Whether you are importing one item or a container, the shipping basics are the same. This guide covers the main options and the paperwork.
Sea, air or courier
- Sea freight is the cheapest for heavy or bulky goods. Options include full container, shared container (LCL), and roll-on/roll-off for vehicles.
- Air freight is faster and costs more per kilogram, best for small, valuable or urgent items.
- Courier suits small parcels and samples.
How long does it take?
Air shipments often arrive within days. Ocean transit typically takes several weeks port to port, plus time for loading, customs clearance and delivery. Peak seasons and port congestion can add delays, so build in a buffer.
What drives the cost
Size and weight, shipping method, origin and destination ports, packing and crating, insurance, customs brokerage, duties and port fees, and inland delivery in the U.S.
Documents you will need
- Commercial invoice and packing list
- Bill of lading (sea) or air waybill (air)
- Importer security filing for sea shipments
- Customs entry with the correct tariff (HS) code
- Item-specific forms, such as vehicle EPA and DOT declarations
Packing and rules
Wooden pallets and crates must meet ISPM 15. Lithium batteries, aerosols and flammables have carrier limits, and some goods cannot be shipped at all. Read What We Can’t Ship or Buy first.
Tips
- Insure anything valuable.
- Declare the real value and the correct HS code.
- Keep all invoices and receipts for customs.
How PDC helps
We coordinate packing, export paperwork and shipping so your purchase arrives as a single, tracked project.
This guide is general information, not legal, tax or customs advice. Rules change and depend on the item and destination. See What We Can’t Ship or Buy and confirm requirements with the relevant agency.
Ready to start? Send us a request and we will check it before you spend anything, or browse our listings.