Air Freight from Guangzhou to San Francisco
Fast and reliable air freight service from Guangzhou to San Francisco. Express, standard, and economy options available with door-to-door delivery and real-time tracking.
Transit
2-3 days
Departures
Daily flights
Why Air Freight
Benefits of Air Freight Shipping from Guangzhou to San Francisco
Fast Delivery
2-3 days vs 15-18 days by ocean freight
Daily Flights
Multiple carrier options available daily
Lower Risk
Reduced handling and shorter exposure time
Pre-Clearance
Expedited customs processing programs
Air freight from Guangzhou Baiyun Airport to San Francisco International Airport delivers unmatched speed for your time-sensitive shipments, making it ideal for electronics, pharmaceuticals, and automotive parts that power California's tech and manufacturing sectors. Major carriers like China Southern, United Cargo, and FedEx operate regular services on this route, giving you flexibility to choose based on your cargo requirements and budget.
Your goods benefit from controlled environments and reduced handling compared to ocean freight, which means lower damage rates for fragile items like semiconductors or medical devices. The reliability of this air corridor, one of the busiest trans-Pacific freight routes, ensures consistent capacity even during peak seasons when your competitors might struggle with space constraints.
Route Highlights
2-3 days
Transit Time
Daily flights
Flight Frequency
99%+
On-Time Delivery
Door-to-Door
Full Service Options
Pricing Guide
Air Freight Shipping Rates from Guangzhou to San Francisco
Current air freight rates from Guangzhou to San Francisco range from $4.50 to $7.20 per kilogram in 2026, with pricing heavily influenced by cargo volume, seasonal demand, and fuel costs that fluctuate with oil prices. High-tech electronics and time-sensitive goods typically command premium rates, while consolidated shipments of textiles or consumer goods can secure lower per-kilo pricing through freight forwarders. Beyond base rates, expect additional charges including a fuel surcharge of 15-25%, security fees of approximately $0.30 per kilogram, and customs brokerage fees ranging from $150 to $400 per shipment. Smart shippers reduce costs by consolidating smaller shipments, booking during off-peak periods like late January through March, and establishing volume commitments with carriers for preferential pricing.
Quick Rate Guide
Express
1-2 day priority
$6-8/kg
Standard
3-5 day transit
$3.50-5/kg
Economy
5-7 day deferred
$3-4/kg
Additional Costs
Delivery Timeline
Transit Times for Air Freight from Guangzhou to San Francisco
Step 1
Cargo Acceptance
4-8 hrs
Security screening at origin
Step 2
Flight Transit
12-14 hrs
Direct flight to destination
Step 3
Customs Clearance
4-24 hrs
TSA and CBP inspection
Step 4
Release & Sort
2-4 hrs
Cargo release and sorting
Step 5
Final Delivery
Same/Next day
Door delivery
Express
1-2 Days
Door-to-door with priority handling
Standard
3-5 Days
Regular service with full tracking
Economy
5-7 Days
Consolidated for cost savings
Direct flights from Guangzhou Baiyun to San Francisco International typically take 12-14 hours, but your total transit time stretches to 2-3 days when accounting for ground handling, customs clearance, and final delivery within the Bay Area. Express services from premium carriers can clear U.S. Customs within 4-6 hours at SFO, while standard shipments may require 12-24 hours for clearance, especially if your cargo requires additional inspections. Expedited services cost 20-30% more but guarantee priority handling and faster customs processing, which proves worthwhile for high-value electronics or pharmaceutical products. Accelerate your clearance by ensuring complete and accurate documentation, using trusted customs brokers familiar with FDA or FCC requirements for your specific products, and avoiding Friday shipments that might sit in customs over weekends.
Process
How Air Freight Works
Quote & Booking
Same dayGet a quote and book your air freight shipment.
Collection
1 dayWe collect cargo from your location.
Flight Transit
1-5 daysYour cargo flies to the destination.
Customs Clearance
1 dayFast customs processing at destination.
Final Delivery
Same dayCargo delivered to your door.
