Thailand is the second largest economy in Southeast Asia, following Indonesia. It is also a significant economic partner of the US, having diplomatic connections dating back to the Treaty of Amity and Commerce in 1833. Thailand is the world’s leading producer of natural rubber, frozen shrimp, canned tuna, canned pineapples, cooked poultry, and cassava. It also exports a significant amount of sugar and cereals. Thailand is the 17th biggest US trading partner. What are the ways of shipping from Thailand to the US?
Shipping from Thailand to the US
Sea freight from Thailand to the US
Container shipping is the most efficient way of transporting greater quantities of material and goods from Thailand to the United States. It is ideal for those who need to transport a huge amount of cargo or a vehicle, construction equipment, and other large objects. Sea freight is also typically a more affordable choice, as the cost of air shipping can be five times that of sea freight due to factors such as higher fuel costs.
There are two basic options for container transportation: LCL and FCL
- Less than Container Load (LCL) is commonly preferred by shippers with smaller consignments. Cargo is combined with other importers’ cargo and shipped in a shared container. The main disadvantage of LCL shipping is waiting until the entire container is filled and ready to depart. As a result, you may have to wait weeks or months for cargo to be shipped.
- Full Container Load (FCL) is a mode in which only one exporter/importer books one container. The price remains the same whether the container is fully or partially filled. Despite the greater expense, you will have more control when the cargo is loaded and placed aboard the ship.
A ship transporting your container from Thailand to the United States may either head west to an east-coast port or east to the west coast. These two maritime shipping routes span around 13,500 kilometers.
How long does sea shipping from Thailand to the US take?
The ocean transport from Thailand to the United States is estimated to take 35 to 54 days, depending on the exact destination.
Main cargo seaports in Thailand:
- Laem Chabang Port is Thailand’s largest seaport and the world’s 22nd-busiest container port
- Port of Bangkok (Klong Toey)
- Port of Phuket
Main cargo seaports in the US:
- Port of Los Angeles
- Port of Long Beach
- Port of New York
Air freight from Thailand to the US
If you find that ocean transportation is too slow, air transportation is the better choice. Keep in mind, however, that the cost of air freight is higher, particularly for larger shipments. Furthermore, because cargo is typically handled with care, air freight is one of the safest transportation options. As a result, the risk of damage is greatly minimized. This kind of transport is frequently used for small, lightweight, time-sensitive, or valuable items.
How long does air freight from Thailand to the US take?
Air freight from Thailand to the United States takes roughly four to five days to transit.
Main cargo airports in Thailand:
- Suvarnabhumi Airport (Bangkok Airport) is Thailand’s largest airport and one of two international airports that serve the Bangkok Metropolitan Region
- Don Mueang International Airport
- Chiang Mai International Airport
Main cargo airports in the US:
- Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
- JFK International Airport (JFK)
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
- Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG)
How much does shipping from Thailand to the USA cost?
The final cost of shipping is determined by various factors, including the type of cargo, weight, mode of transit, and freight forwarder. Filling out a form on ShipHub is the simplest way to estimate the cost of shipping your cargo. After submitting your request, you will receive offers from multiple verified freight forwarders, from which you may choose the one that best meets your needs.
