2025-08-29 11:07:38
For Amazon sellers, an efficient supply chain is the lifeline of their business. A critical component of this chain is mastering the logistics of shipping Amazon FBA from China to the United States. This guide is designed to be a comprehensive, easy-to-understand textbook for all sellers, helping you navigate complex international logistics and ensure your goods arrive safely, on time, and affordably at the Amazon fulfillment center.
Air freight is the fastest shipping method for FBA replenishment, suitable for high-value or time-sensitive products.
| China Airport → U.S. Airport | Door-to-Door Transit Time | Estimated Cost ($/kg) | Suitable Scenario |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shanghai (PVG) → LAX | 3–5 days | 3.5–6.0 | West Coast FBA; consolidation recommended |
| Shanghai (PVG) → JFK | 4–6 days | 4.0–7.0 | East Coast FBA; inland delivery fees may apply |
| Shanghai (PVG) → ORD | 4–7 days | 4.0–7.5 | Midwest warehouses; LCL/FCL both feasible |
| Shanghai (PVG) → DFW | 4–7 days | 4.5–8.0 | Southern U.S.; bulk cargo better as full pallet |
| Guangzhou (CAN) → LAX | 3–5 days | 3.8–6.2 | West Coast FBA; SMEs can choose consolidation |
| Guangzhou (CAN) → JFK | 4–6 days | 4.2–7.2 | East Coast replenishment; ensure customs docs ready |
| Guangzhou (CAN) → ORD | 4–7 days | 4.2–7.5 | Midwest warehouses; LCL/FCL both feasible |
| Guangzhou (CAN) → DFW | 4–7 days | 4.5–8.2 | Southern U.S.; bulk shipments prefer full pallet |
| Shenzhen (SZX) → LAX | 3–5 days | 3.6–6.1 | West Coast FBA; small batch or consolidation preferred |
| Shenzhen (SZX) → JFK | 4–6 days | 4.1–7.1 | East Coast FBA; inland delivery costs apply |
| Shenzhen (SZX) → ORD | 4–7 days | 4.2–7.6 | Midwest warehouses; LCL/FCL both suitable |
| Shenzhen (SZX) → DFW | 4–7 days | 4.5–8.0 | Southern warehouses; full pallet recommended |
| Beijing (PEK) → LAX | 3–5 days | 3.7–6.3 | West Coast FBA; small batch shipping |
| Beijing (PEK) → JFK | 4–6 days | 4.2–7.3 | East Coast warehouses; Hai Pai or consolidation feasible |
| Beijing (PEK) → ORD | 4–7 days | 4.3–7.7 | Midwest warehouses; flexible for full pallet or LCL |
| Beijing (PEK) → DFW | 4–7 days | 4.6–8.2 | Southern U.S.; bulk cargo better as full pallet |
Chargeable Weight: Air freight charges based on the larger of actual weight or volumetric weight:
Volumetric Weight (kg) = L × W × H (cm) ÷ 6000
Weight Brackets:
<45kg → small parcels, higher $/kg
45–300kg → LCL consolidation
300–1000kg → full pallet discounted
1000kg → full container or charter
Surcharges: Fuel, security, terminal handling, remote delivery, customs clearance.
Small shipments (<300kg) → consolidation or Hai Pai
Medium shipments (300kg–2CBM) → Hai Pai for cost-effective delivery
Large shipments (>5CBM) → Hai Ka or full pallet
Book early during peak seasons (Q3–Q4)
Ensure FBA compliance: FNSKU labels, carton size, and DDP clearance
Sea freight typically includes ocean transit + inland trucking to Amazon FBA warehouses. Below is a detailed breakdown.
