Ocean & Air Freight Shipping from Japan to the United States
Information and quote from Japan to the United States for LCL, FCL and Air shipping
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Shipping from Japan to the United States is common for commercial cargo such as automotive components, machinery, electronics, industrial equipment, and retail inventory. Because U.S. import requirements (and inspection risk) can vary by commodity and mode (air vs ocean), the most reliable way to prevent delays is to align your shipping mode, document set, and importer readiness before booking.
On the macro level, bilateral trade remains significant. According to the latest official U.S. trade summary, U.S. goods and services trade with Japan totaled an estimated $319.2 billion in 2024. Source: USTR — Japan trade summary.
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 Japan to the United States.
Japan–US Freight Options at a Glance
Shipping from Japan 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 Japan to the United States?
Shippers moving cargo from Japan to the United States generally choose between three freight options:
Ocean Freight From Japan 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 Japan 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 Japan to the United States
Air Express service 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.
Japan–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 Japan to the United States?
The cost of shipping cargo from Japan to the United States will vary depending on a number of 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 Japan to the US:
TRADE LANE RATES
Freight Shipping Cost from Japan to the United States for a 20-foot Container
How long does it take to ship cargo from Japan to the United States?
The duration for shipping goods from Japan 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
How long does it take to ship cargo by sea from Japan to the United States?
Transit times on the Japan–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 Japan and the United States
Customs clearance applies to both air and ocean shipments moving between Japan 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 Japan side, many import/export cargo procedures are processed electronically through NACCS. See NACCS — official overview and Japan Customs (official).
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?
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 Japan
Port of Tokyo
The Port of Tokyo is one of the busiest ports in the world, handling a huge amount of cargo every year. The port is located in the heart of Tokyo, on the Tokyo Bay waterfront. It is a major hub for international trade and commerce and is also a popular tourist destination.
Port of Osaka
The Port of Osaka is the largest seaport in western Japan and is located in the city of Osaka. It is a major hub for transportation and trade and handles a large amount of container traffic. The port also serves as a base for many shipping companies and freight forwarders.
Port of Nagoya
The Port of Nagoya is the busiest port in Japan and one of the busiest ports in the world. Located on the central coast of Honshu, the port handles a large portion of Japan's imports and exports. The port is also a major hub for container shipping in East Asia.
Cargo ports of arrival in the United States
Port of Los Angeles
The Port of Los Angeles is the busiest and most productive seaport in North America. Located in San Pedro Bay, 25 miles south of downtown Los Angeles, the Port occupies 7,500 acres of land and water along 43 miles of waterfront. The Port is a leading gateway for trade between the United States and Asia, handling more containerized cargo than any other port in North America and generating billions of dollars in annual revenue. More than 8,200 vessels call at the Port each year, carrying nearly 18 million containers of cargo.
Port of Long Beach
The Port of Long Beach was first established in 1907. Initially, it was a small harbor that served as a shipping point for agricultural products grown in the area. However, the construction of the Panama Canal in 1914 led to an increase in maritime traffic and the port began to grow rapidly. By the 1920s, it had become one of the busiest ports on the West Coast of the United States.
Port of New York and New Jersey
The Port of New York and New Jersey is the busiest port on the East Coast of the United States. It is also the third-largest port in the country, behind only Los Angeles and Long Beach in California. The port is located in New York Harbor, which is one of the busiest natural harbors in the world. The port handles a wide variety of cargo, including containers, automobiles, crude oil, and forest products.
Air Freight from Japan to the United States: An airport guide
Airports of origin in Japan
Narita International Airport
Narita International Airport, also known as Tokyo Narita Airport, is one of the busiest airports in the world. It is located in Chiba Prefecture, about 60 kilometers from central Tokyo.
Cargo services are an important part of the airport's operations. The airport has two dedicated cargo terminals - the North Cargo Terminal and the South Cargo Terminal. These terminals handle a variety of cargo, including perishable goods, pharmaceuticals, electronics, and hazardous materials. The airport also has a number of facilities for handling live animals.
The North Cargo Terminal was completed in 1978 and handles approximately 1.3 million tons of cargo each year. The South Cargo Terminal was completed in 2010 and can handle up to 2.6 million tons of cargo each year.
Kansai International Airport
Kansai International Airport (KIX) is the main airport serving Kansai. It is located on an artificial island in Osaka Bay about 30km from the city center. KIX is one of the busiest airports in Japan, handling over 25 million passengers and over 400,000 tonnes of freight per year.
New Chitose Airport
New Chitose Airport is Japan's second busiest airport, handling over 23 million passengers annually. It is also a major cargo hub, handling over 1.5 million tons of cargo per year. The airport is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and equipment to handle a variety of cargo, including dangerous goods.
Airports of arrival in the United States
JFK International Airport
JFK International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world, handling over 50 million passengers and 4 million tons of cargo each year. 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.
The airport has a dedicated cargo area that is separate from the passenger terminal, making it easy to handle large shipments. JFK also has a state-of-the-art security system in place to ensure that all shipments are safe and secure.
Los Angeles International Airport
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is the busiest and largest airport in the Greater Los Angeles Area and the state of California, as well as one of the busiest airports in the United States. It is also the only airport to serve as a hub for all three US legacy carriers (American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines).
In terms of cargo traffic, LAX is the second-busiest airport in the world and the busiest in North America. Some of the major airlines that operate cargo services to and from LAX include Cathay Pacific, China Airlines, FedEx, and Korean Air.
Miami International Airport
Miami International Airport (MIA) offers a variety of cargo services to accommodate the needs of businesses and individuals shipping goods through the airport. MIA is one of the busiest airports in the world, handling over 1.3 million tons of cargo each year. The airport has two cargo terminals, North Cargo and South Cargo, which are served by a variety of airlines.
MIA's North Cargo terminal is home to American Airlines' WorldPort facility, the largest air cargo operation in the world. The terminal also houses facilities for UPS, FedEx, and DHL. MIA's South Cargo terminal handles cargo for Air Canada, Lufthansa, and other airlines.
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 Japan to the United States With iContainers?
Why Us?
Shipping cargo is influenced by various factors, including the season, shipment size, shipping method, and the starting and ending locations.
iContainers, with years of industry expertise, combines traditional freight forwarding services with modern technology to enhance your convenience. Our digital platform lets you manage every aspect of your shipment—from requesting a quote to booking and tracking your cargo—all from your mobile device.
Reach out to us for a free quote whenever you need. We are always ready to assist you with the information you need.
Japan–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.
