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Americas ✈️ Air Freight 🚢 Sea Freight 500 KG

Cost to Ship 500KG from China to United States

What this shipment size actually costs, and whether consolidating up to the next bracket would be cheaper.

USD 3.2/KG Best Rate Now
5 Channels Available
2026-11-04 Last Updated

Shipping 500KG from China to United States costs approximately USD 1,580, based on a published rate of USD 3.16 per kilogram. Treat it as a planning estimate for the freight: what you actually pay depends on the product, its HS code, the declared value and the exchange rate on the day, and duty assessed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is quoted separately. The real figure can come in above or below this.

Estimated total
USD 1,580 for 500KG
By sea
USD 3.16/kg, 25-45 days
Customs authority
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)

Rates last updated 2026-11-04. Indicative only — published channel prices for planning, not a quotation. Your actual cost depends on the product and its HS code, chargeable weight, declared value, duty and tax at destination and the exchange rate on the day, and can come in above or below these figures.

Current Rates — China to United States (500 KG)

Updated 2026-11-04
Service Mode Rate Billed asTotal (500 KG) Details
Best Value LA OA – Parcel Delivery 🚢 Sea Freight USD 3.2/KG 500 KG USD 1,580 View Details →
LA OA – Parcel Delivery 🚢 Sea Freight USD 3.2/KG 500 KG USD 1,620 View Details →
ZIM / Hede – Parcel Delivery 🚢 Sea Freight USD 3.4/KG 500 KG USD 1,695 View Details →
LA OA – Parcel Delivery 🚢 Sea Freight USD 3.4/KG 500 KG USD 1,720 View Details →
ZIM / Hede – Parcel Delivery 🚢 Sea Freight USD 3.5/KG 500 KG USD 1,735 View Details →

How these prices are calculated — chargeable weight

Freight is not billed on the number on your bathroom scale. It is billed on chargeable weight: the greater of actual gross weight and volumetric weight, where volumetric weight is L × W × H (cm) ÷ 6000. Denser cargo pays on its weight; light bulky cargo pays on the space it occupies. Whichever is higher is the one you pay — never the lower.

  • One cubic metre = 167 kg. That is 1,000,000 cm³ ÷ 6000, the same divisor used for the volumetric check, so both sides of this page agree with each other.
  • Per-kilogram channels. The rate is multiplied by chargeable weight, rounded up to the next whole kilogram. A 500 kg consignment that only measures out to a smaller volumetric figure is still charged on its 500 kg actual weight.
  • Freight only. These are published freight rates. Duty, tax and customs charges at destination are not a fixed number we can print: they follow your product's HS code, its declared value and the exchange rate applied on the day of entry, so they are confirmed against your actual goods and quoted separately.
  • Indicative only — the real price can be higher or lower. Nothing on this page is a quotation or a commitment. What you finally pay depends on what the product is, how it is packed, the chargeable weight, the declared value, the destination duty position and the exchange rate at the time. Send the product details, weight and dimensions and we will price your specific shipment.

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Track a container to United States

Ocean cargo is tracked by container number rather than by a parcel barcode. Enter yours below: we validate the number, identify the line that owns the prefix, and send you to that line's own tracking page.

A container number is four letters and seven digits, for example MSKU6090510. The last digit is a check digit, so a typo can be caught here rather than by an empty result on the carrier's site. We validate it in your browser — the number is not sent to us or to anyone else.

Full Weight-Tier Rate Cards

Detailed per-weight pricing for every active route from China to United States. Each tier reflects the published rate at that exact weight — useful for accurate budgeting at common shipment sizes.

LA OA – Parcel Delivery

🚢 Sea Freight → ZIP 8,9
Best Value at 500 KG
Updated 2026-11-04 22 weight tiers USD pricing
Weight Rate (USD/KG) @ 500 KG
12 KG USD 6.05 USD 3,025.00
13 KG USD 5.85 USD 2,925.00
14 KG USD 5.68 USD 2,840.00
15 KG USD 5.54 USD 2,770.00
16 KG USD 5.41 USD 2,705.00
17 KG USD 6.20 USD 3,100.00
18 KG USD 6.05 USD 3,025.00
19 KG USD 5.92 USD 2,960.00
20 KG USD 5.79 USD 2,895.00
21 KG USD 5.68 USD 2,840.00
22 KG USD 5.58 USD 2,790.00
23 KG USD 5.83 USD 2,915.00
30 KG USD 5.28 USD 2,640.00
50 KG USD 4.71 USD 2,355.00
100 KG USD 4.09 USD 2,045.00
150 KG USD 3.63 USD 1,815.00
200 KG USD 3.53 USD 1,765.00
505 KG USD 3.22 USD 1,610.00
850 KG USD 3.28 USD 1,640.00
1700 KG USD 3.37 USD 1,685.00
2500 KG USD 3.34 USD 1,670.00
3400 KG USD 3.07 USD 1,535.00
View full route details →

