Export from the United States
Quick Overview
Exporting from the United States requires the right freight mode, product classification, export documents and regulatory checks. Compare FCL, LCL and air freight options, estimate shipping costs and transit times, and manage your international export with iContainers.
International Export Shipping From the United States
Export shipping from the United States means transporting commercial goods from a U.S. factory, supplier or warehouse to a buyer in another country.
Depending on the cargo’s size, weight, value and required delivery date, exporters can use:
- FCL shipping for full-container cargo.
- LCL shipping for pallets, crates and smaller commercial loads.
- Air freight for urgent, high-value or time-sensitive goods.
- Door-to-port, port-to-port or door-to-door transportation.
Exporters must also classify their products, verify whether an export license is required, screen the parties involved and comply with the destination country’s import rules.
Latest U.S. Export Data
The United States exported approximately $2.2 trillion in goods during 2025, the highest annual value recorded by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Major U.S. export destinations included Mexico, Canada, China, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands. The United States recorded particularly strong export activity in capital goods, industrial supplies, consumer goods, food products and automotive equipment.
Major U.S. Export Categories
| Export category | 2025 export value |
|---|---|
| Industrial supplies and materials | $784.4 billion |
| Capital goods, excluding automotive | $712.2 billion |
| Consumer goods | $268.6 billion |
| Foods, feeds and beverages | $161.2 billion |
| Automotive vehicles, parts and engines | $160.3 billion |
| Other goods | $93.3 billion |
What Does the United States Export?
Common products exported from the USA include:
- Industrial machinery and electrical equipment
- Civilian aircraft, engines and aircraft parts
- Crude oil and refined petroleum products
- Natural gas and chemical products
- Pharmaceuticals and medical equipment
- Semiconductors and electronic components
- Computers and telecommunications equipment
- Vehicles and automotive parts
- Agricultural products, including soybeans, corn, meat and dairy
- Plastics, furniture and consumer goods
Machinery, furniture, chemicals and automotive parts are commonly transported by ocean freight. Pharmaceuticals, electronics and urgent components may be more suitable for air freight.
Choose the Right Export Freight Service
FCL Ocean Freight
Full Container Load shipping gives one exporter exclusive use of a 20-foot, 40-foot or 40-foot high-cube container.
FCL is generally suitable when:
- The shipment fills most of a container.
- Multiple pallets are moving to one destination.
- Cargo security and reduced handling are priorities.
- The goods are fragile, valuable or bulky.
Special equipment may also be available for oversized, refrigerated or non-standard cargo.
LCL Ocean Freight
Less than Container Load shipping allows several exporters to share container space. Each shipper pays for the volume occupied by their cargo.
LCL is generally suitable when:
- The cargo is too large for a courier but too small for FCL.
- The shipment consists of several pallets, boxes or crates.
- Delivery is not urgent.
- The exporter wants to avoid paying for unused container capacity.
LCL shipments require consolidation and deconsolidation, which can add time to the overall shipping schedule.
Air Freight
Air freight is usually the best option for:
- Urgent commercial shipments
- High-value goods
- Electronics and technology products
- Pharmaceuticals and medical supplies
- Perishable cargo
- Samples and critical replacement parts
Air freight prices are normally based on chargeable weight, which compares the shipment’s actual weight with its volumetric weight.
Export Freight Comparison
| Service | Best For | Main Advantage | Main Consideration |
|---|---|---|---|
| FCL | Large shipments | Exclusive container use | Full container rate |
| LCL | Pallets and smaller loads | Pay for the space used | Longer handling process |
| Air freight | Urgent or valuable cargo | Faster transportation | Higher cost per kilogram |
| Air express | Parcels and documents | Fast courier service | Size and weight restrictions |
How to Export Goods From the USA
1. Identify the Product and Destination
Confirm what is being exported, where it was manufactured, its commercial value, its intended use and the final destination.
The destination country may require specific labels, certificates, inspections, permits or product registrations.
2. Find the Schedule B Number
A Schedule B number is the 10-digit classification used for U.S. export reporting.
Exporters should use the current 2026 Schedule B, including classification changes effective July 1, 2026.
The Schedule B number is used for:
- Electronic Export Information filing
- Export statistics
- Commodity descriptions
- License checks
- Customs documentation
The importing country may use a different extended tariff code, even when the first six Harmonized System digits are the same.
3. Determine the ECCN or EAR99 Status
An Export Control Classification Number identifies products, software and technology listed on the Commerce Control List.
Products that are subject to the Export Administration Regulations but are not specifically listed may be classified as EAR99. However, an EAR99 classification does not remove the need to check the destination, end user and intended end use.
4. Screen the Buyer and Check Licensing Requirements
Exporters should screen buyers, consignees and intermediaries against applicable U.S. restricted-party lists.
An export license may be required because of:
- The product’s ECCN
- The destination country
- The buyer or end user
- The intended application
- Sanctions or embargoes
- Military, nuclear or dual-use controls
These checks should be completed before the cargo is collected or delivered to the carrier.
5. Choose an Incoterm
Incoterms define how transportation costs, risks and responsibilities are divided between the seller and buyer.
Common export Incoterms include:
- EXW: The buyer collects the goods from the seller.
