China Ocean Freight
FCL, LCL & RoRo from Every Major Chinese Port.
Freight China Logistics is your end-to-end ocean freight partner for China-sourced goods. We manage the complete import supply chain — from factory coordination in China through ocean transit, US customs clearance, and final mile delivery to your door. Whether you need a single 20ft container or a continuous program of full container shipments, our ocean freight team delivers on time, on budget, and fully compliant. We service all major Chinese ports with direct carrier relationships on every major trans-Pacific and Asia-Europe trade lane.
China Ocean Freight Services
FCL — Full Container Load
Full Container Load shipping gives you exclusive use of a 20ft (TEU) or 40ft (FEU) container. Your goods are packed at origin, sealed, and delivered — no co-loading with other importers. FCL is the most cost-efficient option for shipments exceeding 15 CBM. We offer standard dry containers, high-cube containers (for volume-heavy cargo), and refrigerated reefer containers for temperature-sensitive goods.
LCL — Less Than Container Load
If your shipment is under 15 CBM or you cannot fill a full container, LCL consolidation is your best option. Your cargo is grouped with compatible freight from other shippers in a shared container. You pay only for the space you use. Our LCL service includes weekly sailings from all major Chinese ports to US West Coast, East Coast, and Gulf gateways.
RoRo — Roll-on / Roll-off
Roll-on/Roll-off vessels are purpose-built to transport wheeled cargo — vehicles, machinery on wheels, construction equipment, and agricultural equipment. RoRo is typically faster and less expensive than container shipping for eligible cargo. We coordinate RoRo shipments from Guangzhou, Shanghai, Tianjin, and Qingdao to US, European, and Middle Eastern ports.
Factory to Port — Complete China Export Management
Managing an ocean freight shipment from China involves dozens of moving parts. Freight China coordinates the entire export chain so you don’t have to:
Supplier Coordination
We communicate directly with your Chinese supplier to confirm cargo readiness, packing specifications, and export documentation requirements — in Mandarin when needed.
Inland Transport
Truck, rail, or barge from factory to port — we manage inland logistics from any manufacturing location in China to the export port of your choice.
Export Documentation
Commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, certificate of origin, and phytosanitary certificates where required. We prepare, verify, and submit all export documents.
Ocean Carrier Booking
We hold carrier contracts with COSCO, Evergreen, MSC, Hapag-Lloyd, Yang Ming, and ONE — giving you access to competitive rates and reliable schedules on every major trade lane.
China Ocean Ports We Service
Our network covers every major Chinese ocean port — from the massive Yangtze River Delta hubs to southern China’s Pearl River Delta to the northern Bohai Rim ports. We also serve Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau.
| Port | Region | Specialization |
|---|---|---|
| Shanghai | East China | World’s busiest container port — all cargo types |
| Ningbo-Zhoushan | East China | Bulk cargo, containers, energy products |
| Shenzhen (Shekou) | South China | Electronics, consumer goods, high-tech |
| Guangzhou (Nansha) | South China | Automotive parts, machinery, consumer goods |
| Qingdao | North China | Chemicals, rubber, textiles, cold chain |
| Tianjin | North China | Automotive, heavy machinery, industrial |
| Dalian | Northeast China | Oil, grain, containers, steel |
| Xiamen | Southeast China | Electronics, textiles, footwear |
| Hong Kong | SAR | High-value goods, transshipment hub |
| Kaohsiung | Taiwan | Semiconductors, electronics, petrochemicals |
Ocean Freight Transit Times from China
Transit times vary by origin port, destination port, and carrier routing. The table below reflects typical port-to-port transit times. Add 2–5 days for inland delivery after port arrival.
| Route | Transit Time | Service Type |
|---|---|---|
| China → US West Coast (LA/LB) | 14–18 days | Direct / Transhipment |
| China → US East Coast (NYC/Savannah) | 22–28 days | All-Water / Panama Canal |
| China → Gulf Coast (Houston) | 24–30 days | All-Water / Panama Canal |
| China → Europe (Hamburg/Rotterdam) | 25–35 days | Suez Canal |
| China → Australia (Sydney/Melbourne) | 12–18 days | Direct |
| China → Middle East (Dubai) | 14–20 days | Direct |
| China → Southeast Asia | 5–12 days | Feeder / Direct |
Ocean Freight Rates from China — June 2026
Current market rate ranges for FCL and LCL ocean freight from China to the USA. Rates fluctuate with vessel demand, fuel surcharges, and seasonal surges. Contact us for a live quote. Rates fluctuate often…always rely on our sales team for the most up to date accurate quotes.
