International Shipping Methods
This content has moved. We’ve created a much more comprehensive guide covering shipping from China to the USA:
👉 Complete Guide: Shipping from China to USA — Costs, Carriers, Customs (2026)
For AgentsBen-specific shipping costs and estimates:
👉 AgentsBen Shipping to USA Cost
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between air freight and sea freight from China to the USA?
Air freight takes 5-10 days and costs $5-15 per kg, making it ideal for orders under 50 kg and time-sensitive shipments. Sea freight takes 25-40 days but costs only $1-3 per kg, making it the better choice for heavy or bulky orders over 100 kg where speed isn’t critical.
Which shipping method is cheapest for small Taobao orders?
For individual orders under 2 kg, air express services like FedEx, DHL, or UPS consolidated through an agent typically offer the best balance of speed and cost at $8-20 total. Agents consolidate multiple small packages into single shipments, passing bulk-rate savings on to you.
Do I need to worry about customs when choosing a shipping method?
US customs applies equally regardless of shipping method, but the de minimis threshold of $800 means most personal-use packages clear without duties. For commercial shipments over $800, your agent should provide proper HS codes and commercial invoices. Air express carriers handle customs clearance as part of the service; sea freight often requires a separate customs broker.
How do volumetric weight charges affect my shipping cost?
Carriers charge by whichever is greater: actual weight or dimensional (volumetric) weight calculated as length × width × height ÷ 5000 (in cm/kg). A puffer jacket weighing 0.5 kg but occupying a 3 kg volumetric space will be billed at 3 kg. Good agents repack items to minimize empty space and reduce volumetric charges.
Are there shipping methods I should avoid for certain products?
Batteries (especially loose lithium cells) cannot ship via standard air freight and require dangerous-goods-certified carriers. Liquids over 100 ml and aerosols face airline restrictions on passenger aircraft. Perishable goods need temperature-controlled shipping. Always disclose your product type to your agent upfront so they can route it through the correct carrier from the start.