Cargo Ship from China to the US: 2026 Rates & Transit Times

Have you ever wondered how to effectively transport goods across the ocean?

Cargo shipping from China to the US plays a crucial role in global trade, but navigating it can be complex. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the essential aspects of understanding cargo shipping, from the types of cargo ships used to the various shipping methods available. We will also delve into the cost considerations, the importance of choosing the right freight forwarder, and tips on tracking your cargo shipment. Get ready to streamline your shipping experience!

Quick answer: in November 2026 a 40ft container moving by cargo ship from Shanghai to Los Angeles benchmarked at $7,514 on the Drewry World Container Index (29 October assessment), while live West Coast bookings were quoting $7,515–$8,365 per FEU. Port-to-port transit runs 14–18 days to Los Angeles or Long Beach and 30–40 days to the US East Coast through Panama. Freight is only part of the bill: a Chinese-origin shipment also pays its normal duty, the original Section 301 list rate and, since 24 July 2026, a 12.5% Section 301 forced-labor duty.

Understanding Cargo Shipping

Types of Cargo Ships Used for Shipping to the US

When it comes to cargo shipping from China to the US, various types of cargo ships are utilized to accommodate different shipping needs. The primary categories include:

1. Container Ships: These are the most common vessels used for transporting goods. They are designed to carry standardized cargo containers, allowing for efficient loading and unloading at ports. Container ships are ideal for shipping a variety of goods, including electronics, textiles, and machinery.

2. Bulk Carriers: These ships are designed to transport unpackaged bulk cargo, such as grains, coal, and minerals. While not as common for general trade items, they play a vital role in transporting raw materials from China to the US.

3. Roll-on/Roll-off Ships (RoRo): These vessels are specifically designed for transporting vehicles and heavy machinery. They allow cargo to be driven on and off the ship, making them suitable for shipping automobiles and large equipment. Understanding how long does RoRo shipping take can help you plan your logistics better.

4. Breakbulk Carriers: Used for transporting cargo that must be loaded individually, breakbulk carriers handle items that cannot be containerized, such as large machinery, steel components, and construction materials.

5. Reefer Ships: These specialized vessels are equipped with temperature-controlled containers for transporting perishable goods like fruits, vegetables, and seafood.

Understanding the type of cargo ship best suited for your shipping needs can significantly impact transit time and overall costs.

How Many Containers Does a Cargo Ship Carry?

The answer depends on the ship class, and the class decides which lane the vessel can physically serve. A ship built for the original Panama locks tops out near 5,000 TEU; the largest vessels afloat carry more than 24,000 TEU. The trans-Pacific fleet calling at Los Angeles, Long Beach, Seattle and Vancouver is mostly made up of 13,000 to 18,000 TEU ships, with 24,000 TEU vessels on the biggest Asia–US West Coast hub strings.

Ship class	Nominal capacity	Typical role on China–US trades
Feeder / Feedermax	1,000–5,000 TEU	Intra-Asia legs and relay into hub ports such as Busan, Singapore and Kaohsiung
Panamax	~3,000–5,000 TEU	Sized to the original canal locks; mostly regional now
Post-Panamax	~5,000–10,000 TEU	Secondary trans-Pacific strings; some all-water US East Coast services
Neopanamax	~10,000–14,000 TEU	Fits the 2016 Panama locks (about 20 containers wide); Asia–US East Coast via Panama
ULCV / Megamax	14,000–24,000+ TEU	Asia–US West Coast hub calls and Asia–Europe; too large for any Panama lock

The current record holder is MSC Irina at 24,346 TEU, roughly 400 m long and 61.3 m wide — a single hull that carries what twenty thousand 20ft containers would. Capacity at that scale matters to importers for a practical reason: bigger ships only call at a handful of deep-water ports, so your container is more likely to be relayed from a hub than loaded direct. If your supplier ships from a smaller river port, expect one transhipment leg and two extra days on the water.

Key Factors Influencing Cargo Shipping Costs

Several key factors influence the costs associated with cargo shipping from China to the US:

1. Distance and Route: The distance between the departure port in China and the destination port in the US plays a significant role in determining shipping costs. Longer distances typically incur higher freight charges.

