Suggestion: Watch the 10 minutes video tutorial before reading this article
Trying to estimate shipping costs when importing products from China? In this guide, you’ll find a complete overview of the various freight costs, common pitfalls, and how to ensure that you get quoted the right freight cost from your forwarder or supplier.
COVID-19 Update: This guide was originally published before the COVID-19 pandemic, which has had an enormous impact on freight costs. Hence, the cost examples in this guide are only applicable to ‘normal times’. Read the Q&A below to learn more about the COVID-19 impact on shipping costs from China.
Shipping Cost Overview
- Factory to Port Transportation
- China Export Clearance
- Freight Cost
- Insurance
- Document Delivery (DHL or FedEx)
- Port Charges (Port of Destination)
- Customs Bond (United States)
- Domestic Transportation (Port of Destination to Final Address)
Other
- Shipping quotation sample
- How to understand a freight quotation
- How to reduce your shipping costs from China
- The cheapest ways to ship from China
COVID-19 Impact on Shipping Costs
Freight costs started climbing in Q4 2020 and have since then reached new heights. The situation is so serious that shipping costs are driving importers out of business, and some are forced to hold finished products in supplier warehouses until costs come down. At the time of writing, freight rates are arguably the most pressing concern for importers.
We can help you manufacture products in China, Vietnam & India?
- 1. Product design and material selection
- 2. Finding suppliers in Asia
- 3. Product samples and payments
- 4. Quality control, lab testing & shipping
SCHEDULE A VIDEO CALL WITH US
Why have sea freight costs increased?
Increased demand: The most common explanation is that COVID-19 resulted in an unprecedented demand for products manufactured in China, which in turn has resulted in a shipping capacity shortage – thus driving prices up.
Container shortage: Another reason that is often mentioned is that of a container shortage. Containers were, as shippers expected the pandemic to result in reduced demand, not brought back to Asia. This is said to have made the shortage even more severe.
How are air freight rates affected by COVID-19?
Increased sea freight costs have a spillover effect on air freight as increased costs for the former drive up demand for the latter. This also impacts air parcel costs, making it more expensive to deliver product samples and documents.
Where can I keep track of freight costs?
You can track freight costs on the Shanghai Containerized Freight Index (SCFI) or the Freightos Baltic Index (FBX):
When can we expect freight costs to go down?
Right now we can only speculate as to when we can see a cost decrease. A cost decrease could potentially be driven by the following factors:
- Increased container capacity
- Increased vessel capacity
- Reduced demand
- Government action
That being said, shipping companies like Maersk are posting record profits. One can therefore speculate if it in the shipping companies’ self-interest to actually increase capacity. This leaves us with either reduced demand and government action as the remaining solutions.
At some point regulators in various countries will need to do something about the situation, as exploding shipping costs (which are not only affecting China imports) drive up food and daily necessity prices.
How can we reduce our freight costs during the pandemic?
At this stage you are either forced to raise your own prices to factor in the increased freight costs, or wait for shipping costs to go down.
Factory to Port Transportation
When production is completed, and the batch is approved by the buyer, the supplier shall arrange for transportation from its warehouse to the nearest Port of Loading.
The shipping cost for transporting an FCL 20’’ container range between a few hundred, up to around RMB 3,000 (Around $480), depending on the distance. As most export-oriented manufacturers are still based around the coast, and thanks to China’s infrastructure, a port is rarely more than a three to four-hour drive away.
That said, local transportation is included in the FOB price. If you, like most importers, purchase according to FOB terms, the cost is already included in the price paid to the supplier.
Factory to port: $50 to $480 (Included in FOB)
China Export Clearance
Before your cargo can be loaded and shipped, the goods must be cleared for exports. I can’t say that I know the exact details of this process, as such paperwork is always handled by the supplier or the export agent.
I am, however, aware of the issues that may arise if such documents are not produced.
The Chinese Customs Authorities, the ‘Hai Guan’, tend to make routine checks on roughly 10% of the outbound shipments (probably more for inbound). If a supplier is found, trying to export products without the proper documentation, the customs authorities may issue a fine counted in the thousands of RMB.
