Affordable Shipping from China to the US

There are several important questions to ask when shipping freight from China to the US. How much is being shipping, what shipping method would be most economical, and who will be responsible for keeping track of the process are a few of those questions. Delivery Methods When shipping from China to USA, there are several choices. Regular post is not generally recommended, though it may be the cheapest option for small shipments such as parcels or samples. It is slow, taking 2-5 weeks, and lost items are common and are generally never found. SAL (Surface to Air Lifted) also takes around 30 days, and surface mail can take up to two months. For shipments weighing under 100 kg, or about 200 lbs., express couriers such as UPS, DHL or FedEx may be a good idea. Express courier China to US takes an average of about 2-5 days. For the most dependable delivery, ask for a signature upon arrival. General items generally ship a day or two faster than sensitive or HK (Hong Kong). For shipments weighing too much for courier, the next option to consider is air freight. Air freight costs are usually lower than courier. Air freight is generally shipped with greater security and attention to deadlines. Shipments can be expected to reach the US in 2-10 days. The receiver may be responsible for any customs documentation or clearance. This responsibility can be turned over to a customs broker or trucking company at additional cost. Sea freight is also the most commonly use method shipping from China to UK for large amounts of cargo. Because shipping by sea can take 30-60 days, receiving companies need to plan ahead for needed goods. A full 20-foot shipping container will generally cost about $3,000, and $5,000 for a 40-foot container. Moving a full container from port to warehouse can incur “cartage costs”, usually around $550. Or the receiver can choose a “to door” service, in which case shipping charges are pre-paid and cargo delivered to a specific address. Delivery Handlers Many times importers with less experience may opt to allow the supplier to handle the shipping process, although it means added expense. The supplier will ship carge CIF (cost, insurance and freight) and DAP (delivered at place). CIF can be more expensive to the receiver because the seller has control over the port of departure and other shipping choices and may charge a hefty fee for themselves as well. Big groups control everything internally. They choose the shipping method and ports of departure and arrival. They manage customs and duty fees to their own advantage as much as possible and are able to better watch for any issue which may arise and cause further expense. These large groups are able to follow up any agreements made to ensure their cargo arrives as quickly and economically as possible. It is also not unusual for purchasers to use a freight forwarder. A freight forwarder is a company for individual who handles the logistics of moving freight from supplier to receiver. The freight forwarder in China communicates with both the supplier and receiver and makes sure the whole shipping process runs smoothly. Conclusion When shipping China to US, every detail should be considered before any purchases leave the supplier. Without careful planning, the buyer could end up paying more than the freight is worth before it ever arrives. Find out the exact weight and volume of the merchandise purchased, compare expenses between the various shipping methods, taxes and customs charges, and any processing expenses at the desired ports of departure and arrival.