Transit Times
| Route | Transit Time |
|---|---|
| Transit times are port | to-port. Add 3–7 days for inland pickup in China and 2–5 days for US customs clearance and drayage.* |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does ocean freight from China to the US take?
West Coast ports (LA, Seattle) take 13–20 days from major Chinese ports. East Coast (NY, Savannah) adds 10–15 more days due to the Panama Canal transit, bringing totals to 25–35 days. Add 3–5 days on each end for pickup and delivery.
Q: What’s the cheapest way to ship from China by ocean?
LCL for small loads (under 10–12 CBM), FCL 20ft for 12–20 CBM, and 40ft or 40HQ for larger volumes. Booking 4–6 weeks ahead and avoiding peak season (August–October) also reduces rates significantly.
Q: What is FCL shipping and when should I use it?
FCL (Full Container Load) means you rent the whole container — nothing else goes in it. Use FCL when your cargo exceeds about 12–15 CBM, when cargo security matters (no co-mingling), or when transit speed is a priority (FCL is typically 3–7 days faster than LCL due to no consolidation delays).
Q: Do I need a customs broker for ocean freight from China?
You’re not legally required to use a licensed customs broker, but it’s strongly recommended. CBP regulations are complex, and errors result in fines, delays, or seizures. World Class Shipping is a licensed customs broker — we handle the entire clearance process.
Q: What are THC charges and why aren’t they in the ocean freight rate?
Terminal Handling Charges (THC) cover the cost of moving your container within the origin and destination terminals. They’re charged separately by terminals and range from $150–$400 per container at each end. Always ask for an all-in quote when comparing freight costs.
Q: How do I know which container size I need?
A 20ft container holds ~25–28 CBM of cargo. A 40ft holds ~55–58 CBM. A 40HQ (high cube, extra tall) holds ~68–72 CBM. If your goods are dense/heavy, you may hit the weight limit before the volume limit — standard container max payload is ~21,700 kg for 20ft and ~26,500 kg for 40ft.