Ocean freight
OriginBarcelona
DestinationMiami
20-foot dry container
Ocean Freight to China: Costs and Transit Times
FCL and LCL shipping to and from China. Compare the port of loading, receiving factory or warehouse and the services needed at each end.
A response within 24 hours
We review your request personally
A clear quote
Services and terms set out in writing
RECENT REQUESTS
COSTS AT A GLANCE
How much does ocean freight to China cost?
For the international examples below, container-freight budgets range from USD 1,200–5,000. The price depends on the direction as well as the origin, port and equipment: an export from North America to China should not inherit a China-to-USA import rate. Include factory collection or delivery, terminal handling and clearance when comparing the total. LCL may suit smaller consignments once volume, weight and consolidation costs have been assessed.
Read the route, currency and service scope together. An estimate is not a confirmed booking.
ROUTES AND SERVICE SCOPE
Ocean freight to China: price examples
Indicative planning budgets in USD, not live carrier quotes. Prices cover an allowance for the main sea freight; terminal charges, surcharges, customs, taxes, insurance and inland legs are confirmed separately. Routes and transit ranges are illustrative, subject to the booked itinerary.
| Volume or container | Example route | Transit estimate | Transport type | Indicative price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20-foot dry container | Los Angeles → Shanghai | 18–30 days · planning estimate | FCL · indicative ocean-freight budget | USD 1,200–2,600 |
| 40-foot dry container | Oakland → Ningbo | 20–35 days · planning estimate | FCL · indicative ocean-freight budget | USD 1,800–3,500 |
| 20-foot dry container | Vancouver → Shanghai | 18–30 days · planning estimate | FCL · indicative ocean-freight budget | USD 1,400–2,800 |
| 40-foot dry container | Melbourne → Shenzhen | 18–30 days · planning estimate | FCL · indicative ocean-freight budget | USD 1,600–3,200 |
| 20-foot dry container | Shanghai → Los Angeles | 18–30 days · planning estimate | FCL · indicative ocean-freight budget | USD 2,500–5,000 |
Planning guidance, September 2026. Collection, delivery, terminal handling, clearance, taxes and insurance are included only when explicitly stated in your quote. Routing and acceptance are checked before booking.
A quote for your shipment
Tell us your origin, destination and cargo. We will reply within 24 hours.
Request a quoteSPACE AND SERVICE
Which shipping option suits your shipment to China?
LCL shared container
For smaller packed shipments.
For your quote: Volume, gross weight and stackability.
20-foot container
Exclusive space for your cargo.
For your quote: Payload, dimensions and loading facilities.
40-foot / high cube
For larger or taller loads.
For your quote: Door clearance, volume and unloading.
PREPARE YOUR SHIPMENT
Shipping container sizes and capacities
Compare 20-foot, 40-foot and high-cube containers: internal dimensions, volume, door openings and payload.
Read the guide →MEASURE BEFORE YOU BOOK
The space your shipment needs
| Option | Suitable for | Details needed |
|---|---|---|
| LCL shared container | For smaller packed shipments. | Volume, gross weight and stackability. |
| 20-foot container | Exclusive space for your cargo. | Payload, dimensions and loading facilities. |
| 40-foot / high cube | For larger or taller loads. | Door clearance, volume and unloading. |
GATEWAYS AND DELIVERY
Ports and delivery areas in China
Start with the commercial invoice, packing list, commodity description and exporter and consignee details. Confirm product-specific acceptance before sending batteries, chemicals or controlled goods. State whether your supplier loads the container and who arranges the local leg. Inbound and outbound paperwork must be assessed for the actual direction, not copied from a reverse shipment.
Shanghai
Plan the final handoverProvide the factory or warehouse address, not only the port name. Local trucking, loading appointments and terminal cut-offs must align.
Ningbo
Plan the final handoverCheck which port appears on the written quotation. Changing from Shanghai to Ningbo may change the land leg and departure options.
Shenzhen
Plan the final handoverIdentify the relevant terminal and cargo readiness date. The receiving address may require a separate inland leg.
