Worry-Free Shipping to the USA Starts with DDP
Importing from China to the United States doesn’t have to be stressful. With DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) shipping, everything from customs to delivery is handled for you—no hidden fees, no surprise paperwork, and no headaches.
At Tonlexing, we specialize in DDP air and sea freight solutions from China to the USA, covering everything from supplier pickup to final delivery. Whether you’re a small eCommerce seller or managing large-scale B2B shipments, this all-in-one solution lets you focus on what matters: growing your business.
In this updated 2025 guide, we’ll walk you through:
What DDP shipping really means
How our DDP sea and air freight services work
Transparent cost and delivery time breakdowns
A step-by-step DDP shipping process
Frequently asked questions
Let’s make your next shipment simple, fast, and fully covered—door to door.
What is DDP Shipping? Definition & Buyer-Seller Responsibilities
DDP shipping, short for Delivered Duty Paid, is a type of international shipping term where the seller takes full responsibility for delivering goods to the final destination in the destination country, including customs clearance, import duties, and all shipping costs.
Unlike other shipping terms like DAP or EXW, DDP gives buyers peace of mind. They don’t need to handle any customs procedures, pay unexpected customs fees, or deal with freight forwarders or customs brokers themselves.
Here’s how responsibilities are typically divided:
Seller (Tonlexing) is responsible for:
Export packaging & labeling
Inland transportation within China
Export customs clearance
International air freight or sea freight
Import customs clearance in the USA
Payment of all customs duties and taxes
Final delivery to the buyer’s address
Buyer is only responsible for:
Receiving goods at the agreed final delivery location
No need to pay any additional costs, submit a customs declaration form, or obtain an import license
By covering the entire shipping process, Tonlexing ensures that your DDP shipment arrives without delays or complications. This makes DDP shipping a popular choice for businesses looking for cost-effective and reliable shipping solutions from China to the USA. DDP shipping offers significant value by reducing risks, liability, and overall costs for buyers during the shipping process.
Why Choose DDP Shipping with Tonlexing?
When it comes to international shipping, not all logistics partners are created equal. Choosing a reliable freight forwarder can mean the difference between smooth delivery and unexpected delays or costs. At Tonlexing, we offer complete Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) solutions tailored to the needs of importers shipping to the USA via air freight, sea freight, or even rail freight.
Here’s why businesses choose Tonlexing as their trusted shipping company:
One-Stop International Shipping Solution
We handle every part of the shipping process, including:
Supplier pickup and inland transportation
Export customs clearance in China
Air, sea, or rail freight to the United States
Import customs clearance in the U.S.
Final door shipping to your warehouse or FBA center
Whether you choose standard DDP shipping or a faster express shipping service, our team ensures full compliance with customs regulations, eliminating the risk of customs delays. Clear communication with logistics partners is essential for managing risks and expectations in DDP shipping.
Cost-Effective and Transparent Pricing
No hidden fees. No surprise duties. We offer flat-rate DDP shipping costs based on your shipment’s weight, size, and destination. You’ll know your transportation costs upfront—including customs duties, clearance, and final delivery—so you can budget with confidence. One major advantage of DDP shipping is transparency in pricing, which helps buyers accurately calculate total expenses and profits.
Expert Freight Forwarders with Global Reach
With over 10 years of experience in international shipping, our team of logistics specialists is ready to help you navigate customs paperwork, optimize container load usage, and avoid delays. We act as your direct shipping agent, coordinating every aspect from origin to final destination.
Fast and Reliable Delivery to the USA
Whether you’re shipping via air freight for urgent goods or sea freight for larger volumes, we’ll help you choose the most efficient shipping methods based on cost, time, and cargo type. We also offer DDP rail freight services for a balanced alternative—faster than sea, cheaper than air.
Air & Sea DDP Shipping Options: Which Mode Should You Choose?
When it comes to DDP shipping from China to the USA, choosing the right shipping mode is crucial to balance cost, speed, and cargo type. At Tonlexing, we offer standard DDP shipping services via air freight, sea freight, and even rail freight to meet various needs.
