Choosing between air and ocean freight from China to the United States impacts your budget, timeline, and supply chain reliability. This practical guide compares both options with real transit times and costs for shipments from Shenzhen to all 50 US states.

Key Differences at a Glance

Air Freight

• Transit time: 5-10 days door-to-door

• Cost: $5-$12 per kg

• Best for: High-value, urgent, perishable goods

• Customs clearance: Typically faster (2-24 hours)

Sea Shipping

• Transit time: 30-50 days door-to-door

• Cost: $800-$2,500 per container (FCL)

• Best for: Bulk shipments, low-value goods, non-urgent inventory

• Customs clearance: More complex (2-5 days)

State-by-State Shipping Guide from Shenzhen

West Coast States (Fastest ocean shipping)

• California, Oregon, Washington

  • Air freight: 5-7 days via LAX/SFO/SEA

  • Sea shipping: 18-22 days to port + 3-5 days inland

  • Reality check: Ocean saves 40% cost for 3-week delay

Mountain States (Balance required)

• Colorado, Utah, Arizona, Nevada, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming

  • Air freight: 7-9 days via Denver/Salt Lake City

  • Sea shipping: 25-35 days with rail transfer

  • Pro tip: Hybrid option – ocean to West Coast + air domestic

Midwest States (Rail critical)

• Illinois, Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Missouri, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota

  • Air freight: 8-12 days via Chicago/Detroit hubs

  • Sea shipping: 30-40 days with rail from coasts

  • Cost reality: Air freight costs 3x but protects production lines

Southwest States (Gulf port access)

• Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana

  • Air freight: 7-10 days via Dallas/Houston

  • Sea shipping: 28-33 days via Houston port

  • Strategic advantage: Gulf ports less congested than West Coast

Southeast States (Multiple port options)

• Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, Kentucky, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia

  • Air freight: 7-11 days via Atlanta/Miami

  • Sea shipping: 25-35 days via Savannah/Charleston

  • Hidden benefit: Southeast ports have faster turnaround

Northeast States (Weather considerations)

• New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Maryland, Delaware, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine

  • Air freight: 8-12 days via JFK/Logan

  • Sea shipping: 30-38 days with potential winter delays

  • Winter advisory: November-March ocean delays add 5-10 days

Non-Contiguous States

• Alaska, Hawaii

  • Air freight: 6-9 days (essential for Hawaii)

  • Sea shipping: 40-50 days with complex logistics

  • Special note: Alaska has unique shipping regulations

When to Choose Air Freight

• Your goods value exceeds $20/kg

• Stockouts would stop production

• Product lifecycle is short (electronics/fashion)

• You need to meet strict promotional deadlines

When Sea Shipping Makes Sense

• Cost matters more than speed

• Shipping bulk commodities

• You have reliable inventory buffer

• Goods are non-perishable

Hidden Costs Most Companies Miss

• Air freight: Fuel surcharges, security fees, last-mile handling

• Sea shipping: Demurrage charges, port congestion fees, chassis splits

Case Study: Electronics Manufacturer
Problem: Shipping $500,000 worth of components from Shenzhen to Tennessee
Air solution: 8 days, $28,500 cost
Sea solution: 35 days, $9,200 cost
Our recommendation: Split shipment – critical parts by air, balance by sea

How We Optimize Your Shipping

1. Route analysis based on your specific state destination

2. Customs pre-clearance planning for each entry point

3. Multi-modal solutions when appropriate

4. Real-time tracking from Shenzhen factory to US destination

Get Your Personalized Quote
Contact us with your:

• Product type and value

• Monthly volume

• Destination state(s)

• Urgency timeline

We’ll provide air/sea comparisons specific to your supply chain needs.