- FCA: The seller delivers the cargo to the agreed carrier.
- FOB: The seller delivers the goods on board the vessel.
- CIF: The seller pays ocean freight and minimum insurance.
- DAP: The seller arranges transportation to the named destination.
- DDP: The seller assumes delivery and import responsibilities, subject to local requirements.
Always state the Incoterm together with the named port, terminal or delivery location.
6. Compare Export Freight Quotes
Use the freight cost calculator to compare available transportation options.
A complete quote request should include:
- Origin ZIP code or collection address
- Destination port, airport or delivery address
- Package or pallet count
- Cargo dimensions and weight
- Commodity description
- Cargo value
- Hazardous-goods status
- Required pickup and delivery dates
You can also use the ocean freight calculator, air freight calculator and transit time calculator for more specific planning.
7. Prepare Documents and File EEI
Prepare the required export documents and determine whether Electronic Export Information must be filed through the Automated Export System.
After a successful EEI filing, an Internal Transaction Number is issued. Confirm whether the exporter or an authorized agent is responsible for filing before the carrier’s documentation cutoff.
8. Book and Track the Shipment
Once the carrier confirms the booking, the exporter must meet the cargo-receiving and documentation deadlines.
Tracking may include:
- Cargo collection
- Terminal or warehouse receipt
- Export filing status
- Vessel or flight departure
- Transshipment updates
- Estimated arrival
- Destination availability
- Final delivery
Documents Needed to Export From the USA
The exact requirements depend on the product, destination, Incoterm and freight mode. Review the complete shipping documents guide before booking.
Commercial Invoice
The commercial invoice normally includes:
- Exporter and buyer information
- Consignee details
- Product description and quantity
- Unit price and total value
- Country of origin
- Schedule B or HS classification
- Currency and payment terms
- Incoterm and named location
Packing List
The packing list describes how the goods are packed and normally includes package counts, dimensions, net weight, gross weight and contents.
Transport Document
Ocean shipments use a bill of lading, while air shipments use an air waybill. These documents contain the main transportation instructions and provide evidence of the contract of carriage.
Additional Documents
Depending on the shipment, exporters may also require:
- EEI filing confirmation and ITN
- Certificate of origin
- Export license
- Dangerous-goods declaration
- Safety data sheet
- Health or phytosanitary certificate
- Inspection certificate
- Fumigation certificate
- Insurance certificate
When Is EEI Filing Required?
Electronic Export Information is generally required when the value of goods under an individual Schedule B number exceeds $2,500, unless an exemption applies.
EEI may also be mandatory regardless of value for licensed products, ITAR-controlled goods, used self-propelled vehicles and certain regulated exports.
Most shipments from the United States to Canada are exempt when no license or other mandatory filing condition applies. The appropriate exemption statement should appear on the transportation documents.
What Determines Export Shipping Costs?
The total export cost can include:
- Ocean or air freight
- Inland pickup
- Container or cargo volume
- Air freight chargeable weight
- Terminal handling charges
- Fuel and security surcharges
- Documentation and filing services
- Specialized cargo handling
- Cargo insurance
- Destination charges
- Final delivery
- Storage, inspection, demurrage or detention
The lowest base freight rate is not always the lowest total cost. Check what is included at origin and what may be payable at destination.
How Long Does Export Shipping Take?
Export transit times depend on the origin, destination, carrier schedule and transportation mode.
Air freight is normally faster, but the full lead time must also include collection, export processing, terminal handling and destination clearance.
FCL shipments usually involve less consolidation handling than LCL shipments. LCL requires additional time for consolidation before departure and deconsolidation after arrival.
Weather, congestion, customs inspections, schedule changes and missed connections can also affect delivery.
Popular Export Markets From the United States
iContainers supports export shipping from the United States to destinations across Europe, Latin America, Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Oceania.
Popular destination guides include:
Frequently Asked Questions About Exporting from the USA
Identify the product, destination, buyer and intended end use. Then determine the Schedule B classification, export-control status and any licensing or documentation requirements.
Not every U.S. export requires a license. Licensing depends on the product classification, destination, buyer, end user and intended use.
A Schedule B number is used for U.S. export reporting and trade statistics. An ECCN is used to determine whether a product is controlled under the Export Administration Regulations.
The international Harmonized System uses a common six-digit classification. The United States extends this into a 10-digit Schedule B number for export reporting.
EEI may not be required when the value under each Schedule B number is $2,500 or less and no mandatory filing condition applies. The correct exemption statement must still be used.
The U.S. Principal Party in Interest can file directly or authorize an agent to file. The exporter must provide accurate and complete shipment information.
References
- U.S. Census Bureau — Annual 2025 International Trade Highlights — Annual U.S. goods exports, export categories and country-market highlights.
- U.S. Census Bureau — 2026 Schedule B — Current U.S. export commodity classifications.
- International Trade Administration — Electronic Export Information — EEI thresholds, exemptions and AES filing guidance.
- International Trade Administration — Common Export Documents — Guidance on invoices, packing lists, transport documents and certificates.
- Bureau of Industry and Security — Export Licensing — ECCN, EAR99 and export-license classification guidance.
- Bureau of Industry and Security — End-User and End-Use Controls — Restricted-party and Consolidated Screening List guidance.
