Shipping from China to the USA: Importer’s Guide

Choose the route around the delivery requirement

Ocean FCL and LCL serve major gateways such as Los Angeles/Long Beach, New York/New Jersey, Savannah and Houston. Air cargo can move through gateways such as Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas and New York. The best gateway is not always the nearest port: sailing schedule, congestion, rail connection and delivery postcode can change the result.

Confirm the US importer setup

Before booking, identify the importer of record and customs broker. The importer is responsible for reasonable care in the accuracy of the entry, product classification and admissibility. Depending on the shipment, a customs bond and agency-specific requirements may apply. A forwarder can coordinate the process, but the importer should understand the declared transaction.

Build the core document set

• Commercial invoice with buyer, seller, product description, value and currency.
• Packing list with pieces, packing type, net/gross weight and dimensions.
• Transport document such as bill of lading or air waybill.
• Classification and product-compliance information where applicable.
• Importer and broker instructions, delivery address and contact details.

Allow for ocean import timing

For ocean cargo, the carrier and broker need accurate data before arrival. US security filings and carrier documentation have defined timing requirements, so the responsible party should be agreed before loading. Late or inconsistent data can create holds, amendments and additional cost.

Plan final delivery as a separate operation

Provide the complete delivery postcode and describe the receiving location. A commercial warehouse, Amazon facility, construction site and residential address require different equipment and appointments. Confirm whether the quote includes chassis, appointment, liftgate, inside delivery, waiting time or container return.

What to include in a quote request

Send the China pickup address or port, US delivery postcode, Incoterm, commodity, carton or pallet count, packed dimensions, gross weight, cargo-ready date and required arrival date. Add battery, liquid, wood packaging, FDA or other regulatory details when relevant.