Ocean & Air Freight Shipping From the United States to Nepal

The United States has a vast and diverse economy, making it an integral trade partner for Nepal. The U.S. imports goods to Nepal, including machinery, agriculture, and medical supplies. 

In 2022, the United States exported $259 million worth of goods to Nepal, a 31.8% increase from the previous year and a whopping 601% increase from the last decade. U.S. imports to Nepal are highly valuable in the nation’s development goals, providing the tools and technology to advance its infrastructure, healthcare, and industrial sectors. 

If you need to ship goods from the United States to Nepal, here’s your complete guide to your ocean and air freight shipping options. 

What Are the Options for Shipping Freight From the United States to Nepal?

Ocean freight and air freight are your options for shipping goods from the United States to Nepal. 

Ocean Freight From the United States to Nepal

Ocean freight is the cheapest and most flexible way to transport goods from the United States to Nepal. Its rates are significantly lower than those of other shipping options, and it can accommodate any type of cargo. Moreover, ocean freight offers two container shipping options: less-than-container load (LCL) and full-container load (FCL). 

LCL is used by those with small shipping needs. Their goods are consolidated with cargo belonging to other shippers and shipped together in one container. This method is highly economical because each shipper only pays for the space their cargo occupies. 

FCL, on the other hand, is used by shippers with larger volumes of goods. They rent the space in an entire container for their cargo alone, giving them more space for large, heavy items or multiple shipments. 

Air Freight from the United States to Nepal

The other option you have for shipping cargo from the United States to Nepal is air freight. This is the fastest mode of international transport, ideal for time-sensitive and perishable goods. It’s also touted as the most secure, with strict airport regulations and processes helping guarantee the safety of high-value cargo. 

However, air freight is not as affordable and flexible as ocean freight. It can cost a lot to transport goods from the United States to Nepal by air, and there are limits to the nature, size, weight, and volume of your cargo. 

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

The cost of shipping cargo from the United States to Nepal 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 the US to Nepal in the table below:

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

The duration for shipping goods from the United States to Nepal 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

How long does it take to ship cargo by sea from the United States to Nepal?

If you ship by sea from the United States to Nepal, your goods will arrive in 15 to 50 days. 

How long does it take to ship cargo by air from the United States to Nepal?

If you ship by air, your goods will arrive in Nepal in 2 to 8 business days. 

For the most accurate estimate, we recommend using our transit time calculator.

Customs Clearance in the United States and Nepal

Once your goods arrive at a port or airport in Nepal, they will be subject to the customs clearance process. For this, you will need to prepare and submit the following documents: 

• A commercial invoice
• A packing list
• A certificate of origin
• A letter of credit or other payment terms (depending on the contract between the parties involved)
• A bill of lading for ocean freight or an Airway Bill for air freight

If you need examples of these customs clearance requirements, you can look at our full documents list. 

Should You Choose Ocean Freight or Air Freight?

When deciding whether to ship via ocean or air freight, you need to consider your needs, priorities, and cargo requirements. Here are some pointers to help you make the right choice. 

Ocean Freight

Ocean freight is suitable for you if you value cost efficiency and flexibility. It can accommodate any type of cargo and even offers two options for container shipping so you can optimize your shipment according to your needs and budget. 

Considerations for LCL Freight Shipping

You should choose LCL if your cargo is: 

• Small in size and quantity 
• Lightweight
• Suitable for consolidation with cargo belonging to other shippers 
• Not delicate, fragile, or high-value 
• Not requiring special handling or movement 

Considerations for FCL Freight Shipping

FCL might be better for you if your cargo is: 

• Large in size and quantity 
• Heavy or overweight
• Not suitable for consolidation with cargo belonging to other shippers 
• Delicate, fragile, or high-value 
• Requiring special handling or movement 

Air Freight

If you want your cargo to arrive in Nepal fast, you should choose air freight. It is significantly faster than ocean freight, making it ideal for time-sensitive and perishable shipments. You will also appreciate it if you’re transporting high-value goods, as air freight is more secure. 

Be prepared, however, for the cost. Air freight is the most expensive way to ship goods internationally. You should also do your due diligence to determine if it can accommodate your cargo, as there are strict limits on the nature, weight, size, and volume of goods that can be shipped by air. 

Ocean Cargo Port Guide

Cargo ports of origin in the United States

Port of South Louisiana

The Port of South Louisiana is the second largest port in terms of overall cargo tonnage. It handles over 238 million metric tonnes of cargo per year and is also responsible for handling 60% of grain cargo in the Midwest. 

Port of Corpus Christi

The Port of Corpus Christi is popular, standing out because of its energy conservation blueprint. It handles a wide range of cargo types, from containers to liquid bulk and Ro-Ro. The port boasts a bearing capacity of 1500 PSI, one of the strongest among the Gulf ports. 

Port of New Orleans

The Port of New Orleans handles vessel traffic across the Mississippi River. It connects the coast of America to over 14,500 miles of trading waterways, making it one of the busiest ports in the United States. The port has an average of 36,000 vessel calls every year. 

Cargo ports of arrival in Nepal

Rumjatar Port

The Rumjatar Port is located on Nepal's southeastern coast. It’s a significant economic hub used to import and export goods. The port is one of the country's busiest and most popular for passenger transportation. 

Kathmandu-Tribhuvan Port

The Kathmandu-Tribhuva Port is located in the southern part of Nepal on the banks of the Tribhuvan River, 8 kilometers from Kathmandu city. The port is the busiest in Nepal, handling over 80% of the country’s imports and exports. 

Surkhet Port

The Surkhet Port is a multipurpose seaport in Surkhet, Karnali Province, Nepal. It is on the banks of the Karnali River, making it a gateway to the far-western region and an important link to Nepal’s trade with other nations. 

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

Airports of origin in the United States

Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport

The Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport is an important cargo airport in the Midwest. Its growth rate is higher than that of every other cargo airport in the top 16 in the United States. The airport is home to the DHL North American and Amazon Central Prime Air hubs. 

Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport

The Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport is the second largest cargo airport in the United States. It’s located 9.5 hours from 90% of the industrialized world, making it an essential stop for cargo planes. 

Los Angeles International Airport

The Los Angeles International Airport is a hub for U.S. trade, ranking 4th in the country for landed cargo weight. In recent years, the port has nearly doubled its cargo. Among the top commodities handled here are electronics. 

Airports of arrival in Nepal

Tribhuvan International Airport

The Tribhuvan International Airport is the only international airport in Nepal for passengers and cargo. It’s located in Kathmandu, Bagmati. The airport connects the nation to over 40 destinations in 17 countries and serves as a hub for Nepal Airlines, Buddha Air, Yeti Airlines, and more.