United States
Air freight, sea freight and customs in Los Angeles
Los Angeles is the main US gateway for trade with Asia, by both air and sea.
Services in Los Angeles
- Air freight in Los AngelesAir freight for time-critical and high-value cargo between Europe, the Americas and Asia.
- Sea freight in Los AngelesFCL and LCL sea freight on the main trade lanes, with pre-carriage and on-carriage by road or rail.
- Customs clearance in Los AngelesImport and export clearance by our in-house customs teams in 8 countries and by partner teams in the Ziem network.
Airports, seaports and connections in Los Angeles
- AirportLos Angeles International
LAX - AirportOntario
ONT - SeaportPorts of Los Angeles and Long Beach
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is the main air cargo airport on the US West Coast, with heavy freighter and belly capacity to Asia and the Pacific. Ontario International Airport (ONT), in the Inland Empire east of Los Angeles, is a fast-growing cargo airport close to the region's large warehouse districts. By sea, the neighbouring Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach in San Pedro Bay together form the busiest container port complex in the United States and the main US gateway for trade with Asia.
The Alameda Corridor is a dedicated rail line carrying containers from the San Pedro Bay ports to the rail yards near downtown Los Angeles, from where they continue east. Trucks use I-710, I-110, I-405 and I-5, while I-10 and State Route 60 lead to the Inland Empire distribution centres around Ontario, Riverside and San Bernardino. Traffic congestion is a real planning factor for delivery windows.
Industries in Los Angeles and how we support them
Southern California imports large volumes of consumer goods, apparel and electronics from Asia and has a strong aerospace and defence industry around El Segundo, Long Beach and the high desert. The entertainment industry regularly ships camera, lighting and stage equipment on a temporary basis. We support these flows with air freight under our own air waybills via LAX and ONT, FCL and LCL sea freight through the San Pedro Bay ports, Next Flight Out for aerospace parts and On-Board Courier for prototypes. For temporary equipment we prepare the customs documents, including ATA carnets where applicable.
Operational logistics facts for Los Angeles
| Hub | Specialisation | Local advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) | Freighter and belly capacity to Asia and the Pacific | Main West Coast air cargo gateway |
| Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach | FCL/LCL containers from Asia | Busiest container port complex in the US |
| Ontario International Airport (ONT) | Air cargo close to Inland Empire warehouses | Shorter trucking to the main distribution centres |
| Alameda Corridor rail line | Port-to-rail container transfer | Efficient rail link for inland destinations |
Customs clearance in the United States
Ziem network
Customs clearance in the United States is handled by a partner team in the Ziem network, under the Ziem Logistics brand and to our procedures.
For air freight to and from the United States we issue our own air waybills.
Importers in the United States need an importer of record number and, for most formal entries, a customs bond.
Frequently asked questions
Should my shipment arrive at LAX or Ontario?
LAX has the widest range of international flights, while Ontario (ONT) is closer to the Inland Empire warehouses. We look at the origin, available capacity and the final delivery address, then book the most suitable option under our own air waybills.
Can you handle urgent aerospace parts into Los Angeles?
Yes. For aircraft on ground or production-critical parts, we book Next Flight Out with the import data filed in advance and arrange direct delivery to the hangar or plant. For the most critical items, an On-Board Courier is available.
How do you deal with traffic congestion for deliveries in the Los Angeles area?
We plan pick-ups and deliveries with local road partners who know the area's traffic patterns and agree delivery windows with the consignee in advance. Where useful, we route via Ontario to avoid the most congested corridors.
Who handles customs clearance for shipments into Los Angeles?
Clearance is handled by a partner team in the Ziem network, working under the Ziem Logistics brand and to our procedures with the shipment data we prepare. You deal only with Ziem Logistics. Entries are filed with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) via ACE.
Can film and stage equipment enter the US temporarily via LAX?
Yes. Professional equipment can enter temporarily under an ATA carnet or a temporary importation under bond, provided it is re-exported within the permitted period. We check the equipment list and documents with you before the shipment departs.
What is required for ocean imports from Asia through Long Beach or Los Angeles?
The Importer Security Filing (ISF) must be filed before loading at origin. You also need an importer of record number, a customs bond for most formal entries, and a commercial invoice with correct HTSUS codes. Some goods also face additional duties depending on their origin.