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Shipping from
Hong Kong to United States
Latest Updated in January 2024
Overview of Shipping from Hong Kong to United States
Shipping from Hong Kong to the United States is an important and dynamic aspect of international trade. With Hong Kong serving as a key logistics and shipping hub in Asia, and the United States being a significant consumer market, the shipping route between these two regions plays a vital role in connecting businesses and consumers.
Understanding the intricacies of shipping from Hong Kong to the United States is essential for businesses and individuals seeking efficient and reliable transportation of goods across these popular trade route.
Shipping Options from Hong Kong to United States: How to choose?
Shipping from Hong Kong to the United States can be done by air freight, sea freight, or courier services. Each mode has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the choice depends on various factors such as the size and weight of the shipment, delivery time, and cost.
Some key factors to consider when shipping from Hong Kong to the US include:
Size & weight of shipment: Courier is suitable for small shipments; FCL shipping is better for bulk shipping, while LCL shipping is more appropriate for smaller packages.
Costs: Air freight is generally more expensive than sea freight, but it is faster. Fuel costs for air freight are also higher than those for sea freight.
Weather conditions: Incidents such as storms and hurricanes could alter the shipping route.
For help finding the best shipping mode for your shipment, use our Instant Quote.
Air Freight from Hong Kong to the United States
Air freight is considerably faster than sea freight, with goods reaching their destination in a matter of days rather than several weeks or months. It is ideal for urgent shipments or perishable goods that require fast delivery. Additionally, air shipping involves minimal handling of items, making it one of the safest shipping options.
Yet shipping by air is more expensive than shipping by sea. The mode chosen will depend on the size and weight of the shipment, and how quickly it needs to arrive at the destination. Learn more about Air Freight services.
Sea Freight from Hong Kong to the United States
Sea freight is the cheapest and most time-consuming mode of shipping. It can be used for bulk shipping and is divided into LCL (Less than Container Loads) and FCL (Full Container Loads). The choice between FCL and LCL shipping methods depends on the size of the shipment, the urgency of delivery, and the characteristics of the goods. Learn more about Sea Freight services.
FCL Sea Freight from Hong Kong to United States
FCL sea freight offers the advantage of being cost-effective, faster transit time, and lower potential for damage compared to LCL (Less than Container Load) shipping. FCL means your goods fill an entire container, either 20’ or 40’ long. If you are shipping at a high volume, you’ll save time and money by shipping FCL. Pricing for FCL is done as a flat rate, regardless of whether or not your container is completely full.
LCL Sea Freight from Hong Kong to United States
LCL sea freight is a shipping method suitable for smaller shipments that do not fill an entire container and will be shipped along with other parcels or pallets. However, LCL shipping has some disadvantages, such as longer transit times, higher costs per unit, and a higher chance of damage due to the need for consolidation and deconsolidation of goods at the origin and destination ports.
Courier from Hong Kong to United States
Courier services are suitable when you need to send small to medium-sized packages quickly from Hong Kong to the U.S., typically ranging from 3 to 5 days, making them ideal for urgent shipments. Some courier services offer door-to-door delivery services, making it convenient for customers. Learn more about Courier services.
Post Service from Hong Kong to United States
Post services are suitable for sending documents or small-sized packages that are not time-sensitive from Hong Kong to the U.S. Postal services are generally used to send documents, gifts, and merchandise. Learn more about Post Service.
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Shipping Cost & Delivery Time from Hong Kong to United States
The shipping cost from Hong Kong to the U.S. is influenced by various factors. These include the mode of transportation, the size and weight of the shipment, the port of arrival, handling requirements, fuel costs, market demand. By considering these factors, shippers can make informed decisions to manage and optimize the cost of shipping.
While transit time is impacted by the specific location of the shipment, the size of the shipment, and seasonal factors. The choice of shipping mode, such as courier, air or sea freight, can significantly impact the transit time. Transported by Air is generally faster than ocean, with delivery times ranging from 2 to 5 days, while ocean freight can take between 15 and 43 days, depending on the destination and load type.
Gain real-time information on the status of your shipment with our real-time Track & Trace.
Air Freight from Hong Kong to United States
Shipping cost of air freight from Hong Kong to the U.S. is generally calculated per kilogram. In some cases, the chargeable weight is determined by the volumetric weight rather than the actual weight. The cheapest option for air freight from Hong Kong to the United States is generally for shipments weighing between 150 kg to 500 kg, with typically between 2 to 7 days in delivery time.
