How to Ship from China: Complete Freight Guide for Importers (2026)

Rule of thumb: If your shipment weighs under 100kg, use express (DHL/FedEx/UPS). Between 100-500kg, air freight is usually most economical. Above 500kg or 2+ CBM, ocean freight wins on cost. At 15+ CBM, a full container (FCL) is cheaper than shared space (LCL).

Over 90% of goods imported from China travel by ocean. Two options:

FCL (Full Container Load)

You rent an entire container. Standard sizes:

• 20-foot container (20GP): ~28 CBM capacity, ~21,500 kg max. Cost: $1,500-$3,500 to US West Coast, $2,500-$5,000 to US East Coast (2026 rates, subject to change).
• 40-foot container (40GP): ~58 CBM capacity, ~26,000 kg max. Cost: $2,500-$5,500 to US West Coast. Often only 40-60% more expensive than a 20-foot, so better value if you can fill it.
• 40-foot High Cube (40HQ): ~68 CBM capacity. Same footprint as 40GP but taller. Best for bulky, lightweight products.

FCL is the cheapest per-unit shipping method for large orders. The container is sealed at the factory and opened at your warehouse — no one else's goods are mixed with yours.

LCL (Less than Container Load)

Your goods share container space with other shippers' cargo. You pay per CBM (cubic meter), typically $40-$80 per CBM to the US. Good for shipments of 1-10 CBM that don't justify a full container.

LCL drawbacks: slower (needs consolidation at origin and deconsolidation at destination), higher risk of damage from other cargo, and more handling touchpoints.

For weight and volume calculations, see our gross weight vs net weight guide. For pricing terms, see FOB vs EXW.

Air Freight (Cargo Airlines)

Goods are shipped on commercial or cargo aircraft, typically taking 5-10 days door-to-door. Cost: $3-$8 per kg depending on volume, destination, and season. Air freight uses "chargeable weight" — the greater of actual weight or volumetric weight (L×W×H in cm ÷ 6,000).

Best for: Urgent orders, high-value/low-weight products (electronics, jewelry, components), seasonal goods that must arrive by a deadline (Christmas inventory), and restocking when your sea shipment was delayed.

Express Courier (DHL, FedEx, UPS, SF Express)

Door-to-door delivery in 3-7 days, with full tracking and customs clearance handled by the courier. Cost: $5-$15 per kg. Expensive for bulk, but unbeatable for samples and small packages.

Best for: Product samples (before placing a bulk order), urgent small shipments under 100kg, and prototype iterations during product development.

Pro tip: Many Chinese factories have discounted DHL/FedEx accounts with rates 30-50% below retail. Ask the factory to quote shipping on their account — it's often cheaper than booking it yourself.

A freight forwarder coordinates your shipment from the Chinese factory to your warehouse. They handle booking cargo space, customs documentation (both export and import), and local delivery.

What to look for:

• Experience with your origin port (Ningbo, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Guangzhou)
• Clear, itemized quotes (ocean freight + origin charges + destination charges + customs brokerage)
• Their own office or reliable partner in China (not just a booking agent)
• References from other importers in your product category

Hidden freight costs to ask about:

• Origin THC (Terminal Handling Charge): $100-$200
• Documentation fee: $50-$100
• Destination THC: $200-$400
• Customs brokerage: $100-$250
• Chassis fee (US): $50-$150
• Demurrage/detention (if you're slow to pick up): $100-$300/day after free days

These "accessorial charges" can add $500-$1,000 to your shipping cost on top of the base ocean freight rate. Always request an all-inclusive quote.

Real example: shipping 500 stainless steel tumblers (350g each, packed 24/carton) from Ningbo to Los Angeles.

At 500 units, ocean LCL saves $1,000-$2,000 compared to air — but adds 4 weeks to your timeline. This is the core trade-off in shipping from China: cost vs speed.

Before worrying about shipping, make sure your supplier is a real factory. Use ExpoAlive to verify the manufacturer with government data — a fake supplier that takes your deposit will cost you far more than any shipping method.