Track Record
Reliable Service
15+
Years Experience
50K+
Shipments
99%
On-Time Delivery
24/7
Support Available
Cargo Types
Top Cargo Categories: Guangzhou to San Francisco
This route serves as a major trade lane for various goods. Common shipments from Guangzhou to San Francisco include:
Electronics
High-tech gadgets from smartphones to industrial circuit boards
Home & Office
Flat-pack furniture, office chairs, LED lighting, and bedding
Industrial
Power generators, industrial machinery, and HVAC equipment
Retail & Fashion
Trendy clothing, athletic footwear, and textile goods
Toys & Recreation
Sports equipment, hobby electronics, and children's toys
Dangerous Goods
Lithium batteries and chemicals (requires MSDS documentation)
Documentation
Shipping Documents for the Guangzhou to San Francisco Route
Proper documentation ensures smooth customs clearance for your air freight shipment to San Francisco. Your cargo will be accompanied by a Air Waybill (AWB) as proof of transport.
Universal Requirements
Certificate of Origin
Required for duty rate determination and trade agreements
Commercial Invoice
Official record of goods, their value, and parties involved
Packing List
Details weights, dimensions, and packaging specifications
Contract/Purchase Order
Proof of the commercial agreement between buyer and seller
Air Freight Requirements for United States
Air Waybill (AWB)
Receipt of goods for air cargo - filed hours before arrival
ACAS Filing
Air Cargo Advance Screening performed by carrier/forwarder
Customs Bond
Single Entry or Continuous Bond required for all US imports
Important: United States Requirements
FCC certification needed for electronic devices
ISF Filing is critical for sea freight - failure to file results in a $5,000 fine
Customs Bond is mandatory for both sea and air imports
FDA prior notice required for food products (filed 15 days before arrival)
Customs
Import Clearance: Guangzhou to San Francisco
The customs clearance process in San Francisco requires accurate documentation and regulatory compliance. Air freight clearance happens within hours of arrival. Documentation errors result in expensive holds at airport facilities.
ACAS Screening
Air Cargo Advance Screening data must be transmitted before loading in China. Your freight forwarder handles this filing.
Section 321 De Minimis
The $800 de minimis threshold allows low-value air cargo to enter without duties and with minimal paperwork.
Rapid Clearance Timeline
Air shipments have tight clearance windows. Ensure all paperwork is correct to avoid airport demurrage.
Key United States Import Considerations
UFLPA compliance is a current CBP priority for all China shipments
ISF late fees are strictly enforced without exceptions
FDA prior notice is required for food and pharmaceutical products
FCC certification needed for electronic devices
Hazardous Materials
Dangerous Goods Shipping to San Francisco
Shipping dangerous goods from Guangzhou to San Francisco requires compliance with IATA DGR (Dangerous Goods Regulations) standards and United States-specific regulations. Air freight regulations are stricter than sea, with tighter quantity limits and enhanced battery restrictions.
Universal Requirements for All Dangerous Goods
UN-Rated Packaging
Outer packaging must bear the UN certification mark confirming it can withstand the specific hazards
MSDS/SDS Documentation
Provide recent Safety Data Sheets in English and Chinese—documents older than 1 year are rejected
24-Hour Emergency Contact
A 24/7 emergency number is mandatory; the contact must understand the hazardous materials involved
Dangerous Goods Declaration
Shipper must complete and sign the official Dangerous Goods Declaration form
ACAS Screening
ACAS screening is mandatory—dangerous goods information must be submitted prior to loading.
Section II Labeling
Proper Section II labeling is mandatory for all lithium batteries shipped with equipment.
Lithium Battery Restrictions
Strict limits on lithium batteries—UN3480 over 100Wh cannot fly on passenger aircraft.
Key Points for United States Hazmat
Lithium batteries >100Wh are Cargo Aircraft Only
ISF filing must include complete DG details 24 hours before departure
Random CBP inspections are common for DG shipments
US requires exact chemical names—generic descriptions are rejected
Risk Awareness
Air Freight Risks to United States
Every air freight route has unique challenges. Here are the current risks for shipments from Guangzhou to San Francisco that you should be aware of.
