Confirm the receiving location
Give the full business delivery address and ZIP code before requesting a delivered rate. Identify the warehouse type: importer, distributor, third-party logistics facility or marketplace fulfilment destination. Different sites have different appointments and unloading conditions.
Ask the receiver for current instructions. These may include pallet dimensions, maximum height, carton labels, delivery references, item separation or a booked receiving slot. Requirements should come from the actual destination, not a generic template.
Delivery is a separate operational stage
| Receiving detail | Why it changes the plan |
|---|---|
| Appointment needed | Requires a confirmed receiving slot and valid delivery reference. |
| Dock or forklift | Determines how the cargo can be unloaded. |
| Liftgate needed | May require different equipment and an additional charge. |
| Limited access or residential address | May change the vehicle and rate scope. |
| Pallet and carton rules | May affect packing before departure or destination handling. |
Shipping time from China to the USA
Choose your destination to plan your shipment.
To the US West Coast
Los Angeles · Long Beach · Oakland · Seattle
Direct ocean service
To the US East Coast
New York · Savannah · Norfolk · Miami
Direct ocean service
Count from vessel departure to arrival at the US port. Cargo preparation, import clearance and delivery to your warehouse take additional time.
Shipping in peak season? Allow an extra 5–7 days. Ask us for the current sailing and warehouse delivery estimate.
Marketplace and 3PL inventory
For a marketplace destination, the seller should provide the valid shipment plan and current receiving instructions. For a 3PL, obtain the inbound reference and SKU list used by the warehouse. Do not assume that the warehouse will create the import arrangements for you.
The physical delivery of inventory does not establish the identity of the importer of record or the FSVP importer. Confirm those responsibilities with your commercial parties before booking.
Avoid an incomplete delivered quote
Agree whether the quote includes the final delivery only or also destination deconsolidation, pallet preparation, appointments and unloading equipment. Ask how waiting, redelivery or storage is charged if the receiving slot is missed.
Keep the importer, freight contact and receiving warehouse aligned on the release and delivery information. If the cargo is held or the address changes, resolve the new delivery plan before dispatching the final vehicle.
Prepare your delivery brief
- Full US address, ZIP code and receiving contact.
- Appointment process, receiving hours and inbound reference.
- Pallet, carton and labelling requirements.
- Dock availability, forklift or liftgate needs, plus shelf-life acceptance rules.
Add these details when you prepare a shipment enquiry. For broad China-to-USA freight planning, visit the US LCL ocean freight site.