During the first 8 months of 2010 alone, China was responsible for US$ 229.2 billion worth of American imports and has consumed $55.8 billion in U.S. exports.
A careful comparison of the most economical shipping rates is an important step in maximizing profits from the merchandise trade between the two countries.
This analysis focuses on shipping costs between New York City and Beijing, China from one of the world’s leading parcel delivery companies, DHL (sometimes also called DHL Express).
The distance between New York City and Beijing China is 6,833 miles (10,996 kilometers).
Rates below are for shipping 10-pound boxes containing $1,000 worth of merchandise. Each box is 12” long by 12” wide by 12” high.
DHL International Shipping Rates from US to China
Shipping rates depend on required delivery deadlines. The fastest shipping times demand the higher premium charges.
Below are estimated DHL rates for shipping one 10-pound box from New York City to Beijing, China.
- Three-day delivery by noon ... USD$211.76
- Express Priority ... $204.63
- Express ... $184.63
- Economy Express ... $156.96.
The Economy Express option involves a one-week delivery.
As a commercial shipper, DHL is able to handle much larger cargoes. Below are DHL rates for shipping 10 of the above 10-pound boxes from New York to Beijing.
- Three-day delivery by noon ... USD$1,959.86
- Express Priority ... $1,952.73
- Express ... $1,932.73
- Economy Express ... $1,642.53.
DHL International Shipping Rates from China to US
DHL shipping rates from Beijing to New York City are slightly lower than charges from New York to Beijing.
Below are the shipping rates to send one 10-pound box from China’s capital city to the Big Apple.
- Three-day delivery by noon ... USD$213.98
- Express Priority ... $233.97
- Express ... $213.98
- Economy Express ... $192.93.
In general, DHL rates for shipping a single box from Beijing to New York City are slightly higher than shipping charges to send that same item from New York City to Beijing.
The following are DHL rates for shipping 10 of the above 10-pound boxes from Beijing to New York City.
- Three-day delivery by noon ... USD$1,510.13
- Express Priority ... $1,510.13
- Express ... $1,489.08
- Economy Express ... $1,299.66.
Perhaps due to economies of scale, shipping charges for large cargoes are less expensive from Beijing to New York City than shipments out of the Big Apple to the Chinese capital.
Shipping charges also depend on currency exchange rates, particularly where the Beijing shipper pays in Chinese Yuan while the New York exporter pays U.S. dollars for shipping costs.
Comparison of Shipping Charges with China
The above analysis gives benchmark rates for sending a fairly heavy box as of November 2010.
However, because of intense competition, these charges do change.
Readers are encouraged to consult a number of shipping companies for quotes before agreeing to pay a transportation company for their services.
Sources: This analysis presents independent calculations and insights based on rate simulators available online at ShippingandTracking.com.
Daniel Workman - A senior business and finance writer who also does French translations, notably international trade and insurance materials.
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