All export clearance documents and procedures are included in the FOB price. Importers are wise to avoid hassle and simply stick to FOB transactions.
Yet, many buyers still believe they can save a few dollars by ordering according to Ex Works (EXW) terms, which neither includes inland transportation, nor export clearance documentation.
Buyers that for some reason still insist on buying according to EXW terms may purchase the export clearance documents from a licensed freight forwarder, or export agent – at a cost ranging between US$100 to US$200.
In general, it’s more time and cost-efficient to let the supplier handle this part together with the freight forwarder.
China Export Clearance: $100 to $300 (Included in FOB)
Freight Cost
With ‘Freight Cost’, I’m referring to the cost of shipment from the Port of Loading to the Port of Destination, in the buyer’s country.
This is the most complex part, as it’s always balanced towards the local charges, paid in the Port of Destination. Basically, there are two ways to pay a freight forwarder:
- High freight cost, low local charges
- Low freight cost, high local charges
When shipping Full Container Loads (FCL), the price is, at least based on my experience, almost exclusively set according to the first option.
The price for an FCL shipment, obviously depends on the destination, both in terms of distance and cargo volumes. Below follows a few FCL 20’’ price samples for various destinations in the US, EU, Australia, and Asia:
- Shenzhen – Los Angeles: $2,230 – $2,460
- Shenzhen – New York: $2,275 – $2,515
- Shenzhen – Felixstowe (UK): $1,435 – $1,585
- Shenzhen – Hamburg: $1,440 – $1,590
- Shenzhen – Sydney: $685 – $760
- Shenzhen – Singapore: $270 – $295
- Shenzhen – Dubai: $1,445 – $1,595
Less than Container Load (LCL) shipping is a completely different story. LCL rates are often set at rock bottom prices – sometimes as low as US$30 to US$40 per cubic meter.
What the forwarder is not telling you about is the local charges, which combined can cost three to five times as much as the ‘freight cost’. In the industry, this is called a ‘kickback rate’, and is very common.
Low freight cost, but very high local charges. Yet, importers fall for this trick time and time again.
Essentially, forwarders are driven to apply these practices, as many small businesses importing from China are quick to reject a proper freight quotation, as it’s far more pricey than a quote based on a kickback rate.
Nowadays there are tools, like this one, that allow you to compare costs from different freight forwarders with a few clicks.
Freight Cost: Depends on location, volume, weight, and destination
Insurance
I cannot find a single good reason to not buy insurance. Many suppliers use cheap and substandard export packaging, and few buyers bother to set any specific quality requirements – or even check the packing prior to shipment.
Without insurance, no compensation is paid by the forwarder, in case the cargo is damaged during transportation.
Most forwarders use PingAn to insure cargo, which charges 0.02%, based on 110% of the FOB price. Assuming you buy goods worth US$50,000, the insurance will only set you back a mere US$110.
That’s a fair deal if you ask me. Based on my experience, compensation claims are fairly simple to make, and the insurance company is usually satisfied with photos and a protocol listing the quantity and value of the damaged goods.
Insurance: 0.2% x 1.1 x Cargo Value (Included in CIF)
Document Delivery (DHL or FedEx)
The buyer is expected to pay for any ‘additional shipping costs’ arising, including the delivery of the Bill of Lading, Commercial Invoice, Packing List and other documents required, such as a Form A or Country of Origin Certificate.
A FedEx or DHL delivery of the mentioned documents will set you back another US$40 to US$50.
Document Delivery (DHL): $40 to $50
Port Charges (Port of Destination)
The local charges often come as an extremely unpleasant surprise to first-time importers. As previously mentioned, the practice of kickback rates among freight forwarders enables suppliers to offer to ship at extremely low prices, while the real profits are made upon arrival in the Port of Destination.
When shipping FCL, the local charges are set per container, rather than per cubic meters. I don’t have price data for each and every port, but the charges tend to range between US$500 to US$1000 per container.