2. Cargo Type and Volume: The nature of the goods being shipped can affect costs. For example, hazardous materials often require special handling, leading to additional fees. Moreover, the volume of cargo can influence the shipping rate, with larger shipments benefitting from economies of scale.

3. Shipping Method: The choice between ocean freight and air freight has a direct impact on costs. While ocean freight is more economical for larger shipments, air freight is faster but significantly more expensive.

4. Seasonality: Shipping costs can fluctuate based on seasonal demand. Peak seasons, such as the lead-up to major holidays, can see increased rates due to higher demand for shipping services.

5. Fuel Prices: Fluctuations in fuel prices directly affect shipping costs, as shipping lines often adjust their rates to accommodate changes in operational expenses.

6. Insurance and Additional Services: Opting for cargo insurance and extra services like warehousing or customs clearance can add to the shipping costs. However, these options may provide peace of mind and streamline the logistics process. For more detailed information on shipping services and options, including insurance services, consider consulting experts in the field.

Understanding these factors is essential for importers and exporters looking to budget effectively for their shipping needs.

Cargo Ship Transit Times from China to the US

Port-to-port transit is set by the vessel string, not by distance. The Pacific crossing is the same length from every South China port; what changes is how many calls the ship makes before it reaches the US, and whether it runs express or slow-steaming. The table below gives the 2026 planning ranges for the main port pairs.

Origin port (China)	US West Coast port	Transit (days)	US East Coast port (via Panama)	Transit (days)
Shanghai (SHA)	Los Angeles / Long Beach	14–16	New York / Newark	30–35
Ningbo (NGB)	Los Angeles / Long Beach	15–17	Savannah / Charleston	32–37
Yantian (YTN, Shenzhen)	Los Angeles / Long Beach	15–18	Savannah / Houston	33–40

Two adjustments are worth planning for. First, service selection: premium express loops on Yantian–Los Angeles run 13–15 days, while slower alliance strings on the same lane stretch to 19 days, so the sailing you pick matters as much as the port you pick. Second, the door legs: add roughly 4–8 days for trucking to the Chinese port, gate-in and loading, then drayage, rail or truck delivery at the US end. For a full breakdown of door-to-door timing, see how long shipping from China to US takes by mode and port.

Capacity is being managed tightly as 2026 closes. Drewry recorded six blank sailings announced for the first week of November, up from five the week before, and forwarder market updates put carrier capacity cuts at 12–15% across Asia–US services for October and November, with 5–7 blank sailings a month to the West Coast against 8–10 to the East Coast. Separately, dockworkers at Los Angeles and Long Beach approved a strike in the last week of October 2026. A blanked sailing does not mean there is no space on the lane — it means the space on your specific service and week is gone, and the next vessel is a week later. Book two sailings ahead during peak.

Cost Considerations for Cargo Shipping

What Cargo Ship Freight Costs in November 2026

Start with the index every carrier and BCO benchmarks against. The Drewry World Container Index assessment of 29 October 2026 put the composite at $4,429 per 40ft container, down 3% on the week, with the fall concentrated on the trans-Pacific.

Lane (per 40ft container)	29 Oct 2026	Week on week
Drewry WCI composite	$4,429	−3%
Shanghai → Los Angeles	$7,514	−6%
Shanghai → New York	$9,631	−5%
Shanghai → Rotterdam (context)	$3,686	+1%
Shanghai → Genoa (context)	$4,151	flat

Index and invoice are never the same number. In the first week of November, live bookings were quoting $7,515–$8,365 per FEU to the West Coast and $9,600–$11,500 per FEU to the East Coast, both near their highest since mid-2022, and several carriers filed general rate increases of $2,000–$3,000 per 40ft for 1 November. A filed GRI is not a received one: the Shanghai Containerized Freight Index edged up only 0.16% that week and Drewry expected rates to soften, with the US National Retail Federation forecasting an 11% month-on-month drop in US ocean imports for November. Treat any quote older than a week as history.

