Air Freight from Xiamen to San Francisco
Fast and reliable air freight service from Xiamen 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 Xiamen 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 Xiamen Gaoqi Airport to San Francisco International Airport offers unmatched speed for businesses needing rapid delivery of high-value goods to the US West Coast market. Major carriers like China Southern, United Cargo, and Cathay Pacific operate regular services on this route, providing reliable capacity for electronics, pharmaceuticals, and fashion items that drive much of the trade between Fujian Province and California. Your cargo receives enhanced security protocols and climate-controlled handling throughout the journey, which proves essential for sensitive products like semiconductors and medical devices commonly shipped from Xiamen's manufacturing hub.
The route's popularity among tech companies means frequent flight schedules and competitive service options, giving you flexibility to match shipping timing with your business needs. San Francisco's strategic location provides immediate access to Silicon Valley customers and efficient connections to the broader US market through SFO's extensive domestic network.
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 Xiamen to San Francisco
Current air freight rates from Xiamen to San Francisco in 2026 typically range from $4.50 to $7.20 per kilogram, depending on cargo type, volume commitments, and seasonal demand fluctuations. Peak season rates during Chinese New Year and the US holiday shopping months can push costs 25-30% higher, while consolidated shipments over 500 kg often qualify for preferential pricing tiers. Additional charges include fuel surcharges averaging $0.80-1.10 per kg, security fees of approximately $0.25 per kg, and US customs clearance costs ranging from $125-200 per shipment depending on commodity classification. Smart shippers reduce costs by booking space 7-10 days in advance, consolidating smaller shipments when possible, and working with freight forwarders who have volume contracts with airlines. Dimensional weight pricing applies when cargo exceeds 6,000 cubic centimeters per kilogram, so optimizing packaging density directly impacts your shipping budget.
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 Xiamen 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 Xiamen Gaoqi Airport to San Francisco International Airport typically complete the journey in 11-13 hours, though most cargo moves on connecting flights through major hubs like Shanghai, Hong Kong, or Seoul with total flight time of 15-18 hours. US customs clearance at SFO generally processes routine shipments within 4-6 hours for properly documented cargo, though complex items requiring FDA, FCC, or other agency approvals can extend clearance to 24-48 hours. Express services guarantee 2-day door-to-door delivery for premium rates, while standard air freight achieves 3-day delivery for most shipments when customs documentation is complete and accurate. Experienced shippers expedite the process by filing customs entries electronically before arrival, using trusted customs brokers familiar with their product categories, and ensuring commercial invoices include detailed English descriptions that match official trade classifications. Weekend arrivals may add an extra day since many customs brokers and trucking companies operate limited Saturday schedules.
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 Xiamen to San Francisco?
From Xiamen to San Francisco, we frequently transport these cargo types:
Electronics
Consumer electronics including phones, computers, and lithium-ion batteries
Home & Office
Modern furniture, ergonomic office equipment, and home lighting
Industrial
Heavy machinery, renewable energy components, and industrial tools
Retail & Fashion
Fast-fashion apparel, footwear, and synthetic textiles
Toys & Recreation
E-bikes, electric scooters, and educational toys
Dangerous Goods
Regulated items such as lithium-ion cells and chemical compounds
Documentation
Shipping Documents for the Xiamen to San Francisco Route
Every shipment to United States requires proper paperwork. Here's what you need for air freight from Xiamen to San Francisco.
Universal Requirements
Contract/Purchase Order
Official record of the trade agreement
Certificate of Origin
Proves goods were manufactured in China (for duty benefits)
Packing List
Lists package contents, dimensions, and gross/net weights
Commercial Invoice
Lists product descriptions, pricing, and transaction parties
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
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
ISF Filing is critical for sea freight - failure to file results in a $5,000 fine
Customs
Import Clearance: Xiamen 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 shipments require ACAS filing prior to loading. This security screening is performed by your logistics provider.
Section 321 De Minimis
Low-value air freight (under $800) benefits from streamlined Section 321 clearance with no duty payment.
Rapid Clearance Timeline
Air freight clears within hours of arrival. Documentation errors can result in expensive airport storage fees.
Key United States Import Considerations
UFLPA compliance is a current CBP priority for all China shipments
FCC certification needed for electronic devices
FDA prior notice is required for food and pharmaceutical products
ISF late fees are strictly enforced without exceptions
Hazardous Materials
United States Dangerous Goods Requirements
United States has specific requirements for dangerous goods in addition to international IATA DGR (Dangerous Goods Regulations) standards. 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
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
United States Shipping Risks to Consider
Being prepared means knowing what could go wrong. Here are the air freight risks specific to shipments arriving in United States.
ACAS Security Holds
ModerateAir Cargo Advance Screening (ACAS) frequently triggers security holds at JFK, LAX, and ORD, causing 2-3 day delays for inspected shipments.
Space Volatility & Rate Spikes
ModerateAir freight capacity can disappear instantly during big tech launches. When Apple or similar companies ship, expect rates to spike 2-3x with limited availability.
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 Xiamen to San Francisco?
Air freight from Xiamen 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 Xiamen to San Francisco?
The estimated cost of air freight from Xiamen 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 Xiamen to San Francisco?
Choosing between air and sea freight from Xiamen 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 Xiamen?
Items that cannot be shipped by air freight from Xiamen 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 Fujian offers the best air freight services to San Francisco?
Xiamen's airport offers excellent air freight connectivity to San Francisco with 2-3 days transit time. This airport provides reliable service with multiple weekly flights.
Are there direct flights for cargo from Xiamen to San Francisco?
Yes, there are direct cargo flights from Xiamen 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 Xiamen to San Francisco?
Air freight from Xiamen 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 Xiamen to San Francisco?
Insurance for air freight from Xiamen 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 Xiamen to San Francisco?
Air freight costs from Xiamen 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 Xiamen to San Francisco?
The best way to track your air freight from Xiamen 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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