China to Charleston, USA: A Comprehensive Shipping Guide
China to Charleston, USA: A Comprehensive Shipping Guide
Planning to ship goods from China to Charleston, a major port city in South Carolina and a key gateway to the southeastern United States? This guide outlines sea and air freight options, logistics services, and essential insights for efficient transportation from major Chinese ports to Charleston.
Sea Freight Services
Charleston’s Port of Charleston is a primary East Coast hub, offering direct and transshipment routes from China. Below are key carriers and transit times:
| Port of Origin | Carriers & Transit Time | Key Services |
|---|---|---|
| Shenzhen | CMA CGM (30–35 days), Hapag-Lloyd (32–37 days) | Direct calls to Charleston |
| Qingdao | Maersk (35–40 days), ONE (34–39 days) | Weekly sailings, LCL/FCL options |
| Ningbo | MSC (32–37 days), ZIM (30–35 days) | Direct service via the Suez Canal |
| Xiamen | Evergreen (33–38 days), COSCO (31–36 days) | Transshipment via Savannah or Miami |
| Shanghai | Yang Ming (28–33 days), PIL (27–32 days) | Fastest direct route (27–33 days) |
Service Highlights:
- Direct Routes: Shanghai/Shenzhen offer the fastest direct sea freight (28–35 days).
- LCL Consolidation: Cost-effective for small shipments, with warehouse consolidation in Chinese ports.
- Inland Connectivity: Rail and truck services from Charleston to major U.S. cities (e.g., Atlanta, Chicago).
Air Freight Services
For urgent shipments, air freight to Charleston International Airport (CHS) or nearby hubs (e.g., Atlanta, Miami) ensures speed:
- Transit Time:
- Express: 3–5 days (door-to-door, e.g., DHL, FedEx).
- Economy: 5–7 days (airport-to-airport via carriers like United, Delta).
- Key Routes:
- Shanghai/Shenzhen → Atlanta/Miami → CHS (24–48 hours for final leg).
- Door-to-door services with customs clearance included.
Logistics Services for Charleston
San Logistics Limited provides end-to-end solutions for shipping to Charleston, including:
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Customs Clearance:
- Expert handling of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) requirements (e.g., ISF filing, ACE portal submissions).
- Tariff classification support under HTSUS codes, including duty exemptions under US-China trade agreements.
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Inland Transportation:
- Drayage from Charleston Port to warehouses or retail locations.
- Intermodal rail services to Midwest and Northeast states.
- White-glove delivery for high-value goods (e.g., art, electronics).
-
Warehousing & Fulfillment:
- Short-term storage in Charleston-area warehouses.
- FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) preparation and delivery to nearby Amazon centers (e.g., CLT2, ATL2).
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Cargo Insurance:
- All-risk coverage for sea, air, and ground transit, including natural disasters and theft.
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Documentation Support:
- Commercial invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin (including ATA Carnets for temporary imports).
Key Considerations for Shipping to the U.S.
- Regulatory Compliance:
- Mandatory electronic filing of ISF (“10+2 rule”) for sea freight.
- Product-specific regulations (e.g., FCC for electronics, FDA for food/medical devices).
- Port Congestion:
- Charleston Port is less congested than West Coast hubs but experiences peak volumes in Q4 (pre-holiday season).
- Weather Impact:
- Plan around hurricane season (June–November) for sea freight; inland routes may face winter storms.
- Currency & Payments:
- USD transactions preferred; letters of credit (L/C) or escrow for large orders.
Industries Served in Charleston
- Automotive: Parts and machinery for Charleston’s automotive manufacturing sector (e.g., BMW, Volvo).
- Retail & E-Commerce: Consumer goods for regional distribution centers (e.g., Walmart, Target).
- Manufacturing: Industrial equipment, robotics, and raw materials.
- Aerospace: Components and supplies for Boeing’s Charleston facility.
- Consumer Goods: Furniture, textiles, and home decor for U.S. markets.
Get a Quote for Charleston
Contact San Logistics Limited at info@sangrupo.com with:
- Cargo details (weight, dimensions, hazardous status)
- Port of origin and desired delivery location (e.g., Charleston Port, CHS Airport, or inland address)
- Deadline and preferred shipping method (sea/air)
Visit the links below for port-specific guides:
- Shenzhen to Charleston Shipping Guide
- Qingdao to Charleston Shipping Guide
- Ningbo to Charleston Shipping Guide
- Xiamen to Charleston Shipping Guide
- Shanghai to Charleston Shipping Guide
Streamline your supply chain to the U.S. East Coast with tailored logistics solutions for Charleston.