Air Freight from Shanghai to San Francisco
Fast and reliable air freight service from Shanghai 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 Shanghai 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 between Shanghai Pudong Airport and San Francisco International Airport offers unmatched speed for businesses shipping electronics, pharmaceuticals, and high-value components to the West Coast market. Airlines like United Cargo, China Eastern, and Cathay Pacific operate regular freighter services on this route, providing multiple departure options throughout the week. Temperature-controlled cargo holds protect sensitive shipments like medical devices and automotive parts during the 11-hour flight across the Pacific.
Companies importing fashion items for seasonal launches or tech components for manufacturing benefit from the route's reliability, with cargo tracking available from pickup in Shanghai through final delivery in the Bay Area. The direct flight path eliminates intermediate handling that could damage fragile goods, making this route ideal for businesses where product integrity directly impacts their bottom line.
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 Shanghai to San Francisco
Current air freight rates from Shanghai Pudong to San Francisco International range from $4.80 to $7.20 per kilogram in early 2026, depending on cargo volume and seasonal demand. Peak shipping periods around Chinese New Year and the holiday season typically push rates 15-20% higher, while consolidating shipments over 500 kilograms often secures better pricing through volume discounts. Additional costs include fuel surcharges averaging $0.85 per kilogram, security screening fees of $45 per shipment, and customs brokerage ranging from $125 to $300 depending on commodity classification. Smart shippers reduce expenses by booking space two weeks ahead during busy periods and choosing Wednesday or Thursday departures when cargo capacity costs less. Working with freight forwarders who have established relationships at both airports can lower handling fees and provide more competitive all-in pricing for regular 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 Shanghai 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
Standard air freight service from Shanghai Pudong Airport to San Francisco International Airport requires 2-3 days total transit time, including the 11-hour flight and ground processing at both ends. Express services can deliver shipments within 48 hours by prioritizing cargo loading and using dedicated customs clearance channels at SFO. Customs processing typically adds 6-12 hours to the journey, though shipments with proper documentation and established importer records clear faster through automated systems. Businesses can accelerate delivery by ensuring commercial invoices match actual cargo contents and providing complete consignee information before departure from Shanghai. Monday and Tuesday departures often experience shorter ground delays at San Francisco International Airport, while weekend arrivals may face extended processing times due to reduced customs staffing levels.
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
What Ships from Shanghai to San Francisco?
The Shanghai to San Francisco route handles a diverse range of cargo. Here are the most commonly shipped items on this corridor:
Electronics
Mobile devices, personal computers, and electronic components
Home & Office
IKEA-style furniture, LED fixtures, and mattresses
Industrial
HVAC systems, solar panels, and CNC manufacturing tools
Retail & Fashion
Sneakers, casual wear, and fashion accessories
Toys & Recreation
Gaming accessories, plush toys, and recreational gear
Dangerous Goods
DG cargo including battery packs and chemical products
Documentation
Essential Paperwork: Shanghai to San Francisco
To ship goods from Shanghai to San Francisco, you'll need these documents. For air freight, you'll receive a Air Waybill (AWB) as your transport receipt.
Universal Requirements
Commercial Invoice
Contains item values, quantities, and seller/buyer information
Contract/Purchase Order
Evidence of the transaction between parties
Certificate of Origin
Certifies the country of manufacture for tariff purposes
Packing List
Documents packaging details and physical cargo specifications
Air Freight Requirements for United States
ACAS Filing
Air Cargo Advance Screening performed by carrier/forwarder
Air Waybill (AWB)
Receipt of goods for air cargo - filed hours before arrival
Customs Bond
Single Entry or Continuous Bond required for all US imports
Important: United States Requirements
ISF Filing is critical for sea freight - failure to file results in a $5,000 fine
FDA prior notice required for food products (filed 15 days before arrival)
FCC certification needed for electronic devices
Customs Bond is mandatory for both sea and air imports
Customs
Customs Clearance for San Francisco Imports
Customs clearance is more than a single step—it encompasses compliance verification, valuation assessment, and security screening. Air freight clearance happens within hours of arrival. Documentation errors result in expensive holds at airport facilities.
Rapid Clearance Timeline
The fast pace of air freight leaves little room for error. Incorrect documents lead to immediate holds.
ACAS Screening
ACAS is mandatory for all air cargo to the US. Screening data is submitted by the carrier before departure.
Section 321 De Minimis
E-commerce shipments under $800 can clear quickly using Section 321, avoiding formal entry requirements.
Key United States Import Considerations
FDA prior notice is required for food and pharmaceutical products
FCC certification needed for electronic devices
ISF late fees are strictly enforced without exceptions
UFLPA compliance is a current CBP priority for all China shipments
Hazardous Materials
Hazardous Materials: Shanghai to San Francisco
Hazardous materials shipments to San Francisco are governed by IATA DGR (Dangerous Goods Regulations). Air freight regulations are stricter than sea, with tighter quantity limits and enhanced battery restrictions.
Universal Requirements for All Dangerous Goods
MSDS/SDS Documentation
Safety Data Sheet must be current (within 1 year) and provided in both English and Chinese
UN-Rated Packaging
All containers require UN-stamped packaging certified for the hazard class of the contents
Dangerous Goods Declaration
A signed DGD is mandatory, accurately listing all hazardous materials and their classifications
24-Hour Emergency Contact
Include an emergency phone number staffed continuously by personnel with cargo knowledge
Lithium Battery Restrictions
Lithium ion batteries face severe restrictions. Most high-capacity cells require CAO designation.
Section II Labeling
Batteries contained in equipment require specific Section II labeling with Watt-hour ratings.
ACAS Screening
All hazardous air cargo must pass ACAS review before being loaded onto US-bound aircraft.
Key Points for United States Hazmat
US requires exact chemical names—generic descriptions are rejected
ISF filing must include complete DG details 24 hours before departure
Random CBP inspections are common for DG shipments
Lithium batteries >100Wh are Cargo Aircraft Only
Risk Awareness
What Could Go Wrong: Air Freight to San Francisco
Successful shipping requires risk awareness. These challenges commonly affect air freight from Shanghai to San Francisco.
Space Volatility & Rate Spikes
ModerateDuring major product launches (like Apple iPhone releases), tech giants buy up cargo space, causing rates for regular shippers to triple overnight.
ACAS Security Holds
ModerateACAS security protocols are adding delays at major US airports. Flagged shipments face 2-3 day holds for inspection at JFK, LAX, and ORD.
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 Shanghai to San Francisco?
Air freight from Shanghai 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 Shanghai to San Francisco?
The estimated cost of air freight from Shanghai 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 Shanghai to San Francisco?
Choosing between air and sea freight from Shanghai 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 Shanghai?
Items that cannot be shipped by air freight from Shanghai 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 Shanghai offers the best air freight services to San Francisco?
Shanghai's airport offers excellent air freight connectivity to San Francisco with 2-3 days transit time. Shanghai Pudong (PVG) is China's largest air cargo hub with extensive carrier options.
Are there direct flights for cargo from Shanghai to San Francisco?
Yes, there are direct cargo flights from Shanghai 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 Shanghai to San Francisco?
Air freight from Shanghai 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 Shanghai to San Francisco?
Insurance for air freight from Shanghai 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 Shanghai to San Francisco?
Air freight costs from Shanghai 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 Shanghai to San Francisco?
The best way to track your air freight from Shanghai 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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Explore Other Routes
Get Your Air Freight Quote
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