How to Ship Containers to USA: 5 Questions Answered (2024)

Planning to expand your business to the United States? Well, you probably have a lot of questions, and now you want to know how to ship to USA. While it may sound overwhelming, sending your shipments to cross the border is not as complicated as it may seem. 

When shipping to the United States, you want to ensure that you have everything covered, from the documents you will need, to cost estimates and transit times to plot your shipment efficiently. Here, we’ll answer the most common questions you have. 

Shipping to the United States

1. What are the Ways to ship to USA?

Whether it’s an LCL or FCL shipment, ocean freight is the most common way to ship to USA. However, it is not limited to ocean freight transportation alone. More often than not, you’ll need a road freight or inland transfer when moving your shipment from the point of origin to your final destination. 

Rail transport is also another alternative such as when shipping from Canada to the USA, however, not all destinations have an available rail freight route. You might want to coordinate with your Freight Forwarder on your route and service mode preferences. 

Another way to ship to USA is through Air Freight, however, expect that it will be more expensive. 

Meanwhile, other destination routes will require a combination of different transport modes. 

2. What are the Largest Ports in the United States?

When choosing a seaport, you’ll want to check on the routes available, the size of the cargo, and the target delivery date and budget. Currently, there are 360 commercial ports in the United States, with the Port of Los Angeles covering almost 20% of all incoming cargo. 

However, shipping to the busiest ports may not always be ideal. Due to the number of TEUs daily, the possibility of delays in your shipments is more likely. In other words, it’s important to assess carefully, before choosing your port of entry.

To give you an idea, here are the ten largest ports in the United States by tonnage.

3. How much does it cost to ship to USA? 

The cost to ship to USA will vary depending on the port of origin and destination. Other factors include the commodity, inland haulage, and container type. Reefer containers cost more than Dry containers. Similarly, inland haulage charges will also vary. 

For instance, here are some ballpark figures from the top exporting countries to the USA. However, to get a more accurate quote, it’s best to talk with your Freight Forwarders and discuss your shipping needs.

4. What is the Transit Time when shipping to the United States?

The transit time of shipping to the United States will depend on the distance from the origin, and the number of transshipment ports it will pass through. For instance, Europe and Asia’s imports take the longest, while those that come from  South and Central America, are deemed shorter. 

Here’s an idea of the average transit time, from these 5 countries.

5. What paperwork is needed for international shipments to the United States?

Gather all the necessary documents, including necessary information such as the value of goods, the size and weight (if LCL), and other customs forms. When shipping via FCL, ensure that everything is correctly packed and that the container is labeled accordingly. 

Additionally, shipments to the USA are also regulated by the Federal Maritime Commission, and it will require paperwork filing, which your Freight Forwarder can assist you with.

Meanwhile, here are other paperwork you will have to complete to avoid delays in customs procedures.

• Import and export license
• Importer security filing (for imports)
• Pro forma invoice or commercial invoice
• Letter of credit
• Export packing list
• Bill of lading (BoL)
• Importer Security Filing (ISF)
• Delivery order
• Import license
• Certificate of origin (CO)
• Customs power of attorney
• Insurance certificate
• Notice of arrival (for imports)
• Customs declaration sheet
• Shipping Instructions
• Shipper’s letter of instructions (for exports)
• Any special certificates from partner government agencies (if required)
• Other forms or certificates specific to the shipped goods

How do I find a freight forwarder in the USA?

When choosing a freight forwarder for your business, always conduct a thorough check of the company’s performance in the country of destination, in this case, the United States. Pangea has an extensive network of freight forwarders in the USA, who can assist you in moving your containers. 

Keep in mind that hiring an efficient forwarder will relieve you of concerns about freight, etc. They will guide your business in navigating the worldwide trade industry. However, it’s a must to ask the necessary questions, before signing off your goods to the other party.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How much does it cost to ship a container to USA? 

The cost of shipping containers to the USA varies on the timeframe, distance, and volume, hence it can range from $ 1,000 to $5,000. Normal pricing may not be applicable during peak seasons such as December. 

• What is the cheapest way to ship a container to USA? 

The cheapest way to ship a container to the USA is through Sea Freight which takes an average of 15 to 30 days depending on the point of origin, and considering the inland transfers. 

Conclusion 

The USA is an important contributor to global trade and is a hub of opportunities for exports and importers alike. It’s crucial to have all your questions answered, when planning your shipment. Additionally, having a Freight Forwarder who can guide you and is more knowledgeable about the process, is equally important.