Sea Freight from China to the USA: A Complete Guide to Costs & Transit Times

Shipping goods from China to the USA is a cornerstone of global trade, and for most importers, sea freight offers the best balance of cost, capacity, and reliability. However, navigating the complexities of ocean shipping—from fluctuating costs and long transit times to strict Amazon FBA requirements—can be a significant challenge.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about sea freight from China to the USA. We'll provide a detailed analysis of pricing, timelines, and container options, along with practical, actionable tips to streamline your supply chain and avoid costly mistakes.

Why Choose Sea Freight from China to the USA?

Sea freight is the most common method for bulk shipments for several key reasons:

• Reduces Costs: Ocean freight is significantly cheaper than air freight, especially for shipments over 200 kg. For high-volume sellers, it can reduce landed costs by 30–50%.

• Handles Larger Volumes: With standard 20ft and 40ft containers, you can transport vast quantities of goods in a single shipment.

• Eco-Friendly: On a ton-mile basis, ocean shipping has a much smaller carbon footprint than air transport.

• Supports FBA Distribution: It's the most scalable and cost-effective method for sending inventory to Amazon FBA warehouses and other distribution centers.

FCL vs. LCL: Choosing the Right Shipping Option

When planning an ocean shipment, your first decision is whether to use a Full Container Load (FCL) or a Less than Container Load (LCL) service.

1. Full Container Load (FCL)

With FCL, you rent an entire container (typically 20ft or 40ft) for your exclusive use.

• Best for: Shipments over 15 cubic meters (CBM).

• Advantages: FCL is more secure as your goods are never co-mingled. It's more cost-efficient on a per-unit basis and often has faster transit times because it avoids the consolidation and deconsolidation steps required for LCL.

2. Less than Container Load (LCL)

With LCL, your goods share a container with cargo from other shippers.

• Best for: Smaller shipments, typically under 15 CBM.

• Advantages: LCL is more flexible and has a lower upfront cost than booking a full container. You only pay for the space you use, making it ideal for smaller businesses or for testing new products. The trade-off is often a slightly longer transit time.

Transit Times: How Long Does Sea Freight Take?

Transit times for sea freight from China to the USA depend heavily on the specific ports of origin and destination.

• China to US West Coast (Los Angeles, Long Beach): 15–20 days port-to-port.

• China to US East Coast (New York, Savannah): 28–35 days port-to-port.

⚠️ Important: These are only the times at sea. You must add extra time for ground transport, customs clearance (typically 2-5 days), and potential port congestion. Most sellers should budget for a total door-to-door transit time of 30–45 days.

Sea Freight Costs: A Detailed Breakdown

"How much does it cost?" is the most common question. While rates are dynamic, here are some current ballpark estimates.

These rates cover the base ocean freight. Your total "landed cost" will also include:

• Customs Duties & Tariffs: Varies by the HS code of your product.

• Port Handling Fees (THC): Charged at both the origin and destination ports.

• Final Delivery: Trucking costs from the destination port to your warehouse.

• Insurance: Optional but highly recommended to protect your investment.

💡 Pro Tip: Work with a freight forwarder to get a transparent, all-in quote. If shipping directly to Amazon, a DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) price is often the best option, as it includes all costs, including duties.

Amazon FBA Requirements for Sea Freight

If you are shipping directly from China to Amazon FBA warehouses in the USA, you must follow Amazon's strict carton and pallet requirements to avoid rejection.

FBA Carton Requirements

• Carton Weight Limit: No single box can weigh more than 50 lbs (22.7 kg) unless it contains a single oversized item.

• Carton Dimensions: No side of a standard-sized carton can be longer than 25 inches (63.5 cm).

• Labeling: Each unit must have a scannable FNSKU label, and each shipping carton needs a specific FBA Box ID label.

FBA Pallet Requirements (for LTL/FTL Shipments)

• Pallet Size: Must be a standard 40 x 48 inches, 4-way access wooden pallet (GMA Standard B grade or higher).

• Max Pallet Height: 72 inches (182.8 cm), including the height of the pallet itself.

• Max Pallet Weight: 1,500 lbs (680.4 kg).

• Labeling: Four FBA Pallet ID labels must be placed on each of the four sides of the pallet.

Failure to comply with these rules may lead to your shipment being refused at the Amazon fulfillment center, resulting in costly fees and delays.

Key Factors That Influence Cost & Transit Time

• Container Size: (20ft vs. 40ft, FCL vs. LCL).

• Shipping Season: Rates are highest during the peak season (August–October) in the lead-up to the holidays.

• Port of Origin/Destination: West Coast ports are faster and cheaper to ship to than East Coast ports.

• Customs Duties & Tariffs: Can significantly impact the total cost.

• Delivery Method: (Port-to-port, door-to-door, DDP).

6 Tips to Save on Sea Freight

✅ Ship During Off-Peak Months: Avoid the pre-holiday rush from August to October if possible.

✅ Book FCL if Possible: If your volume is over 15 CBM, FCL is almost always cheaper on a per-unit basis.

✅ Work with a Reliable Freight Forwarder: An experienced partner can negotiate better rates and prevent costly mistakes. Our direct, first-tier (T1) contracts with major ocean carriers give our clients access to competitive pricing.

✅ Consolidate Shipments: If you have multiple small orders, use our freight consolidation service to combine them into a single, more cost-effective shipment.

✅ Ensure Accurate Documentation: The most common cause of delays and extra fees is incorrect paperwork. Our in-house customs brokerage ensures your documents are compliant.

✅ Plan Ahead: Delays are a reality in sea freight. Build buffer time into your supply chain schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Q: How much does sea freight from China to the USA cost?

  • A: Around $2,000–$6,000 per container depending on size, route, and season. LCL is cheaper for small volumes.

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

  • A: Typically 15–35 days port-to-port. Always budget for a 30-45 day door-to-door timeline.

• Q: Can I ship directly to Amazon FBA from China?

  • A: Yes, this is a very common and efficient strategy, but you must strictly follow Amazon’s FBA carton and pallet requirements.

• Q: FCL vs. LCL – which should I choose?

  • A: A simple rule of thumb: if your shipment is over 15 CBM, FCL is likely the cheaper and better option. Below that, LCL is more economical.

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Your Partner for Seamless Sea Freight

Shipping by sea freight from China to the USA remains the most cost-effective option for large volumes. By understanding the costs, transit times, and specific FBA requirements, you can make smarter logistics decisions.

Whether you’re a first-time importer or scaling your FBA business, working with an experienced partner is the key to success. Our end-to-end, one-stop solutions are designed to save you money and time, ensuring your goods arrive safely and on schedule.

[Get a Free Sea Freight Quote Today]