However, that’s only for FCL. When shipping LCL, the local charges are calculated based on the volume, set in cubic meters. The price increase logarithmically, to the point where an LCL shipment of 15 to 17 cubic meters is just as costly as an FCL 20’’ shipment, the latter offering a total volume of 29 cubic meters.
Port Charges: $100 to $450 (Included in DAP and DDU)
Customs Bond (United States)
US companies importing from China, or anywhere else for that matter, must obtain a customs bond before arrival in the Port of Destination.
Kathy Rinetti, Customs Manager of Flexport.com, explained the basics in an interview we published in October 2014:
“Also, prior to importing, importers will need to have a Customs bond on file prior to their shipment’s departure if their goods are valued over $2,500. If the value is less than that, then they can import under an informal entry and without a Customs bond, but this process would require them to manually submit paperwork. They can also import under a formal entry (with a Customs bond) even if their shipment value is less than $2,500.
You can obtain a Customs bond through most Customs brokerages, which typically have the ability to purchase bonds on your behalf through surety companies. There are two types – single entry and continuous entry Customs bonds. Single entry bonds are for one-time use and continuous entry bonds cover all your shipments over the course of a year.”
A single entry Customs bond can be purchased for around US$100 – US$200, while a continuous entry customs bond costs US$250 – US$450. The latter makes sense for importers importing multiple shipments on a yearly basis.
Customs Bond: $100 to $200 (Single Entry)
Domestic Transportation (Port of Destination to Final Address)
Last, is the transportation from the Port of Destination, to your warehouse. The final delivery can be made by truck, rail, or a combination of the two. The price depends entirely on your proximity to the warehouse, and on the country, so I cannot offer any price estimation.
Shipping Cost Overview
| Lead | Cost Range | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Local Transportation | $50 – $480 | Included in FOB |
| China Export Clearance | $100 – $300 | Included in FOB |
| Freight Cost | n/a | 1. Depends on location, volume (LCL / FCL), and local charges 2. Beware of kickback rates when shipping LCL |
| Insurance | n/a | Insurance cost = 0.2% x 110% of the cargo value |
| Document Delivery | $40 – $50 | |
| Customs Bond / Clearance (US Only) | n/a | 1. Single entry: $100 – $200 2. Continuous: $250 – $450 |
| Local Charges | $100 – $450 | 1. Depends on location, volume (LCL / FCL), and the freight cost 2. Beware of kickback rates when shipping LCL |
| Domestic Transportation | n/a | Depends on proximity to the port |
Shipping Quotation Sample
Freight quotations tend to be cryptic and almost impossible to decipher for someone without experience in the logistics industry. Rather than simply stating a total cost, many freight forwarders offer something that looks like this:
- CFS Charges: $69.30
- Origin Documentation Fee: $30.00
- ENS Fee Exempt: $30.00
- Re-weighting and VGM Sending-Fee – LCL: $15.00
- Export Customs Clearance Fee: $23.00
- Freight: $277.20
- Cargo Insurance:$ 63.15
- Destination – Other Charges: $590.62
This quotation is actually fairly easy to understand, as each item has a fixed cost. Also, notice that the freight cost ($277.20) is only one of many charges to take into consideration.
That said, it’s also a common practice among forwarders to only quote shipping costs on a per cubic meter basis:
These quotations are very hard to interpret for the uninitiated, as it requires a complete understanding of the methods your forwarder use to calculate the shipping cost – something they are rarely willing to share.
My recommendation is that you always request a total DAP or DDU price, based on the following:
- Weight and volume
- Port of loading
- Port of destination
- Final delivery address
Although the cargo volume and weight can change, it’ll still give you a reference point and make it harder for your supplier or forwarder to come up with new unexpected charges.
Questions & Answers
How can I reduce shipping costs from China?
