7 Major Factors Affecting Air Freight Costs From China to US

From China to the United States, air freight is the fastest cargo transportation option. Relying on aircraft transportation, it ensures that your goods arrive at the U.S. destination quickly within 3 to 10 days. This speed is ideal for urgent or time-sensitive shipments and is critical for fast delivery, undoubtedly providing a huge competitive advantage for businesses that urgently need goods. Please note, however, that air freight is usually more expensive than other shipping methods, but this is entirely due to its efficiency and speed.

What factors will affect the cost of air freight from China to US?

When shipping items by air from China to the United States, shipping costs depend on the size and weight of the shipment. Beyond that, you may have to pay extra for super-fast service or specialized handling of special shipments. Air freight is generally more expensive than sea freight, but its speed makes it ideal when you need your goods urgently.

Product Features

The weight, volume and whether the goods are dangerous goods are all important factors that affect the cost. For bulky but lightweight cargo, air freight may be more expensive as airlines charge based on the volumetric weight of the cargo (calculated as length x width x height/6000).

Transportation time

Although express air freight service is more expensive, it only takes 1-4 days to deliver; while ordinary air freight takes about 7-10 days. If your time is at a premium, express air freight is undoubtedly the better option.

Destination airport and required services

Different airports and required delivery services will also affect the cost. Shipping costs vary with the distance between the loading point and the delivery point. For example, if door-to-door service is required, the cost will naturally be higher. Shipping a container from China to the U.S. East Coast costs about 13% more than shipping to the West Coast, primarily due to the increased distance.

Delivery service type

The main service types include port-to-port, door-to-door, door-to-port, and port-to-door. Expedited air freight offers a door-to-door service, while standard air freight is usually port-to-port, unless you opt for full service.

Flight requirements

Direct or alternate flights, service and price differences between flights, etc. will also affect the cost.

Type of bill of lading and required shipping services

The choice of main bill of lading and sub-bill of lading, customs declaration method, agency documents, customs clearance and delivery services will also affect the cost.

Shipping season

Shipping costs fluctuate greatly during Chinese holidays such as the Lunar New Year, Golden Week, and Mid-Autumn Festival. When planning freight shipments, it may be more cost-effective to take into account peak and off-peak seasons.

Advantages of international air cargo

fast

The biggest advantage of air cargo is speed. Compared with sea transportation, air freight can greatly shorten the delivery time, which is of great significance for optimizing the supply chain and accelerating capital turnover.

flexible

Air freight is very flexible and can cover the whole world, delivering it quickly no matter the destination.

Safety

Air cargo protects cargo very well during transportation, greatly reducing the risk of cargo damage.

on time

Compared with sea freight, air freight is almost unaffected by weather and seasons and can ensure on-time delivery.

Efficient

The entire process of air cargo is very efficient and customs clearance can be completed quickly.

International air transportation can greatly shorten delivery time and play a major role in optimizing the logistics supply chain and accelerating capital turnover.

For those companies that have high time requirements and urgently need goods, air freight is undoubtedly an excellent choice. For other businesses, they can choose the most suitable shipping method based on their needs and budget. But no matter what, planning your transportation in advance and understanding the impact of various factors on costs can help you make the wisest choice.

A comprehensive guide to air freight to Los Angeles

Air freight from China to Los Angeles is not only about cost, but also involves a series of complex logistics operations. When planning this transportation route, what to consider when air freighting goods from China to Los Angeles has become the focus of merchants. In addition to basic cost considerations, the packaging of goods must meet the strict standards of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to ensure safety and integrity; at the same time, attention must be paid to customs clearance procedures, tax regulations, and possible import restrictions or special licensing requirements.

How long does it take to air freight from China?

Air freight from China to Los Angeles takes about 12 to 15 hours of flight time, but the total transportation time also includes cargo processing, customs clearance, and inland transportation time. Generally speaking, from the time the order is placed to the time the goods arrive at Los Angeles International Airport and clear customs, the entire process may take 3 to 7 days, depending on flight schedules, customs efficiency, and ground transportation speed. This time frame is particularly important for time-sensitive goods, and it needs to be planned in advance to avoid delays.

Where does the air freight from China land in the United States?

Cargo shipped by air from China usually lands at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), one of the largest airports on the west coast of the United States, handling a large amount of international cargo. LAX not only has a complete aviation infrastructure, but is also closely connected to the ground transportation system, making it easy for cargo to be quickly transferred to all parts of the United States. Choosing the right destination airport can improve logistics efficiency and reduce transportation costs.

Main transportation methods from China to the United States

Shipping goods from China to the United States can be accomplished in a variety of ways, including air and sea freight. These options provide reliable, cost-effective product shipping options based on varying time and budget needs.

Air freight rate per kilogram from China to the United States

If you choose standard air freight, it costs about $3.20 per kilogram, which is an economical way to get your goods to your destination quickly.

Air express shipping cost per kilogram for more than 21 kilograms from China to the United States

For shipments over 21kg, rates will be adjusted accordingly. For goods weighing between 21 kilograms and 70 kilograms, the rate is US$7 to US$7.5; for goods over 70 kilograms, the rate is US$6.3 to US$7. The specific charges are related to the freight weight.

When choosing a shipping method from China to the United States, it is crucial to understand the advantages and considerations of each option. Whether you choose air freight for speed, ocean freight for cost-effectiveness, or express delivery to balance the two, the right methods and knowledge will ensure your international shipping experience is smooth and efficient, helping your business thrive in the global marketplace.