A Comprehensive Guide to Sea and Air Freight from Shenzhen to New York
Expanding into the North American market requires a logistics partner you can trust. Getting your goods to New York on time, through customs without delays, and at a reasonable cost is crucial for your cash flow and customer satisfaction. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about shipping from Shenzhen to New York.
1. Choose Your Shipping Method: Sea vs. Air
International Sea Freight: Best for High Volume, Low Cost
Ideal for large inventory shipments and non-urgent goods, sea freight offers the lowest cost per unit.
Cost Guidance:
FCL (Full Container Load): 20′ Container: ~$1,600–$2,800 | 40′ Container: ~$2,500–$4,200
LCL (Less than Container Load): ~$80–$150 per CBM (ideal for 2–15 CBM shipments)
Transit Time:
Port-to-Port: 25–35 days
Door-to-Door: 30–40 days (includes pickup, customs, and final delivery)
The Process: Shenzhen pickup → Export customs → Ocean transit → US port arrival → US customs clearance → Final trucking to NYC.
International Air Freight: Fastest for Urgent Shipments
Choose air freight for high-value, time-sensitive, or limited-stock items where speed is critical.
Cost Guidance: ~$4.5–$8.0 per kg (for 20–500 kg shipments). Rates vary by fuel, season, and weight.
Transit Time: Door-to-Door: Typically 5–8 days.
The Process: Shenzhen pickup → Export customs → Air transit → US airport arrival → US customs clearance → Final delivery.
Express Courier (DHL/UPS/FedEx): For Samples & Small Parcels
Perfect for small, urgent packages. Couriers handle customs and offer fast, predictable delivery.
Transit Time: 3–5 business days door-to-door.
2. Understanding the Full Cost of Shipping
Your total cost is more than just the freight rate. Here’s what to expect:
Freight Rate: The base ocean or air cost.
Origin Charges: Pickup, export customs, documentation.
Destination Charges: Port fees, US customs clearance, import taxes & duties, trucking to final address.
Insurance: Highly recommended. Typically 0.2%–0.5% of cargo value.
Value-Add Services: FBA labeling, palletizing, warehousing.
3. Navigating U.S. Customs Clearance
Smooth customs clearance is key to avoiding delays. Ensure you have:
Accurate Documentation: Commercial Invoice (with correct HS codes), Packing List, Bill of Lading.
Pre-Filing: Send all documents to your broker 48-72 hours before arrival for faster processing.
Expert Brokerage: Work with a broker experienced in China-US routes to minimize the risk of holds and fines.
4. Shipping to Amazon FBA in New York
Avoid costly chargebacks and delays by ensuring FBA compliance.
Labeling: Apply Amazon FBA box and carton labels correctly at the origin.
Pallet Build: Pallets must be built to Amazon’s strict specifications.
Appointments: Secure delivery appointments well in advance.
Documentation: The Amazon Shipment ID must be on all shipping and customs documents.
5. Our Value-Added Services
We go beyond simple transportation to ensure your shipment is seamless:
Customs Clearance: Pre-entry checks, ISF filing, and duty estimation.
FBA Prep: Professional labeling, polybagging, and bundling.
Cargo Insurance: Protect your shipment for a small premium.
Consolidation: Combine smaller shipments for better rates.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: When should I choose FCL vs LCL?
A: Choose FCL when your cargo nears a full container’s volume (20+ CBM). Choose LCL for smaller, more frequent shipments (2-15 CBM).
Q: How long does sea freight really take?
A: Plan for 30-40 days door-to-door to account for inland transport and customs.
Q: Do you handle Amazon FBA shipments?
A: Yes. We specialize in end-to-end FBA shipping, including prep, compliance, and appointment booking.
Get Your Free Custom Quote
Stop guessing and start shipping with confidence. To receive a precise, door-to-door quote, please provide:
Product Name & HS Code
Quantity, Weight, and Dimensions (CBM)
Pickup Address in Shenzhen
Final Delivery Address in New York
Your Target Delivery Date
Click here to schedule a free logistics consultation.
Email your shipment details to Hxin80377@gmail.com for a lane-specific proposal with a clear cost breakdown and a recommended schedule.
Note: The prices and times above are market estimates for planning. Your final quote will be based on current rates, space availability, and your specific shipment details.