Weight (kg) | Rate (USD/kg) | Transit Time (Days) |
+100 | $ 5.67 | 2 - 7 |
+300 | $ 5.63 | 2 - 7 |
+500 | $ 5.63 | 2 - 7 |
+1000 | $ 5.49 | 2 - 7 |
*Actual rates as of January 2024
For the latest air freight offers, check out FreightAmigo Special Offers.
Sea Freight from Hong Kong to United States
Shipping cost of sea freight is typically calculated based on the volumetric weight of the shipment. Once a shipment weighs more than around 500 kg, shipping by sea generally becomes the more cost-effective option due to economies of scale. The typical transit time for sea freight is between 15 to 43 days, with LCL shipment is generally a few days longer than FCL shipment.
LCL Shipping Rates from Hong Kong to United States
Shipping Route | Rate (USD/CBM) | Transit Time (Days) |
Shipping to Long Beach | $ 58.00 | 18 - 25 |
Shipping to Los Angeles | $ 53.00 | 18 - 25 |
Shipping to New York | $ 59.00 | 33 - 38 |
*Actual rates as of January 2024
For the latest LCL shipping offers, check out FreightAmigo Special Offers.
FCL Shipping Rates from Hong Kong to United States
Shipping Route | Rate (USD/20GP) | Rate (USD/40GP) | Transit Time (Days) |
Shipping to Long Beach | $ 2,340.00 | $ 2,935.00 | 16 - 18 |
Shipping to Los Angeles | $ 2,340.00 | $ 2,935.00 | 16 - 18 |
Shipping to New York | $ 3,370.00 | $ 4,235.00 | 30 - 33 |
*Actual rates as of January 2024
For the latest FCL shipping offers, check out FreightAmigo Special Offers.
Express from Hong Kong to United States
Small packages are often most suitable for courier services due to their lower weight and size, which can make them more cost-effective to ship. Additionally, many courier services offer specific pricing and services tailored to small packages, making them a convenient and efficient option for shipping smaller items internationally. The typical transit time for courier services is between 3 to 5 days.
Post Service from Hong Kong to United States
When it is suitable to use mail services for sending a package depends on various factors such as the size and weight of the package, the destination, and the urgency of delivery. For instance, Hongkong Post also offers various mail services for international destinations, including the U.S., with delivery times ranging from 1 week to 4 weeks depending on the service chosen.
The Cheapest shipping options from Hong Kong to the United States
Discover the cheapest rates with our instant quote function.
Shipping from Hong Kong to the U.S. – From HK$ 181 / US$ 23 *
Get the best international freight rates from Hong Kong to the United States to save your cost with FreightAmigo
Duties & Taxes for Shipping from Hong Kong to United States
The United States operates with an open economic system and relatively straightforward cross-border trade terms. The United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is responsible for assessing and collecting these duties.
There are 4 types of duties and taxes imposed on imported goods into the US:
- Customs Duties: Applicable to imported goods that are valued above US$ 800
- Excise Tax: Applicable to excise goods (e.g. liquors & tobacco)
- Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF): Applicable to informal and formal entries
- Harbour Maintenance Fee (HMF): Applicable to sea freight shipment
Duties Threshold and Exemption
The duties threshold for goods imported from Hong Kong into the United States is set at US$ 800. This de minimis value determines that goods with declared cargo value below US$ 800 are generally exempt from duties and taxes. However, goods exceeding this threshold are subject to applicable duties and taxes upon importation.
Common Goods Shipped from Hong Kong to United States
Hong Kong and the United States have a wide range of common goods that are frequently traded between the two regions. These goods encompass various industries, including electronics, consumer goods, textiles, machinery, and pharmaceuticals, among others. Despite ongoing efforts to maintain a favorable trade environment, challenges related to shipping from Hong Kong to the U.S. persist.
Leveraging platform services can greatly simplify the logistics process. These platforms connect businesses with a wide network of reliable logistics services providers, streamlining the transportation of goods across borders.
Some common goods shipped from Hong Kong to the US are:
Hong Kong has been a prominent hub for toy manufacturing for several decades. Navigating the import and export market for toys between Hong Kong and the U.S. requires a good understanding of regulations, standards, and industry trends. Working with experienced shipping professionals can help ensure compliance and smooth transactions in this market.
Shipping electronics from Hong Kong to the U.S. has thrived due to Hong Kong’s position as a major export hub, facilitating the smooth flow of goods and trade activities. However, evolving trade factors have introduced new challenges and considerations for businesses involved in this shipping route.
Hong Kong is a key hub for importing and exporting food and beverage products. Its strategic location and strong trade links with the US make it an ideal location for businesses to take advantage of Hong Kong’s logistics expertise and reputation for quality, benefiting from the trade between these two places.
