Freight tool
Transit Matrix
Compare sea, air, and express lead times across the lanes buyers actually use. Pick a destination and see which mode fits your deadline — and your budget.
Compare modes
Pick a destination lane
All lanes originate in China. Lead times are port-to-door ranges for planning, not guarantees.
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How to choose
Match the mode to the cargo
Lead time is only half the story. Cost, handling, and customs all shift which mode makes sense for a given shipment.
iSea for volume
FCL and consolidated LCL are cheapest per kilogram. Use sea when the deadline is weeks out and the cartons are many.
iAir for balance
Air suits mid-value goods with a real but not critical deadline. Expect a meaningful jump in cost per kg over sea.
iExpress for urgency
Courier door-to-door is fastest and simplest, but the premium per kg is steep. Reserve it for samples and small urgent parcels.
iDe-minimis matters
The threshold shown decides when duty and VAT kick in. It changes by market and over time — confirm before you ship.
Go further
Plan your whole shipment
The Transit Matrix compares lead times. Pair it with our other tools and guides to price, classify, and ship with confidence.
Common questions
Transit Matrix FAQ
Quick answers on lead times, mode choice, and the thresholds that affect your shipment.
How long does shipping from China take?
Sea runs 18–40 days by lane (Australia is shortest; US East Coast and the EU are longest). Air is 5–10 days. Express door-to-door is 3–6 days. These are port-to-door planning ranges, not guarantees.
Which mode should I choose?
Use sea for volume and the lowest cost per kg when the deadline is weeks out. Use air to balance speed and cost for mid-value goods. Reserve express for samples and small urgent parcels where the premium is worth it.
What is the de-minimis threshold and why does it matter?
It is the value below which duty and VAT are waived (for example, US $800 under Section 321). It decides whether a shipment clears free or attracts charges — and it changes by market and over time, so confirm before you ship. Note: the US de minimis exemption for China/Hong Kong was suspended in 2025.
Why do lead times vary so much?
Lane length, port congestion, inland haulage, customs clearance, and routing (Red Sea diversions add roughly 10–14 days) all move the clock. The Matrix shows typical ranges so you can plan buffers.
How can I shorten transit time?
Ship to a West Coast port rather than East Coast (about 2–3 weeks faster to the US), book early to avoid cut-off delays, send the first batch by express while sea freight is in transit, and keep customs documents ready to avoid holds.
Ready to move your goods?
Get a freight quote matched to your lane and mode.
Practical tools and guides for Alibaba buyers importing from China.
Trade rules and freight rates change. This site is a practical reference — confirm the official schedule and the details with your provider before you act on a shipment.
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