🥇Shipping from China to the USA [2020]

What is the best way to ship goods from/to United States ?

Are you about to import (or export) products between the United States and China? You still have a doubt regarding the regulation or transport method? This is because it is very difficult to find decent information among the ton of online advice that SINO Shipping has done is “country guide”.

Our article will focus on international logistics between China and the United States: shipping methods (sea or air freight), regulations (customs clearance, prohibited products, licenses required …). Our experience on the Chinese market allows us to give the most reliable and technical answers to your logistics needs. If you still have a doubt after reading this page, feel free to contact our SINO Experts, they are here to follow up on all your needs.

No matter if you are an accomplished exporter/importer, or a novice in the domain, if you’re planning a one-shot import/export in/to United States, or regular business, our team will be dedicated to give you the best!

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CUSTOMS CLEARANCE IN USA

Necessary documents

Bill of Lading

This is the most important shipping document, as it is used to specify the shipping company, the seller, the buyer, the type of cargo, the volume, the incoterm which applies to the shipment, etc.

1 = Shipper
2 = Consignee
3 = Notify party
4 = Vessel No.
5 = Port of loading / discharge
6 = Place of receipt / delivery
7 = Containers No.
8 = Goods description
9 = Net weight
10 = Dimensions / volume

According to the terms of payment agreed between the supplier and the buyer, the bill of lading can serve as a document:

1. Confirm the release of a letter of credit (L / C)
2. Or, serves as proof of shipping, which requires the buyer to transfer payment of the balance.

*The second option is common when paying by telegraphic transfer (T / T).

Commercial Invoice

This invoice is used to proceed to customs clearance and calculations of customs duties and other fees like GST.

Packing list

Certificate of Origin / Form A

A document mentioning the origin of the goods. This document can also help to determine customs duties (as some countries benefit from exemptions or preferential duties), but also for statistics and enforcement of embargoes.

Import Licenses

In most cases, there is no need to provide any Import license when importing into the United States.

However, here are some exceptions:

• Medicines
• Specific types of chemicals
• Animals and plants
• Foodstuff products

What duties and taxes will I pay for my goods ?

United States is aligned with the Harmonized Tariff System (HTS) for imported and exported goods coming from China. Here are some useful tools to calculate the tariff barriers of your products between the two countries.

Here is the composition of an HS Code, you can now see what an HS code is and what does it mean :

*Importer might have to pay customs duties when importing into the USA, based on the value of the goods.

In the blank box (just below “HTS search”), just type the HS code of your product to get further information about customs regulation. If we continue based on the example of the pineapple, you should see this kind of board:

HTS in USA – Harmonized Tariff Schedule

When entering the US territory, the goods are not officially considered as entered as long as they haven’t been permitted by CBP (Customs & Border Protection), and duties haven’t been paid. The products have to be declared within 15 days prior to arrival within the country of before leaving the bonded warehouse. As an importer, you’ll have to declare the transaction value of your products, as well as the country of origin (and other documents: please see below). CBP will then be able to calculate duties.

Some products are subject to tax exemptions. Even though your product is not subject to customs duties, you still have to declare it as mentioned above. Let’s have a closer look at the specific rules that apply for some types of products.

GST on Imports

As you know, the USA is a federal country. This has a strong impact on the import process, as every single state has a total autonomy on sales of goods. Anyway, the levy of Sales Tax is broadly on retailing and supplying the end consumer; all intermediaries are generally not subject to this tax.

Why choose us ?

SINO Shipping is all about trust, efficiency and transparency. Our main mission is to provide tailored-made logistic solutions for every single shipment, ensuring full satisfaction of our customers.

Customs process

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PROHIBITED & RESTRICTED ITEMS

Transit time

Ocean freight is by far the slowest option you can choose: you should consider around 30-40 days for a shipment from both countries by sea. This transit times is not only due to the upfront preparation, but also to the fact that shipping lines are now moving way slower in order to be able to save money on fuel. Additionally, keep in mind that many unexpected events can occur: bad weather, port congestions, etc. Anyway, SINO Shipping works only with the best and most reliable shipping lines to ensure a hassle-free process to our customers. 

