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Air Freight from China to USA:
Rates, Cost & Transit Time 2026
Current estimated rates, chargeable weight explained, major airports, and a free quote — everything you need before booking your air shipment from China to the USA.
$3–$8 per kg
3–7 days transit
Updated April 2026
Current Air Freight Rates: China to USA
Air freight from China to the USA currently costs between $3.00 and $8.00 per chargeable kg, depending on service type, cargo, and season.
| Service Type | Rate (per chargeable kg) | Transit Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Express Air Freight | $6.00 – $8.00 | 3–4 days | Urgent, high-value cargo |
| Standard Air Freight | $4.00 – $6.00 | 5–7 days | Regular commercial shipments |
| Consolidated (Economy) | $3.00 – $4.50 | 7–10 days | Smaller, cost-sensitive loads |
| Door-to-Door (Air + Truck) | $5.00 – $9.00 | 5–8 days | Complete logistics solution |
📅 Rates last reviewed April 2026. Based on IATA market benchmarks. Actual rates vary — get a real quote below.
How Is the Price Calculated?
Air freight pricing is based on chargeable weight — the higher of actual weight vs. volumetric weight:
- Volumetric weight = Length × Width × Height (cm) ÷ 6,000
- Chargeable weight = MAX(actual weight, volumetric weight)
- Base cost = chargeable weight × rate per kg
- Add surcharges: fuel (10–25%), handling, security, documentation (~$25–50), US customs clearance (~$80–200)
📦 Example Calculation
Shipment: 80 kg actual · 100×80×60 cm box
Volumetric weight: 100×80×60 ÷ 6,000 = 80 kg
Chargeable weight: MAX(80, 80) = 80 kg
Base rate (standard $5/kg): $400
Fuel surcharge (~20%): $80 · Other fees: ~$100
Estimated total: $580
Major Airports: China → USA
✈ Origin — China
| PVG | Shanghai Pudong (main cargo hub) |
| PEK | Beijing Capital |
| CAN | Guangzhou Baiyun |
| SZX | Shenzhen |
🇺🇸 Destination — USA
| LAX | Los Angeles (Pacific gateway) |
| JFK | New York |
| ORD | Chicago O’Hare |
| SFO | San Francisco |
Get a Free Air Freight Quote
Get a free quote for China to USA air freight. Email us at [email protected] with your cargo weight, dimensions, and commodity type. We respond with competitive rates from multiple carriers within hours. Or use our online quote form.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does air freight from China to USA cost per kg?
Air freight from China to USA costs between $3.00 and $8.00 per chargeable kg. Express services run $6–$8/kg, standard $4–$6/kg, consolidated from $3/kg. Surcharges add 15–30% on top.
How long does air freight from China to USA take?
Standard air freight takes 5–7 days airport-to-airport. Express delivers in 3–4 days. Door-to-door including customs clearance: 5–10 days total.
What is chargeable weight and why does it matter?
Chargeable weight is the higher of actual weight vs volumetric weight (L×W×H cm ÷ 6,000). Airlines charge based on whichever is greater. If your cargo is light but bulky, you pay based on volume — which is why accurate dimensions matter as much as weight.
Which airlines fly cargo from China to USA?
Major cargo carriers on the China–USA route include Lufthansa Cargo, Emirates SkyCargo, Cathay Pacific Cargo, Korean Air Cargo, Air China Cargo, China Southern Cargo, FedEx Express, and UPS Airlines.
Is air freight cheaper than sea freight?
No — sea freight is typically 4–6x cheaper per kg. Air makes sense when goods are time-sensitive, high-value, or perishable, or when sea transit time (25–35 days) would cost more in lost revenue than the air freight premium.