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Freight from the USA
 

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International Shipping from the USA Using the Online Freight Calculator

LCL freight service is a cost-effective solution for shipping overseas goods in boxes, crates, and pallets.

Use the Online LCL freight Calculator above to calculate international shipping costs. Begin by selecting your destination country.

There is no need to wait for a price quote. Now you can calculate international cargo delivery prices in real time, 24/7.

Keep your freight quote on record. Compare with other offers. And if you like, you can book your shipment and receive instructions within 24 business hours.

  • As an EXPERIENCED EXPORTER, you know that global cargo transportation procedures are generally the same regardless of your chosen international shipping company. This guide offers step-by-step instructions for managing LCL freight using our online calculator.
  • If you are NEW TO GLOBAL CARGO TRANSPORTATION BY SEA, you should read through this page regardless of what company you use.

Why should you use the online freight calculator?

Our website streamlines global cargo transportation from the U.S., specializing in LCL (Less than Container Load) freight. LCL is a low-cost international shipping solution for loads that don't require a full 20—or 40-foot container.

Key Features:

  • Real-time online freight calculator for instant freight quotes
  • Supports LCL sea freight for moving goods in boxes, crates, and pallets from the U.S.
  • Handles both commercial goods and personal household items

I. Is LCL Right for You?

When planning cargo delivery overseas, consider:

  1. Size: Too large for parcels but not enough to fill a container?
  2. Timing: Can you accommodate sea freight transit times?
  3. Packing: Able to prepare goods properly for transportation?

If you answered "yes," LCL is your most cost-effective and reliable way to ship your goods overseas.

II. Your Experience Level

For experienced exporters:

  • Our LCL processes match industry standards
  • Compare our competitive pricing and service quality
  • Review our step-by-step guide before booking

For first-time shippers:

  • Explore our FAQs and reference documents
  • Study our beginner's guide (20-30 minute read)
  • Learn common challenges of international shipping

III. Why Choose AMID Logistics?

As a licensed and bonded U.S. freight forwarder, we offer:

  • 24/7 online freight calculator for transparent pricing
  • Full compliance with customs and port regulations
  • Industry-competitive rates without negotiation
  • Proven reliability through customer satisfaction

Whether transporting commercial goods or personal belongings, we provide end-to-end support for your global cargo transportation needs.

KEEP IN MIND!

1. Unlike many countries worldwide, the United States enforces federal law that mandates all ocean transportation intermediaries (OTIs) possess valid licenses and bonds. Engaging in international shipping from the U.S. through unlicensed OTI companies, which disguise themselves as legitimate, can result in many issues and high costs when delivering cargo from the USA to foreign destinations. It is crucial to avoid any dealings with rogue movers.

2. While most sea shipments arrive at their destinations intact and without any losses, it is essential to note that the liabilities of ocean freight carriers are limited in the event of damage or loss. These carriers are only liable for up to $500 per customary unit and cannot exceed $1500 for the entire shipment. Therefore, it is advisable to consider insuring valuable cargo to safeguard against potential financial losses.

3. If you ship goods overseas, whether for commercial or personal purposes, it is essential to be aware of destination charges, also known as local charges. These charges are incurred at the destination and are not considered freight charges. Suppose you need to ship cargo from the USA to a foreign country. In that case, it is prudent to determine who will bear the responsibility for these expenses, whether the shipper or the consignee.

Below is an outline of the payment structure for multimodal cargo transportation using Less than Container Load, specifically concerning ocean freight originating from the United States:

  • Cost for packing and labeling – NOT INCLUDED.
  • U.S. domestic ground transportation to an ocean freight terminal (CFS) – DEPENDING ON SERVICE REQUESTED
  • Customs formalities* at the origin and the origin THC (Terminal Handling Charges) - INCLUDED
  • The ocean freight between countries - INCLUDED
  • Cost of recovery of goods at the destination (Customs, THC, Cargo release, etc.) – NOT INCLUDED.
  • Cost of delivery of goods "to the door" of the consignee (cargo recipient) - NOT INCLUDED.

*Unless subject to special U.S. export regulations.

We recommend visiting our website's FAQs and references to enhance your international shipping experience. This information will make the process more predictable and alleviate unnecessary stress. Understanding international shipping costs and the shipper's responsibilities upfront helps eliminate surprises during import recovery at the destination.

4. Paying attention to the arrival notice for your shipment is crucial! Typically, carriers' destination agents also act as customs brokers. Their primary objective is to expedite the release of your goods to you as soon as possible. It is imperative to follow their instructions diligently, pay the applicable destination charges, and promptly take possession of your released goods.