Here are a few examples that can help you cut your shipping costs:
1. Consolidate your LCL shipments into one single FCL container
2. Adjust your order volumes based on container capacity (e.g. 20” FCL = 1200 pcs)
3. Book ocean freight instead of air freight
4. Book DAP or DDU shipping instead of CIF
5. Optimize the export carton and product packaging dimensions to reduce the total cargo volume
Here are a few things you should not do:
1. Book CIF instead of DAP or DDU shipping
2. Not buy insurance
3. Ship product packaging or other materials in separate containers
4. Book last minute air freight
How do I calculate shipping costs?
You can either use a freight calculator or request a quotation from your freight forwarder.
How much does it cost to ship a package from China?
Shipping individual parcels, or even a few documents, is relatively expensive. DHL and FedEx charge around $30 for a 500 grams parcel from China. That said, you can reduce the costs if you use a Hong Kong-based fulfillment center to deliver products to your customers around the world.
How often do freight costs change?
Shipping costs can change on a daily or weekly basis. Hence, shipping quotes expire quickly, due to the volatile nature of the international freight market.
What do I need to get a shipping quotation?
Freight forwarders require the following information before they can provide a quotation.
- Total cargo volume (cbm)
- Total weight (kgs)
- Port of loading
- Port of destination
- Insurance (Yes / No)
- Supplier incoterm (i.e., FCA or FOB)
- Delivery incoterm (i.e., DAT or DAP)
As such, the final freight cost can only be ‘confirmed’ once the products are manufactured and packed. That said, you can still get an estimate.
What is the cheapest way to ship from China?
FCL container sea freight is by far the cheapest way to ship products from China. The more you ship, the less you pay, meaning that importers buying large volumes from their suppliers enjoy far better freight rates than their smaller competitors – who are often stuck in limbo between LCL shipping and air freight.
Cost (Low to high)
1. FCL sea freight
2. LCL sea freight
3. Railway freight (China to EU)
4. Economy air freight
5. Express air freight
How can I find the cheapest freight rates?
Keep in mind that freight costs are set according to the market price. Freight forwarders rely on very slim profit margins, so there is little room for price negotiation.
Hence, you should not expect one forwarder to quote a price that is much lower than any other company.
As a matter of fact, you should watch out for “forwarders” that claim to offer freight rates below the current market price, as they may be scammers. If it looks too good to be true, it probably is.
Can I save money if I book shipping via my supplier?
Virtually all manufacturers already work with one or two local freight forwarders. As such, suppliers can, if requested, book and manage the shipment. That said, this does not result in any cost savings, as shipping costs are international.
The opposite is often true, as Chinese suppliers tend to offer CIF quotations, which doesn’t account for local charges in the port of destination. As mentioned, these are often higher than the freight cost itself.
You are in almost every case better off booking shipment via a platform like Freightos.com.
Do some suppliers offer free shipping?
Yes, in the sense that the shipping cost is already included in the product price. However, you will always pay for shipping, one way or the other.
Further, this is only applicable to Aliexpress.com, DHgate.com and similar online wholesale platforms.
When you order from ‘proper’ manufacturers, free shipping is non-existent.
Does Alibaba have free shipping?
Individual suppliers part of the Alibaba wholesaler program can offer free shipping. This means that the shipping is included in the unit price, meaning that shipping is not actually free – only that it’s not specified as a separate cost.
Which is the best Incoterm if I want to keep track of costs?
DAP (Delivered at Place) includes export clearance, freight and local charges (in the port of destination). Hence, I’d say that this is the best incoterm, as it is ‘all-inclusive’ in terms of shipping costs.
That said, many manufacturers in China tend to not offer DAP quotations, as it involves more work. In addition, I would not count on their local forwarders to handle all the bookings required.
Instead, I advise you to buy according to FOB terms from your supplier and then order DAP shipping from your freight forwarder. That way you can control the process in China while confirming all the costs before the goods arrive.
Should I avoid CIF freight?
CIF (Cost Insurance and Freight) doesn’t include the local port charges, at the point of entry in the buyer’s country. The port charges (or, local charges) are often counted in the hundreds of dollars – especially when shipping LCL.
