Question 1

How is sea freight from China priced?

Accepted Answer

Sea freight is quoted in two ways: LCL (Less than Container Load) is priced per CBM (cubic meter) or per freight ton (1,000 kg), whichever is greater. FCL (Full Container Load) is a flat rate for the entire container regardless of how full it is. A 20ft container from China to the US typically costs $1,800–$3,500; a 40ft costs $2,800–$5,500. LCL rates run $50–$100/CBM for the China-to-US lane.

Question 2

What is the difference between LCL and FCL shipping from China?

Accepted Answer

LCL (Less than Container Load): You share a container with other shippers and pay per CBM. Better for shipments under 12–15 CBM. Longer transit due to consolidation and deconsolidation (add 5–10 extra days). FCL (Full Container Load): You rent the entire container. More economical above 12–15 CBM. Faster transit (direct loading). Lower risk of damage. For most small importers, LCL makes sense for the first few orders. Switch to FCL when your shipment exceeds 12 CBM or 10,000 kg.

Question 3

What surcharges are included in a sea freight quote?

Accepted Answer

A complete sea freight cost includes: Ocean freight (base rate), BAF (Bunker Adjustment Factor — fuel surcharge, 8–20% of base), CAF (Currency Adjustment Factor, 5–10%), Port Surcharge / THC (Terminal Handling Charge, $150–$250 at origin and destination), Documentation fee ($50–$100), B/L (Bill of Lading) fee ($50–$100), Destination delivery order fee ($50–$80), and local delivery (drayage) from port to warehouse ($250–$600). Always ask for an all-in quote including origin and destination charges.

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

Transit times by route: China (Shanghai) → Los Angeles: 14–18 days. China → New York: 25–32 days (via Panama Canal). China → Savannah/Houston: 28–35 days. China (Shenzhen/Guangzhou) → Los Angeles: 13–16 days. Add 3–7 days for customs clearance (1–3 days) and local delivery (1–3 days). Total door-to-door: 20–40 days typically. Peak season (Aug–Nov) can add 5–10 days. Book 6–8 weeks before you need the goods.

Question 5

What is the cheapest port to ship from in China?

Accepted Answer

Shenzhen/Yantian and Guangzhou/Nansha are typically the most cost-competitive for Pearl River Delta (southern China) suppliers. Shanghai is the world's busiest port and generally competitive for central and eastern China suppliers. Ningbo is slightly cheaper than Shanghai for similar routes. Tianjin serves northern China suppliers but rates are slightly higher. The cheapest port is always the one closest to your supplier — inland trucking costs more than the port differential in most cases.

Question 6

How much does LCL sea freight from China cost per CBM in 2026?

Accepted Answer

2026 China → US LCL rates (port-to-port, excluding destination charges): $60–$100/CBM Shanghai → Los Angeles, $70–$110/CBM Shanghai → New York, $65–$95/CBM Shenzhen → Los Angeles. These fluctuate based on market demand. Add: destination THC ($100–$180), CFS (Container Freight Station) fee ($80–$150), documentation ($75), and delivery ($250–$500). Total all-in LCL cost typically runs $200–$400/CBM door-to-door.

Question 7

When should I switch from LCL to FCL shipping?

Accepted Answer

The FCL break-even point is typically 12–15 CBM. Below that, LCL is usually cheaper. Above that, a full 20ft container becomes more economical per CBM. Also consider: FCL gives faster transit (no consolidation delays), lower damage risk (your goods aren't handled with others), and better security (sealed container). If you're shipping regularly and your volume is approaching 10 CBM per shipment, book an FCL — the peace of mind and faster delivery often justify the slight premium.

Question 8

What documents are needed for sea freight from China?

Accepted Answer

Required documents: Commercial Invoice (value, description, HS codes), Packing List (carton details, weights, dimensions), Bill of Lading (issued by carrier), Certificate of Origin (for duty preference programs), and any product-specific certificates (CE, FCC, FDA registration). For US imports: ISF (Importer Security Filing) must be filed 24 hours before vessel departure. Missing or incorrect documents cause customs holds and demurrage charges. Work with a licensed customs broker to ensure documentation is complete.

Factor	LCL	FCL 20ft	FCL 40ft
Volume	< 12 CBM	12–25 CBM	25–65 CBM
Transit time	+5–10 days (consolidation)	Direct	Direct
Damage risk	Higher (co-loaded)	Low	Low
Cost efficiency	Best under 12 CBM	Best 12–25 CBM	Best over 25 CBM
Lead time flexibility	Weekly sailings	Less flexible	Less flexible

Route	LCL (per CBM)	FCL 20ft	FCL 40ft
Shanghai → Los Angeles	$65–$100	$1,800–$3,200	$2,800–$5,000
Shenzhen → Los Angeles	$60–$95	$1,700–$3,000	$2,600–$4,800
Shanghai → New York	$75–$110	$2,200–$3,800	$3,400–$5,800
Shanghai → Rotterdam	$55–$90	$1,500–$2,800	$2,300–$4,500
Shanghai → Felixstowe	$60–$95	$1,600–$3,000	$2,500–$4,800
Shanghai → Sydney	$70–$105	$1,800–$3,200	$2,800–$5,200
Shanghai → Dubai	$50–$80	$1,200–$2,200	$1,900–$3,500
Shanghai → Mumbai	$45–$75	$900–$1,800	$1,500–$3,000

Charge	Amount	Who Charges
Ocean freight (LCL)	$75/CBM × 5 = $375	Carrier
Origin THC	$90	Origin port
CFS/handling (origin)	$80	Consolidation warehouse
B/L documentation	$75	Forwarder
Destination THC	$155	Destination port
CFS (destination)	$120	Deconsolidation
Customs clearance	$250	Customs broker
Drayage to warehouse	$380	Trucking
Total	$1,525
Per CBM	$305/CBM

Cost Item	Amount
Ocean freight: 8 CBM × £65	£520
BAF (12% on base)	£62
Origin THC	£80
Documentation	£60
UK destination THC	£130
HMRC customs clearance + VAT entry	£180
Delivery to Birmingham warehouse	£280
Total Landed at Warehouse	£1,312
Per CBM	£164

Sea Freight Cost Calculator — China to USA/UK/Australia

LCL vs FCL: The Decision Framework

2026 Sea Freight Rate Benchmarks (Port-to-Port)

The Full Cost of a Sea Freight Shipment

Worked Example: 8 CBM LCL Shipment, China → UK

Reading a Freight Quote: Red Flags

Tips for China Importers