The port to port transit time will vary according on the distance. Below are some examples:

• Hong Kong – Los Angeles : 20 days
• Hong Kong – New York: 32 days
• Shanghai – Seattle: 29 days
• Shanghai – Savannah: 30 days

Sea freight rates

When shipping from China to the USA by sea, various fees have to be considered. Make sure you understand every step of the logistic process in order to understand your sea freight quotations.

Here are some of the main costs that come with your shipment:

• Delivery to POL (port of loading) at origin
• Customs clearance (export)
• Freight rate
• Insurance
• Import customs clearance
• Customs duties (if any)
• Delivery to the agreed final location

As mentioned earlier, SINO Shipping is truly committed to provide tailored-made solutions. As the final cost of your shipment depends also on the type of service that you require, we’ll make sure to adapt our offer accordingly.

Once you have contacted us, we’ll get back to you within 24 hours to gather all the information related to your shipping needs. After that, we will provide you with a detailed quotation, whether it is for door-to-door, door-to-port, or port-to-port from China to the USA.

Transit time

Express Shipping Options

When using an international courier for your air shipment from China to the USA, you should consider a transit time of three days approximately. This delay comes with the pick-up of the goods, and delivery to the airport of departure. If your shipment is really urgent, we can even set up a priority express shipment, that can be delivered even faster.

Standard Air Freight

Regular air freight between both countries usually takes 8-10 days. Why is there such an important difference between both options?

*When it comes to regular air freight, processes are much more complex as compared to express shipments.

The whole shipping process comes with several mandatory steps:

• Close a deal with the airline company
• Book space for you
• Pick-up of your goods
• Pre-carriage storage
• Customs clearance

Main Airports in USA

Memphis

Memphis International Airport is the largest hub in the country. Daily traffic from China is ensured. This airport was the largest cargo airport in the world for many years. Now it is the second largest after Hong Kong. This is why SINO Shipping is used to ship from Hong Kong to Memphis.

Anchorage

Anchorage is another key air freight hub, located in Alaska. This is the fourth busiest airport in the world for cargo, after Hong Kong, Memphis and Shanghai. Thus, the four largest cargo airports in the world are whether Chinese or American, proof of how key it is for SINO Shipping to set up a regular traffic between both countries.

Additionally, SINO Shipping ensures regula`r departures to any other part of the country, such as Louisville, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Atlanta, etc.

Once your parcel is arrived in the US, our job is still not done in case you need door-to-door services. At this point, we can rely on our strong American network to ensure a prompt and hassle-free delivery to the agreed location (your warehouse, your customer’s facilities, etc.).

AIR FREIGHT RATES

How do we calculate air freight rates ?

Each freight forwarder has its own method and a different pricing strategy. As a rule of thumb, the standard procedure is to use the weight and the volume to calculate the cost.

Actual Weight vs. Volumetric Weight

We have two options when it comes to determine the chargeable weight:

1. Actual weight is the real weight of your parcel, simple enough!
2. Volumetric weight is calculated by multiplying the volume (L*W*H) by 167. If the result is higher than the actual weight of your parcel, then we will use the volumetric to quote your air freight service.

What additional charges should I consider ?

Air freight cargo can also come with unexpected additional fees. This is why it is recommended to be prepared and well-aware that additional costs may arise.

Here are three examples:

• Fuel Surcharge: due to the high volatility of the oil market. This surcharge is made ad hoc to protect carriers, as it is the main part of the expenses for every carrier in the business. This fee will be calculated based on a percentage of the chargeable weight.
• Airline Terminal Handling Fee: All costs implied when handling the cargo at origin, and destination. This cost will whether be included directly into your quotation, or listed separately, depending on the airline.
• Container Freight Station: This fee applies in case of storage of your parcel when entering the country. When the customs clearance is done, the cargo can leave the airport CFS warehouse.

WHY CHOOSE US ?

OUR ADVANTAGES

SINO Shipping, we understand perfectly the needs of our customers and establish a win-win collaboration with them.

“respect is earned. honesty is appreciated. trust is gained. loyalty is returned.”