LA OA – Parcel Delivery

🚢 Sea Freight → ZIP 97,98,99
Updated 2026-11-04 22 weight tiers USD pricing
Weight Rate (USD/KG) @ 500 KG
12 KG USD 6.13 USD 3,065.00
13 KG USD 5.93 USD 2,965.00
14 KG USD 5.76 USD 2,880.00
15 KG USD 5.62 USD 2,810.00
16 KG USD 5.49 USD 2,745.00
17 KG USD 6.28 USD 3,140.00
18 KG USD 6.13 USD 3,065.00
19 KG USD 6.00 USD 3,000.00
20 KG USD 5.87 USD 2,935.00
21 KG USD 5.76 USD 2,880.00
22 KG USD 5.66 USD 2,830.00
23 KG USD 5.91 USD 2,955.00
30 KG USD 5.36 USD 2,680.00
50 KG USD 4.79 USD 2,395.00
100 KG USD 4.17 USD 2,085.00
150 KG USD 3.71 USD 1,855.00
200 KG USD 3.61 USD 1,805.00
505 KG USD 3.30 USD 1,650.00
850 KG USD 3.36 USD 1,680.00
1700 KG USD 3.45 USD 1,725.00
2500 KG USD 3.43 USD 1,715.00
3400 KG USD 3.16 USD 1,580.00
View full route details →

ZIM / Hede – Parcel Delivery

🚢 Sea Freight → ZIP 8,9
Updated 2026-11-04 22 weight tiers USD pricing
Weight Rate (USD/KG) @ 500 KG
12 KG USD 6.28 USD 3,140.00
13 KG USD 6.08 USD 3,040.00
14 KG USD 5.91 USD 2,955.00
15 KG USD 5.77 USD 2,885.00
16 KG USD 5.64 USD 2,820.00
17 KG USD 6.43 USD 3,215.00
18 KG USD 6.28 USD 3,140.00
19 KG USD 6.14 USD 3,070.00
20 KG USD 6.02 USD 3,010.00
21 KG USD 5.91 USD 2,955.00
22 KG USD 5.81 USD 2,905.00
23 KG USD 6.06 USD 3,030.00
30 KG USD 5.51 USD 2,755.00
50 KG USD 4.94 USD 2,470.00
100 KG USD 4.32 USD 2,160.00
150 KG USD 3.86 USD 1,930.00
200 KG USD 3.76 USD 1,880.00
505 KG USD 3.45 USD 1,725.00
850 KG USD 3.51 USD 1,755.00
1700 KG USD 3.60 USD 1,800.00
2500 KG USD 3.58 USD 1,790.00
3400 KG USD 3.30 USD 1,650.00
View full route details →

LA OA – Parcel Delivery

🚢 Sea Freight → ZIP 5,6,7
Updated 2026-11-04 22 weight tiers USD pricing
Weight Rate (USD/KG) @ 500 KG
12 KG USD 6.33 USD 3,165.00
13 KG USD 6.13 USD 3,065.00
14 KG USD 5.96 USD 2,980.00
15 KG USD 5.81 USD 2,905.00
16 KG USD 5.68 USD 2,840.00
17 KG USD 6.48 USD 3,240.00
18 KG USD 6.33 USD 3,165.00
19 KG USD 6.19 USD 3,095.00
20 KG USD 6.07 USD 3,035.00
21 KG USD 5.96 USD 2,980.00
22 KG USD 5.86 USD 2,930.00
23 KG USD 6.10 USD 3,050.00
30 KG USD 5.56 USD 2,780.00
50 KG USD 4.98 USD 2,490.00
100 KG USD 4.37 USD 2,185.00
150 KG USD 3.91 USD 1,955.00
200 KG USD 3.81 USD 1,905.00
505 KG USD 3.50 USD 1,750.00
850 KG USD 3.55 USD 1,775.00
1700 KG USD 3.64 USD 1,820.00
2500 KG USD 3.62 USD 1,810.00
3400 KG USD 3.35 USD 1,675.00
View full route details →