Here’s a breakdown of your options and when to use each one:
Air Freight DDP
Air freight is the fastest way to move your cargo from China to the United States. It’s ideal for high-value, time-sensitive shipments or urgent business documents. While air freight costs are higher than ocean shipping, the rapid delivery—usually within 3 to 8 days—makes it worth it for some products.
Best for:
Electronics and consumer gadgets
Fashion or seasonal products
Lightweight goods with high value
Pros:
Fast delivery
Lower risk of delays or damage
Better for small-volume DDP shipments
Cons:
Higher shipping costs
Strict cargo restrictions (e.g., battery limitations)
Sea Freight DDP
Sea freight is the most cost-effective solution for bulk goods. Whether you’re shipping a full container load (FCL) or less than container load (LCL), we provide optimized routing, consolidation, and delivery to your final destination across the United States. Sea freight is generally a more cost-effective shipping option compared to air freight.
FCL (Full Container Load): Ideal for customers with enough goods to fill an entire container. Offers lower per-unit freight costs and safer handling.
LCL (Less than Container Load): Ideal for smaller shipments that share space with other importers’ cargo. Offers flexibility and budget-friendliness.
Pros:
Lower sea freight costs per unit
Accepts a wide range of goods, including oversized and heavy items
More environmentally friendly for large-volume shipping
Cons:
Longer transit time (typically 25–40 days)
Higher risk of customs delays if documentation is not accurate
Rail Freight DDP (Optional for Some Routes)
Though not as widely used for U.S. destinations, DDP rail freight may be suitable for specific inland points or cross-border transloading, especially for goods heading to North America via land-bridge connections. It offers a middle ground between cost and speed.
Suggested Table: DDP Shipping Modes at a Glance
Mode | Delivery Time | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
Air Freight | 3–8 days | $5.6/kg | Urgent, lightweight cargo |
Sea Freight LCL | 30–40 days | $1.2/kg | Small business shipments |
Sea Freight FCL | 25–35 days | $ 0.8/kg | Large-volume bulk cargo |
Rail Freight | 18–30 days (limited) | $1.2/kg | Mid-range cost/time balance |
With Tonlexing’s professional coordination, we’ll help you select the best shipping mode for your specific needs. Whether you require express shipping, door shipping, or a strategic mix of standard DDP shipping services, we ensure a seamless shipping process from China to your warehouse, Amazon FBA center, or retail store in the U.S.
DDP Shipping Costs from China to USA (Air & Sea Freight Rates 2025)
Understanding your DDP shipping costs is essential for planning your international shipping strategy. Since DDP includes freight costs, customs duties, import customs clearance, and final delivery, you get full price transparency with no additional costs at the destination.
At Tonlexing, we offer competitive rates tailored to your shipment’s size, weight, and shipping method. Below are sample rates to give you a reference for both sea freight and air freight DDP shipping from major Chinese ports to U.S. cities.
Sea Freight DDP Costs (FCL – Full Container Load)
Route | 20FT Container | 40FT Container | Transit Time |
|---|---|---|---|
Shanghai → Los Angeles | $2,550 | $3,550 | 25–30 days |
Shenzhen → New York | $3,050 | $4,050 | 32–38 days |
Ningbo → Houston | $2,350 | $4,050 | 30–36 days |
Qingdao → Miami | $3,050 | $4,000 | 35–42 days |
Xiamen → Chicago | $3,200 | $4,100 | 33–40 days |
Note: Prices include export customs clearance, international shipping, customs duties, and door-to-door delivery in the U.S.
Air Freight DDP Costs (per kilogram)
Route | General Cargo | Battery/Restricted Items | Transit Time |
|---|---|---|---|
Guangzhou → Los Angeles | $5.5/kg | $6.5/kg | 4–6 days |
Shanghai → New York | $5.8/kg | $7.2/kg | 5–7 days |
Shenzhen → Chicago | $5.4/kg | $6.9/kg | 5–8 days |
Hong Kong → Miami | $5.6/kg | $7.0/kg | 6–9 days |
For DDP air freight, our rates cover the entire shipping process, including pickup from supplier, customs clearance process at both ends, duty paid delivery, and final destination delivery—no need to worry about hidden fees or customs delays.
