When planning shipping from China to US, one of the first questions importers ask is: “How much will it cost per kilogram?†Understanding per-kg shipping costs helps businesses estimate expenses, compare methods, and choose the most cost-effective solution. While prices vary depending on weight, method, and season, let’s break down the typical costs for air, express, and sea freight. We’ll also compare with shipping from Korea to US, where costs can differ due to shorter distances and trade volume.
Factors That Influence Shipping Cost per kg
Several key elements determine the final per-kg price:
- Shipping method: Express courier, air freight, or sea freight.
- Weight & volume: Heavier shipments usually get lower per-kg rates.
- Destination: US West Coast ports (e.g., Los Angeles) are cheaper than East Coast ports (e.g., New York).
- Seasonal demand: Chinese New Year and holiday seasons drive up rates.
- Customs & duties: Not included in per-kg freight quotes, but must be factored in.
Typical Shipping Costs from China to USA per kg
1. Express Courier (DHL, UPS, FedEx)
- Cost: $6 – $10 per kg (small parcels, 1–50 kg).
- Speed: 2–5 days door-to-door.
- Best for: E-commerce orders, product samples, urgent documents.
2. Air Freight (Airport-to-Airport)
- Cost: $4 – $8 per kg for shipments over 100 kg.
- Speed: 3–7 days including handling.
- Note: Freight forwarders often set minimum chargeable weight (e.g., 45 kg).
3. Sea Freight (LCL, per cubic meter converted to kg equivalent)
Baca Juga
Sea freight isn’t typically charged by kilogram but by cubic meter (CBM). However, when converted, costs average $0.5 – $1 per kg for large loads.
- Cost for small LCL cargo: $200 – $400 per cubic meter.
- FCL containers: Cost efficiency increases dramatically when spread across 10,000–20,000 kg of cargo.
- Speed: 25–40 days depending on route.
Shipping Cost from Korea to USA per kg
For companies also sourcing from Korea, shipping from Korea to US tends to be slightly cheaper per kg because of shorter transit times and closer distance to the West Coast.
- Express courier: $5 – $8 per kg.
- Air freight: $3 – $6 per kg (bulk shipments).
- Sea freight: Comparable to China, around $0.4 – $0.8 per kg equivalent.
Cost Comparison: China vs. Korea (Per kg)
| Method | China → USA | Korea → USA |
|---|---|---|
| Express courier | $6–10 / kg | $5–8 / kg |
| Air freight | $4–8 / kg | $3–6 / kg |
| Sea freight (LCL) | $0.5–1 / kg | $0.4–0.8 / kg |
How to Reduce Shipping Costs
- Ship in bulk: The more weight, the cheaper the per-kg rate.
- Use FCL containers: Better cost efficiency than LCL.
- Plan around peak season: Avoid Chinese New Year rush.
- Work with a reliable freight forwarder: They negotiate better rates with carriers.
Final Thoughts
The shipping cost from China to USA per kg ranges from $0.5 to $10, depending on the method, urgency, and shipment size. By comparison, shipping from Korea to US is often slightly cheaper and faster, especially to the West Coast. To keep costs down, plan ahead, consolidate shipments, and match the right shipping method to your business needs.
