Urgent and next flight out services.
Weekly console from your airport of choice
Perishables and temp sensitive items.
Track your shipments with ease
Deliver your air freight to final zip code
| Aircraft Type | Max Payload (approx.) | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Antonov An-124 Ruslan | 120–150 tons | Oversized & heavy project cargo, machinery, turbines, oil & gas equipment |
| Boeing 747-400F / 747-8F | 110–140 tons | High-volume general cargo, electronics, machinery |
| Boeing 777F | 100–112 tons | Long-range heavy cargo, electronics, perishables |
| Boeing 767-300F | 50–60 tons | Medium-heavy cargo, express freight |
| Boeing 737-800BCF | 20–25 tons | Urgent or medium-sized high-value cargo, fast turnaround |
| Airbus A330-200F | 65–70 tons | Modern medium-heavy cargo, efficient long-haul |
| Ilyushin Il-76 | 40–50 tons | Oversized cargo, humanitarian, remote airports |
We regularly charter these aircraft for China-origin shipments. Our team will recommend the best option based on your cargo size, weight, urgency, and destination.
| Origin | Destination | Service | Transit Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| PVG / SZX / CAN | LAX | Standard | 3–5 days |
| PVG / SZX / CAN | JFK | Standard | 4–7 days |
| PVG / SZX / CAN | ORD | Standard | 4–6 days |
| HKG | LAX | Standard | 3–5 days |
| Any China airport | Any US airport | Express | 1–3 days |
| Any China airport | Any US airport | Economy air | 5–10 days |
| Service Type | Rate | Speed |
|---|---|---|
| Economy Air | $3.50–$5.50/kg | 5–10 days |
| General Cargo | $4.50–$9/kg | 3–7 days |
| Express (DHL/FedEx/UPS) | $8–$15/kg | 1–3 days |
| Charter (large volumes) | Negotiated | As arranged |
| Origin | Destination | Service | Transit Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| PVG / SZX / CAN | LAX | Standard | 3–5 days |
| PVG / SZX / CAN | JFK | Standard | 4–7 days |
| PVG / SZX / CAN | ORD | Standard | 4–6 days |
| HKG | LAX | Standard | 3–5 days |
| Any China airport | Any US airport | Express | 1–3 days |
| Any China airport | Any US airport | Economy air | 5–10 days |
Transit times shown are port-to-port. Add 3–5 days for inland pickup in China and 2–4 days for US customs clearance and final delivery.
How much does air freight from China to the US cost per kilogram?
General cargo runs $4.50–$9/kg airport-to-airport in June 2026. Add 20–30% for fuel surcharges, plus customs clearance and delivery. Express services (DHL, FedEx, UPS) run $8–$15/kg but are fully door-to-door including customs.
How long does air freight take from China to the USA?
Standard air freight takes 3–7 days airport-to-airport. Add 1–2 days for pickup and 1–2 days for customs clearance and delivery. Express couriers like DHL, FedEx, and UPS deliver door-to-door in 1–4 business days from most Chinese cities.
What's the minimum shipment size for air freight from China?
There's no minimum — air freight handles shipments from 1 kg upward. However, for very small shipments (under 30 kg), express couriers (DHL/FedEx/UPS) are often more cost-effective than traditional air freight forwarding due to their built-in customs handling.
Can I ship lithium batteries from China by air?
Yes, but with strict conditions. Batteries must meet IATA DGR Section II or Section IA rules depending on watt-hour capacity. Batteries installed in equipment have more flexibility than standalone cells. Your supplier must package them to IATA standards and provide proper documentation. Always declare this upfront.
Is air freight subject to Section 301 tariffs?
Yes — Section 301 tariffs apply to the value of the goods regardless of shipping mode. Shipping by air doesn't change your duty rate. However, air freight often makes sense for high-value goods where the tariff cost is already baked into the business model.
When should I switch from air to ocean freight?
When your shipment exceeds 300–500 kg and your lead time allows 3–6 weeks, ocean FCL or LCL will almost always be cheaper. Run the math: compare (air rate × kg) against (ocean rate + LCL consolidation + extra transit cost in carrying costs and lost sales). For most importers, ocean becomes the default above 200–300 kg unless urgency justifies the premium. --- *Related pages: [Ocean Freight from China](/ocean-freight) | [LCL Shipping](/lcl-shipping) | [China Freight Rates 2026](/china-freight-rates-2026) | [Customs Clearance USA](/customs-clearance-usa)*
| Service | Rate Range |
|---|---|
| Base rate | 100 kg × $6/kg = $600 |
| Fuel/security surcharges (~25%) | $150 |
| Documentation/AWB | $50 |
| US customs clearance | $150–$250 |
| Total | ~$1,000–$1,100 to US port |
| Route | Transit Time |
|---|---|
| Transit times are airport | to-airport. Add 1–2 days for pick-up from supplier and 1–2 days for customs clearance and delivery to your door. Express services like DHL, FedEx, and UPS often include door-to-door customs handling.* |
Q: How much does air freight from China to the US cost per kilogram?
