Over the past few decades, China has become the world’s leading economy. When you buy products from China, you must know about the shipping time from China to US because it will affect many things.
In this article, we will show you the different ways you can ship goods out of China and compare their shipping time from China to US.
What Affect Shipping Time from China to US?
Several factors affect the shipping time from China to US. It can vary considerably depending on the method of goods delivery and the type of shipped goods.
The factors affecting the shipping time from China to US are as follows:
1. Product category
The difference in the time required to manufacture different products can affect the product’s delivery time. For example, it takes much longer to manufacture electronics than it does to manufacture plastic cups and bowls.
In addition, the US has specific quality standards for each unique product. Some goods, such as food and medicine, may take longer to obtain clearance than others, such as clothing.
2. Total quantity of products
The larger the quantity of goods delivered, the slower the delivery usually is. Such large inventories usually come from multiple suppliers, and if one of them does not deliver on time, the entire shipment is affected.
Even if you are dealing with only one supplier, your shipments may be separated into several batches, which increases the shipping time from China to US. Anyway, it depends on the space available to the carrier.
3. Origin of the goods
The delivery time of goods to the airport or port is a part of the total shipping time. Usually, the goods from inland take more time to reach the port than from the coast.
In addition, which Chinese port you choose will also affect the shipping time from China to US.
4. Destination of the cargo
The distance between the consignee and the unloading location will determine the shipping time within the US. So, choosing the nearest US port will reduce the shipping time from China to US.
How COVID-19 Affect Shipping Time from China to US?
The recent two-year outbreak of COVID-19 has affected the entire world, not only the living and also the international trade.
There are too many ways in which COVID-19 has involved business operations and crippled services in general. Not surprisingly, shipping companies have felt its severe blow as well.
1. Early Impacts
In the early days of COVID-19, people were scared and suspicious of the virus. Many rumors were spread, and some people went so far as to block imports from China.
So, the shipping times fluctuated to the extreme.
2. Disrupting every economy
Due to its rapid spread worldwide, COVID-19 caused a full-blown global economic recession. Some shipping companies had to lay off employees and temporarily or permanently shut down their operations.
3. Shipping plans were disrupted
Due to sudden cancellations, many cargo ships and airplanes had to wait for new orders to fill their empty slots.
As a result, buyers at the other end have to stay for weeks or even months longer. This adds a long interval to the shipping time from China to US.
4. Low traffic, high freight costs
Restrictions on air cargo and air travel have lowered traffic and raised prices. While sea freight prices have now been reduced somewhat relative to the initial spike, they are still highly volatile.
5. Eventually stabilizing
Thanks to vaccines and preventive regulations, the situation has been improving. Many shipping companies have been able to reopen.
However, the main challenges are low demand in warehouses and ports and delays in processing. Therefore, uncertainty about the shipping time from China to US remains.
How Chinese Holidays Affect Shipping Time from China to US?
While all main ports in China are open 365 days a year, most factory workers and operators don’t work during Chinese holidays. So the cost may go up, and the shipping time from China to US will increase.
Below is a list of Chinese holidays that will cause shipping delays.
| Holidays | Date | Days |
|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day | January 1 | 1-3 days |
| Chinese New Year | Late January to mid-February | 2 weeks or more |
| Qingming Festival | Early April | 1-3 days |
| Labour Day | Early May | 5 days |
| Dragon Boat Festival | Early June | 1-3 days |
| Mid-Autumn Festival | End September | 1-3 days |
| Golden Week | Early October | 7 days |
Tips: Since China uses a lunar calendar, the exact dates of these holidays will vary from year to year.
Shipping Time from China to US for Large Shipments
There are 3 main methods of shipping goods from China to US regarding bulk purchases.
- Express Shipping
- Air Freight
- Sea Freight
The following is the shipping time from China to US for large shipments according to different methods:
| Shipping Method | Shipping Time |
|---|---|
| Express Shipping | 1-5 days |
| Air Freight | 2-15 days |
| Sea Freight to West Coast | 15+ days |
| Sea Freight to East Coast | 30+ days |
The following is the shipping time from China to US for express shipping according to different carriers:
| Express Company | Shipping Time |
|---|---|
| EMS | 3-16 days |
| DHL | 1-4 days |
| FedEx | 1-5 days |
| UPS | 1-5 days |
The shipping time from China to US listed above is approximate and depends on various factors. For example, the global pandemic caused significant delays due to shortages of staff and shipping containers.
Shipping Time from China to US for Small Parcels
If you need to ship a small parcel of less than 5 pounds from China to US, there are 3 main methods for you to choose from.
- Regular Post
- Express Shipping
- ePacket
The following is the shipping time from China to US for small parcels according to different methods:
| Shipping Method | Shipping Time |
|---|---|
| Regular Post | 7-90 days |
| Express Shipping | 1-5 days |
| ePacket | 7-30 days |
If you need the products to arrive as soon as possible, express shipping is the best option.
Otherwise, ePacket shipping will give you the best bang for your buck because it’s the cheapest method of shipping small parcels from China to the USA.
Shipping Time from China to US: Fastest Shipping Method
Regarding the shipping time from China to US, the fastest shipping method is express shipping, but it is also the most expensive.
If you can wait a few more days, you can have your Chinese supplier ship your goods via air freight. This option is relatively cheaper and not very slow.
You can also mix your shipping methods. For some urgent shipments, you can use express shipping. And for other items that can be delivered later, you can use sea freight to enjoy both speed and cheaper rates.
In addition, you can divide your shipments according to their size and value. The important thing is that you can minimize the shipping time from China to US and enjoy lower costs.
Shipping Time from China to US: FAQ
1. What is the best shipping method for me?
Of course, it depends on the combination of your specific type of business, your needs, and local regulations. You can choose the method that will work best for you in the long run by the steps above.
2. Does my supplier need a Chinese export license?
Yes. Manufacturers and suppliers must obtain a license from the China Ministry of Commerce and register their business with the trading company.
3. Do I need to pay for an export license?
No, you do not need to obtain an export license. Unless it is agreed in the contract, the responsibility to pay export taxes and fees lies with the exporter.
4. What is the cost of a customs inspection?
The cost of a customs inspection will depend on current US regulations and the type of goods.
There are 3 scenarios where you are responsible for the shipping and storage costs of the goods during the inspection.
| Inspection Type | Cost | Days |
|---|---|---|
| VACIS/NII inspection | $300 | 2-3 days |
| Tail Gate Inspection | $350 | 5-6 days |
| Enhanced Customs Inspection | >$1000 | 7-30 days |
5. Is it necessary to hire a customs broker?
It is not necessary to hire a customs broker, but it is highly recommended for first-time importers and large companies to hire a customs broker.
Shipping Time from China to US: Conclusion
Many factors can affect the shipping time of international trade, and the shipping speed depends on your preferences and choices.
By making intelligent decisions, you can significantly reduce the delivery time. With advance planning, shipping will become as easy as any other business chore!
As a shipping company for 12 years, Yansourcing is a professional, reliable and honest freight forwarder. If you have more confusion or questions about shipping time from China to US, please leave a comment below, and don’t hesitate to contact us directly.