| China Port → U.S. Port → City | Transit Time (Sea + Truck) | Transport Type | Estimated Cost (per CBM) | Suitable Scenario |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| shipping to Los Angeles (LAX) | FCL: 18–22 days / LCL: 20–25 days | FCL / LCL / Hai Ka | $150–$220 | West Coast FBA; SMEs small batch use LCL + Hai Ka |
| Shanghai → New York (JFK) | FCL: 25–28 days / LCL: 27–32 days | FCL / LCL / Hai Ka | $180–$250 | East Coast FBA; Hai Ka recommended for inland delivery |
| shipping to Chicago (ORD) | FCL: 28–32 days / LCL: 30–36 days | FCL / LCL / Hai Ka | $190–$260 | Midwest FBA warehouses; Hai Ka ideal |
| Shanghai → Dallas (DFW) | FCL: 28–32 days / LCL: 30–36 days | FCL / LCL / Hai Ka | $200–$270 | Southern warehouses; bulk shipments prefer Hai Ka |
| Ningbo → LAX | FCL: 19–23 days / LCL: 21–26 days | FCL / LCL / Hai Ka | $155–$225 | West Coast FBA; SMEs small batch |
| Ningbo → JFK | FCL: 26–30 days / LCL: 28–33 days | FCL / LCL / Hai Ka | $185–$255 | East Coast; Hai Ka recommended |
| Ningbo → ORD | FCL: 29–33 days / LCL: 31–36 days | FCL / LCL / Hai Ka | $195–$265 | Midwest; Hai Ka ideal |
| Ningbo → DFW | FCL: 29–33 days / LCL: 31–36 days | FCL / LCL / Hai Ka | $205–$275 | Southern; bulk shipments |
| Shenzhen → LAX | FCL: 18–22 days / LCL: 20–25 days | FCL / LCL / Hai Ka | $150–$220 | West Coast FBA; small/medium shipments |
| Shenzhen → JFK | FCL: 25–28 days / LCL: 27–32 days | FCL / LCL / Hai Ka | $180–$250 | East Coast; Hai Ka recommended |
| Shenzhen → ORD | FCL: 28–32 days / LCL: 30–36 days | FCL / LCL / Hai Ka | $190–$260 | Midwest; Hai Ka ideal |
| Shenzhen → DFW | FCL: 28–32 days / LCL: 30–36 days | FCL / LCL / Hai Ka | $200–$270 | Southern; bulk shipments |
| Guangzhou → LAX | FCL: 18–22 days / LCL: 20–25 days | FCL / LCL / Hai Ka | $155–$225 | West Coast FBA; SMEs small batch |
| Guangzhou → JFK | FCL: 25–28 days / LCL: 27–32 days | FCL / LCL / Hai Ka | $185–$255 | East Coast; Hai Ka recommended |
| Guangzhou → ORD | FCL: 28–32 days / LCL: 30–36 days | FCL / LCL / Hai Ka | $195–$265 | Midwest; Hai Ka ideal |
| Guangzhou → DFW | FCL: 28–32 days / LCL: 30–36 days | FCL / LCL / Hai Ka | $205–$275 | Southern; bulk shipments |
Note: Transit times include ocean voyage + inland trucking to FBA warehouse. Prices are estimated and vary by cargo type, season, and port congestion.
Small shipments (<1 CBM): Use LCL + Hai Ka for flexible, cost-effective delivery.
Medium shipments (1–5 CBM): Consolidated Hai Ka balances cost and transit time.
Large shipments (>5 CBM): Full FCL provides the lowest cost per CBM.
Booking: Reserve 4–6 weeks in advance during peak season (Q3–Q4).
FBA compliance: Ensure FNSKU labels, carton size, pallet standards, and DDP customs clearance are correct.
FCL vs LCL:
FCL: fixed container price, lower per CBM for large volumes
LCL: charged per CBM, ideal for SMEs with small shipments
Hai Ka surcharge: Includes inland trucking, warehouse handling, FBA delivery
Additional fees: Port handling, customs clearance, fuel surcharge, remote delivery fees
Shipping your products from China to an Amazon FBA warehouse can be broken down into four key steps.
In your Amazon account: Create a shipment plan to get the FBA warehouse address and box labels.
Product prep: Ensure every product has an FNSKU barcode and every outer carton has the correct Amazon shipping label.
Why it's important: A good freight forwarder handles the complex international logistics and customs clearance for you.
Key point: You must choose a forwarder that offers DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) service. DDP means they will manage all shipping costs and customs procedures, ensuring a smooth delivery to the FBA warehouse, as Amazon will not act as the Importer of Record.
Tracking: Your forwarder will provide a tracking number so you can monitor your shipment's status.
Final delivery: Once the goods arrive in the U.S., the forwarder will arrange for a truck or courier to deliver the goods directly to the Amazon FBA warehouse, completing the entire process.
For shipping Amazon FBA from China to the United States, understanding the entire process is vital. This is an end-to-end journey from the supplier to the Amazon warehouse, primarily including these stages:
The seller creates a shipping plan in their Amazon Seller Central account to get the FBA warehouse address and shipping labels.
The supplier or a third-party prep center packs and labels the goods with the correct FNSKU barcodes and shipping labels, as per Amazon's requirements.
