Ocean Freight · United States → Shanghai
Ocean Freight from United States to Shanghai
11 port combinations connect United States and Shanghai in our network. The shortest, Seattle → Shanghai, is 5,130 nautical miles; transit across the lane ranges 13–37 days port to port.
- Distance
- 5,130 nm
- Transit
- 13–37 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
- United States
- Destination
- Shanghai (CNSHA), China
- Distance
- from 5,130 nm (9,501 km)
- Estimated transit
- 13–37 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seattle | Shanghai | 5,130 nm | 13–20 days |
| Oakland | Shanghai | 5,411 nm | 13–21 days |
| Los Angeles | Shanghai | 5,750 nm | 14–22 days |
| Long Beach | Shanghai | 5,750 nm | 14–22 days |
| Miami | Shanghai | 9,923 nm | 24–35 days |
| New Orleans | Shanghai | 10,059 nm | 24–35 days |
| Houston | Shanghai | 10,187 nm | 25–35 days |
| Charleston | Shanghai | 10,248 nm | 25–36 days |
| Savannah | Shanghai | 10,258 nm | 25–36 days |
| Norfolk | Shanghai | 10,468 nm | 25–36 days |
| New York / New Jersey | Shanghai | 10,665 nm | 26–37 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 United States.
- 02
Pickup and export clearance
We coordinate container release, pickup and export customs in United States.
- 03
Ocean transit
Sailing United States → Shanghai: about 13–37 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 United States to Shanghai take?+
Estimated transit is 13–37 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 United States from Shanghai?+
The shortest pair is 5,130 nm (9,501 km) by sea via the Panama Canal.
How much does ocean freight from United States 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 United States to other destinations in China
Ready to move your cargo?
Send origin, destination and cargo details — we reply with a written quote.