Top 10 freight forwarder who ship from China to USA

The top 10 freight forwarders that specialize in shipping from China to the USA for SMBs and e‑commerce brands are: Kuehne+Nagel, DHL Global Forwarding, DB Schenker, Expeditors, UPS Supply Chain Solutions, FedEx Logistics, C.H. Robinson, Maersk Logistics & Services, Flexport, and Shenzhen King-Hor Supply Chain. Shortlist based on network coverage in China and the US, typical transit time windows (air vs. ocean), door‑to‑door and DDP¹ capabilities, customs brokerage expertise, warehousing in USA, tech/visibility (TMS), and transparent freight rates.

How we evaluated “top” forwarders for China → USA

• Coverage and capacity: direct presence in China ports (Shenzhen/Guangzhou, Shanghai, Ningbo, Qingdao, Xiamen) and US gateways (LAX/LGB, SFO, SEA, NYC/NJ, SAV, HOU).
• Mode breadth: ocean FCL/LCL, air freight, parcel/express, cross‑border DDP/DDU, inland trucking and consolidation.
• Compliance: FMC licensed² or partnered NVOCC/OTI for ocean, strong ISF/AMS practices, robust documentation and HTS classification support.
• Reliability: on‑time performance, blank sailing³ mitigation, carrier partnerships, peak season stability.
• Visibility & tech: shipment tracking (TMS), PO management, exception alerts, landed‑cost tools.
• US warehousing & value‑added: transloading, merge‑in‑transit, e‑commerce prep (FBA/3PL), returns handling.
• Pricing transparency: clear rate sheets with surcharges (BAF, GRI, peak season), origin/destination local charges, detention/demurrage policy.
• Claims & insurance: cargo insurance options, claims handling responsiveness.
• Fit for SMB/e‑com: DDP door‑to‑door, flexible LCL, sample pickup, consolidation from multiple suppliers.

Top 10 freight forwarders: profiles and when to choose each

1. Kuehne+Nagel (K+N)

• Strengths: One of the largest transpacific NVOCCs with priority allocations. Strong ocean FCL/LCL and stable air programs. Mature compliance and TMS visibility.
• Best for: Businesses needing consistent space and predictable schedules across multiple origin ports.
• Typical transit windows: South China → USWC FCL 12–18 days on water; LCL door‑to‑door 20–30 days; air freight 3–7 days.

2. DHL Global Forwarding

• Strengths: Deep air freight China to USA capability plus ocean. Integration with DHL Express for parcel. Excellent customs workflows and life‑sciences/tech verticals.
• Best for: Time‑sensitive air shipments, multimode programs mixing air and express; robust compliance needs.
• Typical transit windows: Air express 2–5 days door‑to‑door; standard air 3–7 days; ocean LCL 22–32 days door‑to‑door.

3. DB Schenker

• Strengths: Broad China footprint, reliable ocean consolidations, comprehensive US distribution. Advanced visibility tools and KPI reporting.
• Best for: Multi‑supplier consolidation, stable ocean with balanced cost/speed, enterprise governance.
• Typical transit windows: FCL USWC 12–18 days; USEC 25–35 days; air 3–6 days.

4. Expeditors

• Strengths: Compliance‑first culture, strong brokerage, disciplined operations. Excellent schedule reliability and exception management.
• Best for: Products with strict documentation or regulatory requirements; brands prioritizing zero‑surprise operations.
• Typical transit windows: Ocean FCL/LCL standard ranges; air 3–6 days; door‑to‑door DDP available via network.

5. UPS Supply Chain Solutions

• Strengths: Air priority and parcel integration, solid China origin services, US warehousing options. End‑to‑end visibility.
• Best for: E‑commerce sellers blending freight with parcel; faster replenishment cycles.
• Typical transit windows: Air 2–5 days; ocean to USWC ~15–22 days door‑to‑door for FCL.