The goods are delivered to a Chinese port or airport, where a freight forwarder handles customs declaration and loading.
The goods are shipped across the ocean via sea or air.
Upon arrival in the US, a customs broker clears the goods.
Finally, a truck or a courier service delivers the goods to the designated Amazon FBA warehouse, depending on the chosen service.
To accurately calculate your profit, you must understand every part of the logistics cost. The total cost for shipping Amazon FBA from China to the United States mainly includes:
Freight Fee: The cost of sea, air, or sea-express/sea-truck transport, usually calculated per kilogram or cubic meter.
Origin Charges: Fees for customs declaration and handling at the departure port.
Duties and Taxes: Calculated based on the product's HS code and declared value. This is where DDP service is crucial.
Destination Charges: Customs clearance fees, document fees, and terminal handling charges.
Delivery Fee: The cost of transporting the goods from the US port to the FBA warehouse.
Amazon FBA Inbound Fee: Amazon may charge additional fees if the shipment doesn't meet their requirements.
Note: Choosing a DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) service is essential. Under a DDP model, the freight forwarder handles all customs, duties, and delivery charges for a single, all-inclusive price, greatly simplifying the process.
Even if the logistics process is smooth, your shipment could face extra charges or delays if it doesn't comply with Amazon's inbound requirements. Here are some key points to remember:
FNSKU Barcode: Every product unit must have a unique FNSKU barcode.
Shipping Labels: Every outer carton must have a clear, scannable Amazon shipping label.
Cartons must be sturdy and not exceed Amazon's size limits (25 inches).
Overweight or oversized goods need to be palletized according to Amazon's standards.
Ensure your goods are not prohibited or dangerous.
Remove all old barcodes or labels to avoid scanning errors.
The most reliable way to track your order is directly through the Amazon website or app.
Go to Your Orders: Log in to your Amazon account and navigate to the "Your Orders" section.
Find Your Order: Locate the specific order you want to track.
Click "Track Package": You'll see detailed information about the shipment status and an estimated delivery date.
For certain deliveries, especially when the driver is close, you may be able to see the package's real-time location on a map.
Amazon Logistics tracking numbers often start with "TBA" (for example, TBA1234567890). These tracking numbers can typically only be tracked on Amazon's platform. They are not compatible with third-party tracking websites like UPS or FedEx.
Tracking information is missing or not updating: Sometimes, there can be a delay between the shipping notification and the first tracking update. This can take up to 48 hours. If the problem persists, it's best to contact Amazon's customer service.
Package says "Delivered" but you can't find it:
Check your mailbox or a different delivery location.
Look for a notice of attempted delivery.
See if a neighbor or receptionist accepted the package on your behalf.
Check the photo on the delivery confirmation, if available.
If you still can't find it after 36 hours, contact the seller or Amazon customer service.
Amazon Freight LTL is a less-than-truckload (LTL) service provided by Amazon for FBA sellers. It allows you to ship your inventory on pallets through Amazon's own transportation network directly to their fulfillment centers.
Cost-Effective: You only pay for the space your pallets take up on the truck, not for the entire truck, making it cheaper than a Full Truckload (FTL).
Seamless Integration: You can book and manage the entire shipment directly within your Amazon Seller Central account, without having to contact an external carrier.
Simplified Process: Amazon or a partnered carrier handles the pickup and transportation. You just need to ensure your pallets are correctly prepared and labeled.
FBA-Optimized: The service is specifically designed for shipping inventory to Amazon FBA warehouses, ensuring a smooth and efficient check-in process.
Shipments that are too large for a small parcel service but not large enough to fill an entire truck. This typically applies to palletized freight weighing between 150 lbs and 10,000 lbs.
The cost to ship from China to the USA depends mainly on the shipping method, the size of your item, and its weight.
Air Freight (Fastest): Best for urgent, light, or high-value items. Costs generally $4 - $12 per kilogram (kg).
Sea Freight (Most Cost-Effective): Best for large, heavy shipments.
LCL (Less than a full container): Around $100 per cubic meter (cbm).
FCL (Full container): A 40-foot container costs roughly $3,500 - $5,500.
Express Courier (Small Parcels): Services like DHL and FedEx can cost $50 - $300+ for a small parcel.
Customs Duties and Taxes: These can be 5% to 20% of your goods' value.
Other Fees: Don't forget to account for handling fees and local delivery costs in the US.
For an accurate quote, it's best to contact a freight forwarder directly.