ZIM / Hede – Parcel Delivery

🚢 Sea Freight → ZIP 97,98,99
Updated 2026-11-04 22 weight tiers USD pricing
Weight Rate (USD/KG) @ 500 KG
12 KG USD 6.36 USD 3,180.00
13 KG USD 6.16 USD 3,080.00
14 KG USD 5.99 USD 2,995.00
15 KG USD 5.85 USD 2,925.00
16 KG USD 5.72 USD 2,860.00
17 KG USD 6.51 USD 3,255.00
18 KG USD 6.36 USD 3,180.00
19 KG USD 6.23 USD 3,115.00
20 KG USD 6.10 USD 3,050.00
21 KG USD 5.99 USD 2,995.00
22 KG USD 5.89 USD 2,945.00
23 KG USD 6.14 USD 3,070.00
30 KG USD 5.59 USD 2,795.00
50 KG USD 5.02 USD 2,510.00
100 KG USD 4.40 USD 2,200.00
150 KG USD 3.94 USD 1,970.00
200 KG USD 3.84 USD 1,920.00
505 KG USD 3.53 USD 1,765.00
850 KG USD 3.59 USD 1,795.00
1700 KG USD 3.68 USD 1,840.00
2500 KG USD 3.66 USD 1,830.00
3400 KG USD 3.38 USD 1,690.00
View full route details →

Customer Reviews — China to United States Shipping

Verified reviews from importers who have shipped with us to United States.

🇺🇸 United States

★★★★★ 4.4 / 5 — Very Good (23 reviews)
🇺🇸
A*********s United States
★★★★★ 4
Supplier Service★★★★★
On-time Shipping★★★★★
Goods Quality & Transit★★★★★

I was very frustrated when my shipment got delayed. As a small business owner in California, I lost time and customers. LIN didn’t handle things well at first, and I felt ignored. But in the end, my shipment arrived safely and the freight company compensated me. I still lost valuable time. I later heard LIN lost his job, and honestly, that made me feel sorry for him.

🇺🇸
J*****n M. United States
★★★★★ 4.7
Supplier Service★★★★★
On-time Shipping★★★★★
Goods Quality & Transit★★★★★

Very impressed with this air express service to the US. We shipped electronics accessories to our New York customer and the parcel cleared customs on day five. The declared value was under the threshold and everything was handled cleanly. Our customer received it before our own confirmation email — that's how fast it moved. Great channel for time-sensitive small parcels.

✔ Verified
🇺🇸
J*****r D. United States
★★★★★ 4.3
Supplier Service★★★★★
On-time Shipping★★★★★
Goods Quality & Transit★★★★★

Good experience shipping to California. The parcel went from our Shenzhen supplier's door to our customer's address in seven working days, which is solid for this lane. The DDP terms were honoured and the customs entry was filed accurately. The only thing I'd note is that the volumetric divisor rules should be explained a bit more clearly in the booking flow — we had to ask support to clarify. Support was helpful once we asked.

✔ Verified
🇺🇸
A*****a T. United States
★★★★★ 5
Supplier Service★★★★★
On-time Shipping★★★★★
Goods Quality & Transit★★★★★

Outstanding service for US air freight. We've shipped over a dozen parcels on this channel and the consistency is the thing that stands out most. Whether it's a 0.5 KG sample or a 4 KG gift set, the process is identical — smooth, predictable, correctly billed. Customs have never raised a query. This is genuinely the most reliable China-to-US small parcel channel we've used in five years of importing.

✔ Verified
🇺🇸
J************l United States
★★★★★ 4.7
Supplier Service★★★★★
On-time Shipping★★★★★
Goods Quality & Transit★★★★★

We used this route for a regular replenishment to United States. Updates were clear and practical. Tracking updates were not excessive, but they came when something important changed. Overall a reliable experience for repeat imports. Everything landed as promised.

✔ Verified
🇺🇸
O************n United States
★★★★★ 4.7
Supplier Service★★★★★
On-time Shipping★★★★★
Goods Quality & Transit★★★★★

This was a DDP shipment to United States for mixed cartons. Updates were clear and practical. Transit was close to the estimate and the destination delivery appointment was handled well. Overall a reliable experience for repeat imports.