The ocean freight number also covers less than first-time importers expect. Everything below is quoted separately and belongs in your landed-cost model before you compare forwarders:

• Origin terminal handling (ORC/THC) at the Chinese port, plus documentation and bill-of-lading fees.
• US security filings — the AMS manifest and the Importer Security Filing, charged per bill of lading.
• Destination terminal handling (DDC), chassis, and drayage or rail from the US port to the consignee.
• Surcharges — peak-season and general rate increases, bunker adjustment, and any congestion or strike surcharge added at short notice.
• Demurrage and detention once free time at the terminal and on the container runs out.
• Duties, taxes and fees — duty, MPF and HMF, covered in the customs section below.

Here is how a single 40ft container of consumer goods lands in practice, using the 29 October benchmark and the duty stack in force in November 2026. Origin and destination charges are illustrative assumptions, not market quotes.

Line	Basis	Amount
Goods value (FOB)	—	$60,000.00
Ocean freight, Shanghai–Los Angeles, 40ft	Drewry WCI, 29 Oct 2026	$7,514.00
Origin charges	Assumed: ORC + docs + AMS/ISF	$450.00
Marine insurance	0.3% of CIF (≈ $68,168)	$204.50
Customs value for duty	FOB; international freight excluded when separately identified	$60,000.00
MFN duty at 3%	3% × $60,000	$1,800.00
Section 301 List 3	25% × $60,000	$15,000.00
Section 301 forced-labor duty	12.5% × $60,000 (9903.05.31)	$7,500.00
Merchandise Processing Fee	0.3464% × $60,000	$207.84
Harbor Maintenance Fee	0.125% × $60,000	$75.00
Destination charges	Assumed: DDC + chassis + drayage	$600.00
Total landed		$93,351.34

Read the shares, not the total. Ocean freight is 8% of landed cost here; duty is 26%. That is why negotiating $300 off the freight rate changes almost nothing, while a wrong HTS classification or a missed Section 301 exclusion can change the bill by thousands. For lane-by-lane rate detail beyond a single benchmark, see how much it costs to ship from China to the USA.

Breakdown of Shipping Costs from China to the US

When importing goods from China, it’s crucial to understand the various components that make up the total shipping costs. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

Cost Component	Description
Freight Charges	The basic cost of shipping, determined by the weight and volume of the cargo.
Fuel Surcharges	Additional fees that fluctuate with the price of fuel.
Terminal Handling Charges	Fees for loading and unloading cargo at ports.
Documentation Fees	Charges for preparing necessary shipping documents, such as the Bill of Lading.
Customs Duties & Taxes	Government-imposed fees for importing goods into the US, based on the value and type of goods.
Insurance Costs	Premiums paid for cargo insurance to cover potential damage or loss during transit.
Warehouse Fees	Charges for storing goods at warehouses, if applicable.
Delivery Fees	Costs associated with transporting goods from the port to the final destination.

Additional Fees and Charges to Be Aware Of

In addition to the primary shipping costs, there are several additional fees and charges that importers should be aware of when shipping from China to the US:

• Demurrage and Detention Fees: Charges incurred when cargo is not picked up within the specified time at the port or when containers are retained beyond the agreed-upon period.

• Cancellation Fees: Fees that may apply if a shipment is canceled after it has been booked.

• Storage Fees: Costs associated with storing containers at the port if they are not collected in a timely manner.

• Broker Fees: If you hire a customs broker to assist with the clearance process, additional charges may apply.

Being aware of these potential costs can help in budget planning and avoiding unexpected expenses during the shipping process.

By understanding the complexities associated with cargo shipping from China to the US, including the various types of cargo ships and cost factors, you can better prepare for the logistics of international trade. For expert guidance and competitive pricing, consider partnering with Dantful International Logistics, a highly professional, cost-effective, and high-quality one-stop international logistics service provider.

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Shipping Methods from China to the US

Ocean Freight vs. Air Freight: Pros and Cons

When considering the best way to transport goods from China to the US, businesses often face the dilemma of choosing between ocean freight and air freight. Each method has distinct advantages and disadvantages that can significantly impact shipping efficiency and costs.

