China and the United States have active trade relations, with a large amount of goods constantly crossing the Pacific Ocean. Container transportation is the main mode of transportation for goods in the industrial centers of both countries. Understanding the costs and regulations of 20 foot and 40 foot container transportation from China to the United States can help import and export companies better plan logistics costs and efficiency.

Container Shipping from China to USA

Container transportation is a logistics method that involves loading goods into containers for long-distance shipping. When it comes to bulk cargo transportation between China and the United States, this method stands out as the most economical and stable choice. Depending on the volume, weight, and timeliness requirements of the goods, companies can select various types of containers and transportation routes to best suit their needs.

Major Chinese ports such as Shanghai, Ningbo, and Shenzhen serve as key departure points for goods heading to prominent US ports like Los Angeles, Long Beach, and New York. With multiple direct routes available between these destinations, the typical transit time for such shipments usually ranges from 25 to 35 days.

Difference Between 20ft and 40ft Containers

Container type affects the optimization of transportation costs and loading volume. Common container types are 20ft and 40ft containers. Their main differences are:

• Loading capacity and applicable scenarios: 20ft containers are suitable for smaller batches of goods or heavier goods, with a load capacity of about 28 tons. 40-foot containers are suitable for large batches of goods or larger goods, with a load capacity of about 30 tons.
• Cost comparison: Although the single transportation cost of a 40ft container is higher than that of a 20ft container, it is more economical per cubic meter.
• Flexibility: 20ft containers are more suitable for small businesses or heavier but smaller goods, and are easy to load and unload at ports.
• Capacity difference: The capacity of a 20-foot container is about 33 cubic meters, while the capacity of a 40-foot container is about 67 cubic meters.

Major Ports in USA

In container shipping in USA, different ports have different costs and customs clearance speeds. Here are the characteristics of several major ports

Port of Los Angeles

Location and Capacity: The Port of Los Angeles is located in Southern California and plays an important role in trade between North America and the world, with an annual cargo volume of 19.2 million TEUs. Close to the California market. Low transportation costs and fast customs clearance, but severe congestion during peak season.

Port of Long Beach

Long Beach Port is adjacent to the Port of Los Angeles and ranks second in the United States in container throughput, reaching 11.6 million TEUs. The port’s major trading partners are East Asia, Southeast Asia, and Oceania, and it is an important hub on the trans-Pacific trade route.

Port of New York and New Jersey

Located on the East Coast, the Port of New York and New Jersey is the busiest port on the East Coast, with an annual throughput of more than 8.4 million TEUs.

Connectivity and location are excellent, serving the Atlantic and Midwest regions through an extensive rail network, with higher transportation costs.

Port of Savannah

Located in Georgia, the Port of Savannah is the fourth busiest port in the United States, with an annual throughput of approximately 5.4 million TEUs. With expansion facilities over the years, the shipping costs are moderate, and it is suitable for access to the southeastern market.

Port of Houston

Location and volume: The Port of Houston is located in Texas, with an annual throughput of more than 4 million TEUs, mainly in the southern United States, and is suitable for access to the central and southern markets of the United States. It is an important hub for petrochemical commodities. The costs are moderate and customs clearance is fast.

Cost of Shipping 20ft and 40ft Containers from China to USA

Container shipping costs usually consist of the following parts:

• Sea freight: basic shipping costs from Chinese ports to US ports, accounting for the largest proportion.
• Port fees: including terminal usage fees, loading and unloading fees, etc., and the fees for each port are different.
• Fuel surcharge: surcharges affected by international oil price fluctuations.
• Safety surcharge: marine safety surcharge for customs inspection.
• Destination port fees: including terminal fees, customs clearance fees, etc. at US ports.

The cost of shipping from China to the East Coast of USA is US$3,000-$4,000 for a 20ft container and $4,000-$6,000 for a 40ft container.

The cost of shipping from China to the West Coast of USA is US$2,000-$3,000 for a 20ft container and $3,000-$5,000 for a 40ft container.

The shipping costs will fluctuate according to market demand, peak season, shipping companies and other factors. The following are the costs of shipping from major Chinese ports to major USA ports:

POL (Port of China)	POL (Port of USA)	20ft Container Cost	40ft Container Cost
Shanghai	Los Angeles	$2050-$3000	$3200-$4500
Shenzhen	Los Angeles	$2000-$2900	$3150-$4650
Ningbo	Los Angeles	$2000-$3000	$3350-$4750
Shanghai	Long Beach	$2050-$2950	$3250-$4550
Shenzhen	Long Beach	$2150-$3000	$3150-$4600
Ningbo	Long Beach	$2000-$2850	$3200-$4500
Shanghai	New York	$3000-$3800	$4050-$5550
Shenzhen	New York	$3050-$3900	$4350-$5600
Ningbo	New York	$3050-$4000	$4200-$5650
Shanghai	Savannah	$3050-$3900	$4100-$5600
Shenzhen	Savannah	$3050-$3850	$4100-$5750
Ningbo	Savannah	$3050-$3900	$4300-$5850
Shanghai	Houston	$2850-$3700	$4100-$5650
Shenzhen	Houston	$2950-$3900	$4050-$5650
Ningbo	Houston	$2800-$3900	$4050-$5650