In fact, the local charges often exceed the shipping cost itself.
The problem, when shipping according to CIF terms, is that you don’t get the local charges billed until the goods have arrived in the port of destination.
At that point it is too late to find other options, or negotiate the price.
How do I estimate air freight costs?
Unlike sea freight costs, which are in most cases only based on the volume, air freight charges are based on either the volume or the weight.
In air freight, the volumetric weight applies, if it exceeds the actual weight.
FAQs
What are typical shipping costs from China? ›
Currently, average freight costs can be: From China to the USA, Air Express costs between $5-$9 per kilo. From China to the USA, Air Freight from China costs between $4-$8 per kilo. According to the container shipping cost calculator, Sea Freight costs between $3000-$3900 for each container from China to the USA.
Is shipping from China to USA expensive? ›Air freight costs and rates from China to the US
At about $3 per kilo, standard air freight is the cheapest option for shipments between about 150 kilos and 500 kg. Very light shipments for their size might be charged on dimensional weight, rather than actual weight.
UPS is the cheapest courier service from China to the USA. With sea freight, the shipping rates are calculated based on the mode (either LCL or FCL), the size of the container (20ft, 40ft, or 40HC), and the distance between the port of loading to the port of delivery.
How do you calculate shipping charges? ›DIM weight is calculated by multiplying the length, width, and height of the package or box size, then dividing by a standard DIM divisor.
How to calculate shipping cost from China to USA? ›- Air Express to the USA: $7.54 to $9.54 per kilogram.
- Air Freight to the USA: $3.40 to $15.50 per kilogram.
- Sea Freight to the USA: $1,200-$1,850 per container.
| Port of loading: | Container size: | Shipping price: |
|---|---|---|
| Ship a container from China to Providence | 40FT Container | from: $6500 |
| Ship a container from China to Seattle | 40FT Container | from: $4800 |
| Ship a container from China to Chicago | 40FT Container | from: $8800 |
The amount you pay depends on whether or not the value of your shipment totals more than $2,500 (not including duty, shipping, or insurance fees). For an informal entry (goods valued at $2,500 or less), importers are required to pay $2.22, $6.66, or $9.99 per shipment.
How can I reduce shipping costs from China? ›- Find The Right Shipping Provider. ...
- Choose The Best Method Of Shipping. ...
- Use Air And Courier Only When Needed. ...
- Weigh and Measure Your Packaging. ...
- Buy Larger Quantities To Reduce Shipping Costs. ...
- Compare Shipping Costs. ...
- Use The Online Shipping Calculator.
Labor and shipping costs are much higher than in other parts of the world. This is one of the main reasons why goods shipped from China tend to be more expensive. Related: How Long Does It Take To Ship From China?
What is the cheapest way to import from China? ›The seller's preferred method of payment and the risks and benefits associated with each method might influence your decision. After you pay for your imports, it's time to arrange shipping. Shipping costs can vary. Many imports from China are shipped via sea freight, however, which is the cheapest option.
Who is the best shipping agent from China to USA? ›
DHL is the fastest Express courier from China to the USA, with a shipping time of about 1-5 days, and DHL import custom clearance ability is better than another express like UPS and FedEx, DHL Express shipping cost is higher than FedEx and UPS, suitable to ship for samples and most urgent goods.
What is the best shipping company to China? ›DHL. DHL is considered the leading carrier for overseas shipments and a great option for shipping to China. Their rates are slightly cheaper than UPS or FedEx while offering the same delivery windows. If you want to ship to China, consider DHL as one of your first options when checking shipping prices.