Ocean Freight

Pros:

• Cost-Effective: Ocean freight is far cheaper than air for anything above a few hundred kilograms. In November 2026 the Shanghai–Los Angeles benchmark stood at $7,514 per 40ft and live West Coast bookings ran $7,515–$8,365 per FEU, while Shanghai–New York benchmarked at $9,631. Divide that by the 67 m³ a 40ft container holds and the ocean leg is a small fraction of landed cost at any realistic cargo density. For lane detail, refer to how much is ocean freight from china.
• Capacity: Cargo ships have the ability to carry large volumes of goods, making them ideal for bulk shipments.
• Reduced Carbon Footprint: Shipping via ocean is more environmentally friendly compared to air transport.

Cons:

• Longer Transit Times: 14–18 days port to port to the US West Coast and 30–40 days to the East Coast through Panama, plus 4–8 days of door legs. Blank sailings add a full week when they catch your service, which makes ocean a poor fit for urgent or launch-date cargo.
• Port Congestion: Delays at ports can add to the shipping time, affecting overall logistics. For specific shipping times, you can check how long to ship from china to us.

Air Freight

Pros:

• Speed: Air freight is significantly faster, usually taking 1 to 5 days for delivery. For businesses that require quick turnaround times, this can be crucial. For pricing details, see how much for air freight from china to los angeles.
• Reliability: Airlines often run on strict schedules, which can minimize delays.

Cons:

• Higher Costs: Air is five to ten times the cost of ocean per chargeable kilo, which rules it out for bulky cargo. The Freightos Air Index put China–North America at $7.13/kg in the week to 28 October 2026, up 4% on the week, with forwarder quotes ranging from about $5.85/kg into Los Angeles to $8.00/kg into New York. On a 1,000 kg shipment that is roughly $7,000 by air against about $0.11/kg for the ocean leg of a full 40ft container. Learn more at air freight from china to usa.
• Weight Limitations: Airlines have strict weight and size restrictions that can limit the amount of cargo transported.

Door-to-Door Shipping Services

Door-to-door shipping services provide an all-encompassing logistics solution, where the freight forwarder handles everything from the pickup at the supplier’s location in China to the final delivery at the receiver’s address in the US. This method simplifies the shipping process, particularly for businesses without extensive logistics capabilities.

Advantages:

• Convenience: The customer does not need to deal with multiple carriers or logistics providers.
• Comprehensive Service: Services often include customs clearance, warehousing, and insurance, ensuring that the entire shipping process is streamlined. For more information, visit door to door shipping from China to USA.
• Tracking and Support: Many freight forwarders offer tracking services and 24/7 support, allowing customers to stay informed about their shipments.

Dantful International Logistics offers reliable door-to-door shipping services, ensuring that your cargo ships from China to the US seamlessly and efficiently.

How to Book Space on a Cargo Ship

Booking space is the part of cargo shipping most importers learn the hard way. Space is allocated per vessel per week, it is confirmed by the carrier rather than by your forwarder, and once the vessel is closed your container does not move until the next sailing on that service.

1. Request space 5–7 days before departure for FCL and 7–10 days for LCL, which needs extra lead time while the consolidator collects cargo at the CFS. Peak season and the fortnight either side of Chinese New Year need more.

2. Get the booking confirmation in writing, with the vessel name, voyage number, closing times and the container release reference the trucker needs to pick up an empty.

3. Stuff and weigh the container. The Verified Gross Mass is a SOLAS requirement: without a valid VGM the terminal will refuse to load the box, no exceptions.

4. File the export declaration with China Customs and gate the container in before the CY cut-off. For US-bound cargo, the Importer Security Filing must reach CBP at least 24 hours before loading.

5. Confirm the bill of lading draft after departure, then release the original or telex release to the consignee so clearance can start before the vessel arrives.