Please read the following text to learn about the costs of shipping goods from China to other countries, in order to help you understand more information:

Analysis of Freight Costs for 20ft and 40ft Containers From China To Israel

Shipping from China to Oman| Price and Time

Shipping From China To Saudi Arabia | Customs clearance & transportation costs

Factors Affecting the Cost of Shipping from China to USA

Shipment from China to USA is also affected by a variety of factors

• Season and market demand: Transportation costs will rise sharply during holidays or peak seasons (such as back-to-school season, Christmas season, etc.).
• Fuel prices: Fluctuations in international oil prices will directly affect fuel surcharges.
• Port congestion: Busy ports may incur additional detention fees or congestion surcharges.
• Cargo type: Dangerous goods, temperature-controlled goods, large goods, etc. may require special handling, which will increase costs.
• Destination distance: The transportation cost of choosing a port on the west coast of the United States is lower than that of the east coast, but the appropriate port should be selected based on the final destination of the goods and the logistics cost.
• Service provider: The prices of different logistics companies or shipping companies will also vary.

How to Optimize Shipping Costs

Plan transportation time in advance

Avoid peak transportation seasons, during which the prices of sea and air freight usually increase. Planning ahead and shipping during off-seasons can reduce freight costs.

Avoid delay fees and detention fees

Excessive detention at the destination port may incur additional costs. Make preparations for customs clearance and receiving in advance to reduce detention fees.

Optimize cargo packaging

Try to reduce the volume of packaging while ensuring the safety of the goods to reduce the freight charges charged by volume. Reasonably design the packaging method and packing layout to maximize the space utilization of the container, thereby reducing the number of containers.

Choose a port with lower costs

From China to the United States, the freight rates of East Coast ports are usually higher than those of West Coast ports. Choose the nearest and lowest-cost port based on the destination location to save on inland transportation costs.

Bargaining

Bargaining with shipping companies and freight forwarding companies is possible, especially when shipping in large quantities, and discounts can usually be obtained.

Flexible freight terms

According to the nature of the goods and the arrangements between the buyer and the seller, choosing reasonable trade terms (such as FOB, CIF, etc.) can reduce the logistics costs of all parties.

Learn more: The 11 common international trade logistics terms

Use free trade zones and tax reduction policies

Store goods in bonded areas of import destination countries to delay the payment of tariffs, thereby reducing short-term capital occupation costs. By using preferential tariffs and exemption policies (such as the China-US Economic and Trade Agreement and the Asia-Pacific Economic and Trade Agreement), tariff costs can be reduced.

Customs Clearance Documents for Container Shipping from China to USA

Customs clearance documents are important documents to ensure smooth customs clearance of goods, including the following main documents:

• Commercial Invoice: Describes the content, value and quantity of the goods, which is required for customs clearance.
• Packing List: Lists all goods, dimensions and weights to help customs verify the contents of the goods.
• Bill of Lading (B/L): As a certificate of title to the goods, it is used to pick up the goods at the destination.
• Certificate of Origin: Depending on the nature of the goods and trade agreements, some goods may require a certificate of origin.
• Other customs clearance documents: Certain specific goods may require other documents, such as licenses, test reports, etc., depending on US import regulations.

Learn more: Customs Clearance and Fees

Why Ship From China to USA With Presou Logistics

Presou Logistics is an efficient way of international logistics. Choosing Presou Logistics from China to Saudi Arabia has the following advantages:

Fast Transportation

Presou Logistics usually chooses direct routes, which can transport goods to the destination in a shorter time, reducing transit and detention time. Improve shipping efficiency by selecting the best shipping companies and ships

Comprehensive Service

Presou Logistics usually provides full logistics services, including pickup, transportation, customs clearance and distribution, reducing the management burden of customers. Freight forwarders are familiar with Saudi customs clearance policies and can effectively handle relevant procedures to ensure smooth customs clearance of goods.

Cost-effectiveness

Presou Logistics freight forwarders can usually get better freight rates through bulk transportation and reduce overall transportation costs.

Technical Support

Many Presou Logistics companies provide real-time cargo tracking services, allowing customers to understand the transportation status at any time and enhance transparency. Use data analysis technology to optimize transportation plans and improve overall transportation efficiency.

Shipping 20ft and 40ft containers from China to the United States involves multiple steps. This article will help you understand seasonal fluctuations and market changes, and help you choose the mode and timing of transportation according to your needs, so that goods can be delivered to the United States quickly and efficiently.