At around 30-45 days for a door to door shipment from China to the USA, sea freight has the longest lead time. That’s because ships move a lot slower than planes. Beyond additional preparation required, ocean liners have also started to move slower to save fuel (and money).
Do I need a customs agent to import?
There is no legal requirement for you to hire a Customs Broker to clear your goods. However, many importers opt to do so for the convenience. Customs Brokers are licensed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to conduct CBP business on behalf of importers.