Ocean & Air Freight Shipping From France to the United States
Information and quote from France to the United States for LCL, FCL and Air shipping
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Shipping from France to the United States is common for commercial cargo across aerospace and aircraft parts, machinery, industrial equipment, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, luxury/retail inventory, and automotive components. Because U.S. import requirements (and inspection risk) can vary by commodity and by mode, the fastest way to prevent delays is to align your shipping mode, document set, and importer readiness before booking.
For official and regularly updated trade figures, use the U.S. Census Bureau’s country table for France. Source: U.S. Census Bureau — Trade in Goods with France.
This page explains your freight options (ocean, air, and air express), typical transit time ranges, and the customs/documentation basics to plan before you ship from France to the United States.
France–US Freight Options at a Glance
Shipping from France to the United States usually involves choosing between ocean freight and air freight, depending on shipment size, urgency, and cost sensitivity.
- Ocean Freight: Most cost-efficient for large, heavy, or non-urgent cargo
- Air Freight: Faster option for time-sensitive or high-value shipments
- Air Express: Expedited, door-to-door service for parcels and small boxes
Most shippers compare speed, cost, and shipment volume before selecting a transport mode on this trade lane.
What Are the Options for Shipping Freight From France to the United States?
Shippers moving cargo from France to the United States generally choose between three freight options:
Ocean freight is the most cost-effective option for large or heavy shipments where transit time is flexible.
- FCL (Full Container Load): Ideal for full container volumes or regular shipments
- LCL (Less than Container Load): Suitable for smaller loads sharing container space
Learn more about container options in Ocean Freight FCL and Ocean Freight LCL.
Air Freight from France to the United States
Air freight prioritizes speed and reliability and is commonly used for high-value, time-critical, or low-volume cargo. Pricing is typically based on chargeable weight (actual vs volumetric). You can estimate costs using the Air Freight Calculator.
Air Express from France to the United States
Air express is designed for parcels, documents, and small shipments that require fast, door-to-door delivery with simplified handling. See how it compares in Air Express Shipping.
France–US Shipping Mode Comparison
| Factor | Ocean Freight | Air Freight | Air Express |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical transit | 15–50 days | 2–8 business days | 1–5 business days |
| Cost per unit | Lowest | Higher | Highest |
| Shipment size | Large / heavy cargo | Medium to large pallets | Parcels & small boxes |
| Best for | Cost efficiency | Speed + reliability | Urgent deliveries |
| Customs process | Port-based | Airport-based | Courier-led |
How Much Does it Cost to Ship Cargo From France to the United States?
The cost of shipping cargo from France to the United States will depend on several factors. These include:
- Your choice of ocean or air shipping
- Your preference for door-to-door, port-to-port, port-to-door, or door-to-port shipment
- Your consignment’s weight, volume, and size
- Weight and size limits
To determine your shipping costs, use our online freight costs calculator. Additionally, you can find the current cost of shipping a standard 20-foot container from France to the US in the table below:
TRADE LANE RATES
Freight Shipping Cost from France to the United States for a 20-foot Container
How long does it take to ship cargo from France to the United States?
The transit time for goods shipped from France to the United States depends mainly on the international shipping mode you select. Additional factors influencing the transit time are:
- The shipping season (peak or low)
- Direct or indirect shipment route
- The trade lane's popularity
- Geopolitical instability
- Potential incidents at ports
Transit times on the France–US trade lane vary significantly by transport mode:
- Air Freight: typically 2–8 business days, depending on routing, capacity, and customs processing
- Air Express: typically 1–5 business days for parcels and urgent shipments
- Ocean Freight: typically 15–50 days, depending on port pairs, vessel schedules, and inland connections
For lane-specific timing expectations and seasonal variability, use the Transit Time Calculator.
Customs Clearance in France and the United States
Customs clearance applies to both air and ocean shipments moving between France and the United States. While processing locations differ (airport vs seaport), core requirements are similar:
- Commercial invoice and packing list
- Correct HS codes and declared values
- Transport document (Air Waybill for air shipments, Bill of Lading for ocean shipments)
- Any required permits/approvals (commodity-dependent)
On the France side, customs is managed by French Customs (DGDDI), and electronic import/export declarations are supported through DELTA I/E in the French customs environment. Sources: French Customs (douane.gouv.fr) — official portal and French Customs — DELTA I/E project sheet.