✔ Verified
🇺🇸
C************n United States
★★★★★ 4.7
Supplier Service★★★★★
On-time Shipping★★★★★
Goods Quality & Transit★★★★★

This was a DDP shipment to United States for mixed cartons. Very smooth process from booking to delivery. The booking process was straightforward and the team confirmed documents early. Better coordination than the forwarder we used before. Good landed-cost visibility from the start.

✔ Verified
🇺🇸
M**************l United States
★★★★★ 4.7
Supplier Service★★★★★
On-time Shipping★★★★★
Goods Quality & Transit★★★★★

Booked another door-to-door shipment to United States through this team. Updates were clear and practical. The booking process was straightforward and the team confirmed documents early. A practical option when we need predictable landed cost.

✔ Verified
🇺🇸
D************t United States
★★★★★ 4.3
Supplier Service★★★★★
On-time Shipping★★★★★
Goods Quality & Transit★★★★★

We used this route for a regular replenishment to United States. Updates were clear and practical. The landed price stayed aligned with the quote, which helped our budgeting. Would use the same line again for general cargo.

✔ Verified
🇺🇸
S***********n United States
★★★★★ 4.3
Supplier Service★★★★★
On-time Shipping★★★★★
Goods Quality & Transit★★★★★

We tested this lane to United States with a mid-volume order. Very smooth process from booking to delivery. The landed price stayed aligned with the quote, which helped our budgeting. Would use the same line again for general cargo.

✔ Verified
🇺🇸
G************n United States
★★★★★ 4.7
Supplier Service★★★★★
On-time Shipping★★★★★
Goods Quality & Transit★★★★★

We tested this lane to United States with a mid-volume order. Updates were clear and practical. The booking process was straightforward and the team confirmed documents early. Overall a reliable experience for repeat imports.

✔ Verified
🇺🇸
E*********n United States
★★★★★ 4.7
Supplier Service★★★★★
On-time Shipping★★★★★
Goods Quality & Transit★★★★★

We tested this lane to United States with a mid-volume order. Updates were clear and practical. The landed price stayed aligned with the quote, which helped our budgeting. A practical option when we need predictable landed cost. Good landed-cost visibility from the start.

✔ Verified
🇺🇸
S***********n United States
★★★★★ 4.7
Supplier Service★★★★★
On-time Shipping★★★★★
Goods Quality & Transit★★★★★

This was a DDP shipment to United States for mixed cartons. Updates were clear and practical. Pickup from the supplier was arranged quickly and customs stayed under control. Overall a reliable experience for repeat imports.

✔ Verified
🇺🇸
C***********s United States
★★★★★ 4
Supplier Service★★★★★
On-time Shipping★★★★★
Goods Quality & Transit★★★★★

This was a DDP shipment to United States for mixed cartons. Updates were clear and practical. Pickup from the supplier was arranged quickly and customs stayed under control. Better coordination than the forwarder we used before. Good landed-cost visibility from the start.

✔ Verified
🇺🇸
S************t United States
★★★★★ 4
Supplier Service★★★★★
On-time Shipping★★★★★
Goods Quality & Transit★★★★★

We tested this lane to United States with a mid-volume order. Very smooth process from booking to delivery. Cartons arrived clean and labels were still readable on delivery. Overall a reliable experience for repeat imports.

✔ Verified
🇺🇸
D************l United States
★★★★★ 4.3
Supplier Service★★★★★
On-time Shipping★★★★★
Goods Quality & Transit★★★★★

Booked another door-to-door shipment to United States through this team. Very smooth process from booking to delivery. Pickup from the supplier was arranged quickly and customs stayed under control. Better coordination than the forwarder we used before. Everything landed as promised.

✔ Verified
🇺🇸
J***********z United States
★★★★★ 4.7
Supplier Service★★★★★
On-time Shipping★★★★★
Goods Quality & Transit★★★★★

Quick turnaround and great packaging. My goods arrived in perfect condition and ahead of the estimated delivery date.

✔ Verified
🇺🇸
J************s United States
★★★★★ 4.3
Supplier Service★★★★★
On-time Shipping★★★★★
Goods Quality & Transit★★★★★

Good service overall. The freight cost was competitive and the clearance process was handled well.

✔ Verified
🇺🇸
M*************n United States
★★★★★ 4.3
Supplier Service★★★★★
On-time Shipping★★★★★
Goods Quality & Transit★★★★★

Very reliable for importing electronics. The declared value process was handled professionally and duties were prepaid.

