Shipping from China to the United States remains one of the busiest supply-chain routes in the world. Whether you’re importing one pallet, a few cartons, or a full container load, understanding freight cost1, pallet standards2, transit time3, and shipping modes4 is essential to avoid delays and unnecessary fees.
This guide answers every major question importers search on Google. It covers real freight scenarios, packaging rules5, customs requirements6, pallet types7, the cheapest shipping options, and professional shipping strategies used by global brands.
If you’re looking for a complete 2025 guide about shipping from China to the USA—and you want something more actionable, clearer, and more comprehensive than typical freight websites—this is the resource you need.
H2. What Does “Pallet” Mean in International Shipping? (Pallet Meaning + China–US Use Cases) What is a pallet?
A pallet is a flat platform—usually made of wood, plastic, or metal—designed to support goods during lifting, storing, consolidation, and transportation. Pallets allow forklifts and pallet jacks to handle cargo safely and efficiently.
In international logistics, “pallet meaning” refers specifically to:
A standardized unit-load platform
Used to stack, store, and move cargo
Compliant with customs and phytosanitary rules
Designed for ocean, air, truck, and warehouse operations
If you’re shipping from China to the USA, pallets are critical. They directly affect freight cost1, transit time3, cargo safety, warehouse handling, and customs clearance speed.
H3. Why Are Pallets Important When Shipping from China to the USA?
Pallets matter in China–US shipping for several reasons:
- They protect your goods
Palletized shipments experience significantly fewer damage claims than loose cartons.
- They reduce handling fees and loading time
Ports, warehouses, and forwarders charge higher fees for loose cartons (“floor-loaded cargo”).
- They make customs inspections8 smoother
US customs prefers palletized shipments because items are easier to check.
- They affect dimensional weight
Air freight cost1 is heavily influenced by pallet height and stability.
- They influence container space usage
Optimized pallet layout lowers CBM cost.
H3. Common Pallet Types Used in China–US Trade
- Standard Wooden Pallet (Most Common)
Strong, economical
Sizes: 1000×1200mm / 1100×1100mm
Must be heat-treated for export (ISPM-15)
- Plastic Pallet
Lightweight
No fumigation required
Higher cost
- Block Pallet
Stronger, heavy-duty
4-way entry (easy forklift access)
- Stringer Pallet
Cheaper
2-way entry
Less durable
- ISPM-15 Export Pallet
Pallets must be:
Heat-treated (HT)
Stamped with compliance mark Otherwise U.S. customs can detain or reject your cargo.
H3. How Palletization Saves Shipping Cost
Lower cargo damage
Faster loading/unloading
Lower LCL handling fees9
Less chance of customs inspection
Better stacking → more CBM loaded in same container
Reduced repacking fees
In short, palletizing is one of the easiest ways to reduce risk and control shipping cost10.
H2. Shipping Cost from China to USA (2025 Pricing Guide)
Shipping cost depends on several core factors:
Mode of transportation (ocean, air, express, rail+truck)
Shipment weight & dimensions
Container type (20’, 40’, 40HQ, reefer, special container)
Origin & destination
Seasonality + demand
Fuel surcharge
Handling fees
Palletization
Below is a breakdown of the costs by shipping method.
H3. Ocean Freight Cost from China to USA (FCL & LCL) FCL (Full Container Load) Cost
FCL is charged per container, not per CBM.
Typical 2025 reference ranges:
20’ container: USD 1,300 – 2,000
40’ container: USD 1,800 – 3,800
40HQ: USD 2,000 – 4,200
Prices vary depending on:
China departure port (Shenzhen, Ningbo, Shanghai…)
U.S. destination port (LA, NY, Houston…)
Peak season (Aug–Jan)
LCL (Less than Container Load) Cost
LCL is charged per CBM:
USD 35–55 per CBM base ocean freight11
Plus destination fees (often higher than origin fees)
This is why many shippers upgrade to FCL once their shipment exceeds 13–15 CBM.
H3. Air Freight Cost from China to USA
Air freight is priced per kilogram of charged weight (actual weight vs dimensional weight).
Average reference range:
Standard Air Freight: USD 2.8 – 5.5 per kg
Express Air Freight: USD 4.5 – 8.5 per kg
E-commerce Air Freight: USD 4.0 – 6.5 per kg
Dimensional weight formula:
(Length × Width × Height) / 6000 = kg
Palletized cargo usually increases dimensional weight → costing more.
H3. Express Shipping Cost (DHL / UPS / FedEx)
Express is the fastest and simplest method.
Typical cost:
0.5–20 kg: USD 6–12 per kg
20–150 kg: USD 4–6 per kg
150 kg+ → special rates, often USD 3.8–5.5 per kg
For small parcels under 150 kg, express is often the cheapest option.
