US customs is generally very quick. I get most items from China and other places ( assuming the seller shipped immediately) in about 10–14 days. There are exceptions though.
FedEx First Overnight is available throughout all 50 states and is available for packages up to 150 lbs. FedEx Priority Overnight. This service is a good choice if your shipment needs to arrive by 10:30 a.m. the next day. FedEx Priority Overnight is available in all 50 states, and for packages up to 150 lbs.
How long does it take to ship from China to the US? Rules of thumbs for lead times are 1-2 weeks for regular post, 3 days for air express freight, 8-10 days for air freight, and 30-40 days for ocean freight.
For import shipments, FedEx will provide you standard customs clearance at no extra charge. But there are times when your shipment has special clearance needs, especially when additional processing is required by a regulatory agency or when you or your importer request special processing from a FedEx customs broker.
The UPS option chosen by Apple provides 4-5 business day shipping from China. Note that weekends and holidays may affect the actual travel times. In addition, weather and equipment delays may also impact your delivery date.
FedEx Ground (Shipping to a commerical address) business days are Monday through Friday (excluding holidays). FedEx Home Delivery (shipping to a Residence) business days are Tuesday through Saturday (excluding holidays).
Importing from China: A Step by Step Guide
- Identify your import rights.
- Identify the goods you want to import.
- Ensure the goods you wish to import are permitted into your country.
- Classify your goods and calculate the landed cost.
- Find your supplier in China and place an order.
- Arrange your cargo transport.
- Track your cargo and get prepared for arrival.
You can track your shipment while you are on the go with the FedEx Mobile App. For shipments shipped via FedEx Ship ManagerTM at fedex.com, the tracking result and details will automatically show up after you login.
UPS is consistently the less expensive of the two, although FedEx flat-rate options do offer some deals. The Post Office was cheapest across the board for 1- to 3-day shipping, with prices 40-55% less than UPS and 43-63% less than FedEx.
When time is critical, count on FedEx®International Next Flight as the fastest possible delivery we offer for your most urgent export and import shipments. Within hours between major cities worldwide, 24 hours a day, depending on flight availability. From the U.S. to more than 220 countries and territories.
The officially advertised time for International Priority is 1-3 days, usually one 1 to the USA.
Yes, FedEx Home Delivery is an every-day delivery service, including Saturdays and Sundays with weekend delivery to most residential locations.
Both DHL and FedEx have their own unique service options and pros and cons, with FedEx typically being a better option for rapid deliveries in the U.S. and DHL rates generally working better for cross-border shipments. Ultimately, the choice between the two couriers comes down to your own specific business needs.
FedEx is an excellent option for merchants who are looking for fast, dependable shipping.