The cost of shipping a container from China to the U.S. varies depending on several factors such as the port of departure in China, destination port in the U.S., the size of the container, the shipping method, and whether you choose Full Container Load (FCL) or Less Than Container Load (LCL).
Estimated Cost for Shipping a Container from China to the U.S.
- Full Container Load (FCL): This is when you book an entire container for your shipment.
- 20-foot container (TEU): $2,000 – $6,000 (depending on shipping method, port, and time of year).
- 40-foot container (FEU): $3,000 – $7,000 (for the same reasons as above).
- 40-foot High Cube (HC): $3,500 – $7,500 (this is the larger version of the 40-foot container, offering extra height).
- Less Than Container Load (LCL): This is when your goods share a container with other shipments, and you only pay for the space you use.
- Cost: Prices typically range from $150 to $500 per cubic meter (CBM), depending on the port, freight rates, and shipment specifics.
- Transit Time: LCL shipments typically take 20-35 days, depending on port and transit time.
- Additional Costs to Consider:
- Port Charges: This includes terminal handling, customs clearance, and other port fees, which may range from $100 to $300.
- Fuel Surcharges: Shipping companies often charge extra for fuel adjustments.
- Insurance: You may want to insure your goods, especially for large shipments. This typically costs around 1-3% of the goods’ value.
- Customs Duties & Taxes: Depending on the type of goods, the U.S. may apply customs duties and taxes, which vary by product.
Shipping Companies for Container Shipping from China to the U.S.
Several major international carriers handle large container shipments from China to the U.S., including:
- COSCO Shipping
- Maersk
- HAPAG-Lloyd
- CMA CGM
- MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company
Key U.S. Ports for Shipping from China
- Port of Los Angeles (POLA) – One of the busiest ports in the U.S., especially for shipments from China.
- Port of Long Beach (POLB) – Close to Los Angeles, handling a large volume of international trade.
- Port of New York and New Jersey (NYNJ) – Popular for shipments to the East Coast.
- Port of Savannah (Georgia) – A growing port for shipments arriving from China, especially for Southern U.S. delivery.
- Port of Houston (Texas) – Another important port for shipments arriving from Asia.
How to Get an Accurate Quote
To get an accurate price for container shipping from China to the U.S., you should reach out to a freight forwarder or shipping company and provide:
- Departure port in China (e.g., Shanghai, Shenzhen, Ningbo)
- Destination port in the U.S. (e.g., Los Angeles, New York)
- Container size (20ft, 40ft, etc.)
- Type of goods being shipped
- Shipping method (FCL or LCL)
- Any additional services (e.g., insurance, customs clearance)
Would you like assistance in getting a quote from a freight forwarder or shipping company?