Air Freight from Guangzhou to Seattle
Fast and reliable air freight service from Guangzhou to Seattle. 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 Seattle
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 (CAN) to Seattle-Tacoma Airport (SEA) delivers unmatched speed for businesses shipping high-value electronics, fashion items, and perishable goods to the Pacific Northwest. Major carriers like China Southern, Delta, and Alaska Airlines operate multiple weekly flights on this route, giving you flexibility and competitive pricing options. Your cargo travels in pressurized, climate-controlled aircraft holds that protect sensitive items from temperature fluctuations and humidity that can damage products during longer sea voyages.
This route serves as a strategic gateway for reaching not just Seattle's tech sector, but also distribution centers serving the entire western United States. With Boeing's headquarters in Seattle and strong trade ties between Guangzhou's manufacturing hub and America's innovation centers, this air corridor handles over 45,000 tons of cargo annually.
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 Seattle
Current air freight rates from Guangzhou to Seattle typically range from $4.50 to $7.20 per kilogram in 2026, depending on your cargo volume and seasonal demand fluctuations. Peak shipping seasons like pre-holiday periods in October and November can push rates up by 25-30%, while consolidating shipments over 500 kilograms often qualifies you for better pricing tiers. Beyond the base rate, expect to pay fuel surcharges averaging $0.85 per kilogram, plus customs brokerage fees of $150-300 per shipment depending on commodity complexity. Smart shippers reduce costs by booking space 7-10 days in advance rather than requesting urgent capacity, and by using dimensional weight calculations to optimize packaging efficiency. Working with freight forwarders who have volume commitments with airlines can save you 15-20% compared to booking directly, especially for regular monthly shipments.
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 Seattle
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 Seattle-Tacoma typically take 11-13 hours of flight time, with most air freight shipments arriving within 2-3 days from pickup to delivery. Customs clearance at Seattle usually processes within 6-12 hours for standard commercial goods, though electronics and textiles may require additional inspections that add 24-48 hours to your timeline. Express air services can deliver urgent shipments in 48 hours door-to-door, while standard air freight offers the best value with 72-hour delivery to most Seattle-area locations. Preparing accurate commercial invoices and ensuring proper HS code classification before departure helps avoid customs delays that can extend transit times by 2-3 days. Filing your Automated Broker Interface (ABI) entry before the aircraft lands allows customs processing to begin immediately upon arrival, often shaving 12-24 hours off your total delivery time.
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 Seattle
Businesses regularly ship the following product categories from Guangzhou to Seattle, United States:
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 Seattle Route
Proper documentation ensures smooth customs clearance for your air freight shipment to Seattle. 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 Seattle
The customs clearance process in Seattle 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 Seattle
Shipping dangerous goods from Guangzhou to Seattle 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
24-Hour Emergency Contact
A 24/7 emergency number is mandatory; the contact must understand the hazardous materials involved
MSDS/SDS Documentation
Provide recent Safety Data Sheets in English and Chinese—documents older than 1 year are rejected
Dangerous Goods Declaration
Shipper must complete and sign the official Dangerous Goods Declaration form
Section II Labeling
Equipment containing lithium batteries needs Section II compliance labels showing capacity.
Lithium Battery Restrictions
UN3480 batteries above 100Wh are restricted to cargo-only aircraft under US regulations.
ACAS Screening
Air Cargo Advance Screening (ACAS) rules apply to all DG shipments. Data must be transmitted before loading.
Key Points for United States Hazmat
Random CBP inspections are common for DG shipments
US requires exact chemical names—generic descriptions are rejected
Lithium batteries >100Wh are Cargo Aircraft Only
ISF filing must include complete DG details 24 hours before departure
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 Seattle 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 Seattle?
Air freight from Guangzhou to Seattle 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 Seattle?
The estimated cost of air freight from Guangzhou to Seattle 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 Seattle?
Choosing between air and sea freight from Guangzhou to Seattle 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 Seattle?
Guangzhou's airport offers excellent air freight connectivity to Seattle 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 Seattle?
Yes, there are direct cargo flights from Guangzhou to Seattle 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 Seattle?
Air freight from Guangzhou to Seattle 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 Seattle?
Insurance for air freight from Guangzhou to Seattle 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 Seattle?
Air freight costs from Guangzhou to Seattle 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 Seattle?
The best way to track your air freight from Guangzhou to Seattle 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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