As global trade continues to expand, the sea freight industry plays a pivotal role in connecting manufacturers and consumers across continents. The route from China to the USA is one of the busiest and most significant sea freight corridors, facilitating the movement of goods ranging from electronics to textiles. This article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding the sea freight process, from key considerations to essential steps, when Sea Freight From China To USA.
China has become a significant player in the global trade market in recent years. Cargo Sea Freight From China To USA is vital to trade because China is the largest exporter, and the US is one of the biggest importers. International shipping from China to the United States is a top-rated destination for shipping cargo.

Shipping methods from China to the United States
Ocean Freight From China to the US
Less than Container Load (LCL): For smaller shipments, you can send your ocean freight as a less-than-container-load. In this case, your freight forwarder will have it consolidated with other shippers’ goods and engage a carrier to transport it in a container from China to the US.
Full Container Load (FCL): If you ship in quantities large enough to fill a shipping container, full-container-load (FCL) freight services will save you money in comparison to LCL shipping. FCL means your goods alone will occupy the container. Furthermore, with no need for cargo consolidation/deconsolidation, you should be able to get your freight from China to the US a little faster.
Air Freight from China to the US
If you don’t want to wait several weeks for your freight to steam across oceans from China to the United States, air freight will cut the transit time to mere days, albeit at much higher freight rates.
How Much Does it Cost to Ship Freight From China to the US
The cost of shipping freight from China to the US can vary widely depending on several factors. These factors include the type of cargo, shipping route, shipping method (full container load or less than container load), container type, freight forwarder fees, customs duties and taxes, and any additional services required. Here are some key factors that contribute to the overall cost:
1. Type of Cargo: The size, weight, and nature of the cargo being shipped significantly influence the cost. Bulkier or heavier cargo may incur higher shipping fees.
2. Shipping Route: The route taken by the cargo ship, including the specific ports of departure and arrival, can affect costs. Longer routes or routes with multiple transshipment points may lead to higher expenses.
3. Container Type: Different types of containers, such as standard dry containers, refrigerated containers (reefers), open-top containers, and flat racks, come with varying costs. Specialized containers cater to specific cargo needs and could impact the overall price.
4. Shipping Method: Choosing between full container load (FCL) and less than container load (LCL) shipments affects costs. FCL shipments provide exclusive use of a container, whereas LCL shipments involve sharing container space with other shipments.
5. Freight Forwarder Fees: Freight forwarders play a crucial role in arranging transportation, documentation, and handling customs procedures. Their fees can vary based on the services they provide.
6. Customs Duties and Taxes: Import duties, taxes, and other fees imposed by US customs must be factored into the overall cost. These charges are usually based on the value of the goods being imported.
7. Additional Services: Optional services like cargo insurance, warehousing, and door-to-door delivery can add to the total cost.
8. Market Conditions: Fluctuations in fuel prices, currency exchange rates, and global supply chain disruptions can impact shipping costs.
9. Transit Time: Faster transit options may come with higher costs. Balancing transit time with cost considerations is essential.
10. Documentation and Compliance: Ensuring accurate and complete documentation can prevent delays, fines, and other issues that might lead to extra costs.
It’s challenging to provide a precise cost estimate without specific details about the shipment. If you are looking to get an accurate cost estimate for shipping freight from China to the US, Please contact Basenton Freight Forwarding and we can provide you with a quote tailored to your specific freight details and requirements.



