China to US West Coast: 12-18 days. China to US East Coast: 25-35 days. Europe to US East Coast: 10-14 days. India to US: 25-35 days. Add 3-7 days on each end for port handling, customs clearance, and inland delivery.
Sea Freight From China
Ssfeshipping's experience and expertise in ocean forwarding, combined with the highest level of personal service, will provide a single-source solution for all your ocean freight needs. Whether you require a customized solution, charter arrangements or cargo insurance for your shipment, our teams are dedicated to meet your needs.
We provide ocean freight services for all types of cargo consolidated shipments or full containers. We provide customized ocean carriage with competitive contracts, delivering quality and on-time services.
Our Sea Freight Products
We plan all our services with transparency and precision to meet your requirements regarding cargo type, timing and budget.
Full Container Load (FCL)
Full Container Load (FCL) shipping is when a single shipper’s goods exclusively occupy a container. This method is ideal for large, bulk shipments where cost efficiency is paramount.
Full Container Load (FCL)
Full Container Load (FCL) shipping is when a single shipper’s goods exclusively occupy a container. This method is ideal for large, bulk shipments where cost efficiency is paramount.
Less Than Container Load (LCL)
Less Than Container Load (LCL) becomes a cost-effective alternative. LCL allows multiple shippers to share container space, paying only for the volume their cargo occupies.
Less Than Container Load (LCL)
Less Than Container Load (LCL) becomes a cost-effective alternative. LCL allows multiple shippers to share container space, paying only for the volume their cargo occupies.
Bulk Cargo Shipping
Break Bulk shipping is employed for cargo that cannot be containerised due to its size or shape. This method involves the individual loading, stowage and unloading of goods, which requires specialised handling.
Bulk Cargo Shipping
Break Bulk shipping is employed for cargo that cannot be containerised due to its size or shape. This method involves the individual loading, stowage and unloading of goods, which requires specialised handling.
Sea Shipping Routes from China
CN → US
China to USA
⚓25–40 days ✈️3–6 days
CN → MX
China to Mexico
⚓25–35 days ✈️3–7 days
CN → UK
China to UK
⚓35–42 days ✈️8–12 days
CN → CA
China to Canada
⚓25–40 days ✈️3–7 days
What Is Sea Freight from China?
Ocean freight moves your cargo from a Chinese port to a destination port in a container — either your own container (FCL) or space shared with other cargo (LCL). We handle the pickup, the export declaration, the booking, the import documentation and, under DDP or DAP terms, the clearance and the delivery leg at the other end.
For most importers the decision is not sea versus air, but which sea product fits the volume. Light, bulky cargo pays for space; dense cargo pays for weight. That is why the same shipment can look cheap per CBM and expensive per tonne, and why we ask for both the CBM and the gross weight before quoting.
FCL vs LCL: Which One Fits Your Shipment?
FCL (Full Container Load) — you book the whole container. Your cargo is loaded at origin, sealed, and opened only at destination. It is the cheapest option per unit once your volume is high enough, and the lowest-risk in handling terms.
LCL (Less than Container Load) — your cargo is consolidated with other shipments in a shared container and you pay only for the CBM you use. It is the way to start with 1–5 CBM without paying for empty space.
The break-even sits around 13–15 CBM on most lanes. Below it, LCL usually wins; above it, FCL does. Between roughly 12 and 18 CBM, ask for both prices — density changes the answer, and so does the destination port.
One more cost to weigh: LCL attracts destination deconsolidation and handling charges per shipment. On small volumes those flat charges can be a large share of the total, which is why a 2 CBM shipment sometimes quotes surprisingly close to a 4 CBM one.