✔ Verified
🇺🇸
A***********n United States
★★★★★ 3.7
Supplier Service★★★★★
On-time Shipping★★★★★
Goods Quality & Transit★★★★★

Delivery was a few days behind schedule but goods arrived in perfect condition. The DDP coverage was genuinely all-inclusive.

🇺🇸
C*************e United States
★★★★★ 3.3
Supplier Service★★★★★
On-time Shipping★★★★★
Goods Quality & Transit★★★★★

Communication was a bit slow at times. The actual shipment was fine but I had to follow up several times for updates.

🇺🇸
A***********r United States
★★★★★ 5
Supplier Service★★★★★
On-time Shipping★★★★★
Goods Quality & Transit★★★★★

Great tracking visibility throughout the shipment. The team answered questions promptly via WhatsApp.

✔ Verified
🇺🇸
R*************n United States
★★★★★ 4
Supplier Service★★★★★
On-time Shipping★★★★★
Goods Quality & Transit★★★★★

Solid option for sea freight. Communication could be slightly faster but no major issues.

✔ Verified

✈️ Air Freight Options

Air Express CN – UPS General USD 9.7/KG →
Air Express CN – UPS General USD 9.8/KG →
Air Express CN – UPS General USD 10.0/KG →

🚢 Sea Freight Options

LA OA – Parcel Delivery USD 3.2/KG →
LA OA – Parcel Delivery USD 3.2/KG →
ZIM / Hede – Parcel Delivery USD 3.4/KG →
Calculate for a different weight:

Trade Terms Explained — Who Pays for What

The rate above is quoted on one specific trade term. Change the term and you change how much of the journey to United States is already inside the price. The table below maps the eleven common Incoterms® against the twelve cost stages of a door-to-door shipment, so you can see exactly where our responsibility ends and yours begins.

