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Shipping from USA to China
Trade Overview
China is a major global import market for industrial machinery, chemicals, raw materials, and capital equipment sourced from the United States. Airlift facilitates exports from key U.S. ports through a licensed agent network in China, supported by destination coordination through its U.S. office. This trade lane focuses on full-container load movements requiring compliance with Chinese customs and import licensing regulations.
(Based on Airlift’s operational data and historical capabilities in this trade corridor.)
Quick Facts : USA China
Service TypeFull Container Load (FCL) & LCL on select routings
Operational ControlExport coordination managed through Airlift’s U.S. offices; destination handled via licensed agent partners in China
Major Origin PortsHouston, Los Angeles, New York
Major Destination PortsShanghai, Shenzhen, Ningbo, Qingdao
Typical Transit Time Range16–48 days depending on origin and routing (based on historical P10–P90 range
Container Types Supported20FT, 40FT, High Cube, special equipment for out-of-gauge cargo
Primary CommoditiesIndustrial machinery, chemicals (non-hazardous), agricultural products, high-value manufactured good
Additional Cargo TypesPlastics, packaging materials, industrial equipment
Customs HandlingAES export filing at origin; import documentation coordinated via China Customs (GACC) through licensed agents
Major Ports (Based on Shipment Activity & Routing Feasibility)
Top Origin Ports:
Houston, Los Angeles, New York
Top Destination Ports:
Shanghai, Shenzhen, Ningbo, Qingdao
Transit Times (Historical & Operational Ranges – P10 to P90)
Origin from Houston
Destination Ports
Average Transit Time
Shanghai
30–40 days
Ningbo
32–42 days
Shenzhen
35–45 days
Origin from Los Angeles
Destination Ports
Average Transit Time
Shanghai
16–25 days
Ningbo
18–27 days
Shenzhen
20–30 days
Origin from New York
Destination Ports
Average Transit Time
Shanghai
35–45 days
Ningbo
36–48 days
Transit may include transshipment via Busan or Singapore depending on carrier routing.
Common Commodities Shipped
Top 4 (by shipment relevance):
- Industrial machinery and spare parts
- Chemicals (non-hazardous)
- Agricultural products
- High-value manufactured goods
Additional Commodities Handled:
Plastics, packaging materials, industrial equipment.
Customs & Compliance
At Origin – USA
- AES export filing required
- Commercial Invoice, Packing List, and where applicable, export licenses
- Coordinated through Airlift’s U.S. office
At Destination – China
- Import declaration through China Customs (GACC)
- CIQ (China Inspection and Quarantine) may apply
- Duties and VAT assessed based on HS code
- Coordination managed via Airlift’s licensed agent partners
Service Options
- Full Container Load (FCL)
- Full Container Load (FCL)
- Door delivery available upon request
- Special equipment on request for machinery or out-of-gauge cargo
Why Airlift
- Regular sailings on this trade lane
- Access to major U.S. origin and Chinese destination ports
- Experience handling machinery, chemicals, and industrial cargo
- Export coordination managed by Airlift’s U.S. office with licensed agents in China
- Shipment visibility available through Airlift’s digital platform
Get a Quote
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