Shipping routes from China to the USA connect the world’s largest manufacturing hub with one of its biggest consumer markets. China contributes 31.63% share of the global manufacturing, and the USA is the world’s largest consumer market, so these routes are a huge part of global trade.
These routes traverse key shipping lanes, including the Pacific Ocean, and involve various transit times and costs depending on the method and destination.
If you’re ready to ship goods from China to the USA, our experts at Twings explore the primary shipping routes, highlight major ports, and break down the factors affecting shipping costs in this article.
How Far is the USA from China?
By sea (the most common shipping method for container shipping), it’s between 7,000 and 8,000 miles from the West Coast of the USA (Los Angeles) to the East Coast of China (Shanghai), depending on the port.
The most direct route from the USA to China is by air, from Los Angeles to Beijing, which is approximately 6,200 miles (10,000 kilometers).
Main Ocean Freight Container Shipping Routes from China to the USA
Ship routes from China to the USA begin from one of the following departure ports:
- Shanghai: the world’s largest shipping container port, with 40 million TEUs per year.
- Shenzhen: specializes in electronics and processes 25 million TEUs annually.
- Guangzhou: focus on textiles and automotive, handles 21 million TEUs every year.
- Others: Tianjian, Qingdao, Ningbo, Xiamen, Nansha
1. China to U.S. West Coast Shipping Routes
Main Shipping Route:
The Trans-Pacific Route is the most direct ship route from China to the U.S. West Coast. It connects Asia and America across the Pacific Ocean. Cargo ships navigate southward through the East China Sea, then head north via the Sea of Japan and the Okhotsk Sea before they enter the North Pacific Ocean.
U.S. West Coast Ports:
U.S. arrival ports on the West Coast include:
- Los Angeles
- Long Beach
- Oakland
- Seattle
- Tacoma
- Vancouver
- Rupert Prince
2. China to U.S. East Coast Shipping Routes
Main Shipping Routes:
The Panama Canal Route is the best route for shipping from China to the East Coast of the United States of America. This man-made canal connects the Pacific and Atlantic oceans, reducing the time it would take to travel from China to the East Coast of America via other ship routes.
In some cases, the Suez Canal Route is used as an alternative path if necessary. Toll costs are cheaper via this route, but the distance is longer than going through the Panama Canal. Ships must cross the Indian Ocean to the canal, then cross the Atlantic to reach the USA.
U.S. East Coast Ports:
U.S. arrival ports on the East Coast include:
- New York
- Savannah
- Norfolk
- Baltimore
- Charleston
- Halifax
- Boston
3. China to U.S. Gulf Coast Shipping Routes
Main Shipping Route:
Like the East Coast, the main route for ships coming from China is through the Panama Canal. Where necessary, the Suez Canal serves as a second option.
U.S. Gulf Coast Ports:
U.S. arrival ports on the Gulf Coast include:
- Houston
- New Orleans
- Mobile
- Tampa
- Miami
Shipping Container Routes from U.S. Ports to Inland Cities
Once goods from China arrive at a US port, they’re shipped inland to their destination city via different routes. This is a different shipping type that’s either by air and land, or by land only, depending on their final destination.
- IPI Route (Interior Point Intermodal): This route runs to inland cities from the various US West Coast ports.
- RIPI Route (Reverse Interior Point Intermodal): This route goes to inland cities from US East Coast ports.
How long is the Average China to USA Shipping Time?
| US Destination | Average Shipping Time |
|---|---|
| West Coast | 18 to 25 days |
| East Coast | 30 to 40 days |
| Gulf Coast | 20 to 30 days |
| From Port to Inland | 3 to 7 business days |
Note: Container shipping times are approximate and depend on the specific ship routes, shipping method, weather conditions, and customs processing.
What’s the Fastest Shipping Container Service from China to the USA?
The fastest shipping container service from China to the USA is provided by MATSON through their CLX and MAX services. These services focus on expedited shipping to Long Beach, California, with the CLX service offering the fastest transit time from Shanghai.
CLX Service:
- 11 days from Shanghai to Long Beach.
- 12 days from Ningbo to Long Beach.
MAX Service:
- 12 days from Shanghai to Long Beach.
- 12 days from Ningbo to Long Beach.
How much does Container Shipping from China to USA Cost?
The cost of shipping a container from China to the USA depends on multiple factors, including the type of container you’re sending, its size and weight, the type of cargo you’re shipping, and any extra fees incurred.
Factors Influencing Shipping Rates
Type of Freight Shipping
- Sea FCL (Full Container Load): You get a full container to yourself which you can fill to the brim, but this costs more.