When shipping goods from China to the U.S., customs duties and clearance are critical steps t
HS Code Determines Duty Rate:
Every product has an HS (Harmonized System) code that defines the import duty rate in the U.S.
Typical Duty Rates:
Electronics: 0–5%
Apparel & Textiles: 16–32%
Toys & Consumer Goods: 0–8%
Food & Supplements: 0–20%
Additional Fees:
Anti-dumping duties or special tariffs may apply for certain categories (e.g., some Chinese goods under Section 301).
Merchandise processing fee (MPF): ~0.3464% of shipment value (min $27.23, max $528.33).
Harbor maintenance fee (HMF) for sea shipments: 0.125% of cargo value.
Tip for SMEs: Check the U.S. Customs HTS database to find the correct HS code and duty rate before shipping.
| Transport Mode | Typical Customs Clearance Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Air Freight | 1–3 business days | Clearance is faster, especially if documents are prepared and the cargo is low-risk |
| Sea Freight (FCL) | 3–7 business days | Includes inspection, release from port, and inland trucking to FBA warehouse |
| Sea Freight (LCL) | 5–10 business days | Additional time for consolidation and handling at the port; peak seasons may add 3–5 days |
Factors affecting clearance time:
Accuracy of commercial invoice, packing list, and HS codes
Customs inspection selection (random or targeted)
Proper importer registration (EIN) and FBA compliance
Peak shipping seasons (Q3–Q4) may increase delays
Air Freight:
Clearance is generally faster, making it ideal for urgent replenishment.
Costs are higher per kg but lower risk of congestion.
SMEs should provide electronic invoices, airway bill, and HS codes to expedite clearance.
Sea Freight (FCL/LCL/Hai Ka):
FCL moves directly from port to port; fewer handling points reduce risk.
LCL involves consolidation; handling at port may add 2–3 days.
Hai Ka (sea + truck) can deliver directly to FBA warehouses, including inland trucking time.
Prepare documents in advance: Commercial invoice, packing list, HS code, import license if required.
Use DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) service: Freight forwarders handle duties, taxes, and customs clearance.
Book clearance-friendly carriers: Experienced forwarders can reduce inspection delays.
Plan for peak seasons: Add 3–5 extra days for clearance in September–December.
Label & pallet compliance: Ensure cartons meet FBA labeling requirements to prevent rejection after customs.
Scenario: 1 CBM of electronics shipped from Shanghai to LAX via air freight
Duty & Fees: HS code 8517 → duty 2%; MPF ~$10; HMF N/A (air)
Customs clearance: 1–2 days if all documents correct
Delivery to Amazon FBA warehouse: Additional 1–2 days inland trucking
Scenario: 5 CBM of apparel shipped from Shenzhen to JFK via LCL + Hai Ka
Duty & Fees: HS code 6203 → duty 18%; MPF ~$30; HMF 0.125%
Customs clearance: 5–7 days including port handling and inland trucking
Delivery to Amazon FBA warehouse: 1–2 days trucking
Accurate HS codes and documents = faster clearance & lower risk of fines
Air freight is faster but costlier; sea freight is cheaper but slower
Hai Ka is a practical solution for SMEs shipping small to medium volumes to inland FBA warehouses
Plan for customs delays during peak seasons and high-value shipments
This term refers to the entire process of transporting goods from a Chinese factory to an Amazon FBA warehouse.
Sea-express uses sea freight plus express courier (like UPS/FedEx) for final delivery, while sea-truck uses sea freight plus truck transport.
Because Amazon will not act as the Importer of Record. DDP ensures all customs and duties issues are handled by your freight forwarder before delivery.
Look for a company with extensive FBA experience, that offers DDP service, has transparent pricing, and provides good customer support.
It's crucial to purchase cargo insurance before shipping. If an incident occurs, you can file a claim with the insurance company.
Typically, you'll need a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading.
No. Times can be affected by weather, customs inspections, port congestion, and holidays. It's always wise to allow for extra time.
Customs inspections can be random or triggered by incomplete documentation, misdeclaration of goods, or sensitive product types, which can cause delays.
A freight forwarder arranges the transport. A customs broker specializes in clearing goods through customs. Many companies offer both services.
Your freight forwarder will provide a bill of lading or a tracking number, which you can use to track the shipment on the carrier's or courier's website.
Yes, this is usually handled by your freight forwarder. Truck deliveries (sea-truck) must have a pre-scheduled appointment.
A prep center is a service that inspects, labels, and packages your goods in China or the US to ensure they meet Amazon's strict requirements before shipping to FBA.
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