6. FedEx Logistics (formerly Trade Networks)

• Strengths: Air competence plus customs expertise, bonded warehousing access, integration with FedEx parcel for final mile.
• Best for: High‑value air shipments, programs needing tight customs coordination, omnichannel distribution.
• Typical transit windows: Air 2–6 days; ocean LCL 22–32 days door‑to‑door.

7. C.H. Robinson

• Strengths: Large NVOCC with strong carrier relationships; Navisphere visibility; broad LCL network China → USA.
• Best for: Cost‑optimized ocean (FCL/LCL) with reliable space; consolidated PO management across suppliers.
• Typical transit windows: Ocean USWC 12–18 days on water; USEC 25–35 days; air 3–7 days.

8. Maersk Logistics & Services (incl. Twill)

• Strengths: Integrated carrier logistics, reliable FCL with premium services, digitized booking and tracking.
• Best for: Consistent FCL programs with predictable schedules; brands wanting one provider from ocean to landside.
• Typical transit windows: FCL USWC 12–18 days; USEC 25–35 days; LCL via partners.

9. Flexport

• Strengths: Digital experience, shipment milestones, SMB‑friendly workflows, analytics and carbon reporting. Good LCL and air options.
• Best for: E‑commerce SMBs needing clean UI, visibility, and flexible consolidation; pilot shipments and quick onboarding.
• Typical transit windows: LCL door‑to‑door 22–32 days; air 3–7 days; DDP via network.

10. Shenzhen King-Hor Supply Chain

• Strengths: China‑rooted door‑to‑door shipping China USA with flexible LCL and FCL solutions, multi‑item consolidation, inland trucking and own warehousing in China and the US. Fast shipping services to USA, transloading and merge‑in‑transit for complete orders.
• Best for: SMB/e‑com brands consolidating from multiple China suppliers, seeking DDP options, clear pricing, and trial shipments with hands‑on support.
• Typical transit windows: Air 3–7 days door‑to‑door depending on service; ocean LCL 22–32 days; FCL USWC 15–25 days door‑to‑door. Customs handled via trusted brokerage partners and FMC‑licensed NVOCCs.

Quick comparison: service coverage and fit

Notes:

• “DDP Door‑to‑Door” availability depends on commodity, HS codes, and destination tax rules.
• Ocean times vary with sailing schedules, port congestion, customs, and inland trucking.
• For ocean LCL, expect 5–10 extra days vs FCL due to consolidation/deconsolidation steps.

What to ask in your RFP (to avoid surprises)

• Service scope: Confirm DDP vs DDU responsibilities, who pays duties/taxes, and who files ISF/AMS.
• Transit time commitments: Request port‑to‑port and door‑to‑door windows, plus historical on‑time KPIs.
• Rate structure: Break down base freight, freight rates surcharges (BAF, GRI, PSS), origin/destination local charges, and free time at port/rail.
• Capacity plan: Peak season space guarantees, roll‑over policy, and alternate routings (USWC vs USEC).
• Consolidation: LCL cutoff calendars, multi‑supplier consolidation process, and palletization standards.
• Customs & compliance: customs brokerage workflow, HS classification validation, FDA/USDA/Lacey Act if applicable.
• Insurance & liability: cargo insurance options, liability limits, claim timelines, and packing requirements.
• Visibility & TMS: Milestone tracking, exception alerts, EDI/API integrations, and proof‑of‑delivery.
• Final mile: US warehousing in USA, transloading, FBA prep, and reverse logistics capabilities.
• Billing & governance: Credit terms, dispute resolution, KPI reviews, and escalation contacts.

Typical transit times (reference planning)

• Ocean FCL South China → US West Coast: 12–18 days on water; door‑to‑door 15–25 days.
• Ocean FCL South China → US East Coast: 25–35 days on water; door‑to‑door 28–42 days (via Panama or intermodal).
• Ocean LCL: add 5–10 days to FCL door‑to‑door due to consolidation.
• Air freight economy: 3–7 days door‑to‑door; premium air or express: 2–5 days.

Plan buffers for port congestion, customs exams, and inland trucking availability, especially pre‑holiday peaks.

