Sea freight connects world trade together, accounting for over 90% of global freight traffic. As a powerhouse of manufacturing, many choose to ship goods from China to the United States for their businesses or personal shopping. However, navigating the complicated world of shipping costs, ocean freight routes, and customs duties isn’t easy unless you’re partnered with a freight forwarding company like Twings Supply.
We’ve assembled this guide to help you understand sea shipping from China to the U.S., shipping routes to USA ports, costs associated with ocean freight, and the documents you need to make your shipping as easy as possible.
Key Takeaways
- The primary shipping routes from China to the USA arrive either on the United States’ West or East coast. Popular ports include LAX, LGB, and NYC.
- Ocean freight has a longer shipping time than alternatives like standard air freight.
- Sea freight costs are determined by whether you are transporting your goods in LCL or FCL, with the latter being more expensive but safer.
- The political climate, natural disasters, and economic factors can inflate or reduce the price of ocean freight from China.
What are the Primary Shipping Routes from China to the USA?
There are two primary sea freight shipping routes that ships can take from China to the USA: the Pacific Lane and the Atlantic Lane. However, in practice, sea freight shipping from China will only take the Pacific Lane to ship goods to the United States as it’s quicker than taking the Atlantic Lane — even for shipments heading to the United States’ East Coast. The Panama Canal allows goods from China to reach the U.S. coasts far quicker than traversing across the Atlantic.
West Coast Ports
| Port | TEUs Annually | Average Transit Time |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles (LAX/USLAX) | 9.9 million | 15 to 20 days |
| Seattle (SEA/USSEA) | 3.7 million | 36 days |
| Long Beach (LGB/USLGB) | 8 million | 18 to 25 days |
| Oakland (OAK/USOAK) | 2.5 million | 24 days |
East Coast Ports
| Port | TEUs Annually | Average Transit Time |
|---|---|---|
| Houston (HOU/USHOU) | 4.2 million | 30 to 35 days |
| New York (NYC/USNYC) | 7.5 million | 30 to 40 days |
| Savannah (SAV/USSAV) | 5.76 million | 32 to 38 days |
| Miami (MIA/USMIA) | 1.2 million | 35 to 42 days |
The USA’s West Coast receives more shipments on average than the East Coast, with Los Angeles and Long Beach combined accounting for 40% of all containerized imports entering the United States. This makes it the largest port complex in the Western Hemisphere.
How much does Sea Freight from China to the USA Cost?
| Shipping Options | Average Lead Times | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| LCL Shipping | 35 to 45 days | $190 to $275 per cubic meter |
| FCL Shipping (20-foot) | 22 to 30 days | $5,000 to $6,000+ |
| FCL Shipping (40-foot) | 22 to 30 days | $6,000 to $7,000+ |
As of November 2024, the average rate per container is around $5,404. Notably, these costs do not include everything that you’ll have to pay. Aside from the shipping rate, it’s likely you will have to pay additional costs for the China to US shipping service, including:
- Port charges and handling fees
- U.S. customs duties
- Tariffs
- Customs and documentation charges
- Insurance and security (optional)
- Inland transportation costs (door-to-door)
In addition to your sea freight cost, these charges can make express shipping from China extremely difficult without the right knowledge. If you’re planning on shipping from China to the USA, why not let Twings Supply help you find the right freight quote for your business’s budget? Contact us to inquire today.
What Affects Sea Shipping Costs from China to the USA?
Several disruptions can affect how much you pay for sea shipping freight services, including:
- Supply and demand fluctuations
- Seasonal variations (peak season: August to November)
- Global events (e.g., COVID-19, geopolitical tensions)
- Fuel prices and surcharges
- Container availability
- Port congestion levels
- Political policies
- Trade disputes
- Natural disasters
When a personal shopper or business is looking to ship directly from China, it’s important to keep in mind the international freight landscape. This will help to prevent shipping delays, reduce the cost of shipping, and find out how long it will take to ship from China, accounting for these macroeconomic factors.
It’s worth noting that new environmental regulations, such as the International Maritime Organization’s IMO 2023 carbon compliance rules, can also affect shipping costs. These rules encourage carriers to adopt greener practices, which may lead to higher surcharges or slower shipping speeds due to fuel efficiency measures.
What is the Difference Between FCL and LCL?
Full Container Load (FCL) offers faster transit, enhanced security, and cost-efficiency for large shipments by dedicating an entire container to one party. In comparison, Less than Container Load (LCL) is perfect for smaller volumes, providing flexible and budget-friendly options by sharing container space with other shippers. Let’s compare them in detail:
| Type | Description | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full Container Load (FCL) | Shipping method in which one party owns and uses the entire container space | Lower price per cubic meter Faster transit times Enhanced security (sealed container) Less handling and damage risk Direct delivery Simpler customs clearance Complete control over container contents | Higher upfront costs Not cost-effective for small shipments Difficult to book in peak seasons Complex unloading process Increased warehousing costs Limited delivery options |
| Less than Container Load (LCL) | Shipping method in which multiple shippers share space in a single container | Cost-effective for small volumes Pay only for space used More flexible delivery options Easier to book during peak seasons Lower inventory costs Facilitates frequent small shipments | Higher cost per cubic meter Longer transit times More handling points Higher risk of damage Complex customs clearance Potential delays due to consolidation |
What Documents Do You Need for Sea Freight from China to the U.S.?
The documents you need to allow sea freight from China to the U.S. are the following:
Primary Documents
- Bill of Lading (BOL)
- Commercial Invoice
- Packing List
- Arrival Notice
- Entry Summary (CBP Form 3461)
Customs Documentation
- U.S. Customs Invoice
- Inward Cargo Manifest
- Import Declaration
These documents are not an all-inclusive list of the required papers you may need for your shipment. More or less documents may be necessary depending on what you’re shipping.
Twings Supply | Partnering with a Sea Freight Forwarder from China
If your business is importing goods from China, you’ll need a reliable freight forwarder to provide you with the best shipping solution. Twings Supply has over 20 years of experience providing seamless, respected services to our clients, ensuring safe and smooth delivery that saves on costs throughout — from placing your order to its arrival on your doorstep. Contact us to inquire how we can save on your shipment today.
Sea Freight from China to the USA FAQs
What does TEU mean?
TEU (Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit) is the standard unit of measurement in the shipping industry that represents a container that is 20 feet long, 8 feet wide, and 8 feet tall (or 6 x). Each container can contain up to 1,360 cubic feet (about 39 cubic meters) of ship cargo.
How many containers can a ship carry?
Modern ship cargo from China can transport around 10,000 to 15,000 TEUs. The largest container ship is the MSC Irina-class, which can transport up to 24,346 TEUs.
What is the path of ships from China?
There are three main paths that a shipment from China can take during the shipping process: the Pacific Lane, Atlantic Lane, and the Indian Lane. Products from China are demanded all over the world, and these lanes all enable international shipping to and from locations like the USA, Europe, Africa, and South America.
Back to Top: Sea Freight Ship from China to the USA
