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How much does air freight from China to the USA cost in 2026?
DDP air freight from China to the USA runs $8.2–10.3 per kg for 100 kg+ shipments (duties and clearance included), with 5–8 business days to West Coast pickup and 7–10 days for East Coast and battery lines. Minimum charge typically applies from 12 kg. Air card (direct FBA truck delivery) starts at 500 kg.
We operate three air product families into the USA — airport-to-door express (air express), direct FBA truck delivery (air card), and an economy sea-air hybrid. All are available DDP (duties prepaid by us) or on a DDU/self-clearance basis that saves $1.1–1.8/kg if you have your own US broker.
Product | Min. weight | Pickup after uplift | Indicative DDP rate (101 kg+) |
Air express — West Coast, 5-day line | 12 kg | 4–6 business days | $9.60–9.95 / kg |
Air express — West Coast, 8-day line (sea-air hybrid via Korea) | 12 kg | 7–8 business days | $8.30–9.30 / kg |
Air express — battery-accepted line | 12 kg | 8–10 business days | $8.70–9.30 / kg |
Air express — Chicago / New York direct (ORD/JFK) | 12 kg | 7–9 business days | $9.70–9.95 / kg |
Air card — direct FBA truck delivery (LAX/SFO gateway) | 500 kg | 8–10 days | $7.75–8.00 / kg |
Zone-based pricing applies by destination ZIP (0–7 zones, ~$1/kg spread). Volumetric weight at /6000 with 50% diversion allowed on most lines. Heavy dense cargo earns tiered discounts up to ratio 1:300. East Coast destinations should route via ORD/JFK direct lines for best transit.
DDP (recommended): we clear customs with our own annual bond and prepay all duties — including the 2026 Section 301 stack. One all-inclusive price, no paperwork, and we absorb CBP exam fees.
Self-clearance (DDU/DAP): you clear through your own broker and save **1.1–1.8/kg** on the freight leg. China-side export handling from ~85/shipment; US-side entry fees from ~$85 (ISF $10, entry $75, PGA $25 each, handling $100/BL); duties billed at actuals.
Not sure which fits? See our full DDP vs DDU vs DAP guide.
Built-in battery products accepted on the battery line (Korea routing) — no magnet inspection needed. Power banks / standalone lithium batteries not accepted.
Textiles & apparel +$0.15/kg; FDA-regulated goods accepted with documentation.
Steel, aluminum & copper products +$0.20/kg (Section 232 related); send us the material breakdown for accurate DDP pricing.
High-value cargo (declared value above ~$42/kg) carries a value surcharge — we will flag it on the quote before you commit.
Pickup/drop-off at our warehouses (12 kg minimum, palletized above 100 kg).
Export customs declaration + security filing.
Direct flight or Korea sea-air hybrid uplift; ORD/JFK direct for Midwest/East Coast.
Customs clearance (our bond under DDP) → UPS final delivery to door, warehouse, or FBA center.
Delay protection: if pickup exceeds the committed window, we compensate per working day up to a capped amount per kg — stated on every booking.
1. Air freight vs air express from China — what's the difference?
Airport-to-airport air freight ends at the terminal; our air express product is door-to-door with clearance and delivery included (DDP). Most small and mid-size importers only need the latter.
2. How fast is air freight from China to the USA?
4–6 business days to West Coast pickup on the fast line, 7–9 to Chicago/New York direct lines, plus 1–3 days final delivery. Door-to-door typically 6–12 days total.
3. What's the cheapest air option?
The 8-day sea-air hybrid line ($8.30–9.30/kg) — ocean leg to Korea, then air into the US. For 500 kg+ FBA shipments, air card direct truck delivery drops to ~$7.75/kg.
4. Do you deliver directly to Amazon FBA warehouses?
Yes — see our Amazon FBA shipping page for the 8-day air card service and full FBA inbound compliance.
5. Can I ship power banks or loose lithium batteries?
No. Built-in battery products (batteries installed in devices) are accepted on designated lines; standalone lithium cells and power banks are prohibited on all our US air products.
WhatsApp +86 136 6226 6273 or email sales@stusupplychain.com with your packing list — itemized air DDP quote within 24 hours.