ACAS Security Holds
ModerateHigh-frequency security scrutiny through ACAS means air cargo at LAX, JFK, or Chicago O'Hare can be held for 2-3 days for additional screening.
Space Volatility & Rate Spikes
ModerateTech product releases create massive space shortages. Regular shippers face rate increases of 200-300% when major companies book capacity.
Avoid These Pitfalls With Expert Support
Shipping to United States doesn't have to be risky. Our team knows these challenges inside out and can guide you through them.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does air freight take from Guangzhou to San Francisco?
Air freight from Guangzhou to San Francisco typically takes 2-3 days for airport-to-airport transit. Express services can deliver in 1-2 days, while economy options may take 5-7 days. Add 1-2 days for customs clearance and final delivery.
What is the estimated cost of air freight from Guangzhou to San Francisco?
The estimated cost of air freight from Guangzhou to San Francisco ranges from $3-12 per kg depending on service level. Express service costs $8-12/kg with 1-2 day delivery, standard service is $4.50-7/kg with 3-5 days, and economy service runs $3-5/kg with 5-7 days transit.
Should I choose air freight or sea freight for shipping from Guangzhou to San Francisco?
Choosing between air and sea freight from Guangzhou to San Francisco depends on your priorities. Air freight (2-3 days) is ideal for urgent, high-value, or time-sensitive goods. Sea freight (15-35 days) is more economical for large shipments where speed is less critical. Air is best for cargo under 500kg.
What documents do I need for air freight from China to United States?
Documents required for air freight from China to United States include: Air Waybill (AWB), Commercial Invoice, Packing List, and Export Declaration. US-bound shipments require advance cargo information filing. Dangerous goods require MSDS and special documentation.
What items cannot be shipped by air freight from Guangzhou?
Items that cannot be shipped by air freight from Guangzhou include explosives, flammable gases and liquids, toxic substances, radioactive materials, and certain lithium batteries. Restricted items like perfumes, aerosols, and some electronics require special handling and documentation. Contact us to verify if your goods qualify.
Which airport in Guangdong offers the best air freight services to San Francisco?
Guangzhou's airport offers excellent air freight connectivity to San Francisco with 2-3 days transit time. Guangzhou Baiyun (CAN) provides strong service for South China cargo.
Are there direct flights for cargo from Guangzhou to San Francisco?
Yes, there are direct cargo flights from Guangzhou to San Francisco operated by carriers including Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines, EVA Air, and China Airlines. Direct flights offer the fastest transit at 2-3 days. Connecting flights via hub airports may be available at lower rates.
How is air freight calculated from Guangzhou to San Francisco?
Air freight from Guangzhou to San Francisco is calculated using either actual weight or volumetric weight (L x W x H cm / 6000), whichever is greater. This is called chargeable weight. Rates are then applied per kg based on your chosen service level. Fuel surcharges and security fees may also apply.
Do I need insurance for air freight from Guangzhou to San Francisco?
Insurance for air freight from Guangzhou to San Francisco is recommended for valuable cargo. While airlines provide limited liability coverage, comprehensive cargo insurance (typically 0.5-1% of value) protects against loss, damage, or delays during the 2-3-day transit.
What factors affect air freight costs from Guangzhou to San Francisco?
Air freight costs from Guangzhou to San Francisco are affected by cargo weight and dimensions, service level (express vs economy), fuel surcharges, peak season demand, and special handling requirements. Rates are typically higher during Q4 holiday season and Chinese New Year.
How can I track my air freight shipment from Guangzhou to San Francisco?
The best way to track your air freight from Guangzhou to San Francisco is using your Air Waybill (AWB) number on our tracking portal or the carrier's website. You'll receive real-time updates on flight status, customs clearance, and delivery. SMS and email notifications keep you informed at each milestone.
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Get Your Air Freight Quote
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