The car battery market in shipping from Hong Kong to the United States is experiencing a significant surge due to the increased import of lithium-ion batteries. The shipping landscape between Hong Kong and the United States is being influenced by this rapid expansion in the car battery market, particularly for EVs.
The import and export market for Super Cars between Hong Kong and the United States is thriving. Hong Kong’s logistics expertise and the United States’ demand for luxury vehicles make it an ideal route for shipping these super cars. Businesses can leverage Hong Kong’s logistics capabilities and the United States market’s affinity for exceptional automobiles to maximize opportunities in this sector.
Prohibited & Restricted Items for shipping from Hong Kong to United States
The United States does publish a list of items prohibited from import, but it pays to read the regulations carefully as some of these prohibited items may be sent across the border if specific requirements are met or licenses are obtained. The list of prohibited items includes:
- Alcoholic Beverages
- Cultural Artifacts and Cultural Property
- Firearms
- Fish and Wildlife
- Food Products (Raw & Prepared)
- Plants & Seeds
Before you book a parcel delivery to the U.S. from HK, please also ensure you are complied with the rules and regulations listed. This will help to avoid any risk of your packages being delayed or returned, any unforeseen complications or extra charge. Learn more here.
For the latest information, please refer to the United States Customs website.
Top shipping routes from Hong Kong to United States
The major seaport in Hong Kong is the Port of Hong Kong (HKHKG); while in the U.S., there are several ports you can direct your shipment to, but it is best to use a port that is closest to your final destination. While there are many possible routes, here are some commonly used shipping lanes are:
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Hong Kong to Long Beach (USLGB)
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Hong Kong to Los Angeles (CALIF)
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Hong Kong to New York (USNYC)
There are additional shipping routes available depending on your specific needs and the destination within the U.S. FreightAmigo can provide you with real-time rates and options for these and other shipping routes to help you make informed decisions for your shipments from Hong Kong to the U.S.
Useful Information for shipping from Hong Kong to United States
As a business center, the U.S. prioritizes facilitating business transactions to the maximum extent possible. As a result, the majority of small, letter-sized shipments are exempt from any tariffs and smoothly clear the border of the United States. This significantly simplifies the process of sending paperwork, proposals, and other business correspondence from Hong Kong to the US.
However, for packages, complete customs forms and accurate declarations are required, although such procedures can be conveniently carried out through document digitization during the booking process with FreightAmigo.
There are different options for cargo transportation. If you want to choose the most convenient and suitable solution, it is best to have the full support of logistics experts!
Simple Booking Steps for Shipping from Hong Kong to United States
At FreightAmigo, we are dedicated to providing you with a comprehensive logistics solution that makes arranging international shipping a breeze. With five different transportation modes to choose from, we have all your shipping needs covered!
Frequently Asked Questions about Shipping from Hong Kong to United States
How to choose air or sea freight for shipping from Hong Kong to the United States?
The difference between air and sea freight for shipping from Hong Kong to the U.S. lies in the transit time, cost, and suitability for different types of shipments. The choice between air and sea freight depends on the size, weight, and urgency of the shipment. Air freight is recommended for smaller, time-sensitive shipments, while sea freight is more cost-effective for larger shipments. Find the best solutions with our Instant Quote.
Do I need cargo insurance for shipping from Hong Kong to the United States?
It is advisable to consider insurance coverage to protect your goods in case of damage or loss during transit. On FreightAmigo platform, you can easily insure your goods in just one click when arranging your shipment. Learn more about our Cargo Insurance services.
What are the import requirements and documentation for shipping from Hong Kong to the United States?
When importing goods from Hong Kong to the United States, the customs process involves completing customs clearance procedures, providing supporting documents such as commercial invoices, packing lists, and filling in an accurate import declaration. Consult with our expert to simplify the shipping process and ensure compliance to avoid any additional charges. Learn more about our Customs Clearance services.
How to ship to Amazon FBA?
Cost and timing are important factors when considering shipping to Amazon FBA in the United States. It is important to work with a reliable service provider to ensure a smooth sailing. Learn more about our Amazon FBA services.
What are the Incoterms for shipping from Hong Kong to the United States?
Incoterms affect freight prices from Hong Kong to the United States by specifying the level of service the freight forwarder offers and the responsibilities of both the seller and buyer. Learn more about the Incoterms here.
Useful Topics for shipping from Hong Kong to United States
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* All final charges are based on FreightAmigo Services Limited’s online system.