Ocean Freight · China → United States
Ocean Freight from China to United States
24 port combinations connect China and United States in our network. The shortest, Shanghai → Seattle, is 5,130 nautical miles; transit across the lane ranges 13–39 days port to port.
- Distance
- 5,130 nm
- Transit
- 13–39 days
- Service
- FCL & LCL
Lane at a glance
Route facts
GoForwarder books full-container (FCL) and consolidated (LCL) space on this lane, coordinates pickup and export in China, and hands the cargo to import clearance and final delivery in United States.
- Origin
- China
- Destination
- United States
- Distance
- from 5,130 nm (9,501 km)
- Estimated transit
- 13–39 days
- Routing via
- Panama Canal
- Equipment
- FCL 20', 40', 40' HC · reefer · LCL
- Incoterms
- EXW · FCA · FOB · CIF · DAP · DDP
Network
Main port pairs
| Origin | Destination | Distance | Transit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shanghai | Seattle | 5,130 nm | 13–20 days |
| Qingdao | Seattle | 5,156 nm | 13–20 days |
| Ningbo | Seattle | 5,200 nm | 13–20 days |
| Dalian | Seattle | 5,219 nm | 13–20 days |
| Tianjin | Seattle | 5,366 nm | 13–21 days |
| Shanghai | Oakland | 5,411 nm | 13–21 days |
| Qingdao | Oakland | 5,437 nm | 13–21 days |
| Ningbo | Oakland | 5,481 nm | 14–21 days |
| Dalian | Oakland | 5,500 nm | 14–21 days |
| Xiamen | Seattle | 5,566 nm | 14–21 days |
| Tianjin | Oakland | 5,647 nm | 14–22 days |
| Shanghai | Los Angeles | 5,750 nm | 14–22 days |
| Shanghai | Long Beach | 5,750 nm | 14–22 days |
| Qingdao | Los Angeles | 5,776 nm | 14–22 days |
| Qingdao | Long Beach | 5,776 nm | 14–22 days |
| Ningbo | Los Angeles | 5,820 nm | 14–22 days |
| Ningbo | Long Beach | 5,820 nm | 14–22 days |
| Dalian | Los Angeles | 5,839 nm | 14–22 days |
| Dalian | Long Beach | 5,839 nm | 14–22 days |
| Xiamen | Oakland | 5,847 nm | 14–22 days |
| Shenzhen | Seattle | 5,896 nm | 15–22 days |
| Guangzhou | Seattle | 5,906 nm | 15–22 days |
| Tianjin | Los Angeles | 5,986 nm | 15–23 days |
| Tianjin | Long Beach | 5,986 nm | 15–23 days |
How it works
From quote to delivery
- 01
Quote and booking
Send cargo details on WhatsApp; we confirm the rate and book vessel space from China.
- 02
Pickup and export clearance
We coordinate container release, pickup and export customs in China.
- 03
Ocean transit
Sailing China → United States: about 13–39 days port to port, with tracking until arrival.
- 04
Import clearance
Customs clearance in United States, coordinated with our customs broker partners.
- 05
Final delivery
Drayage from the terminal to your warehouse, with proof of delivery.
Checklist
Documents and cost drivers
Documents to import into United States
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Bill of lading (B/L)
- ISF 10+2, filed 24 h before loading at origin
- CBP entry (Form 7501) through a U.S. customs broker, with customs bond
- USMCA certification of origin when applicable
- FDA / USDA prior notice for regulated goods
What drives the price on this lane
- Base ocean freight (per container for FCL, per CBM for LCL)
- Bunker / fuel surcharges (BAF) and peak-season surcharges
- Terminal handling at origin and destination (THC)
- Documentation and B/L fees
- Customs clearance at both ends
- Drayage from the port to the final address
- Cargo insurance
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
How long does ocean freight from China to United States take?+
Estimated transit is 13–39 days port to port. Direct services sit at the low end; transshipment, peak season or inspections push it to the high end.
How far is China from United States?+
The shortest pair is 5,130 nm (9,501 km) by sea via the Panama Canal.
How much does ocean freight from China to United States cost?+
It depends on container size or volume (CBM), the season and surcharges. Send your cargo details on WhatsApp and we reply with a written quote.
FCL or LCL — which one do I need?+
Below roughly 15 m³, consolidated LCL is usually cheaper. Above that, a 20-foot container starts to pay off; a 40-foot container fits about 67 m³.
What documents do I need to import into United States?+
Commercial invoice; Packing list; Bill of lading (B/L); ISF 10+2, filed 24 h before loading at origin; CBP entry (Form 7501) through a U.S. customs broker, with customs bond.
From China to other destinations in United States
Ready to move your cargo?
Send origin, destination and cargo details — we reply with a written quote.