With an average sea freight timeline of 40 days from China to the West Coast and 60 days to the East Coast, it’s not surprising that sea freight is the lifeblood of global trade. In fact, according to the World Economic Forum, sea freight accounts for almost 90% of goods transported worldwide. China makes up a considerable portion of trade, shipping a record-breaking 1.36 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) to North America in June 2024. With shipping from China to the USA being such a prominent slice of trade, it’s natural to ask, “How long does it take from China to the USA?”
Our team at Twings Supply has put together this article to outline the sea freight timelines from China to the USA’s western and eastern coasts, the different types of freight shipping containers, and what affects the timeframe of shipping routes. If you need a China freight forwarder, you need Twings Supply.
Key Takeaways
- The average sea freight timeline between China and the U.S. West Coast currently takes 36 to 40 days (in November 2024).
- The average sea freight timeline between China and the U.S. East Coast currently takes 58 to 60 days (in November 2024).
- The two types of sea freight containers are Full Container Load (FCL) and Less than Container Load (LCL).
China to the USA | Sea Freight Timelines
The typical time taken from China to the U.S. West Coast is 36 to 40 days, according to Flexport’s November 2024 data. In contrast, the data shows that the sea freight timelines from China to the U.S. East Coast take 58 to 60 days. Sea freight services between China and the USA will often vary in shipping time based on where the destination port is in the United States.
These shipping process times are still higher than pre-pandemic levels, so you may expect a shipment from China to trend downwards as logistics recover from the knock-on effects of negative externalities.
China to the USA West Coast Timelines | Port to Port
Below is the average timeline for sea freight shipping from China to the USA and its West Coast. The four largest ports on the Western Coast of the USA are Los Angeles, Long Beach, Oakland, and Seattle. Los Angeles is one of the biggest ports on the U.S. West Coast, welcoming over 1,700 vessels to its port in 2023.
| Transit Time (Days) | Los Angeles (USLAX) | Long Beach (USLGB) | Oakland (USOAK) | Seattle (USSEA) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shanghai | 22 to 28 | 22 to 28 | 24 to 32 | 25 to 33 |
| Ningbo | 22 to 28 | 22 to 29 | 24 to 32 | 25 to 33 |
| Qingdao | 26 to 34 | 26 to 35 | 19 to 27 | 20 to 28 |
| Shenzhen | 22 to 38 | 22 to 30 | 14 to 22 | 15 to 23 |
Remember that the carrier of your sea freight from China to the US can significantly impact the time it takes to reach the West Coast. For example, your shipment from Shanghai to Los Angeles may take 22 days if your carrier is HPL or NYK, while it may take 27 days with MSC. As with any guide to ocean freight transit times, it’s essential to know that shipping can vary drastically depending on many factors.
China to the USA East Coast Timelines | Port to Port
You can expect ocean freight transit times from China to the United States East Coast to take a few days to weeks longer than the West Coast. To reach the East Coast, sea shipping vessels navigate across the Pacific towards the West Coast and then transit through the Panama Canal to enter the Atlantic. A sea freight ship rarely takes the Suez Canal when transiting from China to the United States; however, the Suez Canal route could be taken for destinations farther north or during periods of Panama Canal congestion.
| Transit Time (Days) | New York/ Newark | Norfolk | Charleston | Savannah | Boston | Philadelphia |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shanghai | 30 to 35 | 32 to 36 | 35 to 40 | 30 to 35 | 28 to 33 | 30 to 35 |
| Ningbo | 28 to 33 | 30 to 35 | 35 to 40 | 30 to 35 | 28 to 33 | 30 to 35 |
| Qingdao | 30 to 35 | 35 to 40 | 40 to 45 | 35 to 40 | 30 to 35 | 35 to 40 |
| Shenzhen | 30 to 35 | 32 to 36 | 35 to 40 | 30 to 35 | 28 to 33 | 30 to 35 |
Typically, a cargo ship from China to the U.S. West Coast will arrive 20 days faster compared to the East Coast, according to the American Journal of Transportation. Not only do goods from China take longer to navigate the distance to the East Coast, but they are also more susceptible to seasonal demand and port congestion when traversing the Panama Canal. These delays can add 3 to 5 days to your delivery time.