How much does it cost to ship a 20 lb box? ›| 17 lbs | $30,28 | 2-4 business days |
| 18 lbs | $31,86 | 2-4 business days |
| 19 lbs | $33,42 | 2-4 business days |
| 20 lbs | $35,06 | 2-4 business days |
| 21 lbs | $36,53 | 2-4 business days |
| Weight | Price from | Delivery time |
|---|---|---|
| 18 lbs | $51.68 | 5-7 business days |
| 19 lbs | $52.00 | 5-7 business days |
| 20 lbs | $52.40 | 5-7 business days |
| 21 lbs | $56.60 | 5-7 business days |
| Parcel Select (wt. not over) | Zones 1 & 2 | Zone 5 |
|---|---|---|
| 9 lb | $9.25 | $18.84 |
| 10 lb | $9.65 | $20.46 |
| 11 lb | $11.65 | $23.61 |
| 12 lb | $12.40 | $25.34 |
| Weight not over (lbs.) | Parcel Post Rate |
|---|---|
| 1 | $16.00 |
| 2 | 20.80 |
| 3 | 25.80 |
| 4 | 31.35 |
Express shipping via an international carrier like FedEx, Ups, DHL, or TNT is the fastest and the most reliable way to ship from China to the US. If you need your products as quickly as possible, express shipping is by far your best option.
How to estimate shipping from Alibaba? ›If you want to get an approximate shipping cost, please click "Get shipping quote" on the product detail page, fill details about your order, click "Get Quote", the system will estimate the cost to ship it via Alibaba.com Logistics.
How long does a container ship take to go from China to USA? ›Shipping Containers Around the World
The most common way of transporting goods from China to the US is by cargo ship. From China, these ships can take about two to four weeks to arrive on the US West Coast or about three to five weeks if they are going to the US East Coast.
- 3.1 Classify The Goods And Calculate The Landed Cost.
- 3.2 Pick Your Supplier And Place The Order.
- 4.1 Timing Is Essential Before Selecting A Shipping Method From China.
- 6.1 Express Shipping From China.
- 6.2 Shipping By Air Freight.
Is shipping cost from China going down? ›
Freight & shipping costs & delays
Extremely elevated logistics costs have been one contributor to inflation during the pandemic. But since the spring of 2022, ocean freight prices have come down, with China-West Coast US rates recently hitting pre-pandemic levels.
When importing from China, importers must pay VAT on top of the total sum of the Customs Value and the Import Duty.
Do you have to pay customs in the US from China? ›You'll need to pay customs duty (or import tax) on any goods you move across the US border from China, though goods from some countries are exempt due to different international trade agreements. The United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) enforces customs rules.
How can I avoid US customs fees? ›Tell the seller explicitly that the item is for personal use. Import duties typically apply to items imported for commercial use (business or resale)—not personal or retail sales. If you're importing something for your own personal use or as a gift for someone else, you don't have to pay them.
How can I avoid expensive shipping? ›- Decrease the shipping distance. ...
- Weigh your packages and reduce dimensions. ...
- Find discounted supplies. ...
- Get discounted shipping rates. ...
- Check out offers from the platform(s) or marketplace(s) you sell on. ...
- Insure with third parties. ...
- Go prepaid.
Why is Shipping from Alibaba and China So Expensive? Shipping items from China overall can be very expensive due to the distance. Overall, shipping via air from China is very expensive but quite quick. Shipping via sea is quite cheap but very slow (typically 30 to 60 days).
How much does Alibaba charge for shipping? ›As a general rule, the items that weigh less than or equal to 200 lbs. should be shipped via air. For that, the average Alibaba shipping costs can be somewhere between $6-$15 per pound. The items that weigh more than this can be shipped using air or sea freight.
Will shipping prices go down in 2023? ›In 2023, freight prices get expected to be adjusted and decrease by 30–40%. It's wonderful news that freight charges are declining, especially for importers.
Will shipping container prices go down in 2023? ›Meanwhile, long-term contract rates finished 2022 about 20% lower than the pandemic peak of more than $8,000 per container, according to maritime consultancy Drewry, which expects contract rates to halve in 2023. That forecast would put rates at about $3,200, versus the pre-pandemic rate of around $1,500.
How do I pay less shipping on Alibaba? ›- Use Optimized Packaging. There is extra space inside the packaging at times, and the buyers have to pay for it. ...
- Plan the Right Route. ...
- Compare The Shipping Charges. ...
- Use an Online Shipping Calculator. ...