| Factor | FCL (Full Container Load) | LCL (Less than Container Load) |
|---|---|---|
| Shipment Size | Large shipments | Small to medium shipments |
| Cost Efficiency | Better for high volume | Better for low volume |
| Transit Time | Faster and more predictable | Slightly longer due to consolidation |
| Risk Level | Lower (no shared space) | Higher (shared container) |
| Flexibility | Less flexible | More flexible for small cargo |
| Best For | Bulk cargo, high-value goods | Small shipments, cost-sensitive cargo |
FCL Shipping Cost From China (2026 Rates)
| Trade Lane | 20ft TEU | 40ft FEU | 40ft HC |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shanghai → Los Angeles | $1,200 – $2,200 | $2,000 – $3,800 | $2,200 – $4,100 |
| Shanghai → New York | $1,800 – $3,000 | $2,800 – $5,000 | $3,000 – $5,300 |
| Shenzhen → Miami | $1,900 – $3,200 | $3,000 – $5,200 | $3,200 – $5,500 |
| Ningbo → Long Beach | $1,100 – $2,000 | $1,900 – $3,500 | $2,100 – $3,800 |
| HCMC (Vietnam) → LA | $1,300 – $2,500 | $2,200 – $4,200 | $2,400 – $4,500 |
| Nhava Sheva (India) → NY | $1,600 – $2,800 | $2,700 – $4,500 | $2,900 – $4,800 |
| Santos (Brazil) → Miami | $1,400 – $2,200 | $2,300 – $3,800 | $2,500 – $4,100 |
| Rotterdam → New York | $1,200 – $2,000 | $2,000 – $3,500 | $2,200 – $3,800 |
| Hamburg → Savannah | $1,300 – $2,100 | $2,100 – $3,600 | $2,300 – $3,900 |
| Busan (Korea) → LA | $1,100 – $2,000 | $1,800 – $3,200 | $2,000 – $3,500 |
| Bangkok → Los Angeles | $1,400 – $2,600 | $2,300 – $4,300 | $2,500 – $4,600 |
| LA → Shanghai (backhaul) | $500 – $900 | $700 – $1,300 | $800 – $1,500 |
Complete FCL Cost Breakdown
Below is a typical cost breakdown for a 40ft container from Shanghai to Los Angeles, one of the world's highest-volume trade lanes. Your actual costs will vary by route, but this gives you a realistic framework for budgeting.
| Cost Component | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Base ocean freight | $2,200 – $3,800 | Port-to-port carrier charge (includes BAF) |
| Origin THC (Terminal Handling) | $180 – $280 | Loading at Shanghai/Ningbo terminal |
| Bill of Lading fee | $35 – $65 | Per set of B/L documents |
| Origin documentation | $25 – $50 | Export declaration, telex release |
| Destination THC | $250 – $400 | Unloading at LA/LB terminal |
| Destination delivery charge | $120 – $200 | Carrier's local delivery fee |
| Customs clearance (US) | $150 – $300 | Formal entry filing by customs broker |
| ISF filing (10+2) | $35 – $75 | Required 24hrs before loading in China |
| Customs bond | $75 – $275 (single) or $400-$1,200/yr (continuous) | Required for all formal entries |
| Merchandise Processing Fee | 0.3464% of cargo value | Min $31.67, max $614.35 |
| Harbor Maintenance Fee | 0.125% of cargo value | Ocean imports only |
| Chassis fee | $35 – $75/day | For overland movement from port |
| Drayage to warehouse | $400 – $1,000 | Depends on distance from port |
| Import duties | Varies (0% – 145%+) | Based on HS code and country of origin |
LCL Shipping Cost per CBM From China (2026)
| Trade Lane | Rate per CBM (USD) | Transit Time (CFS-to-CFS) | Peak Season Surcharge |
|---|---|---|---|
| China → US West Coast | $85 – $165 | 28-38 days | 15-25% |
| China → US East Coast | $110 – $195 | 35-46 days | 18-28% |
| China → Europe (North Sea) | $75 – $155 | 30-42 days | 12-20% |
| China → Europe (Mediterranean) | $80 – $160 | 32-45 days | 15-22% |
| India → US West Coast | $95 – $180 | 32-42 days | 20-30% |
| India → Europe | $70 – $150 | 25-36 days | 15-25% |
| India → Middle East | $45 – $95 | 12-18 days | 10-15% |
| Southeast Asia → US | $90 – $175 | 30-46 days | 18-28% |
| Southeast Asia → Europe | $75 – $155 | 28-40 days | 15-22% |
| Vietnam → US West Coast | $88 – $168 | 29-40 days | 16-26% |
| Bangladesh → US | $100 – $185 | 32-45 days | 20-30% |
| Europe → US East Coast | $65 – $140 | 18-27 days | 10-18% |
| US → Europe | $60 – $130 | 16-25 days | 8-15% |
| Brazil → US East Coast | $70 – $145 | 20-28 days | 12-18% |
| Intra-Asia (Singapore↔Hong Kong↔Shanghai) | $40 – $90 | 8-18 days | 5-12% |
Complete LCL Cost Breakdown
| Cost Component | Typical Range per CBM | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ocean freight (base rate) | $40 – $180 | Varies by route, season, and demand. This is the carrier's rate for space. |
| Origin CFS charges | $15 – $40 | Handling, documentation, storage at origin Container Freight Station. Per-CBM or minimum. |