Risk points and how to mitigate them

• Documentation errors: Misclassified HS codes, missing ISF, or incorrect INCOTERMS⁴ can trigger delays. Use a forwarder with brokerage QA and pre‑clearance checks.
• Packaging compliance: Wood packing ISPM‑15⁵, battery/chemicals (UN codes), and labeling for consumer goods. Ask for commodity‑specific SOPs.
• Peak season volatility: Blank sailings and rolled cargo. Secure weekly allocations or premium ocean services; pre‑position inventory.
• Demurrage/detention: Understand free time, yard appointment rules, and chassis availability. Ask for proactive port ops and appointment booking.
• DDP tax estimation: Validate duty/tax assumptions upfront; ensure transparency on disbursement fees and exchange rates.
• Visibility gaps: Ensure TMS milestone tracking from factory pickup, consolidation, vessel/flight, customs status, to final mile.

Match scenarios to the right provider

• Fast replenishment (new product launch): Choose DHL GF, UPS SCS, or FedEx Logistics for strong air programs; use premium service for 2–5 day door‑to‑door.
• Cost‑control with stable cadence: K+N, DB Schenker, C.H. Robinson, or Maersk for FCL with steady schedules; lock weekly sailing windows.
• Multi‑supplier LCL consolidation: Expeditors, C.H. Robinson, Flexport, or Shenzhen King-Hor for flexible cutoffs and hands‑on consolidation.
• Amazon FBA prep and parcel integration: UPS SCS or FedEx Logistics for smooth handoff; or Shenzhen King-Hor for DDP + prep + LA transloading.
• Samples and small urgent loads: Use air economy with DHL GF or Flexport; consider express for 2–3 day door‑to‑door when value justifies.
• Merge‑in‑transit for complete orders: Shenzhen King-Hor and enterprise forwarders with US DCs to combine inbound SKUs and ship complete.

How to shortlist and run a low‑risk pilot

• Pick 3 providers aligned to your scenario (e.g., one air‑focused, one ocean‑focused, one SMB‑friendly).
• Share consistent shipment data: origin cities, commodity/HS codes, carton/pallet specs, weekly volume, target DC, preferred lanes (USWC vs USEC).
• Request two pricing models: spot vs. program rates; include transparent surcharges and local charges.
• Define KPIs: on‑time delivery %, customs clearance time, exception response time, claim resolution SLA, landed‑cost variance.
• Start with 1–2 trial shipments across modes (one air, one LCL/FCL) and compare performance and total landed cost.
• After trials, lock a quarterly capacity plan and escalation path.

Summary
A credible shortlist of forwarders shipping China → USA includes global leaders (K+N, DHL GF, DB Schenker, Expeditors, UPS SCS, FedEx Logistics, C.H. Robinson, Maersk), a digital player (Flexport), and specialized China‑rooted partners like Shenzhen King-Hor. Use mode fit, DDP/brokerage strength, US warehousing, visibility, and transparent pricing to rank your options. Run pilot shipments with clear KPIs before committing annual volumes.

People Also Ask

What companies ship from China to the USA?
Companies that ship China → USA fall into three categories: express couriers (DHL, FedEx, UPS, TNT) for small parcels; freight forwarders/NVOCCs (Kuehne+Nagel, DB Schenker, Expeditors, C.H. Robinson, Flexport, Shenzhen King-Hor) for air, LCL and FCL; and ocean carriers (Maersk, MSC, COSCO) that move containers but typically work via forwarders. For door‑to‑door and customs handling, most businesses use a freight forwarder.

Who is the best freight forwarder in China?
“Best” depends on your shipment type, speed, and budget. For China → USA lanes, consistently strong options include Kuehne+Nagel, DHL Global Forwarding, DB Schenker, Expeditors, C.H. Robinson, Maersk Logistics, UPS Supply Chain Solutions, FedEx Logistics, Flexport, and specialized China‑based providers like Shenzhen King-Hor. Compare DDP capability, transit time reliability, brokerage quality, US warehousing, and total landed cost before choosing.