| Service | Route | Rate Range — June 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| 20ft FCL | China to US West Coast | $1,800 – $3,500 |
| 40ft FCL | China to US West Coast | $2,800 – $5,200 |
| 40ft HC FCL | China to US West Coast | $3,000 – $5,600 |
| 20ft FCL | China to US East Coast | $2,500 – $4,800 |
| 40ft FCL | China to US East Coast | $3,800 – $6,500 |
| LCL | China to USA (per CBM) | $80 – $250 |
Shipping Container Sizes & Volumes
Selecting the right container type affects your freight cost, loading efficiency, and transit options. Use this reference guide when planning your China export shipment.
| Container | External (L x W x H) | Internal Volume | Max Payload | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20ft Standard (20GP) | 6.06m x 2.44m x 2.59m | ~33 CBM | ~28,000 kg | Heavy / dense cargo, machinery, metals |
| 40ft Standard (40GP) | 12.19m x 2.44m x 2.59m | ~67 CBM | ~26,500 kg | General cargo, furniture, consumer goods |
| 40ft High Cube (40HC) | 12.19m x 2.44m x 2.89m | ~76 CBM | ~26,300 kg | Voluminous / light cargo, garments, electronics |
| 20ft Reefer (20RF) | 6.06m x 2.44m x 2.59m | ~28 CBM | ~27,400 kg | Temperature-sensitive cargo, food, pharma |
| 40ft Reefer (40RF) | 12.19m x 2.44m x 2.59m | ~60 CBM | ~27,400 kg | Large cold chain shipments |
| 20ft Open Top (OT) | 6.06m x 2.44m x 2.59m | ~32 CBM | ~28,000 kg | Oversized / tall cargo loaded by crane |
| 20ft Flat Rack (FR) | 6.06m x 2.44m x 2.59m | Open platform | ~28,000 kg | Machinery, vehicles, pipes, project cargo |
Ocean Freight FAQ — China to USA
Common questions about shipping by ocean freight from China to the USA.
Q: Do I need a customs broker for ocean freight from China?
A: You are not legally required to use a broker, but most commercial importers do. A licensed Customs House Broker files your ISF, handles CBP entry documentation, and manages FDA and other agency requirements. World Class Shipping is a licensed CHB and handles clearance on all FreightChina.com shipments.
Q: What is ISF and when must it be filed?
A: Importer Security Filing (ISF) must be submitted at least 72 hours before the vessel departs the foreign port. Late or missing ISF can trigger CBP penalties of up to $5,000 per violation.
Q: Do Section 301 tariffs apply to my cargo?
A: Section 301 tariffs are additional duties on Chinese-origin goods — 25% on Lists 1–3, 25–100% on List 4 products. Whether they apply depends on your HTS code. We can help identify your classification and calculate total landed cost including all applicable duties.
Q: When should I use LCL versus FCL?
A: LCL is cost-effective for shipments under approximately 12–15 CBM. Above that threshold, a full container (FCL) typically delivers a lower cost per unit and faster transit since your cargo skips consolidation and deconsolidation at CFS terminals.
Q: How far in advance should I book?
A: Book at least 2–3 weeks before your desired loading date under normal conditions. During peak season (July–October) book 4–6 weeks ahead to avoid rolled cargo and premium spot rates.
Q: What documents are required for ocean freight from China?
A: Standard documentation: Bill of Lading, Commercial Invoice, Packing List, and ISF filing. Depending on cargo you may also need Certificate of Origin, FDA Prior Notice, or Phytosanitary Certificate. Missing documents are the leading cause of CBP holds.
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.
Get Your China Ocean Freight Quote
Our ocean freight team is ready. FCL, LCL, or RoRo — all Chinese ports, all US destinations.