- Consolidation Of Shipment.
How to avoid Chinese import tariffs? ›
- Moving Supply Chains. The most obvious way to avoid tariffs is to modify the supply chain. ...
- Transshipments. Another shenanigan commonly used by companies is to dodge tariffs is a technique called transshipments. ...
- Minimal Processing. ...
- Trade Zones. ...
- Bonded Warehousing. ...
- Related Articles.
- Alibaba/Aliexpress.
- GlobalSources.
- 1688.com (basically the Chinese version of Alibaba)
- Trade shows such as the Canton Fair.
- Using import records.
- Yiwu.
- Sourcing companies/trading companies.
- Entry manifest (CBP Form 7533) or Application and Special Permit for Immediate Delivery (CBP Form 3461)
- Evidence of right to make entry.
- A commercial invoice or a proforma invoice.
- Packing lists.
- Proof of import license or permit (if your goods require it)
USPS Priority Mail Express International:Priority Mail Express International is the USPS's fastest, most premium international shipping service. With a delivery timeframe of 3–5 days to over 180 countries, it also features international flat rate packaging to simplify international shipping.
What is the cheapest Chinese shipping agent? ›NextSmartShip is the first and only proper eCommerce fulfillment solution and also the cheapest shipping agent in China. With our proprietary technology, we can fulfill your orders at a fraction of the cost of any other solution. It can often be difficult to reach international clients without a local presence.
Does size of box matter for shipping cost? ›Dimensions determine additional surcharges. Carriers often charge extra for packages that require additional handling based on their measurements. These charges vary and are based on the length and weight of the package.
Is it cheaper to ship 2 medium boxes or 1 large box? ›If possible, it's often better to ship two smaller boxes rather than one large, heavy box. This will spread the weight of your cargo over two smaller parcels, which can significantly reduce your shipping costs especially if the large box would qualify for large or oversized pricing.
What is the heaviest box you can ship? ›USPS Retail Ground pieces may measure up to 130 inches in combined length and girth (but will be charged oversized prices). Regardless of the size of the mailpiece, the maximum mailable weight of any mailpiece is 70 pounds.
How much does it cost to ship a 50 pound box USPS? ›...
USPS.
| Box size | Flat rate price |
|---|---|
| Medium box (13 ⅝” x 11 ⅞” x 11” or 11” x 8 ½” x 5 ½”) | $16.10 |
| Large box (23 11/16” x 11 ¾” x 12” or 12” x 12” x 5 ½”) | $21.50 |
UPS Ground® and FedEx Ground are the winners for the cheapest shipping option for a package that weighs 50 pounds. USPS also imposes a 50-pound weight limit for parcels, so anything above 50 pounds should be shipped with FedEx or UPS to avoid any surcharges.
Does shipping go by weight or size? ›
For First-Class Mail, shape and weight will determine the price. For Priority Mail, the price is a combination of weight, size, and how far the mailpiece is traveling. Priority Mail pieces that exceed one cubic foot, are subject to "dimensional weight pricing".
What is the best way to ship a 100 lb package? ›UPS. If you want to ship items that weigh over 70 lbs, but under 150 lbs, UPS requires that the package meets their guidelines and that you have a “heavy package” sticker with the weight of the package on the box. UPS Freight is your best bet if your package weighs over 150 lbs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a 25 lb package? ›For large light boxes, USPS Priority Mail will be the cheapest. For heavy large boxes or shipments of multiple boxes, consolidated freight is one of the most cost-effective shipping methods. Compare rates for shipping flat rate boxes using the most common shipping methods: USPS.
How much does it cost to ship a 40 lb package USPS? ›...
USPS.
| Box size | Flat rate price |
|---|---|
| Medium box (13 ⅝” x 11 ⅞” x 11” or 11” x 8 ½” x 5 ½”) | $16.10 |
| Large box (23 11/16” x 11 ¾” x 12” or 12” x 12” x 5 ½”) | $21.50 |
China is still considered a “transitional” country by the UPU, which means it enjoys a lower rate for sending mail to a developed nation like the US. As a result, mail services from China to the US cost less than Americans are charged by their postal service for a comparable domestic delivery.
