Shipping from China to San Francisco

Are you wondering how to navigate the process of shipping from China to San Francisco efficiently and cost-effectively? Whether you’re considering sea freight, air freight, or express shipping, understanding your options can make all the difference. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the main shipping methods, routes, costs, import procedures, and everything you need to know for smooth international shipping between China and San Francisco.

Sea freight from China to San Francisco

Sea freight is the primary choice for businesses shipping large quantities of goods from China to San Francisco. This method is ideal for both Full Container Load (FCL) and Less-than-Container Load (LCL) shipments, delivering a cost-effective solution for bulk cargo. As a global trade hub, San Francisco is served by the major seaport Port of Oakland, which handles most container shipments destined for the Bay Area.

Key Advantages of Sea Freight

• Cost Efficiency: Sea freight offers the lowest per-unit shipping cost, especially for shipments over 2 CBM or heavier than 200 KG.

• High Capacity: Suitable for large and heavy cargo, including machinery, electronics, textiles, and raw materials.

• Flexible Solutions: Both FCL (20ft, 40ft, 40HQ, 45HQ) and LCL options are available, meeting various cargo volumes and business needs.

• Environmental Impact: Compared to air or road transport, sea freight has a lower carbon footprint per ton-mile.

Container Types and Volume

Container Type	Capacity (CBM)	Typical Usage
20FT	28	Small/medium shipments
40FT	56	Standard for general cargo
40HQ	68	Voluminous but lighter goods
45HQ	78	Very large or lightweight bulk cargo

Main Sea Freight Routes

Shipping routes from major Chinese ports—such as Shanghai, Shenzhen, Ningbo, Qingdao, and Guangzhou—to San Francisco generally transit via the Port of Oakland. Transit times and costs may vary depending on origin port, carrier schedules, and transshipment requirements.

Typical Transit Times

Origin Port	Destination Port	Estimated Transit Time (Days)
Shanghai	San Francisco/Oakland	16-20
Shenzhen	San Francisco/Oakland	18-22
Ningbo	San Francisco/Oakland	17-21
Qingdao	San Francisco/Oakland	19-24
Guangzhou	San Francisco/Oakland	18-23

Please note: Actual transit times can vary due to port congestion, customs clearance, weather, and shipping line schedules.

Common Sea Freight Services

• FCL (Full Container Load): Secure, direct shipment of a dedicated container. Recommended for shipments close to container capacity.

• LCL (Less-than-Container Load): Consolidate cargo with other shippers. Ideal for smaller volumes, but may have slightly longer handling times.

• OOG (Out-of-Gauge) and Breakbulk: For oversized or non-standard cargo, specialized solutions are available.

Learn more about Shipping from China to USA and discover further details about routes, rates, and compliance.

Air freight from China to San Francisco

Air freight is the fastest and most reliable way to ship goods from China to San Francisco. This mode is preferred for time-sensitive, high-value, or perishable cargo, providing rapid transit and reduced risk of delays.

Key Benefits of Air Freight

• Speed: Transit times are typically 1-4 days, suitable for urgent shipments.

• Reliability: Airlines offer fixed schedules, minimizing the risk of unexpected delays.

• Security: Goods are handled less frequently, reducing risk of damage or theft.

• Global Connectivity: Major Chinese airports have direct or connecting flights to San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and nearby airports.

Main Airports in China for Air Freight

Origin Airport	IATA Code	Main Cities
Shanghai Pudong	PVG	Shanghai, East China
Beijing Capital	PEK	Beijing, North China
Guangzhou Baiyun	CAN	Guangzhou, South China
Shenzhen Bao’an	SZX	Shenzhen, South China
Hong Kong Intl	HKG	Hong Kong, South China

Transit Times

Origin Airport	Destination Airport (SFO)	Transit Time (Days)
PVG	SFO	1-3
CAN	SFO	2-4
PEK	SFO	2-4
SZX/HKG	SFO	1-3

Typical Air Freight Cargo

• Electronics and high-tech products

• Fashion and luxury goods

• Pharmaceuticals and medical equipment

• Urgent samples and documentation

Air Freight Cost Structure

Air freight charges are based on chargeable weight (actual weight vs. volumetric weight), with rates fluctuating according to market demand, fuel prices, and seasonality. For quotation accuracy, provide detailed cargo information: weight, dimensions, and commodity.

You may also be interested in: Air Freight from China to USA for more details on rates and transit times.

