Ocean Freight from China to USA

FCL vs LCL: Which Ocean Freight Option is Right for You?

When shipping from China to the USA by sea, you have two main options: FCL (Full Container Load) and LCL (Less than Container Load). Understanding the difference is key to optimizing your shipping costs.

🚢 FCL – Full Container Load

You rent an entire 20-foot or 40-foot container. Best for shipments over 15 CBM. Lower cost per CBM, faster transit, and less handling risk.

📦 LCL – Less than Container Load

Your cargo shares a container with other shippers. Ideal for small shipments under 15 CBM. Pay only for the space you use — no minimum volume.

Ocean Freight Routes: China to USA

We operate regular ocean freight services from all major Chinese export ports to key US destinations:

Origin Port	Destination	Transit Time	Service
Shenzhen / Yantian	Los Angeles / Long Beach	14–18 days	FCL & LCL
Shanghai	Los Angeles / Long Beach	16–22 days	FCL & LCL
Ningbo	Los Angeles / Seattle	15–20 days	FCL & LCL
Guangzhou / Nansha	Los Angeles	16–20 days	FCL & LCL
Qingdao	Los Angeles / Seattle	18–24 days	FCL & LCL
Any China Port	New York / Savannah / Houston	25–35 days	FCL & LCL

Container Sizes: 20-Foot vs 40-Foot

Understanding container dimensions helps you plan your FCL shipments effectively:

20-Foot Container (TEU)

Internal dimensions: 5.9m × 2.35m × 2.39m
Max volume: ~33 CBM
Max payload: ~28,000 kg
Ideal for: 15–25 CBM shipments

40-Foot Container (FEU)

Internal dimensions: 12.03m × 2.35m × 2.39m
Max volume: ~67 CBM
Max payload: ~26,500 kg
Ideal for: 25–60 CBM shipments

Ocean Freight Rates: China to USA

Ocean freight rates fluctuate based on market conditions, season, and carrier availability. Here are approximate all-in rates (including origin charges, ocean freight, destination charges, and customs clearance):

LCL: $80–$150 per CBM (China to US West Coast, all-in)
20-foot FCL: $1,500–$3,500 (China to US West Coast, all-in)
40-foot FCL: $2,500–$5,000 (China to US West Coast, all-in)
East Coast surcharge: Add $500–$1,000 for US East Coast destinations

What's Included in Our Ocean Freight Service

Origin cargo pickup from factory or warehouse in China
Export customs clearance in China
Ocean freight (FCL or LCL) to US port
US customs clearance (ISF filing, entry filing, duty payment)
Destination port charges and terminal handling
Inland trucking to Amazon FC or your warehouse
Real-time shipment tracking and status updates

Understanding Key Ocean Freight Terms

TEU (Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit): The standard unit for measuring container capacity. One 20-foot container = 1 TEU.
BOL (Bill of Lading): The key shipping document that serves as a contract between shipper and carrier.
FOB (Free on Board): Seller's responsibility ends when goods are loaded onto the vessel at the origin port.
EXW (Ex Works): Buyer takes responsibility from the seller's factory door.
DDP (Delivered Duty Paid): Seller handles all costs including duties and delivery to final destination.