Shipping Options from China: What New Dropshippers Must Know

Shipping Options from China: What New Dropshippers Must Know

If you’re just getting into drop shipping from China to the your country, you’re probably already asking:

How long will shipping take?

How much will it cost?

And most importantly: Which shipping method should I choose?

As someone who works with global buyers and personal drop shippers every day, I’ve seen how shipping choices can make or break your customer experience and profit margin. In this post, I’ll walk you through the most common shipping options from China, including the pros, cons, and when to use each.

✈️ 1. ePacket – The Classic Dropshipper’s Option

Best for: Small, lightweight items under 2kg

Shipping time to (for example) USA: 7–20 business days

Cost: Low

Tracking: Yes

ePacket used to be the go-to method for AliExpress sellers. It’s handled by China Post and USPS, and it’s available in many countries including the U.S.

✅ Pros:

  • Cheap for lightweight products

  • Reliable tracking

  • No need for bulk orders

❌ Cons:

  • Not ideal for heavy items

  • Can get delayed during peak seasons

  • Some suppliers no longer use it due to recent changes in pricing and availability

🔍 If you’re just starting and selling small gadgets, accessories, or simple home goods, ePacket is still a decent budget-friendly choice.

📦 2. Standard Express (e.g., YunExpress, 4PX, CJPacket)

Best for: New dropshippers who want better delivery times

Shipping time to USA: 6–15 business days

Cost: Slightly more than ePacket

Tracking: Yes

These are third-party logistics lines used by suppliers and agents. They’re often faster and more stable than regular postal services.

✅ Pros:

  • Faster and more predictable than ePacket

  • Lower lost package rates

  • Affordable even for small-volume sellers

❌ Cons:

  • Limited to select products (some items not allowed)

  • Not all suppliers offer them unless you’re using an agent

💡 Most 1688/agent dropshippers rely on these hybrid lines for a balance between price and speed.

🚛 3. Air Freight – Faster for Bulk Orders

Best for: Medium-size shipments (20–500kg)

Shipping time to USA: 5–12 business days

Cost: Higher than express, cheaper than DHL

Tracking: Yes (via freight forwarders)

Once your business grows and you start bulk purchasing, air freight becomes a great middle-ground. Products are shipped to an airport (like LAX or JFK), then cleared and delivered by local carriers.

✅ Pros:

  • Fast for bulk

  • Good control over cost per unit

  • Reliable for inventory restock

❌ Cons:

  • Requires freight agent and customs clearance

  • Not suitable for single-item drop shipping

⚠️ If you’re sourcing in bulk for Amazon FBA, Shopify fulfillment, or prepping inventory in a U.S. warehouse, air freight is a smart option.

🛳️ 4. Sea Freight – Cheapest for Large Volume

Best for: Large and heavy shipments (over 2 CBM or 500kg)

Shipping time to USA: 20–35 days

Cost: Lowest per unit

Tracking: Yes (through shipping agent)

Sea freight is the cheapest way to move large quantities—but it’s also the slowest. You’ll also need to deal with customs, warehousing, and last-mile delivery.

✅ Pros:

  • Best cost per unit

  • Ideal for restocking warehouses or wholesale

❌ Cons:

  • Slow

  • Complex documentation and customs process

  • Must work with a freight forwarder

🛠️ New dropshippers usually avoid sea freight at first—but if you’re scaling or doing private label, it becomes essential.

🧩 Struggling with Shipping? Here’s What I Do for My Clients

Most of the personal buyers and new dropshippers I work with tell me the same thing:

“I don’t know who to trust, and I don’t have time to compare all these shipping methods.”

That’s why I offer a one-stop China sourcing service, including: 

  • Helping you choose the best supplier AND best shipping method

  • Consolidating packages from different sellers

  • Repacking, inspecting, and labeling

  • Coordinating with YunExpress, air freight, or sea freight partners for you

And most importantly—I help you save time, avoid beginner mistakes, and ensure your customers don’t complain about long shipping or broken items.

Want me to help you with your next shipment?

👉 [Contact Me on WhatsApp: +86 1127897225] or check out my service on Whalesourcing.com

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