Shipping from France to the US - Means of transport

The value of France’s exports to the United States in 2022 was $50B. Top imports were gas turbines, packaged medicaments, planes, helicopters, and/or spacecraft. Depending on the product, your budget, and your requirements, you have to choose the most suitable way to transport your goods between the countries. We present all you need to know about shipping from France to the US.

Shipping from France to the US – Means of transport

Sea freight from France to the US

Considering France and the US’s location, sea freight is a convenient method for transporting goods between these places. What’s more, this way of transit is generally the most often used one in international trade. It’s not only the cheapest means of transportation, but it also allows the shipping of products in containers. One must keep in mind that while sea freight’s price may be the most reasonable, its transit time is the longest. Therefore, it’s not a good option for exporters of goods with a short expiry date.

When you use sea freight, you have to choose between FCL and LCL. It’s crucial to know what these abbreviations stand for. FCL stands for Full Container Load and means that one shipper uses the whole container. On the other hand, LCL (Less Container Load) refers to using only part of the container, while the free space is occupied by another shipper.

What are the main cargo seaports in France and the US?

Main cargo seaports in France

Port of Le Havre
Port of Lyon
Port of Marseille
Port of Paris

Main cargo seaports in the US

Port of Los Angeles
Port of Long Beach
Port of Newark
Port of Tacoma
Port of Oakland

Airfreight from France to the US

Airfreight is another option for transporting goods between France and the US. It’s the fastest and safest way to deliver products. However, these values also come with the highest price, as airfreight is the most costly means of transport. If you need to transit valuable goods such as jewelry or cars, this option might be good for you. It’s also the best method to deliver food, flowers, and pharmaceutical products because they must usually reach their destination as quickly as possible.

Main cargo airports in France

Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
Toulouse-Blagnac Airport (TLS)

Main cargo airports in the US

Memphis International Airport (MEM)
Louisville International Airport (SDF)
Miami International Airport (MIA)
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)

How much does shipping from France to the US cost?

Shipping costs will vary depending on the form of transport, the distance and route, the size of cargo and its type, and the chosen freight operator. Therefore, before making your final choice, we highly recommend comparing at least a few offers from various forwarders. Through ShipHub, you’ll quickly receive an in-depth quote on your international shipment. Fill in the form on the official website, and the available carriers will send you their offers.

Shipping from France to the US – summary

There are two ways to deliver cargo from France to the US. If the most important factors for you are costs and container shipping, sea freight will be the right choice. However, if, above all, you value safety and short transit time, consider choosing airfreight. Before choosing the method of transport and the forwarder, compare various offers on ShipHub. This way, you’ll be able to pick the most suitable one for your cargo.

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