H3. Cheapest Shipping Method from China to USA Weight under 150 kg:
➡ Express (DHL/UPS) is cheapest & fastest
Weight 150–500 kg:
➡ Air Freight is cheaper
Weight 500 kg+:
➡ Sea Freight (LCL or FCL) is cheapest
Over 13 CBM:
➡ Upgrade to FCL → massive cost savings
H2. China–USA Shipping Methods Explained (Pros, Cons, Use Cases)
- Express Shipping (DHL / UPS / FedEx)
Fastest (2–5 days)
Pickup available
Best for samples, small shipments, e-commerce
- Air Freight
5–10 days
Good for medium-sized shipments
Requires pickup & delivery arranged separately
More customs complexity than express
- Ocean Freight (FCL / LCL)
Cheapest for large shipments
Slowest method
Best for bulk orders, pallets, heavy cargo
- Rail + Truck (Alternative Route)
Popular for China → Europe → USA inland
Not always cost-effective
Longer transit
H2. Transit Time from China to USA (2025 Updated)
Transit time depends on mode of shipping.
Express Courier
2–5 days door-to-door
Air Freight
8–12 days door-to-door
Includes: airline space, consolidation, customs, delivery
Ocean LCL
35–50 days door-to-door (long due to consolidation time)
Ocean FCL
25–40 days door-to-door
Faster than LCL because no consolidation required
Main Ocean Routes
China → West Coast USA: 12–18 days on water
China → East Coast USA: 25–35 days on water
H2. Tariffs & Customs Duties for China → USA Shipments
USA import duties vary based on:
HS code
Product type
Value of goods
Country of origin
Tax-Free Threshold
Goods under $800 via express → duty-free under Section 321
Common Import Fees
MFN duty
Anti-dumping tax
Section 301 tariff (China)
MPF (Merchandise Processing Fee)
Harbor Maintenance Fee
Section 301 China Tariffs
Many categories from China still face 7.5%–25% additional tariff.
Importers should confirm HS codes before finalizing orders.
H2. Top Shipping Routes from China to the USA Top 3 Sea Routes
Shanghai → Los Angeles
Shenzhen (Yantian) → Los Angeles
Shanghai → New York
Top Air Cargo Routes
Shenzhen → Los Angeles
Shanghai → Chicago
Hong Kong → New York
H2. Freight Forwarders: How to Choose the Right One
A good freight forwarder helps you:
Save shipping cost10
Reduce delays
Prepare documents
Handle customs
Manage warehousing
Provide real-time updates
Questions to Ask a Freight Forwarder
Do you provide DDP shipping?
Do you offer palletization services?
Can you consolidate goods from multiple suppliers?
What are your customs clearance success rates?
H2. Best Practices for Shipping from China to USA
- Choose correct pallet type (ISPM-15 compliant)
Avoid customs problems.
- Optimize pallet height
Air freight: keep pallets under 160 cm Ocean: maximize vertical space but maintain stability
- Confirm packaging with supplier
Stronger cartons → fewer damages → fewer claims.
Basic carrier liability is extremely low.
- Avoid peak seasons if possible
Aug–Jan = high rates due to holiday demand.
FOB / EXW / DDP determine:
who pays for what
who takes the risk
H2. FAQ (High-Intent, SEO-Optimized Questions) What is the cheapest way to ship from China to the USA?
For shipments above 500 kg, sea freight is the cheapest.
How long does shipping from China to the USA take?
2–5 days (express) 8–12 days (air) 25–40 days (ocean FCL)
Can pallet type affect shipping cost10?
Yes. Pallet size and height directly influence dimensional weight, handling fees, and container space usage.
Do pallets need heat treatment for USA import?
Yes. Pallets must be ISPM-15 compliant.
Can I ship without pallets?
Yes, but higher risk of:
damage
warehouse fees
customs inspection
repacking fees
Conclusion
Shipping from China to the USA involves decisions about palletization, freight method, costs, customs, packaging, and timing. With the right knowledge and planning, you can minimize delays, reduce cost, and protect your cargo.
This guide provided a complete breakdown covering:
Pallet meaning & types
Shipping costs (air, sea, express)
Transit time
Tariffs and duties
Cheapest methods
Packaging and best practices
Freight forwarder selection
Use this guide to plan your next shipment with confidence.
Understanding freight costs can help you budget effectively and avoid unexpected expenses. ↩
Learn about pallet standards to ensure compliance and avoid customs issues. ↩
Knowing transit times helps you plan your shipments and manage customer expectations. ↩
Explore various shipping modes to choose the best option for your needs. ↩
Proper packaging is crucial for protecting your goods and ensuring smooth customs clearance. ↩
Understanding customs requirements can prevent delays and additional fees. ↩
Familiarize yourself with pallet types to select the best option for your cargo. ↩
Preparation for customs inspections can streamline the shipping process. ↩
Understanding LCL fees can help you save money on smaller shipments. ↩
Identifying cost factors can help you find the most economical shipping solutions. ↩
Gain insights into ocean freight to make informed shipping decisions. ↩
Insurance protects your investment and provides peace of mind during transit. ↩
Understanding incoterms is essential for clarifying responsibilities in shipping. ↩