Please be aware that import recoveries at destinations are time-sensitive. The sooner you initiate the necessary procedures, the less likely you are to encounter deadline penalties, such as storage fees, demurrage charges, or Customs penalties.

We strive to provide a professional and seamless experience with your shipment and are here to assist you every step of the way.

 

Shipping from the USA, depending on the destination countries. Some special requirements and limitations.

Importing and exporting can be simple or complex, depending on the regulations involved. It all depends on the commodity and the country to which you ship. As soon as goods reach the target country, neither U.S. freight forwarders nor carriers can assist you in your cargo recovery. Before engaging in international shipping from the U.S., always verify with the destination country's customs authorities for any special import requirements or limitations.
 
You may also need to check with U.S. Customs and Border Protection for basic exporting procedures. For more information, refer to the U.S. CBP website. You may also want to check for updates from Intertek.com.
 
Below are some of the most common requirements and limitations listed by a country that we face in our practice. However, the information does not cover all countries and regulations. Once again, please note: To avoid potential issues with import recovery, particularly if you ship a specific commodity, it is recommended that you contact the officials of your destination country or a customs broker in advance.
 
AFRICA. A waiver is required for transportation to or through Central and Western African countries.
 
The waiver, or CTN (Cargo Tracking Note), must be filed before a shipment enters the commerce zone of Central and Western Africa. The waiver contains details such as the exporter or importer, shipment value, method and type of transportation, freight cost, vessel name, and other relevant information.
 
We know of the following countries that require a waiver: Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo, Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast), Democratic Republic Congo, Equatorial, Guinea, Gabon, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Mali, Niger, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Togo.
 
Ask about waivers at your country's Consulate in the U.S. or search for a company that supports and generates waivers or CTN (Cargo Tracking Notes).

ALGERIA: Imports to Algeria must be covered by a Letter of Credit. This refers to the Algeria Letter of Credit. Also, a Certificat de contrôle de qualité is required for all exports to Algeria.

AUSTRALIA: Australian shipments are restricted to wood packing. Learn more about international shipping to Australia from the United States, including ISPM 15 regulations, by visiting this.

BANGLADESH: Exports of second-hand capital machinery to Bangladesh may require an Inspection Certificate for Customs clearance.

BOTSWANA: In Botswana, to clear customs, the goods must comply with the Botswana Bureau of Standards (BOBS) Import Inspections Regulations (SIIR) of the Standards Programme.

BRAZIL: 1. Brazil requires CNPJ numbers (Brazilian Tax ID) for both shipper and consignee.

2. Brazil requires an NCM Code (not an HS Code, as in other countries). For used personal effects, the suggested NCM is 9797. Otherwise, search NCM code at - https://www.exportgenius.in/search-live-data.php#shipment 

3. The Wooden Clause is mandatory for Shipments routed to Brazil. The below Wooden Clause sample for reference:

BILL MUST SHOW IN THE DESCRIPTION:
For Skid / Pallet / Crate (anything that can be made of wood):
-Wooden Packing: Processed Wood, or
-Wooden Packing: Treated and Certified (the materials have been treated and fumigated and include a Certificate); or
-Wooden Packing: Not Treated and not Certified (the materials have not been treated nor fumigated and do not include a Certificate); or:

-Wooden Packing: Not Applicable (when packing material is not wooden).
EXAMPLE: WOOD PACKING TREATED TO ISPM15 SPECIFICATIONS; Wooden package: treated and certified
IF NOT WOOD (any other package type): Bill must show "WOODEN PACKING: NOT APPLICABLE."

4. The express release is not allowed to ship to Brazil. There are only two release terms for that destination: release originals at the origin or release at the destination.

CAMEROON: Programme d’Evaluation de la Conformité Avant Embarquement (PECAE) in Cameroon.

NIF and PR number: Every importer to Cameroon must apply for the NIF (Numero d'Identification Fiscale) number. With this unique NIF number, the importer can obtain a transaction number starting with PRxxxx. This PR number varies for each shipment and must be included in the BESC document.

Without the PR number, shipments will not be accepted in Cameroon, and BESC documents cannot be validated. 

CHINA: Exporting to China requires the consignee's TAX ID# or USCI# (Unified Social Credit Code Identifier). The Unified Social Credit Code Identifier is an 18-digit number (sometimes including letters) that is unique to every Chinese company. It's mandatory for all enterprises and other organizational types in Mainland China. The code states that the business has been registered and verified with the Chinese government to operate legally. Read about international shipping to China, including the requirements for the TAX ID# or the consignee's USCI#, in the link.