What Influences DDP Shipping Costs?
Several factors impact your total DDP costs:
Type of cargo – Heavy, oversized, or dangerous goods often involve higher transportation costs and customs duties.
Shipping mode – Air freight is faster but more expensive than sea freight or rail freight.
Container type – Choosing between full container load and LCL shipment (less than container load) affects pricing structure.
Delivery location – Rural or remote destinations may involve extra door shipping charges.
Seasonality – Peak seasons may lead to higher freight costs or space limitations.
Export clearance requirements – Complex declarations or product types may increase processing time and cost.
By working with Tonlexing, a trusted shipping company and shipping agent, you get a reliable partner who handles the entire shipping process. From initial pickup to final delivery, we ensure that every DDP shipment reaches your customer or warehouse safely, on time, and within budget.
DDP Shipping Process from China to USA: Step-by-Step Breakdown
For businesses looking for a seamless way to move goods internationally, DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) shipping offers a complete, worry-free experience. At Tonlexing, we manage the entire shipping process, ensuring your goods travel smoothly from the supplier in China to the final destination in the United States.
Here’s how the typical DDP shipment works:
Step 1: Supplier Coordination & Export Preparation
We begin by contacting your supplier(s) to arrange pickup, verify order details, and prepare the cargo for export.
Labeling, packaging, and palletizing (if needed)
Planning the best shipping methods (air, sea, or rail)
Scheduling pickup from factory or warehouse
Arranging inland transportation to the port or airport
Step 2: Export Clearance in China
Before leaving China, your goods must go through export customs clearance. Tonlexing handles all required customs procedures, including:
Commercial invoice & packing list preparation
Product classification and declaration
Submission to Chinese customs and approval
Having an experienced freight forwarder manage the export clearance helps avoid errors that may lead to clearing customs delays or fines.
Step 3: International Freight Shipping
Depending on your timeline, cargo type, and budget, we arrange the most suitable shipping method:
Air freight: For urgent or high-value cargo
Sea freight: For bulk and cost-effective transport
Rail freight: For hybrid speed and affordability
We handle booking, tracking, and real-time updates throughout the journey.
🇺🇸 Step 4: Import Customs Clearance in the USA
Upon arrival in the U.S., we complete the import customs clearance process:
Prepare and submit a customs declaration form
Pay all customs duties, taxes, and import fees on your behalf
Liaise with U.S. customs officers for smooth entry
Using a customs broker can significantly simplify the customs clearance process in the USA.
Our team ensures compliance with all customs regulations and minimizes risks of inspections or delays.
Step 5: Final Delivery to Your Location
Once your cargo is cleared, we arrange door-to-door delivery directly to your requested final destination, such as:
Amazon FBA warehouse
Commercial retail warehouse
Residential address
With Tonlexing, there’s no need to coordinate with multiple service providers. We handle the complete delivered duty paid journey from start to finish.
Benefits of a Managed DDP Shipping Process
Full visibility and control over the shipping terms
No surprises during customs clearance
Avoid additional costs due to incorrect documentation
Perfect for small businesses and first-time importers
Required Documents for DDP Shipping from China to USA
When you choose Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) shipping, one of the biggest advantages is that most of the paperwork is handled by your freight forwarder or shipping agent. However, understanding the required documents helps you stay informed and ensures smoother operations.
Here’s a breakdown of the key documentation involved in a DDP shipment:
Necessary documents for customs clearance in the USA typically include a Commercial Invoice, Packing List, and Bill of Lading.
