Ocean Freight · Houston → China
Ocean Freight from Houston to China
8 port combinations connect Houston and China in our network. The shortest, Houston → Shanghai, is 10,187 nautical miles; transit across the lane ranges 25–38 days port to port.
- Distance
- 10,187 nm
- Transit
- 25–38 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 United States, and hands the cargo to import clearance and final delivery in China.
- Origin
- Houston (USHOU), United States
- Destination
- China
- Distance
- from 10,187 nm (18,866 km)
- Estimated transit
- 25–38 days
- Routing via
- Panama Canal
- Equipment
- FCL 20', 40', 40' HC · reefer · LCL
- Incoterms
- EXW · FCA · FOB · CIF · DAP · DDP
Network
Main port pairs
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 Houston.
- 02
Pickup and export clearance
We coordinate container release, pickup and export customs in United States.
- 03
Ocean transit
Sailing Houston → China: about 25–38 days port to port, with tracking until arrival.
- 04
Import clearance
Customs clearance in China, 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 China
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Bill of lading (B/L)
- Certificate of origin
- Import declaration under China customs rules
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 Houston to China take?+
Estimated transit is 25–38 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 Houston from China?+
The shortest pair is 10,187 nm (18,866 km) by sea via the Panama Canal.
How much does ocean freight from Houston to China 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 China?+
Commercial invoice; Packing list; Bill of lading (B/L); Certificate of origin; Import declaration under China customs rules.
From Houston to other destinations in China
Other origins in United States to China
Ready to move your cargo?
Send origin, destination and cargo details — we reply with a written quote.