COLUMBIA: Exporting to Colombia requires a NIT (National Identification Tax) number.

ECUADOR: PERSONAL EFFECTS RESTRICTIONS: No commercial invoice is needed, but a packing list is insufficient. For customs clearance, the consignee will need a consumerized list (packing list certified by the Ecuadorian Consulate) and must be able to prove (with a copy of their passport) that they have been out of the country for at least a year. The agent will only deliver documents upon arrival of the shipment at the port. The consignee must perform additional procedures, such as customs clearance and transportation.

EGYPT: ACID# REQUIRED. Since July 1, 2021, a 9-digit ACID# (Advanced Cargo Information Identification Number) has been required for all inbound shipments to Egypt. The Egyptian importer or a customs broker acting on their behalf may access the online e-portal nafeza.gov.eg/ar to request the issuance of an ACID number for a particular shipment. The ACID# must be generated 48 hours before the cargo departs from the country of origin.

According to new security regulations, all shipments to or transshipped via Egypt and Spain require a copy of the consignee's passport (or visa). Refer to the information about global cargo transportation to and through Egypt in the provided web link. GOEIC must also approve shipments to issue the mandatory Certificate of Inspection for the export of Regulated Products to Egypt.

ETHIOPIA: Certificate of Conformity is mandatory.
 
GABON: To clear customs, traders in Gabon must comply with the requirements of the Gabonese government's office, Agence Gabonaise de Normalisation (AGANOR), specifically the Conformity Assessment Programme, known as PROJECT.

INDIA: All shipments to India must include the following information:

1. Import and Export code (IEC) of the importer.
2. GST identification no. (GST NO.) of the importer.
3. Official email ID of the Importer (to be used for correspondence by steamship lines and customs).
4. PAN Number of Notify.
5. 6 Digit HS (Harmonized) code.
6. Cargo Value.

INDONESIA: For all personal effects to be sent to Indonesia, to clear customs without paying Tax and duty, the consignee must submit a packaging list to the Embassy of Indonesia, which the Embassy must stamp.

Effective 7/16/2007, the Indonesian government requires specific commodity descriptions for the following:

Spare parts, Auto parts: Gear, Nut, Doll, Chain, Chassis, etc
Electronic parts: Diode, Transistor, LED, IC, cable, PCO, etc.
Foodstuff: Noodle, Candy, Tea, Coffee, etc
Stationery: Books, Pencil, Pen, Ink, etc
Household: Refrigerator, Washing Machine, Chair, etc
Chemical product, chemicals: Dyestuff, Surfactant, Soap, etc
Fabrics, textiles: Jeans, T-shirts, underwear, socks, hats, etc
Tools: Screwdriver, hammer, saw, drill, etc.

ISRAEL: Exporting to Israel requires the consignee's VAT (TAX-Number). For more information about Israeli regulations, please visit this.

ITALY: Moving household goods or personal effects to Italy is subject to Italian Government restrictions and regulations. If you are delivering household goods or personal effects to Italy, please get in touch with your local Italian Consulate in advance. Find more here.

IVORY COAST: The Government of the Republic of Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast) has introduced a Verification of Compliance program for all goods entering the country.
 
KENYA: To assure Kenyan consumers of the safety and quality of the imported goods they buy and to protect Kenyan manufacturers from unfair competition, the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), a statutory organization of the government of Kenya, has implemented guidelines called the Pre-Export Verification of Conformity (PVoC) to Standards Programme.
 
KUWAIT: The Public Authority for Industry of the State of Kuwait (PAI) implemented specific guidelines to verify the conformity of all 'Regulated Products' exported to Kuwait. These guidelines are diligently enforced and form the Kuwait Conformity Assurance Scheme (KUCAS). Exports to Kuwait of these' Regulated Products' require a Technical Evaluation Report (TER) and a Technical Inspection Report (TIR) to clear customs.
 
MOROCCO: Effective March 2019, all goods to Morocco must bear the newly implemented ICE (Common Company Identifier) number of the importer (consignee) on the accompanying documents.
 
MOZAMBIQUE: Regulated goods (known as the Positive List) may be subject to pre-shipment inspection in the country of export before being allowed into Mozambique. Goods on the Positive List must comply with these regulations and be accompanied by a Documento Unico Certificado (DUC).

