Shipping from Belgium to the United States: Your Complete Guide to Freight Options

Introduction

The United States is a crucial export destination for Belgian products, with a flourishing trade relationship benefiting various industries. In 2022, Belgium exported $15.5 billion worth of products to the United States, with vaccines, blood, antisera, toxins, and cultures being the top exported products at $9.38 billion. As a Digital Logistics Platform, we understand the importance of efficient shipping solutions for businesses engaged in this vital trade corridor. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore your options for shipping freight from Belgium to the United States, covering ocean and air freight, customs clearance procedures, and key logistics hubs.

Freight Shipping Options from Belgium to the United States

When it comes to transporting goods from Belgium to the United States, shippers have two primary options: ocean freight and air freight. Each mode of transportation offers distinct advantages and considerations, which we'll examine in detail.

Ocean Freight: The Cost-Effective and Flexible Option

Ocean freight is the most common method for shipping goods from Belgium to the United States. Its popularity stems from its cost-effectiveness and flexibility, making it suitable for a wide range of cargo types. Ocean freight offers two main options for container shipping:

• Less-than-Container Load (LCL): Ideal for smaller shipments, LCL allows multiple shippers to consolidate their goods in a single container. This option is highly economical, as each shipper only pays for the space their goods occupy.
• Full-Container Load (FCL): Suited for larger shipments, FCL involves renting an entire container for exclusive use. While more expensive than LCL, FCL can offer great value for money when the space is maximized.

Air Freight: Speed and Security for Time-Sensitive Cargo

Air freight is the fastest mode of international transport, making it the preferred choice for time-sensitive and perishable cargo. It's also favored by shippers with high-value goods due to its stricter security measures. However, air freight comes with some limitations:

• Higher costs compared to ocean freight
• Less flexibility in terms of cargo types, sizes, weights, and volumes

Shipping Costs: Factors to Consider

The cost of shipping cargo from Belgium to the United States depends on several factors, including:

• Choice of ocean or air shipping
• Shipping service type (door-to-door, port-to-port, port-to-door, or door-to-port)
• Consignment weight, volume, and size
• Weight and size limitations

To get an accurate estimate of your shipping costs, we recommend using a freight costs calculator. As a reference point, the current cost of shipping a standard 20-foot container from Belgium to the US varies depending on the specific route and service selected.

Transit Times: Ocean vs. Air Freight

The time it takes to ship goods from Belgium to the United States can vary significantly based on the chosen mode of transportation and other factors:

Ocean Freight Transit Times

Ocean freight from Belgium to the United States typically takes between 15 to 50 days. This wide range is due to factors such as:

• Shipping season (peak or low)
• Directness of the shipment's route
• Popularity of the trade lane
• Geopolitical issues
• Potential incidents at ports

Air Freight Transit Times

Air freight offers significantly faster transit times, typically taking approximately 2 to 8 business days from Belgium to the United States. This speed makes it ideal for time-sensitive shipments and perishable goods.

For the most accurate transit time estimates, we recommend using a transit time calculator that takes into account your specific origin and destination points.

Customs Clearance: Essential Documentation

Once your goods arrive in the United States, they must go through the U.S. Customs and Border Protection authorities for customs clearance. To ensure a smooth process, you'll need to submit the following documents:

• Commercial invoice
• Packing list
• Certificate of origin
• Letter of credit or other payment terms (depending on the contract between parties)
• Bill of lading (for ocean freight) or Airway Bill (for air freight)

As a Digital Logistics Solution provider, we can assist you in preparing and submitting these documents to streamline your customs clearance process.

Choosing Between Ocean and Air Freight

Selecting the right shipping method depends on your specific needs, priorities, and cargo requirements. Here are some key considerations for each option:

Ocean Freight Considerations

LCL (Less-than-Container Load) is ideal for:

• Small, lightweight shipments
• Cargo suitable for consolidation
• Non-fragile, lower-value goods
• Items not requiring special handling

FCL (Full-Container Load) is best for:

• Large, heavy shipments
• Cargo not suitable for consolidation
• Delicate, fragile, or high-value goods
• Items requiring special handling or movement

Air Freight Considerations

Choose air freight when:

• Speed is a priority
• Shipping time-sensitive or perishable goods
• Transporting high-value cargo requiring enhanced security
• Your shipment meets weight and size restrictions for air transport

Key Ports and Airports for Belgium-US Shipping

Ocean Cargo Ports in Belgium

Port of Ghent: Belgium's third busiest seaport, handling 530,823 TEUs and 47,712 million tons of cargo annually.

Port of Ostend: Offers various freight transport services, including lift-on lift-off, bulk, and project cargo.

Port of Genk: An inland port with a strategic location facilitating goods flow between the Euregion and major seaports.

Ocean Cargo Ports in the United States

Port of South Louisiana: Handles 60% of all Midwest grain cargo, processing over 238 million metric tonnes of cargo annually.

Port of Corpus Christi: Known for its energy conservation initiatives, handling an average of 100 million metric tonnes of cargo per year.

Port of New Orleans: One of the busiest U.S. ports, with 3,600 vessel calls annually and 92.2 million metric tonnes of cargo handled.

Airports in Belgium

Liege Airport: Focuses primarily on air freight, handling over 1.4 million tonnes of cargo annually.

Brussels Airport: An international hub with over 234,460 aircraft movements per year, serving major airlines.

Airports in the United States

Louisville International Airport: Home to UPS Worldport, handling more than 5 million pounds of cargo, freight, and mail annually.

Miami International Airport: The top airport for international freight in the U.S., processing 2 million tonnes of cargo per year.

Los Angeles International Airport: A major West Coast gateway, handling over 1.9 million tonnes of cargo annually with extensive dedicated cargo facilities.

Conclusion

Shipping goods from Belgium to the United States requires careful consideration of various factors, including cost, transit time, and cargo specifications. Whether you choose ocean freight for its cost-effectiveness and flexibility or air freight for its speed and security, understanding your options is crucial for making informed decisions.

As a Digital Logistics Platform, FreightAmigo is here to support you throughout your shipping journey. We can help you compare quotes, track shipments, arrange customs clearance, and provide expert support 24/7. By leveraging our Digital Logistics Solution, you can streamline your shipping process, reduce costs, and ensure your goods reach their destination efficiently and securely.

Ready to ship your goods from Belgium to the United States? Contact FreightAmigo today to explore how our Digital Platform can optimize your logistics operations and provide a hassle-free shipping experience.