What is the cheapest way of freight from China to the US? If you import small goods, such as a sample of a new product, then freight shipping is too much. It will take you more time. You rely more securely on:
Mail may be the most economical way to transport light and small products in small batches. For example, China Post offers several mail options: air mail/SAL or surface mail for small parcels; Air parcel, SAL or surface mail of large parcels; And EMS/China International Express and EUB priority systems for parcels.
But first, carefully check each option, and then compare it with the express fee. The heavier the package, the cheaper the express (express). Although mail is cheap, you also need a long waiting time.
What is the cheapest way of freight from China to the US? Whether DHL, UPS or TNT, international express delivery (also known as express delivery) is usually more reliable and faster than mailing.
According to experience, express freight is about $5 per kilogram, which is the cheapest mode of freight for parcels or small goods. The weight can reach 150 kg. But please note that if you are not a registered customer, some couriers will charge astronomical fees.
Once the weight of goods exceeds 500 kg, shipping becomes the cheapest option. Shipping provides a huge economy of scale (some ships can carry 20000 20 foot containers).

What is the cheapest way of freight from China to the US?
The cheapest way of freight from China to the US will depend on various factors, including the type of goods, weight, volume, urgency, and the final destination within the US. Generally, there are several cost-effective shipping options available for transporting goods from China to the US. Here are some of the common economical freight methods:
Ocean Freight (Full Container Load – FCL): Shipping goods via ocean freight in a full container load (FCL) can be cost-effective for larger shipments. FCL involves filling an entire shipping container with your goods, providing the advantage of paying a flat rate for the entire container. This method is especially economical when shipping bulk goods or larger quantities.
Ocean Freight (Less Than Container Load – LCL): For smaller shipments that do not fill an entire container, less than container load (LCL) is a viable option. LCL involves consolidating multiple smaller shipments from different shippers into a single container. Each shipper pays only for the space their goods occupy in the container, making it more cost-effective for smaller quantities.
Rail Freight: If the shipment is time-sensitive but less urgent than air freight, rail freight can be a more affordable alternative. The railway network connecting China and Europe through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) offers a cost-effective option for certain types of cargo.
Multimodal Transport: Some freight forwarders and carriers offer multimodal transport solutions, combining different modes of transportation (e.g., rail, road, and sea) to optimize costs and transit times. By using a mix of transport options, freight forwarders can find the most economical route for your shipment.
Surface Shipping: Surface shipping, such as trucking and intermodal transportation, can be a cost-effective option for shipments destined for specific locations within the US, particularly for goods that are not time-sensitive.
Economy Air Freight: If the shipment is relatively small and time-sensitive, but not as urgent as express air freight, economy air freight may offer a balance between cost and speed.


The cheapest shipping option from China to the US is typically ocean freight, especially for larger and less time-sensitive shipments. Here are some key points to consider for cost-effective shipping:
Ocean Freight (FCL and LCL): Shipping by sea is generally more economical for bulk shipments or larger quantities. Full Container Load (FCL) is suitable when you have enough cargo to fill an entire container, while Less Than Container Load (LCL) is cost-effective for smaller shipments that do not require a whole container. LCL allows you to share container space and split the cost with other shippers.
Economy Air Freight: If you need a faster shipping option than ocean freight but still want to consider cost, you can explore economy air freight. While air freight is generally more expensive than ocean freight, economy options might offer better rates compared to express air shipping.
Rail Freight: Some freight companies offer rail freight services that can be more cost-effective than air freight for certain types of cargo, especially for goods moving between China and Europe.
Intermodal Transportation: Consider intermodal transportation that involves using a combination of different transportation modes, such as rail and trucking, to optimize costs and transit times.
Negotiate with Freight Forwarders: Work with reputable freight forwarders and shipping agents who can negotiate better rates on your behalf and provide guidance on the most cost-effective shipping options for your specific needs.
Consolidation Services: Utilize cargo consolidation services that combine shipments from multiple suppliers into one container to reduce shipping costs.
What is the cheapest way of freight from China to the US? Some freight forwarders China provide a kind of high-quality service, which is usually called urgent freight, which is slightly more expensive than the normal sea freight. As with air transportation, ocean freight rates vary greatly among China freight forwarders, and as time goes by, the freight forwarder China compare with each other.
SHENZHEN BASENTON LOGISTICS CO. LTD. is a professional China freight forwarder with a good reputation. We are a one-stop solution provider, offering global express services through advanced technology and data analysis. We are redesigning the transportation process of cross-border e-commerce. We combine the existing quantity with your package to save costs.