On the U.S. side, import filings run through CBP’s Automated Commercial Environment (ACE). For vessel cargo, Importer Security Filing (ISF “10+2”) requirements may apply. See CBP — ACE and Automated Systems and CBP — Importer Security Filing (10+2).
For document examples and templates, review Air Freight Shipping Documents and the general Shipping Documents.
Should You Choose Ocean Freight or Air Freight?
Choose air freight when:
- Delivery speed is critical
- Cargo value is high relative to weight
- Stock-outs or production delays must be avoided
Choose ocean freight when:
- Cost optimization is the priority
- Cargo is heavy or bulky
- Transit time flexibility exists
Many businesses use ocean freight for planned inventory movements and air freight (or air express) for urgent or exception shipments on the same trade lane.
Ocean Cargo Port Guide
Cargo ports of origin in France
Le Havre Port
The Le Havre Port is the second-largest port in France and the nation’s first container port. It’s located on the northern coast of France and has railroad connections that provide access to and from European locations.
Fos Sur-Mer Port
The Fos Sur-Mer Port is located on the Golfe de Fos, 40 kilometers northeast of Marseille. It is a good port for shippers coming from Marseille, Avignon, Montpelier, and other areas in Southern France.
Cargo ports of arrival in the United States
Port of Savannah
The Port of Savannah is located on the Savannah River. It houses the largest container terminal in North America and is one of the United States’ fastest-growing ports. It provides convenient access to the U.S.’ interstate highways.
Port of Seattle
The Port of Seattle has one of the largest container terminals on the West Coast. It is currently under development to create berths to accommodate larger vessels. The port is ideal for importers in the Northwest U.S.
Port of Everglades
The Port of Everglades is located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. It is the tenth busiest container seaport in the US, with more than 20 container shipping lines operating nearby. The port provides direct access to Florida’s interstate network.
Air Freight from France to the United States: An airport guide
Airports of origin in France
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport
The Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport is the largest international airport in France. It’s the twelfth busiest airport in the world in terms of cargo traffic and the second busiest in Europe. The airport, located in Roissy-en-France, spans 32 square kilometers.
Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport
The Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport serves Lyon, France's third-biggest city. It is located 20 kilometers from the city center, close to the Lyon-Part-Dieu Business District. The airport is an important transport hub for the region of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes.
Marseille Provence Airport
The Marseille Provence Airport is the third largest air freight hub in France. It is located 27 kilometers northwest of central Marseille. It’s the airport of choice for shippers moving goods coming from southern France.
Airports of arrival in the United States
John F. Kennedy International Airport
The John F. Kennedy International Airport has the highest cargo volume entering the U.S. and is the nation’s sixth busiest airport. Covering 21 square kilometers, the airport is located in the Queens district, 26 kilometers southeast of Manhattan.
Miami International Airport
The Miami International Airport is the fifteenth busiest airport in the world in terms of cargo traffic. It has the biggest international freight volume among all airports in the U.S. The airport features dedicated freighter services to 112 global destinations.
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
The Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is located 11 kilometers south of downtown Atlanta. It serves as an international gateway to the U.S.’ southern states. The airport boasts extensive refrigeration and freezer units for cargo.
Planning costs? Estimate scenarios using the Freight Cost Calculator.
Shipping by air? Compare options with the Air Freight Calculator.
Shipping by ocean? Explore options in Ocean Freight FCL and Ocean Freight LCL.
Unsure about documents? Review Air Freight Shipping Documents and Shipping Documents.
Need timing estimates? Use the Transit Time Calculator.
About Us
Why Ship From France to the United States With iContainers?
Why Us?
Shipping cargo requires considering various factors, such as the season, the size of the cargo, the shipping method, and the origin and destination.
With years of industry expertise, iContainers combines traditional freight forwarding services with advanced technology for your convenience. Our digital platform allows you to oversee your entire shipment—from requesting a quote to booking and tracking your cargo—all from your mobile device.
Feel free to contact us for a free quote at any time. We are always available to provide the information you need.
France–US Freight FAQs
Yes. Air freight is significantly faster, while ocean freight is more economical for large shipments.
Yes. Many shippers use ocean freight for planned inventory and air freight (or air express) for urgent or high-priority cargo.
Documentation requirements are similar, but the transport document differs (Air Waybill vs Bill of Lading) and processing locations vary (airport vs seaport).
Most shipments require a commercial invoice and packing list, plus the transport document (AWB for air, B/L for ocean). For templates and examples, review Air Freight Shipping Documents and Shipping Documents.