Each of those steps has its own deadline, and they are not all counted back from the same event:

Cut-off	What it governs	Typical timing before departure
Shipping instructions (SI)	Final shipper, consignee and cargo data for the bill of lading	3–5 days
VGM submission	SOLAS weight declaration; no VGM, no loading	1–2 days
Cargo / CY gate cut-off	Physical delivery of the packed container to the terminal yard	1–2 days
Terminal cut-off	Latest gate-in the terminal will accept for that vessel	8 hours at Yantian; 12 hours at Shanghai Yangshan, Ningbo, Qingdao and Tianjin
Dangerous goods declaration	First and final DG submission with container number	3–5 working days

Two habits prevent most missed sailings. Plan backwards from the vessel departure date instead of forwards from when the cargo is ready, and re-confirm the cut-off against the actual booking a day or two before it applies — the same port can publish different deadlines for two bookings on the same vessel. A forwarder who asks for your cargo-ready date first and the sailing second is doing it the right way round.

Cargo Ships for Cars, Machinery and Oversized Cargo

Not every shipment fits in a box, and putting the wrong cargo on the wrong ship type is an expensive mistake. Three alternatives cover most of what a container cannot:

• RoRo (roll-on/roll-off) car carriers — vehicles and self-propelled machinery are driven aboard and secured on decks. This is the standard route for cars, vans, trucks and buses, charged by cubic metre rather than by container.
• Breakbulk — for machinery, steel structures and project cargo that will not fit in a container but is not self-propelled. Cargo is lifted on and off by crane and stowed below or on deck. See breakbulk freight shipping for how these voyages are priced.
• Out-of-gauge on flat racks and open tops — the middle path for cargo that is over height, over width or slightly too long for a standard box. You keep container-ship schedules and pay an out-of-gauge surcharge instead of chartering space on a breakbulk vessel.

If a machine is 4.2 m wide, no container will take it and no amount of packing will help; the choice is between out of gauge cargo on a flat rack and a breakbulk booking, and the deciding factors are lifting capacity at both ports and whether the receiver can take delivery on a flat rack. Ask for both options priced before you commit, because the cheaper-looking one often loses on port handling.

Choosing the Right Freight Forwarder

What to Look for in a Freight Forwarder

Selecting the right freight forwarder is crucial for successful logistics management. Here are some key criteria to consider:

• Experience and Expertise: Look for a freight forwarder with extensive experience in shipping between China and the US. A knowledgeable provider can navigate complex regulations and offer invaluable insights.
• Network and Relationships: A well-connected forwarder can facilitate smoother customs clearance and provide timely updates on shipment status.
• Range of Services: Ensure that the freight forwarder offers a comprehensive suite of logistics services, including ocean freight, air freight, customs clearance, and insurance. Check out the services provided by Dantful International Logistics.
• Transparent Pricing: It’s essential that the freight forwarder provides clear and upfront pricing to avoid unexpected charges. For competitive rates, see shipping rates from china to usa.

Benefits of Using Dantful International Logistics

Dantful International Logistics stands out as a highly professional, cost-effective, and high-quality one-stop international logistics service provider for global traders. Here are the benefits of choosing Dantful for your shipping needs:

• Expert Guidance: Our team of experts provides tailored solutions to meet your specific shipping requirements, ensuring compliance with regulations and minimizing delays.
• Comprehensive Services: We offer a full range of services, including ocean freight, air freight, rail freight, Amazon FBA, warehouse solutions, customs clearance, insurance, and door-to-door services.
• Competitive Pricing: Dantful provides cost-effective solutions that do not compromise on quality, helping you maximize your logistics budget.
• Real-Time Tracking: Our advanced tracking system allows you to monitor your shipment in real-time, ensuring peace of mind throughout the shipping process.

In summary, for reliable and efficient shipping solutions from China to the US, partnering with Dantful International Logistics can make a significant difference in your logistics operations.

Navigating Customs Clearance

Importance of Customs Documentation

When shipping cargo from China to the US, understanding the significance of customs documentation is paramount. Proper documentation not only facilitates a smoother import process but also ensures compliance with US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulations.

