Ocean Freight · Los Angeles → Shanghai
Ocean Freight from Los Angeles to Shanghai
Los Angeles (USLAX), United States to Shanghai (CNSHA), China is a 5,750-nautical-mile ocean lane (10,649 km). The routing is an open-ocean passage with no canal transit. Port-to-port transit runs about 14–22 days, depending on whether the service is direct or transships at a hub.
- Distance
- 5,750 nm
- Transit
- 14–22 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
- Los Angeles (USLAX), United States
- Destination
- Shanghai (CNSHA), China
- Distance
- 5,750 nm (10,649 km)
- Estimated transit
- 14–22 days
- Equipment
- FCL 20', 40', 40' HC · reefer · LCL
- Incoterms
- EXW · FCA · FOB · CIF · DAP · DDP
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 Los Angeles.
- 02
Pickup and export clearance
We coordinate container release, pickup and export customs in United States.
- 03
Ocean transit
Sailing Los Angeles → Shanghai: about 14–22 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 Los Angeles to Shanghai take?+
Estimated transit is 14–22 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 Los Angeles from Shanghai?+
About 5,750 nm (10,649 km) by sea.
How much does ocean freight from Los Angeles to Shanghai 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 Los Angeles to other destinations in China
Other origins in United States to Shanghai
Ready to move your cargo?
Send origin, destination and cargo details — we reply with a written quote.