Express from China to San Francisco

When speed and reliability are top priorities, express shipping from China to San Francisco is the go-to solution for many importers, cross-border e-commerce sellers, and SMEs. Major international express carriers such as DHL, FedEx, UPS, and TNT offer comprehensive door-to-door services, ensuring that your goods reach their destination in the shortest possible time—typically within 3–5 business days.

Key Features of Express Shipping

• Speed: Transit times as fast as 2–5 days, making it ideal for urgent shipments, samples, or high-value products.

• Door-to-door convenience: Pickup from any address in China and delivery direct to your specified location in San Francisco.

• All-in-one service: Includes customs clearance, tracking, and last-mile delivery.

• Global network: Extensive coverage for both commercial and residential addresses.

Typical Express Shipping Transit Times

Origin City (China)	Destination (San Francisco)	DHL (Days)	FedEx (Days)	UPS (Days)
Shenzhen	San Francisco	3–4	3–5	3–5
Shanghai	San Francisco	3–4	3–5	3–5
Guangzhou	San Francisco	3–5	3–5	3–5
Beijing	San Francisco	3–5	3–5	3–5

Note: Transit times may vary due to customs procedures, holidays, or service disruptions.

Cost Structure

Express shipping costs are primarily calculated based on the chargeable weight (actual or volumetric, whichever is higher). Rates vary by carrier and shipment size, but generally, express is more expensive per kilogram than air or sea freight.

Example Express Shipping Costs (2025, indicative)

Weight (KG)	DHL ($)	FedEx ($)	UPS ($)
1	35–40	38–45	40–48
10	7–8/kg	8–9/kg	8–10/kg
30	6–7/kg	7–8/kg	7–9/kg

Discounted rates are available for commercial accounts and frequent shippers. For tailored solutions and the best pricing, contact us at Dantful.US International Logistics.

Suitable Cargo

• Documents & samples

• High-value small electronics

• Fashion/apparel samples

• Replacement parts

• E-commerce parcels

Customs & Tracking

All express shipments undergo customs clearance in both China and the United States. Express couriers facilitate the entire process, making it seamless for the shipper. Real-time tracking provides full visibility from pickup to delivery.

Door to Door Shipping from China to San Francisco

Door-to-door shipping is a highly convenient logistics solution, integrating all transportation stages—pickup, export handling, main carriage, import clearance, and delivery—under a single service provider. Whether shipping by sea freight, air freight, or express, door-to-door service simplifies the process for importers, exporters, manufacturers, and cross-border e-commerce sellers.

How Door-to-Door Shipping Works

1. Pickup: Your cargo is collected from the supplier or warehouse anywhere in China.

2. Export Procedures: We handle export customs clearance and required documentation.

3. Main Transport: Cargo is shipped via sea freight, air freight, or express, depending on your needs.

4. Import Customs Clearance: Our U.S. team takes care of all import formalities and duty payments (if required).

5. Final Delivery: Goods are delivered directly to your specified address in San Francisco or the surrounding Bay Area.

Door-to-Door Options

Service Type	Transit Time (Days)	Suitable For	Cost Level
Door-to-Door Sea Freight (DDP/DDU)	18–30	Bulk shipments, 1 CBM+	$$ (economical)
Door-to-Door Air Freight	5–10	Urgent, mid-sized cargo	$$$ (moderate)
Door-to-Door Express	3–5	Parcels, samples, high-value	$$$$ (premium)

DDP (Delivered Duty Paid): We pay import duties/taxes on your behalf, delivering to your door with no hidden fees.
DDU (Delivered Duty Unpaid): Duties/taxes are paid by the consignee upon arrival.

Advantages of Door-to-Door Shipping

• Total convenience: One point of contact. We handle every step.

• Reduced risk: Avoid miscommunication between multiple agents or handovers.

• Predictable costs: All-inclusive price quotes minimize unexpected charges.

• Time savings: Streamlined process, especially valuable for SMEs and first-time importers.

Typical Door-to-Door Transit Times

Freight Mode	Origin City	Delivery to San Francisco	Typical Door-to-Door Time
Sea Freight	Shenzhen/Shanghai	Yes	18–30 days
Air Freight	Guangzhou/Beijing	Yes	5–10 days
Express	All Cities	Yes	3–5 days

Explore related solutions: Door to Door Shipping for more comprehensive information about process, advantages, and global coverage.

Main shipping routes from China to San Francisco

When shipping from China to San Francisco, understanding the main shipping routes is key for optimizing both transit time and cost. As a major gateway on the US West Coast, San Francisco is primarily served via the Port of Oakland, which is the principal container port for the San Francisco Bay Area.

