China-to-US freight shipping for SMBs
Book ocean or air freight from China to USA, lock in your shipping rate, and pay for customs clearance upfront, all on one platform. Backed by ZIM and supported by real people 24/7.
Chosen by top industry importers
#1 Freight Forwarder for U.S. and Canada Small Businesses by Global Brand Awards
Choose a shipping option from China to the USA
Compare ocean, air, and shared container shipping, with upfront pricing, live tracking, and customs clearance available in the same booking.
Full-Container Load (FCL) Shipping
Get startedBook a dedicated container for your cargo with guaranteed space, so your shipment isn’t delayed when capacity is tight. Ideal for businesses importing regularly from China to USA. With Ship4wd, you can lock in your shipping price before you book, then add cargo insurance or customs clearance and pay for everything in a single checkout.
Less-Than-Container (LCL) Shipping
Get startedShare a container with other importers and pay only for the space your cargo uses. Ideal for smaller shipments, testing new suppliers in China, or building up to full container loads.
Air Freight Shipping
Get startedShip by air when speed matters most. Ideal for urgent restocks, high-value goods, or time-sensitive shipments from China to USA. Pricing is based on what you’re shipping.
The processChina to US freight shipping in 6 steps
From your first quote to cargo at your door, every step is managed on one platform with one team behind it.
- Step 1: Get a Quote
Compare FCL, LCL, and air freight options based on your shipment.
- Step 2: Book Your Shipment
Choose the option that works for you, lock in your rate, and book online.
- Step 3: We Coordinate With Your Supplier
Our team confirms your cargo is ready and arranges pickup from your supplier.
- Step 4: We Handle the Paperwork
We coordinate the documents and filings needed to move your shipment.
- Step 5: Track Your Shipment
Follow your cargo from pickup through customs clearance and final delivery.
- Step 6: Receive Your Shipment
Your cargo is delivered to your chosen destination.
Customs clearance, built into your booking
Add U.S. customs clearance when you book your freight. Ship4wd coordinates with a licensed customs broker to handle your CBP entry and required documentation, so your freight and customs stay in one place.
One booking, no broker hunt
Add customs clearance when you book your shipment. We coordinate with a licensed customs broker, so you don’t have to find and manage one separately.
Pay your customs costs upfront
See your estimated customs costs and pay them upfront as part of your booking, instead of managing a separate customs payment later.
One team from freight through clearance
Ship4wd coordinates your freight and customs clearance together, so you have one team helping manage the shipment through clearance and delivery.
Everything your China-to-USA shipment needs
One vendor for your whole shipment. Add the services you want to your booking and manage everything in one place.
Digital Customs Clearance
Add US customs clearance to the same booking as your freight. We coordinate with a licensed customs broker to handle your CBP entry and required documentation, so you don’t need to hire a separate broker or manage clearance somewhere else.
Cargo Insurance
Cover the full value of your cargo from your supplier to your destination, including the main freight leg and inland delivery. Add insurance to your booking in a couple of clicks, with no separate policy to chase down. If something goes wrong in transit, you file with the same team that booked your shipment.
Pre-Shipment Inspection
Have your goods checked before they leave your supplier, so quality problems surface while you can still fix them. For a first-time supplier or a new product line, an inspection gives you another way to check your goods when you can’t visit the factory yourself. You get the inspection report before you release payment or ship.
Pay After Arrival
Free up your cash by deferring your freight payment instead of paying before your goods leave your supplier. It’s a way to manage cash flow across the gap between paying a supplier and selling your stock. Apply once, and the option travels with your future bookings.
Source and Ship from China. One Platform.
Most freight forwarding companies move your cargo. We also help you find it. You source, we inspect, you approve, we ship. One account, one support team, from factory floor to your business door.
Trusted by SMBs Across the United States
Our clients are much happier now that we have a solid relationship with Ship4wd and can continue to provide our products in a timely manner.
Conner FischerCo-Founder, Econami Holdings, Dundalk, ON, Canada
It’s all about communication and communication with your team was exceptional. And that’s what we look for and in Helio we look for surrounding ourselves with exceptional people and you guys were exceptional.
Thomas McDermottCo-Founder & Managing Partner, Helio International
I’m new to this freight forwarding business, so I needed someone to hold my hand through it, and that’s what Ship4wd did. Because of them, I can focus on growing my business.
Mark GerwigMark2Toys, Denver, U.S.
Instead of quarterbacking the shipments, you guys are quarterbacking my shipments. This is great because I can’t miss anything. It’s exactly what I need.
Bruce TuckerFounder & CEO, Octane Seating
I’ve been blown away by Ship4wd support… I’ve literally sent emails on Saturday night, and you guys are back to me within the hour. (…) I love that you’re giving a turnkey digital platform for small businesses.
Kat ChrysostomFounder, BeneFab
As featured in…
- Frequently Asked Questions About Shipping from China to USA
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Shipping costs depend on your shipping mode, shipment size, and destination. As a general guide, FCL ocean freight typically ranges from about $2,200 – $4,300 per container, LCL from $0.80 – $1.90 per kg, and air freight from $6.50 – $10 per kg. Actual rates change with market conditions and the details of your shipment. For current pricing, run an instant quote on Ship4wd based on your shipment details and shipping mode.
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Shipping time depends on your shipping mode, route, and destination. For a full ocean shipment including customs clearance and inland delivery, plan for approximately 4 – 6 weeks from factory to warehouse, although some express FCL services can be faster. Air freight typically takes 5 – 10 days door to door. LCL shipments can take longer than FCL because cargo needs to be consolidated at origin and deconsolidated at destination. Ship4wd shows your estimated delivery date when you quote, so you can plan around the timeline for your specific shipment.
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For most shipments, you’ll need a commercial invoice, packing list, and transport document, such as a bill of lading for ocean freight or an air waybill for air freight. US imports may also require customs documentation and filings, including Importer Security Filing (ISF) for ocean shipments. Additional documents may be required depending on your product and shipment. Ship4wd coordinates the paperwork and customs filings needed for your shipment as part of the booking process.
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Goods imported from China may be subject to standard customs duties, Section 301 tariffs, and other applicable trade measures, depending on the product and its HTS classification. Because tariff rules and rates can change, the duties that apply to your shipment are determined based on your product and current requirements. Ship4wd’s customs broker partner can help with classification and give you visibility into applicable duties as part of the customs clearance process.
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For smaller shipments, LCL ocean freight is often the most cost-effective option because you pay only for the container space your cargo uses. As shipment volume increases, FCL can become more economical because you pay for the full container rather than by volume. Air freight generally costs more, but can make sense for urgent, high-value, or lightweight shipments. The best option depends on your cargo size, weight, and timeline, so check current rates for the shipping mode that fits your shipment.
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