How much does it cost to ship a 20ft container from China? ›The shipping rates can differ for FCL and LCL shipping from China. The China shipping rates for FCL and LCL depend on containers. For a 40-foot container, the China shipping rates can be around $3,000-$4,000 on average (for FCL). Also, for a 20-foot container, the cost can be around $2,000- $2,500 on average.
How much does it cost to ship 10 lbs to China? ›| Weight not over (lbs.) | Parcel Post Rate |
|---|---|
| 9 | 28.70 |
| 10 | 30.30 |
| 11 | 31.60 |
| 12 | 32.95 |
Alibaba is the best website you can buy cheap products from China directly. With Alibaba, you can buy a bulk product at an affordable price. If you want to buy a single item, you can negotiate with the supplier to order a sample. Also, you can contact supplyia to help you buy a sample from China and send it to you.
Are shipping costs from China coming down? ›Freight & shipping costs & delays
Extremely elevated logistics costs have been one contributor to inflation during the pandemic. But since the spring of 2022, ocean freight prices have come down, with China-West Coast US rates recently hitting pre-pandemic levels.
Express shipping is often the most expensive option, but it's also the fastest and most reliable. For less time-sensitive items, consider shipping with a less expensive international carrier like FedEx, UPS, or DHL. These companies have extensive experience shipping to and from China and offer competitive rates.
How much does a 40ft container from China to US cost? ›
How much does it cost to ship a 40ft container from China to USA, the average price to ship a 40ft container from China to USA is from $2150 to $4850. The shipping timeline to ship a 40 foot container from China to USA ranges depending on the route.
What fits in a 20-foot shipping container? ›As a general rule, the household goods of a one- to two- bedroom apartment will fit into a 20-foot container. By using bubble wrap and moving boxes for proper packing, you will ensure that you easily fit all of your belongings into a 20-foot container.
How big is 20ft container for shipping? ›A 20-foot container measures 5.90 metres in length, 2.35 metres in width and 2.39 metres in height. The door width is 2.34 metres, while the door height measures 2.28 metres. The tare weight is 2,300 kilos. The payload is the maximum loading capacity, and it is 28,200 kg on a 20 'container.
How much is it to ship a 20 lb package? ›| Parcel Select (wt. not over) | Zones 1 & 2 | Zone 4 |
|---|---|---|
| 18 lb | $15.78 | $23.96 |
| 19 lb | $16.15 | $24.52 |
| 20 lb | $16.81 | $25.02 |
| 21 lb | $17.57 | $25.61 |
USPS: A package weighing between 26-30 pounds will have a delivery rate of $120. DHL: DHL will send your items for $280 with a one-day shipping time. UPS: Using UPS Ground will cost you around $70, while UPS 3-Day Select will increase the price to $200.
How to send a gift to China? ›Examples of courier services that send packages to China include DHL, UPS, and FedEx, but we recommend Eurosender, whose simple platform provides excellent value for money when sending gift parcels to China.
What is the cheapest website to order from China? ›- AliExpress. AliExpress is arguably the most well-known Chinese online store. ...
- Banggood. We spoke about Banggood when we reviewed the best sites for buying cheap electronics. ...
- GearBest. ...
- DHgate. ...
- YesStyle. ...
- LightInTheBox. ...
- Shein. ...
- GeekBuying.
The best way to buy directly from China is to use a sourcing agent like Kanary. There are other alternatives to speak directly with suppliers such as Alibaba, DHgate, Made-In-China etc. However, using a company like Kanary, who has relationships with suppliers developed over many years, is going to be your best option.
What is the most affordable shipping to China? ›DHL is considered the leading carrier for overseas shipments and a great option for shipping to China. Their rates are slightly cheaper than UPS or FedEx while offering the same delivery windows. If you want to ship to China, consider DHL as one of your first options when checking shipping prices.