Major Sea Freight Routes

The most common sea freight routes from China to San Francisco originate from the leading Chinese export ports, including:

Origin Port (China)	Destination Port (USA)	Typical Transit Time (Days)	Remarks
Shanghai	Oakland (San Francisco)	12-18	Major route; frequent sailings
Shenzhen (Yantian/Shekou)	Oakland (San Francisco)	15-20	Fast growing; competitive rates
Ningbo	Oakland (San Francisco)	13-19	High capacity; suitable for FCL and LCL
Qingdao	Oakland (San Francisco)	18-24	Slightly longer due to distance
Xiamen	Oakland (San Francisco)	16-22	Suitable for South China shippers
Guangzhou (Nansha)	Oakland (San Francisco)	16-21	Growing for electronics and garments

Note: Transit times above are port-to-port estimates and may vary based on carrier schedule, seasonal congestion, and customs clearance.

Major Air Freight Routes

The top international airports in China servicing direct and indirect flights to San Francisco International Airport (SFO) include:

• Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)

• Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)

• Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN)

• Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport (SZX)

• Hong Kong International Airport (HKG)

Air freight from these hubs is suitable for urgent, high-value, or time-sensitive cargo.

Express & Multimodal Routes

For express shipments, global couriers like DHL, FedEx, and UPS operate daily flights connecting major Chinese cities to San Francisco. Multimodal solutions (such as combining rail and air/sea) are available for optimized cost and speed, and Dantful.US International Logistics can tailor such options per your supply chain needs.

Shipping cost from China to San Francisco

Shipping costs from China to San Francisco depend on several factors: shipment volume/weight, transport mode, current fuel and carrier rates, seasonality, and any value-added services (like insurance or customs clearance). Below, I’ve provided up-to-date reference rates and cost breakdowns for each major shipping method.

Cost of Shipping 20ft Container from China to San Francisco

A 20ft container (capacity: 28CBM) is suitable for small to medium-sized loads. Costs fluctuate due to market demand, fuel prices, and shipping line surcharges.

Origin Port (China)	Estimated Ocean Freight (USD/FCL 20ft)	Typical Additional Charges
Shanghai	$2,100 – $2,800	THC, documentation, customs, delivery
Shenzhen	$2,200 – $2,900
Ningbo	$2,150 – $2,850
Qingdao	$2,300 – $3,000

Note: Surcharges such as BAF, CAF, ISPS, and peak season charges may apply. Please contact Dantful.US for a tailored quote based on your shipping schedule and cargo details.

Cost of Shipping 40ft Container from China to San Francisco

A 40ft container (capacity: 56CBM) is more cost-efficient for larger shipments.

Origin Port (China)	Estimated Ocean Freight (USD/FCL 40ft)	Typical Additional Charges
Shanghai	$2,800 – $3,800	THC, documentation, customs, delivery
Shenzhen	$2,900 – $4,100
Ningbo	$2,850 – $3,950
Qingdao	$3,000 – $4,200

Rates above are for general cargo. OOG, hazardous, or reefer containers have different pricing.

Air freight cost from China to San Francisco per KG

Air freight is priced per kilogram and is ideal for urgent, high-value, or lightweight shipments.

Airport of Departure	Airport of Arrival	Estimated Cost (USD/KG)	Transit Time
PVG (Shanghai)	SFO (San Francisco)	$5.50 – $8.00	2-5 days
HKG (Hong Kong)	SFO	$6.00 – $8.50	2-4 days
CAN (Guangzhou)	SFO	$6.00 – $9.00	3-6 days
PEK (Beijing)	SFO	$6.50 – $9.50	3-5 days

Air rates vary with cargo type, volume, season, and airline surcharges. Contact Dantful.US for bulk pricing or customized solutions, including door-to-door air services and insurance.

Express cost from China to San Francisco

Express shipping is the fastest option, typically handled by major couriers (DHL, FedEx, UPS, TNT). Pricing below is reference for <21kg and 50kg standard parcels:

Weight Bracket	Estimated Cost (USD)	Transit Time	Included Services
<5kg	$40 – $55	2-5 days	Tracking, customs brokerage
5-20kg	$7.50 – $12.00/kg	2-5 days	Door-to-door
20-50kg	$6.50 – $10.00/kg	2-4 days	Fast customs clearance
>50kg	Customized quote	2-4 days	Account discounts available

For an accurate, up-to-date quotation tailored to your specific shipment, please contact our team today. We help you navigate all shipping options and optimize your global supply chain efficiently.

You might also want to read: Shipping Cost from China to USA for more rate details and pricing factors.