The essential documents typically include:

1. Commercial Invoice: This document details the transaction between the exporter in China and the importer in the US. It should include item descriptions, quantities, prices, and terms of sale.

2. Bill of Lading: A contract between the shipper and the carrier, it serves as a receipt for the cargo and outlines the transportation terms.

3. Packing List: An itemized list of the cargo’s contents, which helps customs officials assess the shipment.

4. Customs Declaration: This form states the nature of the goods, their value, and other pertinent information that helps customs evaluate any applicable duties or taxes.

5. Import Permit (if applicable): Certain goods may require specific licenses or permits for importation.

Failure to provide accurate and complete documentation can lead to delays, increased costs, and potential fines. Working with a professional freight forwarder like Dantful International Logistics can help ensure that all necessary paperwork is prepared correctly and submitted on time.

What US Importers Pay on a Cargo Shipment in 2026

The US duty picture changed more in 2026 than in the previous decade, and a good deal of what is still published online is out of date. This is the stack as it stands in November 2026:

Charge	Rate in force	Applied to
MFN duty	By HTS line (General or Column 1 rate)	Customs value
Section 301, Lists 1–3	25%	Customs value, if the HTS line is on a list
Section 301, List 4A	7.5%	Customs value, if listed
Section 301 forced-labor duty (9903.05.31)	12.5%	All Chinese goods, in force since 24 July 2026; Section 232 goods excluded
Merchandise Processing Fee	0.3464%, minimum $34.58, maximum $670.86	Entered value on a formal entry
Harbor Maintenance Fee	0.125%	Port cargo value, ocean imports

Three things are commonly reported wrongly. The IEEPA tariffs were struck down by the Supreme Court in February 2026 and refunds for entries from 24 February 2026 run through the CAPE process in ACE, so no IEEPA duty is charged on new entries. The Section 122 surcharge expired on 24 July 2026 and was replaced the same day by the 12.5% forced-labor duty. The 178 Section 301 exclusions expire on 9 November 2026 unless extended, which is a date worth putting in your purchasing calendar now. Duty-free de minimis has also been gone since 29 August 2025 for every origin, and the statutory exemption is repealed from 1 July 2027 — samples and spare parts are no longer a way around the duty.

Note the interaction with freight. US customs value is the transaction value of the goods, and international freight and insurance are excluded when they are separately identified on the invoice — the rule in 19 USC 1401a(b)(4)(A). A $2,000 increase in ocean freight therefore does not increase your duty; a $2,000 error in declared goods value does, and compounds through all three Section 301 layers. Classification accuracy is worth more than rate negotiation. Our customs clearance team reviews the HTS line, the exclusion status and the Section 232 interaction before the entry is filed.

Common Challenges and Solutions in Customs Clearance

Navigating the customs clearance process can be daunting due to various challenges, especially for those inexperienced in international shipping. Here are some common hurdles you might encounter and strategies to overcome them:

Challenge	Solution
Incomplete Documentation	Double-check all paperwork and consult with a freight forwarder.
Incorrect Tariff Classification	Ensure proper classification to avoid penalties. Use expert assistance for guidance.
Customs Inspections	Be prepared for possible inspections by ensuring compliance with US regulations.
Unexpected Duties and Taxes	Research applicable tariffs beforehand and factor them into your budget.
Delays in Processing	Maintain communication with your freight forwarder for updates and proactive problem solving.

By proactively addressing these challenges, you can minimize delays and ensure a smooth customs clearance process for your cargo from China to the USA.

Tracking Your Cargo Shipment

Tools and Technology for Shipment Tracking

In today’s digital age, tracking your cargo shipment has never been easier. Various tools and technologies facilitate real-time monitoring of your cargo from China to the US, providing transparency and peace of mind.

1. Tracking Software: Many freight forwarders, including Dantful International Logistics, offer advanced tracking systems that allow you to check the status of your shipment at any time. These platforms often provide detailed information, such as the current location of the cargo and estimated delivery times.

2. Mobile Apps: Some logistics providers have mobile applications that let you track shipments on the go. These apps often include notifications for important updates or changes in shipment status.