  • Seller — Cost and arrangement sit with the seller / shipper.
  • Buyer — Cost and arrangement sit with the buyer / consignee.
  • Negotiable — Not fixed by the rule — agree it in the contract.
Responsibility for each shipment stage under each Incoterms rule
Term 1 Loading on truck 2 Export customs declaration 3 Carriage to port of export 4 Unloading at port of export 5 Loading on vessel / aircraft 6 Main carriage 7 Cargo insurance 8 Unloading at port of import 9 Loading on truck at import 10 Carriage to destination 11 Import customs clearance 12 Import duties & taxes
EXW Ex Works Buyer Buyer — Loading on truck Buyer Buyer — Export customs declaration Buyer Buyer — Carriage to port of export Buyer Buyer — Unloading at port of export Buyer Buyer — Loading on vessel / aircraft Buyer Buyer — Main carriage Buyer Buyer — Cargo insurance Buyer Buyer — Unloading at port of import Buyer Buyer — Loading on truck at import Buyer Buyer — Carriage to destination Buyer Buyer — Import customs clearance Buyer Buyer — Import duties & taxes
FCA Free Carrier Seller Seller — Loading on truck Seller Seller — Export customs declaration Buyer Buyer — Carriage to port of export Buyer Buyer — Unloading at port of export Buyer Buyer — Loading on vessel / aircraft Buyer Buyer — Main carriage Buyer Buyer — Cargo insurance Buyer Buyer — Unloading at port of import Buyer Buyer — Loading on truck at import Buyer Buyer — Carriage to destination Buyer Buyer — Import customs clearance Buyer Buyer — Import duties & taxes
FAS Free Alongside Ship Seller Seller — Loading on truck Seller Seller — Export customs declaration Seller Seller — Carriage to port of export Seller Seller — Unloading at port of export Buyer Buyer — Loading on vessel / aircraft Buyer Buyer — Main carriage Buyer Buyer — Cargo insurance Buyer Buyer — Unloading at port of import Buyer Buyer — Loading on truck at import Buyer Buyer — Carriage to destination Buyer Buyer — Import customs clearance Buyer Buyer — Import duties & taxes
FOB Free On Board Seller Seller — Loading on truck Seller Seller — Export customs declaration Seller Seller — Carriage to port of export Seller Seller — Unloading at port of export Seller Seller — Loading on vessel / aircraft Buyer Buyer — Main carriage Buyer Buyer — Cargo insurance Buyer Buyer — Unloading at port of import Buyer Buyer — Loading on truck at import Buyer Buyer — Carriage to destination Buyer Buyer — Import customs clearance Buyer Buyer — Import duties & taxes
CFR Cost and Freight Seller Seller — Loading on truck Seller Seller — Export customs declaration Seller Seller — Carriage to port of export Seller Seller — Unloading at port of export Seller Seller — Loading on vessel / aircraft Seller Seller — Main carriage Buyer Buyer — Cargo insurance Buyer Buyer — Unloading at port of import Buyer Buyer — Loading on truck at import Buyer Buyer — Carriage to destination Buyer Buyer — Import customs clearance Buyer Buyer — Import duties & taxes
CIF Cost, Insurance and Freight Seller Seller — Loading on truck Seller Seller — Export customs declaration Seller Seller — Carriage to port of export Seller Seller — Unloading at port of export Seller Seller — Loading on vessel / aircraft Seller Seller — Main carriage Seller Seller — Cargo insurance Buyer Buyer — Unloading at port of import Buyer Buyer — Loading on truck at import Buyer Buyer — Carriage to destination Buyer Buyer — Import customs clearance Buyer Buyer — Import duties & taxes
CPT Carriage Paid To Seller Seller — Loading on truck Seller Seller — Export customs declaration Seller Seller — Carriage to port of export Seller Seller — Unloading at port of export Seller Seller — Loading on vessel / aircraft Seller Seller — Main carriage Negotiable Negotiable — Cargo insurance Seller Seller — Unloading at port of import Seller Seller — Loading on truck at import Seller Seller — Carriage to destination Buyer Buyer — Import customs clearance Buyer Buyer — Import duties & taxes
CIP Carriage and Insurance Paid Seller Seller — Loading on truck Seller Seller — Export customs declaration Seller Seller — Carriage to port of export Seller Seller — Unloading at port of export Seller Seller — Loading on vessel / aircraft Seller Seller — Main carriage Seller Seller — Cargo insurance Seller Seller — Unloading at port of import Seller Seller — Loading on truck at import Seller Seller — Carriage to destination Buyer Buyer — Import customs clearance Buyer Buyer — Import duties & taxes
DAT Delivered At Terminal (DPU) Seller Seller — Loading on truck Seller Seller — Export customs declaration Seller Seller — Carriage to port of export Seller Seller — Unloading at port of export Seller Seller — Loading on vessel / aircraft Seller Seller — Main carriage Negotiable Negotiable — Cargo insurance Seller Seller — Unloading at port of import Buyer Buyer — Loading on truck at import Buyer Buyer — Carriage to destination Buyer Buyer — Import customs clearance Buyer Buyer — Import duties & taxes
DAP Delivered At Place Seller Seller — Loading on truck Seller Seller — Export customs declaration Seller Seller — Carriage to port of export Seller Seller — Unloading at port of export Seller Seller — Loading on vessel / aircraft Seller Seller — Main carriage Negotiable Negotiable — Cargo insurance Seller Seller — Unloading at port of import Seller Seller — Loading on truck at import Seller Seller — Carriage to destination Buyer Buyer — Import customs clearance Buyer Buyer — Import duties & taxes
DDP Delivered Duty Paid Seller Seller — Loading on truck Seller Seller — Export customs declaration Seller Seller — Carriage to port of export Seller Seller — Unloading at port of export Seller Seller — Loading on vessel / aircraft Seller Seller — Main carriage Negotiable Negotiable — Cargo insurance Seller Seller — Unloading at port of import Seller Seller — Loading on truck at import Seller Seller — Carriage to destination Seller Seller — Import customs clearance Seller Seller — Import duties & taxes

EXW Ex Works

Buyer takes over at the seller's door and carries every cost from there. Lowest quoted price, highest buyer workload.

FCA Free Carrier

Seller clears the goods for export and hands them to the carrier the buyer nominated.

FAS Free Alongside Ship

Sea and inland waterway only. Seller delivers alongside the vessel; loading is on the buyer.

FOB Free On Board

Sea and inland waterway only. Risk passes once the goods are on board. The most common buying term.

CFR Cost and Freight

Seller pays the main carriage but carries no insurance obligation; risk still passes on loading.

CIF Cost, Insurance and Freight

As CFR, plus the seller must buy and pay for cargo insurance (minimum cover unless you agree more).

CPT Carriage Paid To

Any mode. Seller pays carriage through to the named destination; insurance is not obligatory.

CIP Carriage and Insurance Paid

As CPT, plus the seller must insure the cargo through to the named destination.

DAT Delivered At Terminal (DPU)

Seller delivers unloaded at the named terminal. Renamed DPU (Delivered at Place Unloaded) in Incoterms® 2020.