| Origin pickup/delivery | $50 – $200 (per shipment) | Local drayage from supplier to origin CFS. Usually not per-CBM but fixed shipment cost. |
| Documentation & filing | $50 – $150 (per shipment) | Bill of lading, Shipper's Letter of Instruction (SLI), export documentation processing. |
| Ocean surcharges (BAF/CAF/PSS) | $5 – $40 per CBM | Bunker Adjustment Factor (fuel), Currency Adjustment Factor, Peak Season Surcharge. Variable and updated monthly. |
| Destination CFS charges | $15 – $40 | Handling, storage, deconsolidation at destination. Per-CBM or minimum charge. |
| Customs clearance & brokerage | $100 – $350 (per shipment) | Broker fees for customs filing. Usually fixed per shipment, not per-CBM. |
| Destination drayage/delivery | $100 – $500 (per shipment) | Local delivery from destination CFS to final address. Depends on destination city. |
| Cargo insurance | $0.8 – $2 per CBM | Optional. Covers loss/damage. Usually 0.8-1.5% of cargo value. |
Below is a quick comparison table to help you decide the best shipping option based on your shipment’s size, urgency, and budget. After the table, we have highlighted in more detail with examples to guide you in selecting the right container for your shipping requirements.
How Long Does Sea Freight Take From China?
How long does sea freight from China take? It depends on several factors such as the ports you use, the shipping route, and whether you opt for FCL or LCL. Delivery times are as short as a few days to nearby Asian countries, or as long as a few weeks or even months to places like Europe or North America. Weather, port congestion and customs delays can also impact shipping times.
Average Sea Freight Transit Times From China
| Continent | Countries Like | Average Transit Time |
|---|---|---|
| Asia | Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore | 5–12 days |
| Middle East | UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain | 18–28 days |
| Europe | Germany, United Kingdom, France, Netherlands, Italy, Spain | 25–45 days (via Suez Canal) |
| Africa | Egypt, South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, Morocco, Tanzania | 30–55 days |
| North America | USA, Canada, Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras | 15–40 days (depending on coast) |
| South America | Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, Colombia, Ecuador | 35–55 days |
| Oceania | Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Tonga | 18–30 days |
Container Types and Capacity
Usable capacity is lower than the container’s nominal volume because cartons never fill every corner, and the payload limit is often set by road weight rules rather than by the container itself.
Watch the road leg: many US and EU inland routes limit container gross weight well below the container’s maximum, so a 20ft full of dense goods may need to ship partly loaded or split across two containers.
| Container | Usable CBM | Typical payload | Common use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20ft GP | About 28–30 CBM | 25,000–28,000 kg | Dense cargo, machinery, building materials |
| 40ft GP | About 55–58 CBM | 26,000–27,500 kg | General FCL cargo |
| 40ft High Cube | About 65–68 CBM | 26,000–27,000 kg | Light, high-volume cargo; most common FCL choice |
| 45ft High Cube | About 75–78 CBM | 26,000–27,000 kg | Very light cargo where volume is the constraint |
Tips:
Standard containers are suitable for transporting large quantities of goods, such as electronic products and furniture.
How LCL Consolidation Actually Works
Cargo from several shippers is received at a consolidation warehouse (a CFS) near the port, loaded into a shared container, and unsealed at a destination CFS, where each consignment is separated again before delivery or collection.
- You pay per CBM, usually with a minimum charge of 1 CBM
- Heavy, dense cargo may be rated on weight instead of volume — that is why both figures matter
- Deconsolidation at destination typically adds 2–4 days after the vessel arrives
- Mixing suppliers is normal: we receive from several factories, check the counts, and load one consignment under your name
- Goods that must not be co-loaded (strong odours, chemicals, food) need their own container even at low volume
* Reference rates for planning only — final quotes depend on weight, volume, season and exact route. Contact us for today's rates.
