Trade lane · China → USA

Sea freight from China to the USA

Shipping containers or pallets from China to the USA? Send us one request and it can reach multiple partners in our network of 100+ freight forwarders across Asia. We compare the offers for full containers (FCL) and shared containers (LCL) and send you our recommendation.

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Typically 15–25 days to the West Coast and 30–45 days to the East Coast FCL and LCL Air freight China → USA

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The route at a glance

From China

Main ports: Shanghai, Ningbo, Shenzhen (Yantian, Shekou), Guangzhou (Nansha), Qingdao, Xiamen, Tianjin

To the USA

Main ports: West Coast: Los Angeles/Long Beach, Oakland, Seattle/Tacoma · East and Gulf Coast: New York/New Jersey, Savannah, Houston

Typical transit

Sea freight: Typically 15–25 days to the West Coast and 30–45 days to the East Coast, port-to-port
Options: Full container (20', 40', 40' HC), shared container (LCL), door-to-door

Indicative only. Actual times depend on carrier, routing, season and customs. We confirm them with every quote.

How we handle your shipment

Request
Tell us what you ship, from where and when. The form on this page is already set up for this route.
Compare
Your request can go to several partners in China. We compare FCL or LCL offers on price, transit time and reliability.
Book
You confirm, and we arrange pickup, export clearance in China, the sea leg and delivery in the USA.
Track
You get updates until your cargo arrives, from one point of contact.

Documents and customs for the USA

Requirements change and depend on your goods. We check the exact documents for your shipment before it leaves China.

Importer of record and a US customs bond
ISF (10+2) filing at least 24 hours before loading, for sea shipments
Commercial invoice, packing list and bill of lading or air waybill
Customs entry with duties, including any additional tariffs that currently apply to goods of Chinese origin
Agency requirements where applicable, e.g. FDA or FCC

Why book this lane with FabuLane

One request, many offers

Our network of 100+ forwarders across Asia competes for your cargo.

Independent of your supplier

Buy FOB or EXW and avoid a hidden freight margin in your supplier's price.

Service in your language

Client service in Geneva for Europe, the Middle East, Africa and North America.

Frequently asked questions

How long does sea freight from China to the USA take?

Typically 15–25 days to the West Coast and 30–45 days to the East Coast, port-to-port. Add a few days for export clearance, customs clearance and delivery to your door.

Should I choose FCL or LCL?

As a rule of thumb, LCL (shared container) is usually more economical up to around 13–15 cubic metres. Above that, a full 20' or 40' container is often the better choice. We compare both for you.

Which documents do I need?

The core documents are listed above. We check the exact requirements for your goods before shipping.

Can you arrange customs clearance and delivery?

Yes. Through our partner network we can arrange export clearance in China, import clearance in the USA and delivery to your door.