3. GPS Tracking Devices: For high-value or sensitive cargo, GPS tracking devices can be employed to provide real-time location data.

Importance of Real-Time Updates

Real-time updates are crucial in the shipping process, particularly when dealing with international shipments. Here’s why timely information is vital:

• Better Planning: Knowing the exact location and status of your cargo allows you to make informed decisions regarding inventory management and logistics.

• Improved Communication: Real-time notifications keep all stakeholders informed, reducing uncertainty and enhancing collaboration between importers, freight forwarders, and carriers.

• Rapid Response to Issues: If there’s a delay or issue, timely updates allow for quick action to resolve problems, minimizing disruptions to your supply chain.

In conclusion, understanding customs clearance and utilizing tracking technologies are key components of successfully shipping cargo from China to the US. By working with a trusted freight forwarder like Dantful International Logistics, you can navigate these processes with confidence and efficiency.

Cargo Ship from China to the US: FAQ

How long does a cargo ship take from China to the US?

14–18 days port to port from Shanghai, Ningbo or Yantian to Los Angeles or Long Beach, and 30–40 days to the US East Coast through the Panama Canal. Add 4–8 days for the door legs at both ends, and a week more if your service is blanked.

How much does it cost to ship a 40ft container from China to the US in November 2026?

Shanghai–Los Angeles benchmarked at $7,514 per 40ft and Shanghai–New York at $9,631 on the Drewry WCI of 29 October 2026. Live bookings in early November quoted $7,515–$8,365 per FEU to the West Coast and $9,600–$11,500 to the East Coast. Those figures are ocean freight only — origin charges, US destination charges and duty sit on top.

Is a cargo ship the same as a container ship?

No. “Cargo ship” is the umbrella term for any vessel carrying commercial freight. Container ships carry standardised TEU boxes; bulk carriers carry loose commodities such as grain and coal; RoRo vessels carry vehicles; breakbulk ships carry indivisible heavy items. Almost all liner cargo from China to the US moves on container ships, which is why the container is the unit your quote is built on.

How many containers does a cargo ship hold?

From about 1,000 TEU on a feeder to more than 24,000 TEU on the largest vessels afloat. The trans-Pacific fleet that serves the US West Coast is mostly 13,000–18,000 TEU, and the record is held by MSC Irina at 24,346 TEU.

Can I ship a car by cargo ship from China to the US?

Yes, either on a RoRo car carrier or inside a container. RoRo is usually cheaper for vehicles that drive, container is better for non-runners and high-value cars where you want the cargo sealed. Importing a road vehicle also brings EPA and DOT compliance requirements on top of duty, so confirm the vehicle is admissible before it is loaded, not after it lands.

Should I book a 20ft, 40ft or 40HQ container?

Choose by density rather than by volume alone. A 20ft holds about 33 m³, a 40ft about 67 m³ and a 40HQ about 76 m³. Dense cargo such as tiles, machinery or liquids hits the 20ft weight limit before it runs out of space, so 20ft is often the better buy; light, bulky cargo should take the 40HQ, where the extra 9 m³ comes at almost no additional freight cost.

What documents do I need to ship by cargo ship from China to the US?

Commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, the ISF filing and a correct HTS classification. Add certificates of origin or product certificates where the goods are regulated, and a fumigation certificate for solid wood packaging. The bill of lading is the document that releases the cargo at destination, so the consignee details on it must match the importer of record exactly.

Can I ship less than a full container by cargo ship?

Yes — LCL, where your cargo shares a container with other shippers and is consolidated at a CFS in China and deconsolidated at destination. It costs more per cubic metre than FCL and adds handling days at both ends, but it is the sensible choice below roughly 15 m³. See consolidated freight shipping for how LCL is priced and routed.

Still comparing options? Dantful International Logistics has moved cargo out of Shenzhen since 2008 and holds Class-A forwarder, NVOCC, FMC and Jctrans accreditation, with agents in 200 countries. Send us your cargo-ready date, the Chinese origin city and the US delivery ZIP and we will come back with the sailing, the all-in cost and the duty estimate on one page.