Navigating international shipping from Shenzhen to the United States can seem overwhelming for new e-commerce sellers. This step-by-step guide breaks down the entire process from factory to fulfillment center, helping you avoid common pitfalls and establish a reliable supply chain.

Phase 1: Preparation (Days 1-7)

Documentation Requirements

• Commercial Invoice: Detailed description, quantity, and value of all items

• Packing List: Carton-level contents, weights, and dimensions

• Certificate of Origin: Required for certain product categories

• Import Security Filing (ISF): Must be submitted 24+ hours before loading

Product Compliance Verification

• Electronics: FCC certification, voltage compliance

• Textiles: Care labeling, fiber content disclosure

• Children’s Products: CPSIA compliance, safety testing

• General Merchandise: Product safety standards

Phase 2: Transportation Options & Timelines

Air Freight Express (5-12 days)

• Best for: Urgent shipments under 70kg

• Process: Door-to-door with integrated customs

• Cost: $7-12/kg

• Suitable Products: Samples, high-value items, urgent restock

Air Cargo Consolidation (8-18 days)

• Best for: 70kg+ shipments needing faster delivery

• Process: Airport-to-airport with separate customs brokerage

• Cost: $5-8/kg

• Suitable Products: New product launches, seasonal items

Sea Freight LCL (28-40 days)

• Best for: 2-15 CBM shipments

• Process: Port-to-port with full customs clearance

• Cost: $95-145/CBM

• Suitable Products: Steady sellers, cost-sensitive inventory

Sea Freight FCL (30-45 days)

• Best for: 15+ CBM shipments

• Process: Full container delivery

• Cost: $2,800-3,600/40ft container

• Suitable Products: Large volume, established product lines

Regional Shipping Solutions

Nanshan – Electronics & Tech Products

• Recommended Service: Air express for prototypes, sea LCL for production runs

• Key Requirements: ESD-safe packaging, FCC compliance

• Destination Focus: LAX/ONT8 for West Coast, JFK/CLT2 for East Coast

Bao’an – Consumer Electronics & Accessories

• Recommended Service: Air consolidation for speed, sea LCL for cost

• Key Requirements: Proper battery documentation, retail-ready packaging

• Destination Focus: Regional distribution across multiple fulfillment centers

Longhua – Home Goods & Furniture

• Recommended Service: Sea FCL for volume, air cargo for samples

• Key Requirements: Wood treatment certification, professional crating

• Destination Focus: Major hub warehouses with heavy-item handling

Phase 3: Customs Clearance (Days 2-5 of Arrival)

Essential Documentation

• Complete commercial invoice with HS codes

• Packing list matching actual shipment contents

• Bill of lading/air waybill

• ISF filing confirmation

Common Clearance Challenges

• Incorrect HS Codes: Verify classification before shipping

• Undervaluation: Declare actual transaction value

• Missing Certifications: Provide required testing documentation

• Incomplete ISF: File all 10 data elements accurately

Phase 4: Final Mile & Warehouse Receiving

Amazon FBA Preparation

• Labeling: FBA product labels on each unit

• Carton Requirements: Standard size, weight limits

• Pallet Specifications: 72″ height maximum, proper stacking

• Appointment Scheduling: Coordinate delivery times in advance

General Warehouse Requirements

• Advanced Shipping Notice (ASN): Provide before arrival

• Barcode Verification: Ensure scannable labels

• Carton Content List: Detailed per-carton inventory

• Damage Inspection: Document condition upon receipt

Cost Management Strategy

Budget Planning

• Transportation: 40-60% of total cost

• Duties & Taxes: 5-25% depending on product category

• Insurance: 1-3% of declared value

• Handling Fees: 10-15% for various services

Cost Reduction Tips

• Optimize packaging to reduce dimensional weight

• Consolidate shipments with other sellers

• Plan shipments during off-peak seasons

• Use hybrid solutions for balanced cost-speed ratio

Common Pitfalls & Solutions

Problem: “My shipment is stuck in customs”

• Prevention:

  • Verify all documents before shipping

  • Use experienced customs brokers

  • Ensure accurate product descriptions and values

Problem: “Unexpected charges appeared”

• Prevention:

  • Request all-inclusive quotes

  • Understand INCOTERMS responsibilities

  • Budget for potential surcharges

Problem: “Amazon rejected my shipment”

• Prevention:

  • Follow FBA preparation guidelines exactly

  • Conduct pre-shipment inspections

  • Verify label placement and quality

Implementation Timeline

Week 1: Preparation

• Day 1-2: Document collection and verification

• Day 3-4: Compliance checking and labeling

• Day 5-7: Carrier selection and booking

Week 2-6: Transportation

• Air: 5-18 days depending on service

• Sea: 28-45 days including handling

• Hybrid: 18-25 days for balanced solutions

Week 6-7: Final Delivery

• Day 1-2: Customs clearance

• Day 3-5: Final mile transportation

• Day 6-7: Warehouse receiving and processing

Essential Checklist for Beginners

Pre-Shipment Verification

• All compliance documents gathered

• Packaging meets carrier requirements

• Labels applied correctly and securely

• Insurance coverage confirmed

Shipping Coordination

• INCOTERMS understood and agreed

• All charges identified and budgeted

• Tracking systems established

• Contact points confirmed

Destination Preparation

• Customs broker engaged

• Import bonds arranged

• Delivery appointments scheduled

• Receiving facility prepared

Building Your Shipping Foundation

Starting with international shipping requires careful planning but becomes manageable with experience. Begin with smaller shipments to test your processes, document everything, and gradually scale as you gain confidence in your supply chain.

Need help establishing your shipping process? We provide:

• Beginner-friendly shipping solutions

• Complete documentation support

• Step-by-step guidance throughout the process

Get your personalized shipping plan – Share your product details and we’ll create a customized shipping roadmap with clear timelines and cost estimates.