Shipping Cost Estimator
Estimate international freight by sea, air, or express courier. Rates are indicative and exclude destination duties.
Estimate
Shanghai, CN → Los Angeles, US
- Volume
- 0.096 m³
- Chargeable weight
- 96.0 kg
- Method
- sea
- Transit time
- 28-45 days
- Estimated cost
- $130.00
Sea: billed per m³ (min 1 m³). Air: 1 kg per 6,000 cm³ volumetric. Express: 1 kg per 5,000 cm³ volumetric.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between sea freight and air freight?
Sea freight (FCL/LCL) is much cheaper but slower — typically 20-40 days from China to the US. Air freight is 3-7 days but costs 4-6x more per kg. Express (DHL/FedEx/UPS) is fastest at 2-5 days but most expensive, best for small, high-value shipments.
What is volumetric weight?
Volumetric (dimensional) weight is calculated as L×W×H (cm) ÷ 5000 for air freight. Carriers charge whichever is higher: actual weight or volumetric weight. Bulky but light items like pillows often cost more than their actual weight suggests.
What is LCL shipping?
LCL (Less than Container Load) means your cargo shares a container with other shippers. It's cost-effective for small shipments under 15 CBM. FCL (Full Container Load) gives you the whole container — better value above 15 CBM and more secure.
How do I calculate CBM?
CBM (Cubic Meter) = Length (m) × Width (m) × Height (m). For example, a box 50cm × 40cm × 30cm = 0.5 × 0.4 × 0.3 = 0.06 CBM. Sea freight is typically priced per CBM or per ton, whichever is greater.
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Frequently asked questions
How accurate are shipping cost estimates?
Estimates reflect 2026 market averages on major lanes. Actual forwarder quotes can vary 10–30% above or below depending on season, vessel capacity, and surcharges. Use the estimate to benchmark, not to book.
What is chargeable weight?
Chargeable weight is the greater of actual weight and volumetric weight. For air freight volumetric = L×W×H (cm) / 6000. For express couriers, divide by 5000. Sea LCL bills by revenue ton (greater of 1 m³ or 1 tonne).
Do the rates include customs duty?
No. Freight rates cover transportation only. Duty, VAT, and clearance fees are separate. Use our tariff calculator to estimate landed cost.
Which mode should I use — sea, air, or express?
Sea is cheapest for cargo above 150 kg or 1 m³. Air is competitive for smaller urgent shipments. Express (DHL, FedEx, UPS) is best for under 70 kg needing door-to-door in under a week.
How long does international shipping take?
Typical transit times: sea FCL China–USA West Coast 14–20 days port-to-port; air freight 5–8 days airport-to-airport; express courier 3–5 days door-to-door. Customs can add 1–5 days.
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