Importing from Asia to the USA: Ocean vs. Air Freight Guide for New Importers
By Jason Kim · Branch Manager · 15 years in freight forwarding · Los Angeles · Frankfurt · Chicago Many U.S. importers source products from Asia, but not every importer understands what happens between the supplier’s factory and the final delivery in the United States. When I worked with shipments connected to Korea, Vietnam, China, and the United States, I saw the same problem many times. Importers often focused on product price and transit time, but they did not always understand the freight process, document requirements, customs timing, port availability, or delivery coordination. That gap can create delays, extra charges, and confusion after the shipment has already departed. This guide explains the practical difference between ocean freight and air freight when importing from Asia to the United States. It is written for importers who want to understand the process before they place a purchase order, not ...