Free Time, Demurrage and Detention
The cheapest part of an ocean shipment is the sailing. The expensive part is what happens when the container sits still.
- US ports typically allow 3–5 days of free time before demurrage and detention start, then about $100–300 per container per day
- European gateways generally allow more free time at the terminal but charge faster on the trucking side
- Late documentation and a missing ISF filing are the two most common causes of a container ageing at the port
- We track free time from the moment the vessel berths and book trucking the day cargo clears, rather than the day someone remembers
* Reference rates for planning only — final quotes depend on weight, volume, season and exact route. Contact us for today's rates.
Ports, Inland Options and Transit Reality
Origin ports we load from: Shanghai, Ningbo, Shenzhen (Yantian/Shekou), Guangzhou (Nansha), Qingdao, Tianjin, Xiamen and Fuzhou. The choice affects the sailing frequency as much as the rate — a weekly service out of Shanghai with a direct routing often beats a cheaper transshipment from a smaller port once the extra 7–10 days are priced in.
At destination, the port pair decides the inland leg. US West Coast gateways (Los Angeles/Long Beach) suit the western states; East Coast and Gulf ports (New York, Savannah, Houston) reduce trucking for the east and centre. For deep-inland destinations such as Chicago, Dallas or Memphis, a rail ramp delivery usually costs less than a road move from the coast.
The transits in the table above are port-to-port sailing times. Add 3–7 days for export handling, 2–5 days for import clearance and delivery, and more if the destination is far from the port.
Documents for an Ocean Shipment
- Bill of lading — original, telex release or express release, depending on how you want to control the cargo
- Commercial invoice and packing list, checked against the container we actually load
- Export declaration in China, and the certificate of origin where one is required
- ISF filing for US ocean shipments, at least 24 hours before the vessel departs
- Import entry documentation — under DDP we file it; under DAP it goes to your broker along with the arrival notice
What Can Delay an Ocean Shipment
- Blank sailings — carriers cut capacity when demand drops, and your cargo rolls to the next vessel
- Peak-season congestion — terminals and trucking tighten from September; the appointment, not the vessel, becomes the constraint
- Customs inspection — an exam adds days and storage charges, usually because the invoice and the classification do not match
- Documentation errors — a mismatched invoice or a missing certificate stops the container at destination, not at origin
- Equipment shortages — 40ft and 40HQ boxes are the first to run short in a busy market
- Consignee readiness — cargo that clears but cannot be collected starts the demurrage clock
What Is Moving Ocean Rates in Q3 2026
- Peak-season surcharges (PSS and BAF) — typically $300–$1,000 per container from September to December
- Space and equipment — Q4 volume builds from August; the cheapest sailings are the ones booked earliest
- GRI announcements — carriers publish general rate increases and then discount them lane by lane, so a headline increase is rarely the price you pay
- Chinese New Year — the busiest fortnight of the year comes before the holiday, and capacity resets afterwards
How to read these numbers: our published rates are planning bands cut off in mid-September 2026, not a price list. A rate is validated at booking against the sailing confirmed, the equipment released on your route, and the free time your destination port allows.
Why Choose SSFESHIPPING for Sea Freight From China?
Choosing a Sea freight forwarder is not just about booking a shipment in China. It is about how smoothly the entire process is handled from the moment your cargo is ready until it reaches the final destination.
At SSFESHIPPING, we focus on making sea freight from China simple and manageable by handling the operational side of shipping, so you don’t have to deal with multiple steps or unexpected complications.
Why Businesses Trust Us with Their Sea Freight
Cost-Effective Global Shipping
Our ocean freight solutions are designed to help businesses move cargo efficiently while keeping transportation costs under control. From FCL to LCL shipping, we offer flexible options tailored to your shipment size, routing, and budget.
End-to-End Coordination
We manage every stage of the shipping process with care, including booking, documentation, customs coordination, and delivery planning. This helps reduce delays, improve visibility, and simplify complex international shipping requirements.
Reliable Worldwide Reach
With access to trusted carrier networks and major global trade routes, we help businesses move cargo across international markets with confidence. Our team combines local support with global shipping expertise to keep freight moving smoothly from origin to destination.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does ocean freight take?
How much does it cost to ship a container from China?
The cost to ship a 20ft or 40ft container from China to the US or Europe usually ranges from $1,500 to over $6,000. Prices can change a lot depending on where you are shipping to, the time of year, and the shipping company.