1. Commercial Invoice
This is a critical document for customs procedures in both China and the USA. It lists:
Description of the goods
Quantity, unit price, and total value
HS codes (harmonized system codes)
Terms of sale (e.g., Delivered Duty Paid)
Exporter and importer details
A well-prepared commercial invoice ensures accurate customs duties calculation and avoids clearing customs delays.
2. Packing List
The packing list details how the cargo is organized. It includes:
Number of cartons or pallets
Weight and dimensions
Packaging type (boxes, pallets, crates)
This helps during cargo handling and inspection at ports or customs stations.
3. Bill of Lading (B/L) or Air Waybill (AWB)
This document serves as a shipping receipt and proof of transport:
Sea freight → Bill of Lading (issued by the carrier)
Air freight → Air Waybill (issued by the airline)
It also confirms that goods are being shipped under DDP shipping terms and that door shipping will be executed after arrival.
4. Customs Declaration Form
Submitted at both export and import stages, this form includes:
Shipment value
Country of origin
Description of goods
Declaration of the correct HS code
Confirmation of the shipping terms
It is essential for export clearance in China and import customs clearance in the USA.
5. Other Documents (if applicable)
Depending on your product type and destination, additional documents might include:
Certificate of origin
Product safety certificates
MSDS for hazardous goods
Import license (if required)
By choosing standard DDP shipping, you entrust Tonlexing to handle all these requirements. We ensure your documentation is prepared correctly to avoid penalties, delays, or hold-ups during the shipping process.
This document handling support is a key reason importers prefer working with a reputable freight forwarder like Tonlexing—we reduce risk while maintaining compliance with international shipping regulations.
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions about DDP Shipping from China to the USA
What does DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) mean in international shipping?
DDP stands for Delivered Duty Paid, a shipping term where the seller takes full responsibility for the entire delivery process—from pickup at the supplier’s facility in China to final delivery in the USA. This includes customs duties, taxes, freight charges, and even door shipping. It’s the most worry-free option for importers.
Is DDP shipping a good option for small businesses and e-commerce sellers?
Absolutely. Standard DDP shipping is ideal for Amazon sellers, Shopify store owners, and small retailers who don’t want to deal with customs paperwork or unexpected fees. With Tonlexing, your goods arrive at your final destination ready to sell—no extra steps. DDP shipping is often preferred for e-commerce sellers and Amazon FBA operations, as it requires sellers to prepay duties and taxes, ensuring smoother deliveries.
Can I use DDP shipping for high-value or sensitive cargo?
Yes. We handle high-value goods such as electronics, batteries, and machinery. Every DDP shipment is fully insured and processed by experienced freight handlers, ensuring safe, compliant delivery to your destination.
What’s the difference between DDP and other incoterms like DAP or EXW?
EXW (Ex Works): Buyer handles everything after pickup.
DAP (Delivered At Place): Seller delivers to the location, but the buyer clears customs and pays duties.
DDP (Delivered Duty Paid): Seller is responsible for the entire shipping process, including customs clearance and duty payments.
DDP is the most comprehensive and convenient of all shipping terms.
How long does DDP shipping take from China to the US?
Air Freight DDP: 3–8 days
Sea Freight DDP (FCL/LCL): 25–40 days depending on route
Rail Freight DDP: 18–30 days (limited use for U.S. shipments)
Transit times for air freight from China to the USA range from 5 to 12 days.
We always advise choosing the right mode based on urgency, volume, and budget.
Are there any hidden or additional costs in DDP shipping?
No. One of the main benefits of DDP is that there are no additional costs. Your quote includes freight charges, customs clearance, taxes, and door-to-door shipping. You’ll know your total DDP costs upfront.
Can Tonlexing deliver to any final destination in the USA?
Yes. We cover the entire U.S.—from major cities like Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago to more remote destinations. Whether it’s a warehouse, Amazon FBA center, or residential address, your shipment will reach the final destination without hassle.
Ready to Ship with Confidence?
Still have questions about your DDP shipment or want to compare rates between air freight and sea freight options?
Contact Tonlexing for a free consultation and get a custom DDP quote tailored to your cargo and delivery location.