- Sea LCL (Less than Container Load): You’ll share container space which saves costs, but there may be higher handling fees and longer transit time.
| Type of Shipping | Price |
|---|---|
| Sea LCL (Less than Container Load) | $20 to 50 per cubic meter |
| Sea FCL (Full Container Load) | $1,400 to $3,000 (20-foot container), $1,700 to $4,000 (40-foot container) |
Container Size and Weight
The bigger your container, the more expensive it will be to ship. Larger containers tend to incur higher transport costs but lower per-unit costs. In the same way, heavier cargo will cost more than light cargo.
Type of Cargo
Certain types of cargo may require special containers (temperature-controlled, reinforced, etc.) or special handling, which will add extra fees onto the cost.
Tariffs, Duties, and Customs Fees
Import fees, customs duties, and other fees vary depending on what you’re shipping and their value. There may also be extra charges for documentation and inspections, in addition to shipping expenses.
You can use the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) to figure out the customs duty rate for your products.
Shipping Distance & Port
The longer the shipping distance, the more you can expect to pay. Inland transportation will also add extra costs.
Fuel Prices and Surcharges
If there are fluctuations in fuel costs, it’s likely to impact your total shipping cost. In some cases this benefits you, but carriers often apply BAFs (bunker adjustment factors) as surcharges.
Insurance
Buying insurance can increase your overall costs, although in some cases it may be required by authorities. This depends on the type of cargo you’re shipping. It’s often a necessity for fragile goods or those of high value.
Supply Chain Disruptions
The supply chain can be disrupted by various factors, including delays during peak seasons, strikes, natural disasters, or geopolitical events. In some cases, these events can increase costs due to route deviations or supply/demand changes.
What are the Main China/USA Shipping Alliances?
| Shipping Alliance | Member Companies | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Ocean Alliance |
|
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| 2M Alliance |
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| THE Alliance |
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Reasons for Delays in Shipping from China to USA
Seasonal Considerations
During peak seasons, like the lead-up to Black Friday and Christmas, the demand for shipping services rises. This increased volume can put strain on logistics networks, leading to longer transit times and potential delays.
Weather Considerations
Adverse weather conditions, including typhoons and heavy rainfall, can disrupt port operations and shipping schedules. In September 2024, Typhoon Bebinca caused delays at major Chinese ports like Shanghai and Ningbo, with waiting times of up to 60 hours.
Port Congestion
High cargo volumes and operational inefficiencies can lead to congestion at ports, resulting in extended waiting times for vessels. In the aftermath of Typhoon Bebinca, global port congestion reached record levels, with over 3 million TEU of vessels waiting at anchorages worldwide as of September 23, 2024.
Customs Processes
Strict customs inspections and documentation requirements can cause delays in the clearance of cargo from China. Increased scrutiny, especially during periods of heightened security or regulatory changes, can slow down the movement of shipments through customs, affecting overall transit times.
Geopolitical Issues
Geopolitical tensions, like conflicts in key shipping routes, can disrupt global trade. The Red Sea crisis in early 2024 led to shipping delays and increased costs for Chinese exporters, as vessels were rerouted to avoid conflict zones. Also, potential tariff changes and trade policies can impact shipping operations and lead to delays.
Shipping Routes from China to USA FAQs
What Documents are Required For Shipping From China To The USA?
- Bill of Lading
- Commercial Invoice
- Packing List
- Customs Entry Summary (CBP Form 3461)
What is the environmental impact of shipping from China to USA?
Shipping from China to the USA has big environmental impacts, mainly due to:
- Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Large cargo ships burn heavy fuel oil, releasing substantial amounts of CO2. The global shipping industry accounts for nearly 3% of annual greenhouse gas emissions.
- Air Pollution: Ships emit pollutants like sulfur oxides (SOx) and nitrogen oxides (NOx), contributing to air quality degradation and acid rain.
- Marine Pollution: Accidental oil spills and discharge of ballast water can harm marine ecosystems, introducing invasive species and toxic substances.
- Noise Pollution: Ship engines and propellers produce underwater noise, disrupting marine life, particularly whales and dolphins.
Efforts are being made in the industry to reduce these impacts through switching to cleaner fuels, using energy-efficient technologies, and stricter international regulations like the IMO 2020 sulfur cap.
How can I track my container during transit?
Most sea freight carriers provide tracking systems that show you real-time updates of the ship on which your cargo is being transported.
Can I ship hazardous materials from China to the United States?
Yes, you can ship hazardous material from China to the USA. You must comply with the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code and various other regulations, and your goods may need to be packaged in a specific way. Contact us at Twings for more information.
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