Import tax and duties in USA

When shipping from China to San Francisco, understanding the import tax and duties in the USA is essential for accurate cost planning and compliance. As an importer, you’ll encounter several types of charges—mainly Customs duties, Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF), and Harbor Maintenance Fee (HMF)—as determined by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

Main Types of Import Taxes and Duties

Charge Type	Description	Calculation Method
Customs Duty	A tax levied on imported goods, based on their classification under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) of the USA.	Varies by product (typically 0%-25% of customs value)
Merchandise Processing Fee	A fee applied to most imported goods.	0.3464% of entered value, minimum $29.66, max $575.35
Harbor Maintenance Fee	Charged on ocean shipments only, for use of U.S. ports.	0.125% of cargo value
Anti-dumping/Countervailing	Extra duties on certain goods to protect U.S. industries.	Only for specified goods

How to Determine Your Import Duty

1. Classify your product using the HTS Code.

2. Check if your item is subject to additional tariffs (such as the Section 301 tariffs on certain goods from China).

3. Calculate the duty rate and fees based on the customs value (usually FOB or CIF value, depending on Incoterms).

Example Calculation

Suppose you are importing electronics with a customs value of $10,000:

• Duty rate: 5%

• MPF: 0.3464% ($34.64, minimum $29.66)

• HMF (ocean freight only): 0.125% ($12.50)

Item	Calculation	Amount
Duty	$10,000 x 5%	$500
MPF	$10,000 x 0.3464%	$34.64
HMF	$10,000 x 0.125%	$12.50
Total		$547.14

Special Considerations

• Some goods are eligible for tariff exemptions (e.g., certain electronics under de minimis rules).

• If your shipment value is under $800, it may qualify for Section 321—duty-free entry for low-value shipments.

• Additional documentation, such as a Bill of Lading, Commercial Invoice, and Packing List, is mandatory for customs clearance.

Professional Customs Clearance

Partnering with a reliable freight forwarder like Dantful.US International Logistics ensures all regulatory requirements are met. We provide full customs clearance services, minimizing risks of delays or unexpected fees. Our expertise covers not only import duties but also compliance with U.S. import laws, saving you time and ensuring peace of mind.

Further reading:
If you’re interested in other major destinations, see Shipping from China to Canada for tax and import duty differences.

How long does it take to ship from China to San Francisco

Transit time from China to San Francisco varies depending on the shipping method, port of origin, and other factors such as customs clearance, weather, and peak seasons. Here is a breakdown of major shipping options and their typical transit times:

Shipping Mode	Typical Transit Time (Port to Port)	Additional Time (Customs, Inland)	Total Door-to-Door Time
Sea Freight (FCL)	14–20 days	3–7 days	18–27 days
Sea Freight (LCL)	18–25 days	5–10 days	23–35 days
Air Freight	3–5 days	2–4 days	5–9 days
Express Courier	2–4 days	0–1 day	2–5 days
Rail/Multimodal	Not direct	–	–

Factors Affecting Transit Time

• Port of Origin: Major ports like Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Ningbo tend to have more direct and frequent sailings to San Francisco.

• Service Type: Door-to-door services include pickup, customs clearance, and final delivery, which may add a few days but offer maximum convenience.

• Customs Clearance: Efficient documentation and pre-clearance can reduce delays at U.S. Customs.

• Peak Seasons: Holidays such as Chinese New Year or U.S. shopping seasons can cause congestion and extend lead times.

Example: Estimated Transit Times from Key Chinese Ports

Port in China	To Port of San Francisco (Sea FCL)	Air Freight to SFO
Shanghai	14–16 days	3 days
Shenzhen	15–18 days	3–4 days
Ningbo	17–20 days	4 days
Qingdao	19–22 days	4–5 days

For a customized transit time estimate and professional advice, contact our team—your trusted partner in global logistics.

Import procedure from China to San Francisco

Importing goods from China to San Francisco requires a comprehensive understanding of the logistics process, documentation, and compliance with both Chinese export and U.S. import regulations. Below, I provide a detailed, step-by-step overview designed for importers, cross-border e-commerce sellers, manufacturers, and other stakeholders.