NEW ZEALAND: New Zealand shipments are restricted to wood packing. Discover the details of international shipping from the USA to Australia, including ISPM 15 regulations, on this page.

NIGERIA: Exporting to Nigeria requires the completion of an 'M Form' before departure. For exporting goods to Nigeria, please refer to the 'M Form' provided at the following link.

To qualify as personal effects, the recipient must have resided outside Nigeria for at least nine months and possess a valid passport. All the items must not be commercial.

The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has implemented a strict set of guidelines for exports to Nigeria, known as the Standards Organisation of Nigeria Conformity Assessment Programme (SONCAP).

PAKISTAN: CARGO MUST BE CUSTOMS CLEARED IN KARACHI BEFORE IT CAN BE MOVED TO THE FINAL DESTINATION.

PERU: Peruvian Customs requires the consignee's Peruvian Tax ID number (known as RUC) to be included in the Bill of Lading for shipments to Peru.

QATAR: Qatar requires a Certificate of Origin. Read more about how to ship to Qatar.

Also, exports of vehicle spare parts, tires, and some electrical products to Qatar require a mandatory Certificate of Conformity for Customs clearance. Through the Qatar Ministry of Business and Trade – Department of Consumer Protection and the Qatar General Organization for Standards and Metrology (QGOSM), the Government of the State of Qatar has issued a set of strict rules regulating the import and sale of Vehicle Spare Parts and Vehicle Tyres.

RUSSIA, BELARUS, KAZAKHSTAN, ARMENIA, and KYRGYZSTAN: Compliance with Customs Union Technical Regulations is required when exporting to the Eurasian Economic Union - EAEU (former Customs Union). Member states are Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Armenia, and Kyrgyzstan. GOST certification systems for individual member states are gradually replaced by certification to the Customs Union Technical Regulations (CUTR).

TANZANIA: To assure Tanzanian consumers of the safety and quality of imported goods they purchase and to protect Tanzanian manufacturers from unfair competition, the Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS), a statutory organization of the Government of Tanzania, has implemented guidelines called the Pre-Shipment Verification of Conformity (PVoC) to Standards Programme.

SAUDI ARABIA: When exporting to Saudi Arabia, every package, carton, and box must be permanently marked to state the Country of Origin. Learn about Saudi Arabia regarding the Country of Origin marking here.

A Conformity Assessment Program has been implemented for all exports to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. All products require a Certificate of Compliance, also called an SASO CoC, to be cleared through Saudi Customs.

South Africa:

TYPICAL PERSONAL EFFECTS RESTRICTIONS
1) Non-commercial personal effects must be prepaid to the client's door.
2) Rates will be quoted on a case-by-case basis.
3) Customs Requirements:
A) An original passport is needed at least 14 days before
the arrival of the vessel; B) The Importer is required to complete the customs form.
DA304 & P1160 in triplicate in the Presence of SA customs officers
presenting the passport in its original; C) An inventory stating the value of
Goods are required. 4) Additional documents: A) Marriage certificate - if a
Foreigner is married to a SA Citizen; B) immigration permit - original
required is not endorsed in the passport; C) An SABC TV license is required if
importing television - obtain one on arrival; D) Goods packed in wood must
Have a fumigation certificate for wood packaging. An instruction that no
Charitable/Second-Hand cargo is accepted for shipment without prior
approval from the SA agent.

To learn about export restrictions to South Africa, please visit this link.

SPAIN: According to new security regulations, all shipments to or transshipped via Egypt and Spain require a copy of the consignee's passport (or visa). This link provides additional details.

UGANDA: Requires a Certificate of Compliance for products regulated under the Uganda Pre-Export Verification of Conformity to Standards Programme (PVoC).

THE UNITED KINGDOM: Export goods to the UK requires a TOR1 filing before departing. Exemptions from filing ToR1 are commercial (B2B) shipments and shipments to the UK consigned to UK citizens. If a load is consigned to a UK citizen, a copy of the consignee's UK passport must be provided before the shipment departs from the country of origin. Find more information about the TOR1 filing at this link.

Consignee EORI# required. This new requirement takes effect for all shipments arriving in the UK after January 1, 2021. All shipments require the EORI number.

VIETNAMAll export shipments to destinations in Vietnam require an HS code and Consignee Tax ID to be included in all export documentation. Failure to provide this information will result in delayed cargo loading.

You may also want to check for updates on international shipping from the United States to various countries at Intertek.com.

 

Currently Serving Countries

Algeria
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Western Samoa
Yemen
Zambia
Zimbabwe
 
 
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