DAP Delivered At Place

Seller delivers to your address ready for unloading; import clearance and duty stay with the buyer.

DDP Delivered Duty Paid

Seller carries everything through to your door, duty and tax included. Highest quoted price, least buyer workload.

Two things worth flagging. Under CIF and CIP the seller is obliged to buy cargo insurance and pay the premium; under every other term insurance is optional, and we recommend buyers arrange their own cover so a loss or damage in transit is recoverable. And this table is a working summary for planning purposes — the binding definitions are the ones published by the International Chamber of Commerce in the Incoterms® rules, so confirm the exact term wording in your sales contract before you ship.

Price Trend — United States

Historical freight rates from China to United States for 500 KG shipments. Data sourced from live carrier price feeds.

China to United States — Shipping Reference Data

Key China-to-United States import facts buyers should plan around:

Main sea gateways Los Angeles/Long Beach, New York/Newark, Savannah
Destination customs authority U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
De-minimis / duty-free threshold USD 800
Import tax & duty regime No federal VAT; duties vary by HTS code (often 0–6.5% for general goods)
Local currency USD
Typical port/airport dwell time 2–5 days
Peak / busy season Aug–Oct (pre-holiday peak)
Conformity & certification FCC for radio devices; FDA Prior Notice for food/supplements
Main air gateways LAX (Los Angeles), ORD (Chicago), JFK (New York)

Thresholds and duty bands are buyer-planning references, not formal customs rulings — confirm the exact HS-code rate for your goods before shipping.

Bulk Freight

Bulk Commercial Freight

Shipping 500 KG from China to United States is firmly in bulk commercial freight territory. At this volume, sea freight (FCL or LCL) and air charter rates become significantly more competitive. Most importers at this weight range use scheduled sea freight for regular orders and air freight only for urgent replenishments.

  • Sea freight FCL (full container) may be cost-effective above 5 CBM
  • LCL sea freight rates are quoted per CBM at this range
  • Expect customs examination — prepare full documentation
  • Insurance recommended for shipments above USD 5,000 value

Free 3D Loading Tools

Shipping to United States by air or sea? Plan cartons and container loading in 3D before requesting a quote.

3D Carton Packing Calculator

Check how many units truly fit per carton for this United States shipment: the 3D packing tool computes layers, rotation, and protection gaps from your exact product size.

Open Packing Tool →
🚢

3D Container Loading Planner

Sea freight to United States prices by CBM or container — plan 20GP/40GP/40HQ loading in 3D, mix different box sizes, and check utilization before booking.

Open Container Planner →

Which Shipping Method is Best for 500 KG?

✈️

Air Freight

Transit: 5–10 business days
Best at: Under 300 KG, time-sensitive cargo
Premium Only
🚂

Rail Freight

Transit: 18–28 calendar days
Best at: Europe destinations over 50 KG
Europe only

Transit Times — China to United States

MethodTransit TimeNotes
Sea Freight LCL30–50 calendar daysShared container to United States port + delivery
Sea Freight FCL28–45 calendar daysFull container to United States port + delivery
Express Courier3–7 business daysDHL/FedEx/UPS door-to-door, high cost for this weight

What Affects the Shipping Cost to United States?

  • Actual vs. volumetric weight — carriers charge whichever is higher (L×W×H÷6000 for air)
  • Cargo type surcharge — batteries, liquids, and branded goods carry additional fees
  • Peak season surcharges — Chinese New Year (Jan/Feb) and Golden Week (Oct) add 15–30%
  • Destination area — United States may have remote area surcharges for certain postal codes
  • Declared value — customs duties are calculated on CIF value

Customs & Documentation for United States

  • De minimis threshold — shipments below local tax threshold may clear duty-free
  • Required documents: commercial invoice, packing list, and accurate HS codes
  • DDP service includes all import duties — you pay one total price with no surprises
  • Battery and liquid goods require additional certification documents
  • FDA Prior Notice required for food, supplements, and certain health products
  • FCC certification required for electronic devices with radio frequency

Where these United States duty figures come from

Every duty and tax figure quoted on this page is our working estimate for planning, not a ruling. The binding rate for your consignment is whatever U.S. Customs and Border Protection applies against your declared HS code on the day of entry, and their published guidance is the source to check before you commit stock.

Most landed-cost surprises trace back to classification rather than freight. the WCO Harmonized System defines the heading structure every customs administration builds on, and ITC Market Access Map will show you the duty a given heading attracts in this destination.

