SHIPPING FROM CHINA TO US

International shipping has never been a walk in the park. Contemplating shipping from China to the US in a most cost-effective way can be a very complex thing. It is important for small scale companies to modify their shipping strategies to save both time and money. It is imperative that they vet a freight forwarder with an aim of getting the best combination of experience that will serve them better, and alter a number of things including size or packaging.

Time is a valuable thing in business and losing it as a result of shipping delays is a condition that often plagues stakeholders. It is often discouraging when clients call inquiring about their orders when indeed they are miles away. This condition can aggravate each and every person involved in the business. Nevertheless, there are various strategies that can be employed to curb this problem. Unfortunately, small-scale businesses can hardly visit their suppliers across the sea to address the delays. In this light, it is imperative to examine the shipping of products from China to the US. It will focus on five main areas:

1. how to ship,
2. requirements for the importation of goods,
3. the time period,
4. the time to opt for air freight
5. And the time to opt sea freight

How to Ship a Container from China to US

China made products are very popular across the world. Nevertheless, it has never been easy to ship them. The shipping process is at times very complex and expensive. If not careful, expected gains can be overshadowed by postponements, fluctuating delivery costs, regulatory expenses as well as unexpected delays. Shipping from China comes after other necessary steps have been followed.

To begin with, you must be well conversant with your import rights. Some companies, manage everything involved and will deliver door to door.

• First identify the products you want to buy. Remember opting for wrong products will lead to time wastage as well significant loses. Make sure the commodities you intend to import are legal in to enter into United State. Remember some product importation may not be permitted by US Customs for various reasons.
• Look for the Chinese supplier and order, identifying the shipping terms applicable. Make sure the supplier subscribes to shipping under FOB terms to lessen the costs involved in shipping and grant you more power over the whole shipment. This shipping terms are called incoterms.
• It is imperative to keep in mind that shipping across the ocean can be very slow. It may require a lot of time planning, unlike domestic purchases. The required time to import or export goods including documentation may be too long. Be cautious with lower prices and failure to site product details. It is also essential to remember international trade is established solely on mutual trust and therefore you have to trust your supplier.
• Arrange your cargo. This perhaps one of the most significant aspects. There are many costs that must be incurred when shipping goods, including
  • container fee,
  • brokerage fee,
  • costs associated with terminal handling, and packaging among others.

Expect Delays when shipping from China to US

Note that delays might arise in the course of shipment. The products might not have been produced in good time, the vessel may not sail as planned, or the products might be held by customs authorities. It would be unwise to expect that transportation will kick-start once completed in the factory. The cargo transport from the manufacturer to the port requires at least two 2 days. Besides, customs declaration requires another 1-2 days. Also, there can be a single route frequency weekly in other instances. If you miss the day, you have no choice other than waiting up to the next week.

It is also important to choose an appropriate freight forwarder partner. In contemporary business, logistics a crucial aspect. If you have an appropriate logistics provider, be sure of smooth operations, affordable costs and a constant cash flow. Linbis Logistics Platform will help making sure you keep track of the cargo and get ready for its arrival. Obtain your shipment and make arrangements with your customs broker for the goods to be cleared on arrival. If you follow these tips and carry out research where necessary, you will benefit more in shipping a container from China to the US.

The Requirements for Importing from China to USA

When it comes to the requirements, it all depends on the goods you intend to import from china to USA as well as your destination. Shipping formalities entail extensive procedures including customs formalities and clearance. Custom clearance encompasses both preparation and submission of necessary documents needed to ease export or import from China to USA. Nevertheless, there is no need to worry. There are a good number of trustable logistics partners with professionals in their team to do all these work on your behalf.

The following are some of the necessary documents in the process of importing goods:

•    The Bill of Entry
•    The catalog of goods being imported
•    Commercial Invoice
•    AD Code
•    IEC Code
•    Insurance certificate
•    Purchase order
•    Bill of Lading

To import goods into the USA, you need the following documents:

•    Entry manifest
•    Certificate of Origin
•    Pro Forma Invoice
•    Commercial Invoice
•    Packing List

How Long to Ship from China to Us?

Generally, shipping products transnationally take time. For instance, goods shipped from China may take an average of 14 days to get to the West Coast of US. If the destination is to East Coast, arrival may take up to 30 days. As highlighted in the previous section, do not expect arrival exactly as planned because the ship may not sail as planned, or there may be delays brought about by various factors.

When to Choose Air Freight from China to the USA

Air freight is the safest and the most efficient means of instant transportation. Even though it is quite expensive, it is worth it. It is the most appropriate option when the cargo often has high value-to-weight or has a very limited time. The cost of air freight is determined mainly by weight and volume. For instance, a weight of 384kg is charged as follows, $2.39 times 384kg= $918.53

There are three main reasons why most traders prefer air freight. Consider speed or time. It only takes five days to transport cargo from China up to a warehouse in the USA. Generally, Airplanes are at least 30 times faster when compared to ocean liners. Other significant reasons for choosing air freight include reliability and Protection.

When to Choose Sea Freight from China to the USA

Generally, ocean Freight provides large capacity and value compared to air freight. Besides, it can have a better carbon footprint compared to air freight. As outlined before, it may take a lot of time, up to 30 days, to transport cargo from China to the USA. Shipping may cost you about $3,000 for a 20” container and even up to $5,000 for a 40” container.

Conclusion

Ocean Freight or Air Freight- which way to take? Well, there is a number of factors that will influence the choice made, including time, security and costs. The two options offer different comforts. As outlined, shipment of cargo involves a lengthy process and requires the trader to be more careful all the way from identification of the goods required to the point where the goods are delivered in the warehouse.