According to a recent 9to5Mac report, Foxconn is has started shipping iPad 3 to the U.S. In addition, the same report indicates that preorders for the third generation iPad could open as early as March 7.

The rumor that iPad 3s are leaving China for the U.S. is based on a shipping document, recently revealed on the Weibo social network and WeiPhone forums and highlighted by Apple.pro as well. The shipping manifest reportedly comes from major international cargo charter flights from Chengdu International airport.

“Our company started to undertake a load of top-secured cargo. The owner has extreme requirements for the security. In order to prevent the cargo from being dragged on the airport ramp for too long, as well as shortening the time the cargo stay on the airport ramp, we hereby require XXXX to schedule all the XXX cargo planes from Feb. 26 to Mar. 9. to XXX slot,” reads a translation from the WeiPhone forum.

Apple is expected to announce the iPad 3 on March 7, and 9to5Mac sources indicate that preorders could open on the same day. Moreover, the website also indicates that the Apple iPad 3 special event might reveal another surprise: a new Apple TV product.

With the expected launch less than a week away, the world is getting restless to see what Apple has prepared.