🚢 Shipping from China to the USA: What You Need to Know

Release time:

2025-07-01

Shipping goods from China to the United States might seem simple — "just ship, clear customs, and deliver" — but it involves many steps, and missing any detail can lead to delays, returns, fines, or even account suspension. Whether you're an Amazon FBA seller, a B2B importer, or an e-commerce platform seller, understanding these key considerations will ensure your shipments go smoothly, safely, and compliantly.

This guide walks you through the essential things to watch out for when shipping from China to the U.S., whether you're shipping by air, sea, or DDP service.

✅ 1. Ensure Complete Shipping Documentation

Make sure you have all necessary documentation:

Commercial Invoice

Packing List

Export Customs Documentation (if required)

HS Code (correct classification)

Amazon FBA shipment details (if applicable)

📌 Note: Missing or inaccurate documents can delay customs clearance or result in penalties.

✅ 2. Choose the Right Shipping Mode: Sea Freight, Air Freight, or DDP?

🚢 Sea Freight: Best for larger shipments (>2CBM), cost-effective, reliable

✈️ Air Freight: Ideal for time-sensitive, high-value lightweight goods

📦 DDP Service: The most hassle-free, all-inclusive pricing (including customs, duties, and delivery)

📌 If you're an Amazon FBA seller, we recommend using FBA-specific services with DDP to ship directly to Amazon warehouses, avoiding the hassles of appointment scheduling and customs.

✅ 3. Declare the Real Value – No Underreporting

U.S. Customs (CBP) strictly controls undervaluation. If caught, your goods might be seized, and you'll face hefty fines and damaged credibility.

📌 Reminder: Always declare the accurate value and product description. Under-invoicing may seem like a shortcut but often leads to costly delays or seizures.

✅ 4. Labels and Packaging Must Be Compliant

All products must be labeled “Made in China”

FBA shipments must have FNSKU and carton labels

Packaging must not exceed Amazon's size/weight restrictions

Avoid mixed loads or incorrect product descriptions

📌 Reminder: Incorrect or missing labels are a major reason for delays or rejections by Amazon and customs.

✅ 5. Avoid Peak Seasons & Port Congestion

U.S. ports, especially in Los Angeles and Long Beach, often face congestion during peak seasons (June, September, November), causing delays, higher fees, and space shortages.

📌 Recommendation: Prioritize routes through Shenzhen Port or Houston Port, and book your shipments at least 2-3 weeks in advance.

✅ 6. Work with an Experienced Freight Forwarder

An experienced freight forwarder can handle all logistics, including:

Pickup coordination

Documentation and labeling

Customs compliance

Amazon FBA appointment scheduling

Risk control and tracking

At Passionship Logistics, we offer one-stop logistics solutions from China to the USA, including sea freight, air freight, FBA first-mile shipping, and DDP services.

🚀 Final Thoughts: Smart Shipping Is Cost-Effective Shipping

Saving on shipping doesn’t have to mean sacrificing reliability. With the right mix of LCL consolidation, DDP services, flexible freight methods, and expert logistics planning, you can keep costs low while shipping from China to the U.S.—without delays, rejections, or penalties.