fuel surcharges are additional fees added to air freight costs to cover the fluctuating costs of fuel. These surcharges are typically calculated as a percentage of the base freight rate and can vary significantly depending on the current market price of jet fuel. As fuel prices rise, so do fuel surcharges, increasing the overall cost of air freight.

‌Customs Duties and Taxes‌

When goods are imported into the USA, they are subject to customs duties and taxes, which are calculated based on the value, type, and origin of the goods. These fees are paid by the importer and can significantly increase the overall cost of the shipment. It is important for shippers to be aware of these costs and to factor them into their shipping budget.

In addition to these cost factors, air freight services also come in various types, each tailored to meet different shipping needs and budgets. The most common types of air freight services include:

‌Express Services‌: These services offer the fastest transit times, typically ranging from 1-3 days. They are ideal for time-sensitive goods and are often used for high-value or emergency shipments.
‌Consolidated Services‌: These services combine multiple shipments into a single consignment, reducing costs by spreading the freight charges across multiple shippers. Transit times are longer, as the goods may need to be consolidated at a central location before being forwarded to their final destination.
‌Standard Services‌: These services offer a balance of cost and speed, with transit times typically ranging from 3-7 days. They are suitable for most general cargo and are a popular choice for businesses seeking a cost-effective air freight solution.
‌Charter Services‌: For shippers with large volumes of cargo or specific shipping requirements, charter services offer a customized solution. With charter services, shippers can rent an entire aircraft or a portion of its cargo space, allowing for greater flexibility in terms of scheduling, routing, and service level.

Air Freight Cost From China to USA

15KG+	21KG+	75KG+	100KG+
$9.1/KG	$8.8/KG	$7.6/KG	$7.1/KG

Now, let’s talk about money. How much does it cost to airship from China to USA? It isn’t absolutely free (we wish it were).

The weight of your shipment does play a role in shipping costs from China to the USA.

Let’s look into the pricing. 

• 15 kg and above: The shipping cost China to USA is around $9.1 per kilogram.
• 21 kg and above: The price drops slightly to $8.8 per kilogram.
• 75 kg and above: You’ll pay about $7.6 per kilogram.
• 100 kg and above: The cost is reduced further to $7.1 per kilogram.

This shows that the cost of air freight from China to the USA can vary a lot depending on the weight of the shipment. It’s better to get quotes from a few different freight forwarders before you make a decision. This gives you an idea of competitive pricing, too. 

‌II. The Air Freight Process from China to the USA‌

The air freight process from China to the USA involves several key steps, each with its own set of procedures and requirements.

‌Supplier Pickup‌

The first step in the air freight process is the pickup of goods from the supplier in China. This is typically arranged by the freight forwarder, who coordinates with the supplier to ensure that the goods are ready for shipment. The freight forwarder may also provide packaging services, ensuring that the goods are properly packed and labeled for air freight.

‌Export Customs Clearance‌

Before the goods can leave China, they must undergo export customs clearance. This involves submitting the necessary documentation to the Chinese customs authorities, including commercial invoices, packing lists, and any other required certificates or licenses. The freight forwarder plays a crucial role in this process, ensuring that all documentation is complete and accurate and that the goods comply with Chinese export regulations.

‌International Air Freight‌

Once the goods have cleared export customs, they are loaded onto an aircraft for the international air freight journey to the USA. The freight forwarder works with the airline to ensure that the goods are properly booked and that the necessary flight arrangements are made. During the flight, the freight forwarder provides real-time tracking and status updates to the shipper, allowing them to monitor the progress of their shipment.

‌Import Customs Clearance in the USA‌

Upon arrival in the USA, the goods must undergo import customs clearance. This involves submitting the necessary documentation to the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), including commercial invoices, packing lists, and any other required certificates or licenses. The freight forwarder assists with this process, ensuring that all documentation is complete and accurate and that the goods comply with US import regulations. In some cases, the goods may be subject to inspection or examination by CBP officials.

‌Final Delivery‌

After the goods have cleared import customs, they are ready for final delivery to their intended destination. The freight forwarder arranges for the goods to be transported from the airport to the shipper’s specified location, whether it be a warehouse, store, or other facility. The freight forwarder may also provide additional services such as unpacking, assembly, or storage, depending on the shipper’s needs.

‌III. Factors Influencing Air Freight Costs and Types of Cargo‌

As mentioned earlier, air freight costs are influenced by a variety of factors, including weight and volume, distance and route, speed and service level, fuel surcharges, and customs duties and taxes. In addition to these factors, the type of cargo being shipped can also impact costs and service options.

‌Electronics‌

Electronics are a common type of cargo shipped via air freight, particularly in the technology-driven global economy. Due to their high value and sensitivity to damage, electronics often require specialized packaging and handling. This can increase shipping costs, but it also ensures that the goods arrive in perfect condition.

‌Clothing and Machinery‌

Clothing and machinery are also common types of cargo shipped via air freight. Clothing is often lightweight but bulky, which can result in higher dimensional weight charges. Machinery, on the other hand, is typically heavy and may require specialized equipment for loading and unloading. Both types of cargo can be shipped using a variety of air freight services, depending on the shipper’s needs and budget.

‌Government Restrictions‌

It is important to note that some goods may be subject to government restrictions or prohibitions on air freight. These restrictions can vary by country and can include items such as hazardous materials, dangerous goods, and certain types of food or agricultural products. Shippers must be aware of these restrictions and ensure that their goods comply with all relevant regulations before shipping.

‌IV. The Role of Service Providers in Air Freight‌

The air freight process is complex and requires the expertise of several service providers to ensure that goods are shipped safely, efficiently, and cost-effectively. The two most critical service providers in the air freight process are freight forwarders and airlines.

‌Freight Forwarders‌

Freight forwarders are professional organizations that specialize in organizing and executing the entire air freight process. They work closely with shippers to understand their shipping needs and budget, and they provide a range of services to facilitate the shipment of goods. These services include supplier pickup, export and import customs clearance, international air freight, final delivery, and real-time tracking and status updates. Freight forwarders have extensive knowledge of air freight regulations and procedures, and they play a crucial role in ensuring that shipments comply with all relevant requirements.

‌Airlines‌

Airlines are the actual carriers that transport goods via air freight. They provide the aircraft and the necessary infrastructure to support the shipment of goods, including cargo handling facilities, flight schedules, and routing options. Airlines work closely with freight forwarders to ensure that shipments are properly booked and that the necessary flight arrangements are made. They also provide real-time tracking and status updates to freight forwarders and shippers, allowing them to monitor the progress of their shipments.

Air freight from China to the USA is a crucial logistics service that facilitates the rapid transportation of goods, ensuring timely delivery and efficiency in international trade. This mode of shipping is particularly advantageous for businesses requiring quick turnaround times and reliable service.

Langxu Freight is one of the more famous freight forwarding companies in China.If you need to purchase any goods in China, or are ready to start an e-commerce business/dropshipping business, let us give you the greatest help. If you need to purchase goods in China, we can provide you with comprehensive freight forwarding services, including quality supplier selection, product quality inspection, free warehousing in China, customs declaration, a variety of reliable and safe transportation plans, and on-time delivery services.