For ocean cargo, restricted commodities move under the IMO's IMDG Code, and the container has to be declared and stowed accordingly. Batteries, flammables and corrosives all have a compliant ocean path; what causes rolled bookings is finding out about them after the container is packed.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to ship from China to United States?

Current rates for shipping from China to United States start at USD 3.16/KG via LA OA – Parcel Delivery. For 500 KG, the estimated total is approximately USD 1,580, duty included. Final landed cost depends on the No federal VAT; duties vary by HTS code (often 0–6.5% for general goods) applied by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

What duties and taxes apply when importing into United States?

Imports into United States are assessed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). The applicable regime is: No federal VAT; duties vary by HTS code (often 0–6.5% for general goods). The duty-free / de-minimis position is USD 800. Under our DDP service these charges are pre-paid and included in the per-KG price, so there is nothing to settle on arrival.

How long does shipping from China to United States take?

Door-to-door transit to United States: air freight 5–10 business days, sea LCL 30–50 days, sea FCL 28–45 days. On arrival, allow roughly 2–5 days of clearance/dwell at the gateway. All times include customs clearance under DDP.

Can I track my shipment from China to United States?

Yes. Air shipments to United States get an air waybill (AWB) trackable within 24 hours of departure; sea shipments are tracked by bill-of-lading through the carrier portal. We push status at key milestones: departure, arrival at the gateway, clearance by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and final delivery.

What is DDP shipping to United States and what does it include?

DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) to United States means we handle the freight, the customs entry with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and last-mile delivery to your door, and quote them together so you settle once. The duty and tax element is not a fixed number: it follows your product's HS code, its declared value and the exchange rate applied on the day of entry, so it is confirmed on your specific goods rather than read off a rate card. The USD 800 de-minimis position applies.

What documents are required for customs clearance in United States?

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) typically requires: (1) commercial invoice with HS codes and declared value; (2) packing list with weights and dimensions; (3) bill of lading or air waybill; (4) certificate of origin (may lower duty); and (5) any product-specific certification (FCC for radio devices; FDA Prior Notice for food/supplements). Under DDP we prepare and file these for you.

What certifications are required to import into United States?

For regulated goods entering United States, plan for: FCC for radio devices; FDA Prior Notice for food/supplements. Missing conformity paperwork is the most common cause of clearance holds with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), so confirm requirements for your HS code before the cargo leaves China.

How is chargeable weight calculated?

Chargeable weight is the greater of actual gross weight and volumetric weight, where volumetric weight is L × W × H in centimetres divided by 6000. One cubic metre therefore equals 167 kg. If a consignment weighs 300 kg but measures out to only 200 kg volumetric, it is charged on the 300 kg — the higher of the two always wins.

Watch: how this shipment works end to end

The rates above answer the cost question. This covers the mechanics — useful if you have not shipped to United States before and are still working out how to structure the order.

How to Calculate CBM in Shipping | Volume vs Weight Explained | CBM Formula & Freight Cost Guide — 10 Min For Supply Chain. Published on YouTube by a third party; we link it because it explains the process well, not because we produced it or endorse the provider.

Shipping to United States by industry

Rates above are lane rates and apply to general cargo. Packing specification, HS classification and the clearance step that matters are all commodity-specific — these guides cover them industry by industry.

All 139 industry guides →

Get a firm price for United States

The figures above are indicative. Send your actual cargo for 500 KG and we price it properly — commodity, packed dimensions and destination all move the number.

Answer these and you get a real price, not a range. These are the exact figures a carrier needs before it will quote. Fill them in once and we can price your cargo the same day — leave them out and we have to come back and ask, which is what turns an hour into a week.

kg
ctn
Carton sizeoptional
× × cm
m³
ctr
Built-in battery?* Lithium cells are dangerous goods.
Someone else's brand?* Logos you are not authorised to ship.
Magnetic product?* Speakers, motors, magnets.
Why these three decide everything

They determine whether your cargo can fly, and on which service. A declared battery changes the price; an undeclared one grounds the shipment at the airport and you pay storage while it sits. Unauthorised brands are seized at customs and the freight is lost with them. Magnetic goods need a field test — routine, but it has to be booked ahead. Telling us now costs a click; telling us later costs the shipment.

Sea or air?*
Tick both and we quote both.
When should it move?optional
Photographs of the goodsoptional
    Your details are used to prepare this quotation and nothing else.