How can I get the lowest ocean freight rates?
Book early, consolidate shipments, use a freight forwarder for aggregated volume discounts, be flexible on ports and timing, compare quotes from multiple carriers, and negotiate annual contracts for committed volumes. Avoiding peak season (August-October) also helps.
How long does sea shipping take from China?
As with any shipping method, the price of sea freight from China will vary depending on the distance that it is being shipped and the size and weight of the shipment. In general, ocean freight will come in around $2-$4 per kg. That said, it is important to also consider other costs, rates, and charges like customs brokerage or insurance that can be added to your bill.
What is the cheapest shipping method from China?
In terms of per-unit cost, full container load (FCL) container sea freight is by far the most economical method for shipping products from China. Since shipment volumes dictate the cost, importers buying large quantities from their suppliers enjoy significantly better freight rates than their smaller competitors, who are often caught deciding between LCL and air freight.
What sea freight documents do I need?
- Bill of Lading: This document represents the contract of carriage for the goods being transported. It safeguards the rights of both the consignee and the carrier and serves as proof of ownership of the goods.
- Commercial Invoice: This must be issued by the sender. Commercial invoices, which contain information such as the type, quantity, unit price and total value of the goods, are also mandatory for customs procedures.
- Packing List: This document details the packaging method, number of boxes and contents of the shipment and is used for checking and proper placement of the goods.
- Certificate of Origin: This indicates the country where the product was manufactured. Some countries will specifically request this document to determine import duties.
- Insurance Certificate: An insurance certificate showing that the transported cargo is insured against possible damage will provide assurance between the recipient and the sender.
- Customs Declaration: This is the main document used during customs procedures. This document can provide information about the cargo's contents, value, and type.
- Shipping Order: An instruction issued by the carrier to the ship's captain. This document specifies the port where the cargo will be loaded and the destination.
Why should I use Ssfeshipping for ocean freight?
By choosing Ssfeshipping for your shipping needs, you can complete all your transactions quickly and affordably. In this context, you can explore different options for sea freight types and track every transaction in real time. Ssfeshipping offers solutions for every need, regardless of whether you are a large or small business, helping you stay one step ahead in exports.
Which types of containers are used for sea freight?
In sea freight, regardless of whether you choose full or partial container loads, different types of containers are available. Containers are designed to meet the specific needs of various cargo types based on their size, weight, and the nature of the goods.
- Flat rack containers: These have walls only at the short ends and are useful for large cargo such as machinery, lumber, and large vehicles. Sometimes the walls are collapsible, which makes them easier to store.
- Standard dry containers: These are standard box containers that keep cargo dry. Incidentally, these can also be used to transport materials by road or rail.
- Tank containers are suitable for the bulk transport of liquids, gases, and powders.
- Refrigerated containers: These are used to transport perishable goods that require temperature control.
What are the different types of sea freight?
Sea freight is categorized into five types based on cargo and ship type: tankers, container ships, Ro-Ro ships, bulk carriers, and combined transport.
- Tanker transport typically carries hazardous chemicals such as gas and oil. Loading and unloading in this type of transport is carried out using a pumping system.
- Container shipping is the most common form of sea freight. Sea container shipping provides safe transport using containers organized according to international standards.
- The most fundamental feature that distinguishes Ro-Ro shipping from others is that the sea connection is provided by vehicles such as trucks and trailers that serve on the road.
- In bulk cargo transportation, loading and unloading are performed through intermediate doors, keeping costs low. This method is ideal for transporting materials such as sugar, salt, mineral ore, and cement.
- In combined transportation, dry cargo and petroleum are generally transported.
What is the difference between FCL and LCL shipping?
FCL and LCL from China are the two main options for sea cargo. FCL (Full Container Load) is when your cargo fills an entire container, making it ideal for large shipments and often more cost-effective. LCL (Less than Container Load) is for smaller shipments that don’t require a full container; your goods are consolidated with other shippers’ cargo, and you only pay for the space you use.
What surcharges are included in ocean freight rates?
Common surcharges include: Bunker Adjustment Factor (fuel), Terminal Handling Charges (port fees), ISPS security fee, Peak Season Surcharge, documentation fees, and Currency Adjustment Factor. These can add 30-50% to the base freight rate.