Ocean & Air Freight Shipping from Germany to the United States

Shipping from Germany to the United States is common for commercial cargo such as automotive parts, machinery, industrial equipment, chemicals, and retail inventory. Because U.S. import requirements (and inspection risk) can vary by commodity and mode (air vs ocean), the fastest way to prevent delays is to align your shipping mode, document set, and importer readiness before booking.

At the macro level, Germany–U.S. goods trade remains significant. For recent official goods-trade figures, see U.S. Census Bureau — Trade in Goods with Germany. On the Germany side, official statistics also highlight the importance of U.S. trade in Germany’s foreign trade results. Source: Destatis — Germany foreign trade 2024 press release.

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 Germany to the United States.

Germany–US Freight Options at a Glance

Shipping from Germany 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 Germany to the United States?

Shippers moving cargo from Germany to the United States generally choose between three freight options:

Ocean Freight From Germany to the United States

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 Germany 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 Germany 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.

Germany–US Shipping Mode Comparison

How Much Does it Cost to Ship Cargo From Germany to the United States?

It can cost quite a bit of money to ship cargo from Germany to the United States. This is because the two countries are located on different continents, and shipping costs can be expensive when shipping internationally. The cost can also be affected by various factors, including:

• 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

Use our online freight costs calculator to get an estimate of your shipping costs. The table below provides the current cost for shipping a standard 20-foot container from Germany to the US:

How long does it take to ship cargo from Germany to the United States?

The duration for shipping goods from Germany to the United States is primarily influenced by the international shipping mode chosen. Other factors that can affect this include:

• The season (whether it's peak or low season)
• The directness of the shipment route
• How popular the trade lane is
• Geopolitical instability
• Potential incidents at the ports

Transit times on the Germany–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 Germany and the United States

Customs clearance applies to both air and ocean shipments moving between Germany 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 Germany side, many customs procedures are handled electronically through ATLAS and official guidance is available via German Customs (Zoll). See Bund portal — ATLAS/AES customs IT procedures and German Customs (Zoll) — official portal.

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 Germany

Port of Hamburg

The Port of Hamburg is a seaport in the German city of Hamburg. It is one of the busiest ports in Europe and also one of the largest, handling over 9 million containers each year. The port covers an area of over 73 square kilometers, with over 2,300 berths and 100 kilometers of quaysides. It is connected to the North Sea via the Elbe River, and its facilities include container terminals, ro-ro terminals, cruise terminals, and general cargo terminals.

Port of Bremen

The Port of Bremen is one of the most important seaports in Germany. It is located on the River Weser in the state of Bremen. The port is a vital link in the country's transport infrastructure, handling around 35 million tonnes of cargo each year. It is also an important employer, with over 8,000 people working in its various businesses.

The Port of Bremen consists of two main sections - the Überseehafen ( Overseas Port) and the Nordhafen (Northern Port). The Overseas Port is the larger of the two and handles container traffic, while the Northern Port is used for general cargo and bulk commodities.

Port of Bremerhaven

The Port of Bremerhaven is located on the River Weser in the northwestern corner of Germany. It is the country's busiest port, handling around 123 million tonnes of cargo yearly. The port is made up of two main sections: the inner harbor and the outer harbor. The inner harbor handles containers, while the outer harbor handles breakbulk and bulk cargoes.

Cargo ports of arrival in the United States

Port of Los Angeles/Long Beach

The Port of Los Angeles and Long Beach handle a combined total of over $1 trillion in goods each year, making them the busiest cargo container ports in the United States. The port complex is located just south of downtown Los Angeles, stretching from Long Beach in the south to San Pedro in the north. Together, these two ports handle nearly half of all containerized cargo that enters the United States each year.

Port of New York/New Jersey

The Port of New York/New Jersey is the busiest port on the East Coast of the United States. Located at the confluence of the Hudson River and the Atlantic Ocean, the port is a major gateway for trade between the United States and other countries.

Port of Houston

The Port of Houston is one of the busiest seaports in the United States. Located in Houston, Texas, it is a major hub for international trade. The port handles a large volume of container traffic and is also a major player in the oil and gas industry. It is home to several major refineries and is responsible for a significant portion of the country's petroleum imports.

Air Freight from Germany to the United States: An airport guide

Several airports worldwide offer air freight services. These airports have facilities and infrastructure to handle the movement of goods by air.

The most important factor in choosing an airport for air freight services is the location. The airport should be located close to the final destination of the goods. This will minimize the time and cost of transportation.

Another important factor to consider is the type of aircraft the airport can accommodate. Some airports can only handle smaller aircraft, while others have facilities for large cargo planes. Another thing to remember when it comes to air shipping is the pallets required for your cargo. 

Airports of origin in Germany

Frankfurt Airport

Frankfurt Airport is the busiest cargo airport in Europe and the fifth busiest in the world. The airport offers a wide range of services for cargo operators, including customs clearance, warehousing, and transportation. It also has a dedicated airfreight terminal, which handles around 1,000 weekly flights.

Frankfurt Airport is well-connected to the European road network and offers direct access to the Port of Hamburg. This makes it an ideal hub for businesses shipping goods to and from Europe.

Munich Airport

Munich Airport is one of Europe's leading cargo airports. It is the fifth largest cargo airport in Europe and the tenth largest in the world. The airport offers a wide range of services for freight forwarders, shippers, and airlines. These include handling services, warehousing, trucking, and customs clearance. Munich Airport also offers a number of value-added services, such as packaging, labeling, and security screening.

Düsseldorf Airport

Düsseldorf Airport is one of the busiest airports in Europe, handling over 60 million passengers annually. The airport is also a major cargo hub, handling over 1.5 million tons of cargo annually.

Düsseldorf Airport offers a wide range of cargo services and has a dedicated cargo terminal with all the necessary facilities and equipment to handle all types of cargo.

Airports of arrival in the United States

John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)

JFK offers various cargo services to accommodate the needs of businesses and individuals. The airport has four cargo terminals capable of handling various commodities, including live animals, perishables, and dangerous goods. JFK also has a dedicated express cargo facility that can handle time-sensitive shipments. In addition to these standard services, it offers a number of value-added services, such as on-site customs clearance and packaging assistance.

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is one of the busiest airports in the world, handling over 84 million passengers and 2.2 million tons of cargo each year. Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) manages LAX's cargo operations and also oversees the airport's passenger operations.

There are two main cargo facilities at LAX: the Centralized Inspection Facility (CIF) and the On-Airport Cargo Handling Facility (OCHF). The CIF inspects import and export shipments, while the OCHF handles domestic shipments. Both facilities are staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

San Francisco International Airport (SFO)

The San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is one of the busiest airports in the United States, handling over 50 million passengers and 1.8 million tons of cargo annually. The airport is a major hub for both domestic and international flights and offers a wide variety of cargo services to meet the needs of its many customers.

SFO's cargo operations are managed by the airport's Air Cargo Division, which oversees all aspects of airfreight activity at the facility. The division works closely with airlines, shippers, and other stakeholders to ensure that cargo is handled safely and efficiently.