iContainers is an online logistics platform optimized to help your business easily access the global trade environment. We digitalize international freight forwarding services to simplify global logistics & facilitate trade.
The United States and France share strong economic ties and a long-standing partnership. Two powerhouse nations have bred a robust economic relationship characterized by a dynamic exchange of goods, services, ideas, and culture.
France is the United States’ third largest trading partner in the EU. In 2022, United States exports to France amounted to $41.4 billion, with the top commodities being petroleum gas, crude petroleum, and gas turbines. U.S. exports to France have increased at an annualized rate of 3.25% in the last two decades.
If you need to ship goods from the United States to France, this article will cover everything you need to know about your ocean and air freight shipping options, the estimated shipment cost, transit times, customs clearance, and more.
When shipping goods from the United States to France, you can use either ocean or air freight.
Ocean freight has two characteristics that make it popular among shippers: budget-friendly and flexible. It can ship almost any type of cargo you need to get to France without putting a strain on your budget. Ocean freight also offers shippers two options for container shipping. These are less than container load (LCL) and full container load (FCL).
Those with smaller shipments use LCL because it involves the consolidation process. Goods are consolidated with cargo belonging to other shippers and shipped together in one container. That way, each shipper only pays for the space their goods occupy, making LCL highly economical.
FCL, on the other hand, is used by those with larger shipments. Here, the shipper rents the space in an entire container for their goods alone. They get more space, control, and security for their shipment. While FCL might sound expensive, it can provide good value for money if the space inside the container is maximized.
Another way to ship goods from the United States to France is air freight. This is the fastest mode of international shipping, used by shippers for time-sensitive and perishable goods. Thanks to stricter airport regulations and processes, air freight is also quite secure, making it preferred by shippers of high-value commodities.
Air freight, however, has two disadvantages. The first is the cost, which can quickly rack up and be more expensive than ocean freight. The second is that it limits what you can ship, along with its size, weight, and volume.
The cost of shipping cargo from the United States to France will depend on the following factors:
Determine your shipping costs by using our online freight costs calculator. The table below shows the current cost of shipping a standard 20-foot container from the United States to France:
TRADE LANE RATES
The duration for shipping goods from the United States to France is primarily influenced by the international shipping mode chosen. Other factors that can affect this include:
Ocean freight from the United States to France will take 15 to 50 days.
Air freight from the United States to France will take 2 to 8 business days.
For the most accurate estimate, we recommend using our transit time calculator.
When your goods arrive at a port or airport in France, they have to go through customs clearance. This should be a breeze as long as you have submitted the following paperwork:
For examples of each customs clearance requirement, you can look at our full documents list.
The choice between ocean and air freight is yours to make. So that you make the right decision, we’ve outlined some considerations for you below.
If keeping within your budget is your priority, ocean freight might be the way to go. It’s significantly cheaper than air freight and even more flexible, accommodating any type of cargo you need to transport.
When you choose ocean freight, you’ll also have to decide whether to ship via LCL or FCL.
LCL is suitable for you if your cargo is:
You might consider FCL for your shipment if your cargo is:
If you need to get your cargo from the United States to France fast, we recommend shipping by air. An air shipment takes 2-8 days to complete, making it perfect for time-sensitive and perishable goods. It’s also great if you have a high-value shipment, as more stringent airport rules and processes can guarantee cargo security.
However, remember that air freight is significantly more expensive than ocean freight. It’s also not as flexible, with strict regulations about what you can and cannot ship by air.
Port Freeport is a small deepwater seaport on the U.S. Gulf Coast. Its home is Freeport, Texas. It’s the fastest-growing port in its region, with great access to the state’s railway systems. The port has both private and public facilities.
The Port of Charleston is located in South Carolina, U.S.. It handles various cargo types, from containers and vehicles to bulk cargo. The port has five public terminals that allow it to operate efficiently. It’s also popular for its commitment to sustainability.
The Port of Oakland, located in the San Francisco Bay area in California, is home to the first container ship terminals in the United States. It is one of the busiest ports and an important gateway for goods bound for international locations.
The Port of Dunkirk is the 7th port of the North Europe Range. It is the leading port in France for imports of ore and coal. The port extends into the land area from Le Havre to Hamburg. It is a deep-water seaport with excellent nautical accessibility.
The Port of Le Havre & Rouen is a historic port in France and the second largest river port in Europe. It accounts for 50% of French seaports handling wheat and barley and is the top cereal-exporting port in Western Europe.
The Port of Marseille is the leading port in France. It plays a vital role in international trade, handling over 79 million tonnes of goods annually. The port can handle 10,000 ships and is developing 10,400 hectares.
Chicago O'Hare International Airport is the major international airport serving Chicago in the state of Illinois. It is 17 miles northwest of the Loop business district in the city and serves as a hub for United Airlines, American Airlines, Spirit Airlines, and more.
The Indianapolis International Airport is located 7 miles southwest of downtown Indianapolis in Marion County, Indiana. It is owned and operated by the Indianapolis Airport Authority and is a hub for FedEx Express, Republic Airways, ATA Airlines, and more.
The John F. Kennedy International Airport is the major international airport serving the city of New York. It is the busiest of the seven airports that form part of the New York airport system and the busiest airport in the entire United States.
The Paris-Charles-de-Gaulle Airport, also known as Roissy Airport of Paris CDG, is the main international airport that serves Paris, France. It is a hub for Air France, Air France Cargo, and FedEx Express. The airport handles over 2 million metric tonnes of goods per year.
The Paris-Orly Airport is one of the two international airports that serve Paris, the capital city of France. It is located partially in Orly and partially in Villenueve-le-Roi. The airport handles over 91,829 tonnes of goods per year.
The Toulouse-Blagnac Airport is located 3.6 nautical miles west of Toulouse, Blagnac, in the Occitanie region of France. It is a hub for Air France, Volotea, EasyJet Europe, Air Méditerranée, Airbus Transport International S.N.C., and Aeris.
About Us
Shipping cargo involves many factors, such as the season, the shipment size, the shipping method, and the origin and destination.
With extensive industry experience, iContainers offers traditional freight forwarding services enhanced with modern technology for customer convenience. Our digital platform lets you manage your entireThe process of shipping cargo involves considering several factors, such as the season, shipment size, the chosen shipping method, and the origin and destination points.
Backed by years of experience, iContainers offers traditional freight forwarding services enhanced with modern technology for your convenience. Our digital platform allows you to manage your entire shipment—from requesting a quote to booking and tracking your cargo—directly from your mobile device.
Contact us anytime for a free quote. We are always here to provide you with the necessary information. shipment—from requesting a quote to booking and tracking your cargo—all from your mobile device.
Contact us anytime for a free quote. We are always ready to provide you with the information you need.