China to USA Inland Ports Timelines | Port to Port
Inland ports help ship goods from major coastal ports to inland locations, reducing the additional freight cost you may have incurred through express shipping inland. The United States’ major coastal ports are directly connected to these inland ports by rail, inland waterways, or highways. They act as an essential auxiliary to these ports, relieving strain and supporting the supply chain.
| Average Transit Time (Days) | Chicago | Dallas | Atlanta | Memphis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shanghai | 22 to 28 | 23 to 29 | 28 to 33 | 25 to 31 |
| Ningbo | 22 to 28 | 23 to 29 | 28 to 33 | 25 to 31 |
| Qingdao | 26 to 32 | 28 to 34 | 33 to 38 | 30 to 36 |
| Shenzhen | 22 to 28 | 23 to 29 | 28 to 33 | 25 to 31 |
What are Different Sea Freight Container Types?
There are two types of sea freight containers, Full Container Load (FCL) and Less than Container Load (LCL), commonly for international shipping between ports. When shipping from China to the USA, choosing the container option that will fit your shipping volume is essential.
| Container Type | Description | Cost | Risk of Damage |
|---|---|---|---|
| FCL | The entire container is used by a single shipper; ideal for large shipments over 20 CBM | $2,000 to $12,000 per container; more cost-effective for large volumes | 50% lower risk of damage compared to LCL; cargo remains untouched throughout journey |
| LCL | Multiple shippers share container space; ideal for shipments 1–15 CBM | $40 to $200 per cubic meter; more cost-effective for small shipments | Higher risk due to multiple handling points, consolidation/ deconsolidation required |
What Affects Sea Freight Transit Time?
Several factors can affect sea freight transit time, including port congestion, political factors, and weather. One incident can have a knock-on effect that immensely disrupts the logistical chain from China to the US for sea freight. For example, elevated rates of attacks in the Red Sea have impacted transit times from East Asia to Europe by 22%, leading to over 70% of vessels being rerouted around Africa.
As a result, global transit times increased by 30%, which may have led to delays in your shipping transit time. Port delays are also a common disruptor of transit times. Port congestion at Ningbo-Zhoushan is around 9.8 days, up from 6.5 days in May 2024. Storms, environmental regulations, market conditions, and political policy changes can all severely impact when you receive your China post or goods.
How to Avoid Sea Freight Transit Time Delays
The best way to avoid sea freight transit time delays is to pick your shipping method and carrier wisely. Managing your documentation for U.S. customs is also essential, as well as planning and diversifying your carriers. If you find the idea of shipping from China to the U.S. overwhelming, you’ll be glad to know that Twings Supply is here to support you.
We’re your China freight forwarder partner with over 20 years of experience shipping goods from China. Let us save you money, time, and stress by handling your cargo using sea freight, air freight, and door-to-door services. Contact us today to find out your rate.
Sea Freight Timelines from China to the USA FAQs
Why do packages from China take so long?
Packages from China experience significant delays due to a complex web of factors, including port congestion, ships waiting up to 5 days to berth in Shanghai, and ongoing geopolitical tensions causing vessels to reroute around Africa. The situation is further complicated by container shortages at significant ports, seasonal traffic increases around holidays like Chinese New Year, and weather-related disruptions affecting airport operations across Asia.
What is the average time for ocean freight?
Sea freight transit times range from 15 to 40 days, with East Asia to North America’s West Coast taking approximately 20–40 days and East Asia to North America’s East Coast taking around 30–60 days. The global average shipment duration has increased to 66 days in 2024, which includes the total time from booking to final delivery, representing an 8-day increase from the previous year.
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