How long does it take to ship goods from China to the USA
How Long Does It Take to Ship Cargo by Sea Freight From China To USA?
Total transit time for ocean shipments from China to the United States depends on the specific origin and destination ports used. The following examples will give you an idea of actual ocean-freight transit times between different ports in China and the USA:
Guangzhou to Los Angeles – 26 days LCL
Guangzhou to Miami – 38 days LCL
Dalian to Los Angeles – 26 days LCL
Huangpu to Miami or Charleston – 40 days LCL
Huangpu to Los Angeles – 35 days LCL
Huangpu to New York – 40 days LCL and FCL
Jiangmen to Charleston – 42 days LCL
Jiangmen to Los Angeles – 27 days LCL
Jiangmen to Miami – 44 days LCL
Ningbo to Chicago – 22 days LCL, 29 days FCL
Ningbo to Houston – 34 days LCL, 36 days FCL
Ningbo to Los Angeles – 17 days LCL, 13 days FCL
Ningbo to New York – 23 days LCL, 35 days FCL
Ningbo to Seattle – 17 days LCL, 23 days FCL
Shanghai to Atlanta – 29 days LCL, 34 days FCL
Shanghai to Boston – 35 days LCL, 37 days FCL
Shanghai to Charleston – 34 days LCL, 37 days FCL
Shanghai to Chicago – 28 days LCL, 37 days FCL
Shanghai to Houston – 33 days LCL, 39 days FCL
Shanghai to Los Angeles – 22 days LCL and FCL
Shanghai to Miami – 46 days LCL, 38 days FCL
Shanghai to New York – 37 days LCL, 38 days FCL
Shanghai to Seattle – 24 days LCL
Shenzhen to Charleston – 40 days LCL
Shenzhen to Chicago – 30 days LCL
Shenzhen to Los Angeles – 23 days LCL, 19 days FCL
Shenzhen to Miami – 44 days LCL
Shenzhen to New York – 38 days LCL, 36 days FCL
Shenzhen to San Francisco – 25 days LCL
Qingdao to Atlanta – 39 days LCL, 35 days FCL
Qingdao to Chicago – 25 days LCL, 24 days FCL
Qingdao to Houston – 37 days LCL, 36 days FCL
Qingdao to Los Angeles – 24 days LCL
Qingdao to New York – 40 days LCL, 36 days FCL
Qingdao to Seattle – 20 days LCL
Tianjin to Houston – 35 days LCL
Tianjin to Miami – 42 days LCL
Tianjin to Seattle – 35 days LCL, 36 days FCL
Xiamen to Los Angeles – 20 days LCL
Xiamen to New York – 34 days LCL
Fuzhou to Houston – 23 days FCL
Fuzhou to Los Angeles – 20 days FCL
Lianyungang to Boston, Savannah or Oakland – 36 days FCL
Ningbo to Oakland, Long Beach, Norfolk, Savannah, or Baltimore – 36 days FCL
Shanghai to Baltimore – 36 days FCL
Shanghai to Savannah – 29 days FCL
Shanghai to Long Beach – 25 days FCL
Shanghai to Tacoma – 36 days FCL
Shekou to Los Angeles – 23 days FCL
Shekou to New York – 36 days FCL
Qingdao to Charleston – 35 days FCL
Qingdao to Long Beach – 19 days FCL
Qingdao to Oakland – 24 days FCL
Xiamen to Charleston, Houston, Oakland, or Savannah – 36 days FCL
How Long Does It Take to Ship Cargo by Air From China to the US?
Typical transit times for air freight from China to the US range from two to eight days, as you can see from the following examples, which comprise routes from the Basenton Logistics database:
Guangzhou to Atlanta, New York, Los Angeles, or Chicago – 5 days
Guangzhou to Miami – 6 days
Zhengzhou or Beijing to Los Angeles – 5 days
Chengdu to Los Angeles – 12 days
Beijing to Boston, New York or Atlanta – 6 days
Beijing to Chicago or Cincinnati – 4 days
Beijing to San Francisco, Dallas or Houston – 7 days
Shanghai to Atlanta – 3 days
Shanghai to Dallas, Boston or Cincinnati – 7 days
Shanghai to Chicago, Miami, New York, or Los Angeles – 5 days
Shanghai to Sacramento, Detroit or Houston – 6 days
Shenzhen to Atlanta, Miami, or Dallas – 6 days
Shenzhen to Chicago or Los Angeles – 5 days
Shenzhen to Denver – 7 days
Shenzhen to Houston – 2 days
Qingdao to New York, Houston or Chicago – 8 days
Qingdao to Seattle or Los Angeles – 5 days
Wuhan to New York – 8 days
Xiamen to Atlanta or New York – 4 days
Xiamen to Detroit or Houston – 7 days
Xiamen to Los Angeles – 8 days
The duration it takes to ship cargo by sea from China to the US can vary based on several factors. These factors include the shipping route, specific ports of departure and arrival, weather conditions, shipping method (full container load or less than container load), and any potential delays in customs clearance or transshipment.



Customs Clearance in China and the US
Import and export customs clearance may seem complicated, but in many cases, it is. However, this is an inevitable problem in sea and air freight from China to the United States. Therefore, this is what every supplier, consignee and middleman engaged in international trade must prepare for.
Your carrier will have no obligation to assist you with customs procedures. However, freight forwarders charge a fee to handle them. Even so, your business must still take responsibility for certain steps. This includes providing accurate information and documentation accompanying the shipment.
In general, you will to ensure that all shipments from China to the United States are accompanied by the following documents, as they will be required by customs authorities in both countries:
1. Commercial invoice
2. Packing list
3. Certificate of Origin
4. Letter of credit or other payment terms (depending on the contract between the parties involved)
5. Ocean bill of lading or air waybill (provided by Basenton freight forwarder)



Sea Freight From China To USA
Sea Freight From China To USA, Our operations promise untouched and unharmed cargo to our clients. Furthermore, we enable clients to manage their shipments and goods with precision, accuracy, and efficiency. We are the leading freight forwarder from China to USA in the logistics industry.
As a renowned honouroceanshipping , we value the customer’s trust and fulfill it by giving clients no chance to complain. This is all possible due to the number of experts that are working for China Freight. Our company consists of a team of skilled professionals. A high-quality staff allows the company to make sublime collaborative efforts in maintaining the efficiency and pace of service.