Inland China
Plan the final handoverGive the province, city and full delivery address. An inland warehouse should not be priced as a port-only handover.
PLAN YOUR CONNECTION
Routes to and from China
These connections illustrate requests. They do not confirm a direct service, timetable or acceptance.
Los Angeles ↔ Shanghai
Provide the actual collection and delivery addresses. We check the main transport, any connecting legs and handling requirements for your direction of travel.
Oakland ↔ Ningbo
Provide the actual collection and delivery addresses. We check the main transport, any connecting legs and handling requirements for your direction of travel.
Vancouver ↔ Shanghai
Provide the actual collection and delivery addresses. We check the main transport, any connecting legs and handling requirements for your direction of travel.
Melbourne ↔ Shenzhen
Provide the actual collection and delivery addresses. We check the main transport, any connecting legs and handling requirements for your direction of travel.
Shanghai ↔ Los Angeles
Provide the actual collection and delivery addresses. We check the main transport, any connecting legs and handling requirements for your direction of travel.
Halifax ↔ Shanghai
Provide the actual collection and delivery addresses. We check the main transport, any connecting legs and handling requirements for your direction of travel.
PREPARATION
Prepare your shipment in four steps
List and measure
Describe the commodity, package count, packed dimensions and gross weight. Include loading and lifting requirements.
Check access
Give collection and delivery addresses, unloading facilities and any access restrictions.
Agree the scope
Check included services, exclusions, currency and the transport direction before accepting the quote.
Confirm handover
Prepare documents and packing for the agreed carrier and confirm collection and receiving arrangements.
YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED
Ocean freight to China: FAQs
What affects the price?
For the international examples below, container-freight budgets range from USD 1,200–5,000. The price depends on the direction as well as the origin, port and equipment: an export from North America to China should not inherit a China-to-USA import rate. Include factory collection or delivery, terminal handling and clearance when comparing the total. LCL may suit smaller consignments once volume, weight and consolidation costs have been assessed.
Which transport option should I choose?
The choice depends on dimensions, weight, contents and handling requirements. The options above describe different service scopes, not interchangeable prices. Provide accurate measurements and your preferred date so we can assess the suitable equipment. Acceptance is confirmed before booking.
How long does transport take?
For China, the main transport time must be distinguished from collection, consolidation, clearance and delivery. See the route-specific planning ranges below. We will confirm the itinerary and expected handover window with the proposal. Do not schedule a final delivery solely from a vessel or flight arrival estimate.
Can I arrange collection and delivery?
Yes, request the legs you need and provide complete addresses. For Shanghai, tell us whether handover is at a terminal, depot or private address. Access and unloading requirements affect the scope. The quote will say which legs are included.
What documents and preparation are needed?
Start with the commercial invoice, packing list, commodity description and exporter and consignee details. Confirm product-specific acceptance before sending batteries, chemicals or controlled goods. State whether your supplier loads the container and who arranges the local leg. Inbound and outbound paperwork must be assessed for the actual direction, not copied from a reverse shipment.
What is excluded from the example prices?
Indicative planning budgets in USD, not live carrier quotes. Prices cover an allowance for the main sea freight; terminal charges, surcharges, customs, taxes, insurance and inland legs are confirmed separately. Routes and transit ranges are illustrative, subject to the booked itinerary. Terminal costs, taxes, insurance and local transport must be checked separately against the written quote.
Can I ship in the opposite direction?
Yes, you can request either direction. The receiving country, contents and handover requirements determine the documentation and available service. An outward price does not automatically apply to the return journey. Swap the origin and destination in the form for a separate assessment.
Does my request confirm a booking?
No. Your request lets us check cargo, routing and services. We will respond within 24 hours, but a booking requires an accepted proposal and confirmed availability. Do not deliver cargo to a terminal until the handover instructions are confirmed.
Explore services and destinations
Request a quote for ocean freight
Tell us your cargo, origin and destination. We will prepare a proposal with the transport services and conditions clearly set out.
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