Shipping furniture is usually most cost‑effective by ocean. LCL works for smaller volumes, while FCL wins once you approach a half to a full container. Typical port to door lead time runs 25 to 45 days depending on port pair, sailing frequency, and customs. If you are comparing modes, sea freight from China is the budget choice for bulky cargo, and air is reserved for urgent samples or high‑value pieces that must arrive fast.
Best way to ship furniture to the USA
Furniture is voluminous. That favors ocean over air for most orders.
FCL vs LCL for bulky goods
- LCL is ideal if you have a few pallets or a handful of crates. You pay by cubic meter, share a container, and keep cash flow lighter, but you add consolidation and deconsolidation time.
- FCL is best when your shipment reaches roughly 15 to 20 CBM for a 20‑foot or 30 to 35 CBM for a 40‑foot. You gain faster handling, lower risk, and a better unit cost.
When air makes sense
Choose air only for samples, launch pieces, or time‑sensitive replacements. The cost per kilogram is high and dimensional weight applies, so most full sets should not fly.
What drives your total cost
Freight. Base ocean rate plus surcharges.
Origin. Pickup, export clearance, packing, and any consolidation.
Destination. ISF filing, import clearance, duties and taxes, terminal handling, and inland trucking.
Add‑ons. Insurance, liftgate, appointments, inside delivery, debris removal.
Example cost scenarios
Numbers below are simplified and for illustration only. Live rates change by season, fuel, and capacity.
- Small order, 3 CBM LCL, Shenzhen to Los Angeles, delivery to business dock.
Expect a lower total than a partial container, but plan for extra days due to consolidation.
- Mid order, 18 CBM, 20‑foot FCL, Ningbo to New York, liftgate required.
FCL typically beats LCL on unit cost at this size and reduces handling.
- Urgent samples, 150 kg chargeable by air to Chicago.
Faster delivery, higher spend. Use for prototypes and showroom pieces only.
For USA route specifics and current options, see our guide to shipping from China to USA and request an instant quote.
Customs, duties, and paperwork
HS codes and compliance
Documents you prepare
Packing and damage prevention
Furniture is prone to scuffs and compression.
- Crating. Use custom plywood crates for finished surfaces and high‑value items.
- Palletizing. Keep center of gravity low, band securely, and add corner protection.
- Moisture control. Line cartons, add desiccants, and specify container floor loading.
- Labeling. Apply clear piece counts and handling marks on all sides.
- Curbside. Standard business delivery to dock or curb. Fastest and cheapest.
- Liftgate. Required if no loading dock or forklift is available.
- Inside or white‑glove. Room‑of‑choice placement, optional assembly, and debris removal for residential or showroom deliveries.
Why work with ZGGShip
- Mode flexibility. LCL, FCL, and time‑critical air with a single team.
- Space and rates. Long‑term carrier partnerships help secure capacity during peak seasons.
- End‑to‑end visibility. Online booking, proactive status updates, and exception handling.
- Door‑to‑door support. Export pickup, packing, customs, and scheduled delivery at destination.
If you want a single partner to manage every leg, including white‑glove handoff for your customers or stores, contact our team for a custom plan.