Shipping & Transport

Transit times from China to the US East Coast typically range from 28 to 35 days, while the West Coast (Los Angeles, Long Beach) takes 14 to 21 days. These are port-to-port estimates and can vary based on the specific origin port in China (Shanghai, Ningbo, Shenzhen, etc.), vessel schedules, and any transshipments. Door-to-door delivery adds 3 to 7 business days for customs clearance and inland transport.

Standard documents for international shipping include: Bill of Lading (B/L) or Air Waybill (AWB), Commercial Invoice, Packing List, and Certificate of Origin (when required). Depending on the commodity and destination, you may also need: FDA Prior Notice, USDA Phytosanitary Certificate, Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for chemicals, or Import/Export licenses. Our team will identify all required documents for your specific shipment.

Yes. We handle dangerous goods by sea (per IMDG Code), air (per IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations), and road (per DOT/ADR). Our team ensures proper classification (UN number, packing group), packaging, labeling, marking, and documentation. DG shipments require additional lead time for proper preparation. Contact our team with the product's SDS (Safety Data Sheet) and we will provide a tailored solution.

A Bill of Lading (B/L) is a legal document issued by the carrier that serves three key functions: it is a receipt for the goods shipped, a contract of carriage between shipper and carrier, and a document of title that enables transfer of ownership. The B/L is essential for customs clearance at the destination port and for the consignee to take delivery of the cargo. There are two main types: Negotiable B/L (Original) and Telex Release/Express B/L for faster release.

The choice depends on three factors: time, cost, and cargo characteristics. Air freight is 4–7 times more expensive than ocean but delivers in 2–7 days, making it ideal for urgent shipments, high-value cargo, or goods with short shelf life. Ocean freight is cost-effective for larger volumes (over 100 kg or 1 CBM) with non-urgent timelines. As a general rule: if your cargo is under 100 kg and urgent, choose air. If it's over 300 kg and can wait 3–5 weeks, choose ocean.

Approximate ocean freight transit times (port-to-port): China to US West Coast: 14–21 days; China to US East Coast: 28–35 days; China to Europe: 25–35 days; Brazil to US: 7–12 days; US to Europe: 10–18 days; Southeast Asia to US: 18–30 days. Air freight typical times: Asia to US: 3–5 days; South America to US: 2–4 days; Europe to US: 2–4 days. These are estimates — actual times vary by route and carrier.

Yes. We offer complete door-to-door service including pickup at origin, export customs clearance, international freight (ocean or air), import customs clearance, and final delivery to your warehouse or facility. This is our most popular service for clients who want a single point of contact and full visibility across the entire supply chain. Contact us to get a door-to-door quote for your specific route.