General cargo runs $4.50–$9/kg airport-to-airport in June 2026. Add 20–30% for fuel surcharges, plus customs clearance and delivery. Express services (DHL, FedEx, UPS) run $8–$15/kg but are fully door-to-door including customs.
Q: How long does air freight take from China to the USA?
Standard air freight takes 3–7 days airport-to-airport. Add 1–2 days for pickup and 1–2 days for customs clearance and delivery. Express couriers like DHL, FedEx, and UPS deliver door-to-door in 1–4 business days from most Chinese cities.
Q: What’s the minimum shipment size for air freight from China?
There’s no minimum — air freight handles shipments from 1 kg upward. However, for very small shipments (under 30 kg), express couriers (DHL/FedEx/UPS) are often more cost-effective than traditional air freight forwarding due to their built-in customs handling.
Q: Can I ship lithium batteries from China by air?
Yes, but with strict conditions. Batteries must meet IATA DGR Section II or Section IA rules depending on watt-hour capacity. Batteries installed in equipment have more flexibility than standalone cells. Your supplier must package them to IATA standards and provide proper documentation. Always declare this upfront.
Q: Is air freight subject to Section 301 tariffs?
Yes — Section 301 tariffs apply to the value of the goods regardless of shipping mode. Shipping by air doesn’t change your duty rate. However, air freight often makes sense for high-value goods where the tariff cost is already baked into the business model.
Q: When should I switch from air to ocean freight?
When your shipment exceeds 300–500 kg and your lead time allows 3–6 weeks, ocean FCL or LCL will almost always be cheaper. Run the math: compare (air rate × kg) against (ocean rate + LCL consolidation + extra transit cost in carrying costs and lost sales). For most importers, ocean becomes the default above 200–300 kg unless urgency justifies the premium. — *Related pages: [Ocean Freight from China](/ocean-freight) | [LCL Shipping](/lcl-shipping) | [China Freight Rates 2026](/china-freight-rates-2026) | [Customs Clearance USA](/customs-clearance-usa)*
| Service | Rate Range |
|---|---|
| Base rate | 100 kg × $6/kg = $600 |
| Fuel/security surcharges (~25%) | $150 |
| Documentation/AWB | $50 |
| US customs clearance | $150–$250 |
| Total | ~$1,000–$1,100 to US port |
| Route | Transit Time |
|---|---|
| Transit times are airport | to-airport. Add 1–2 days for pick-up from supplier and 1–2 days for customs clearance and delivery to your door. Express services like DHL, FedEx, and UPS often include door-to-door customs handling.* |
Q: How much does air freight from China to the US cost per kilogram?
General cargo runs $4.50–$9/kg airport-to-airport in June 2026. Add 20–30% for fuel surcharges, plus customs clearance and delivery. Express services (DHL, FedEx, UPS) run $8–$15/kg but are fully door-to-door including customs.
Q: How long does air freight take from China to the USA?
Standard air freight takes 3–7 days airport-to-airport. Add 1–2 days for pickup and 1–2 days for customs clearance and delivery. Express couriers like DHL, FedEx, and UPS deliver door-to-door in 1–4 business days from most Chinese cities.
Q: What’s the minimum shipment size for air freight from China?
There’s no minimum — air freight handles shipments from 1 kg upward. However, for very small shipments (under 30 kg), express couriers (DHL/FedEx/UPS) are often more cost-effective than traditional air freight forwarding due to their built-in customs handling.
Q: Can I ship lithium batteries from China by air?
Yes, but with strict conditions. Batteries must meet IATA DGR Section II or Section IA rules depending on watt-hour capacity. Batteries installed in equipment have more flexibility than standalone cells. Your supplier must package them to IATA standards and provide proper documentation. Always declare this upfront.
Q: Is air freight subject to Section 301 tariffs?
Yes — Section 301 tariffs apply to the value of the goods regardless of shipping mode. Shipping by air doesn’t change your duty rate. However, air freight often makes sense for high-value goods where the tariff cost is already baked into the business model.
Q: When should I switch from air to ocean freight?
When your shipment exceeds 300–500 kg and your lead time allows 3–6 weeks, ocean FCL or LCL will almost always be cheaper. Run the math: compare (air rate × kg) against (ocean rate + LCL consolidation + extra transit cost in carrying costs and lost sales). For most importers, ocean becomes the default above 200–300 kg unless urgency justifies the premium. — *Related pages: [Ocean Freight from China](/ocean-freight) | [LCL Shipping](/lcl-shipping) | [China Freight Rates 2026](/china-freight-rates-2026) | [Customs Clearance USA](/customs-clearance-usa)*