Key Steps in the Import Procedure

Step	Description	Responsible Party
1	Supplier Selection & Contract Signing Negotiate contracts (Incoterms, price, delivery terms).	Importer/Supplier
2	Cargo Preparation & Export Customs Clearance Supplier arranges export declaration and inspection in China.	Supplier
3	Booking Shipping Space Book sea/air/express shipment with a reliable freight forwarder.	Importer/Freight Agent
4	Cargo Pick-up & Inland Transport Cargo transported from factory/warehouse to departure port/airport.	Supplier/Freight Agent
5	Export Handling & Loading Container loading, terminal handling, and export customs clearance.	Freight Forwarder
6	International Transportation Sea, air, or express shipment to San Francisco or nearby ports/airports.	Freight Forwarder
7	Arrival at U.S. Port/Airport Cargo arrives at Port of Oakland (nearest port to San Francisco), SFO, etc.	Freight Forwarder
8	Import Customs Clearance in the U.S. Customs entry filing, import duty/tax payment, document verification.	Customs Broker/Importer
9	Cargo Handling & Delivery Inland trucking to destination address (warehouse, Amazon FBA, business, etc).	Freight Forwarder
10	Final Receipt & Inspection Receive cargo, inspect for quantity and quality.	Importer

Essential Documents for Importing into the USA

• Bill of Lading (B/L) or Air Waybill (AWB)

• Commercial Invoice

• Packing List

• Import Security Filing (ISF, 10+2)

• Arrival Notice

• Customs Bond

• Entry Summary (CBP Form 3461/7501)

• Other certificates as required (e.g., FDA, FCC, fumigation, etc.)

Compliance and Tips

• Ensure all documents are accurate and complete to avoid delays or penalties.

• For sea shipments, ISF must be filed at least 24 hours before cargo is loaded onto the vessel at the Chinese port.

• Use a licensed U.S. Customs Broker (your freight forwarder may provide this) for smooth customs clearance.

• Be aware of specific U.S. regulations for certain product categories (e.g., food, electronics, chemicals).

• Calculate and budget for import duties, tariffs, and customs fees in advance.

At Dantful.US International Logistics, we provide end-to-end support for the entire import process, from supplier coordination in China to customs clearance and last-mile delivery in San Francisco. Our experienced team ensures compliance, efficiency, and transparency at every stage.

Shipping agent from China to San Francisco

Choosing the right shipping agent is crucial for a successful, cost-effective, and hassle-free freight experience between China and San Francisco. A professional agent not only arranges transportation, but also provides valuable expertise in customs, compliance, and supply chain management.

Why Work with a Freight Forwarder?

A reliable freight forwarder or shipping agent acts as your logistics partner, handling all aspects of shipping, including:

• Route and carrier selection (sea, air, express, rail, etc.)

• Cargo consolidation and packaging

• Export and import customs clearance

• Warehouse and storage solutions

• Door-to-door delivery and tracking

• Documentation and compliance support

• Cargo insurance and risk management

Related resource:
For end-to-end logistics support between China and the US, see our freight forwarder China to US solutions.

How to Select the Best Freight Forwarder?

When selecting a shipping agent for your business, consider the following criteria:

Criteria	What to Look For	Why It Matters
Industry Experience	Years in business, track record in U.S.-China trade	Reduces risk, ensures expertise
Service Scope	Offers sea, air, rail, road, Amazon FBA, warehouse, etc.	One-stop solutions for all needs
Customs Clearance Expertise	In-house licensed customs brokers or strong partnerships	Smooth, compliant import process
Transparent Pricing	Clear quotations, no hidden charges	Cost control
Network Coverage	Local offices/agents in China and San Francisco (USA)	Faster communication, problem-solving
Reputation & References	Client testimonials, Google reviews, industry certifications	Trustworthiness, professionalism

Why Choose Dantful.US International Logistics?

As a highly professional, cost-effective, and high-quality one-stop international logistics service provider, Dantful.US offers:

• Comprehensive Services: Sea Freight, Air Freight, Rail Freight, Road Freight, Amazon FBA, Warehouse, Customs Clearance, Insurance, Door to Door, OOG Freight, Consolidated Freight, and Breakbulk Freight.

• Tailored Solutions: We customize shipping plans based on your cargo type, budget, and transit time needs.

• Local Expertise: Our teams in both China and the USA ensure real-time support and seamless operations.

• Advanced Technology: Real-time cargo tracking, digital document management, and proactive shipment updates.

• Dedicated Customer Service: Experienced account managers who understand the complexities of the China–San Francisco trade route.

• Competitive Rates: Transparent, competitive pricing for all freight modes and cargo types.

By choosing Dantful.US International Logistics, you benefit from our expertise, reliability, and dedication to your business success. Whether you are shipping full containers, small parcels, e-commerce goods, or special cargo, we provide the support and solutions you need.

For a free consultation or to request a shipping quote from China to San Francisco, contact our team today. We are committed to making your international shipping simple, secure, and efficient.