Ocean Freight to the United States

Shipping cargo to the United States by sea is a strategic choice for businesses moving large volumes into one of the world's most influential consumer markets. As the largest importer of containerized goods globally, the U.S. offers a highly developed logistics infrastructure, modern port facilities, and extensive inland distribution networks.

Whether you're shipping to the East Coast, West Coast, or Gulf region, ocean freight provides predictable capacity, competitive pricing, and scalable options for both recurring and one-time shipments.

Why Ship to the United States with iContainers?

The United States is a global logistics powerhouse supported by advanced port systems, robust carrier networks, and strong multimodal connectivity. Choosing the right partner ensures smoother customs processes, more accurate planning, and fewer operational disruptions across busy U.S. gateways.

Reliable Door-to-Door & Port-to-Port Options

iContainers provides flexible service levels tailored to your needs:

• Door-to-door, port-to-door, and port-to-port delivery
• Coordinated pick-up and last-mile distribution through U.S.-based partners
• Real-time shipment visibility and proactive status alerts
• Clear documentation workflows to minimize customs delays

This ensures consistency, especially when shipping into highly regulated U.S. ports.

Competitive Freight Rates from Major Origins

With extensive carrier access across Asia, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East, you can:

• Compare rates and schedules across multiple carriers
• Evaluate transit times and service levels before booking
• Understand all surcharges upfront (THC, ISF fees, documentation, etc.)

Competitive pricing is especially important for high-volume U.S. lanes like China-USWC, Europe-USEC, and Southeast Asia-USG.

Expertise in U.S. Trade Routes

iContainers' operational network supports you across:

• Import procedures managed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
• ISF filing requirements for all ocean imports
• Common congestion patterns at major U.S. ports
• Seasonal variability tied to retail cycles and U.S. holidays

This helps reduce risk in one of the world's busiest import markets.

Ocean Freight Services to the United States

We provide scalable shipping options designed to fit your cargo volume and business model.

FCL Shipping to the U.S

Full Container Load is ideal when you need:

• Exclusive use of a 20', 40', or 40'HC container
• More security and control over handling
• Predictable timelines with no consolidation delays
• Better pricing for consistent or high-volume shipments

Specialized containers - reefer, open top, flat rack - are also available.

LCL Shipping to the U.S

Less than Container Load is recommended when:

• Your cargo doesn't fill an entire container
• You are testing new markets or shipping smaller batches
• You want to pay only for the volume you use
• Consolidation reduces your overall cost

LCL is widely used for U.S. imports due to the market's large, frequent consolidation schedules.

Shipping Costs to the United States

What Influences Your Ocean Freight Cost?

Key cost drivers include:

• Origin & distance: Asia-U.S. routes differ significantly from Europe-U.S.
• Container type: 20', 40', HC, reefer, or special equipment
• Mode: FCL vs. LCL
• Weight & volume: Heavy cargo may trigger additional fees
• Destination port charges: U.S. terminals apply security, handling & gate fees
• Seasonality: Import peaks occur before back-to-school and holiday seasons

iContainers provides itemized pricing so you understand all surcharges before booking.

Transit Times to the United States

Transit times vary widely depending on your origin, route, and chosen port.

Average Transit Times from Europe

• Northern Europe → U.S. East Coast: 12-18 days
• Mediterranean → U.S. East Coast: 14-20 days
• Europe → U.S. Gulf & West Coast: longer due to routing

Average Transit Times from Asia

• China/Japan/South Korea → U.S. West Coast: 12-20 days
• Southeast Asia → U.S. West Coast: 18-30 days
• Asia → U.S. East Coast (via Panama or Suez): 25-40+ days

Factors That Affect Delivery Speed

• Port congestion (LA/LB and NY/NJ peak frequently)
• Weather and seasonal storms
• Carrier service type (direct vs. transshipment)
• Customs inspections or ISF filing issues

Main Ports in the United States

The U.S. has more than 150 commercial seaports - here are the main gateways:

Port of Los Angeles (West Coast)

• Largest container port in the U.S.
• Key gateway for trans-Pacific trade
• Strong rail connections inland

Port of Long Beach (West Coast)

• Adjacent to Los Angeles, forming a major logistics complex
• High-capacity terminals with modern automation

Port of New York & New Jersey (East Coast)

• Largest port on the East Coast
• Direct access to major consumer and industrial markets

Port of Savannah (Southeast)

• Fast-growing & highly efficient
• Strategic inland rail terminals

The right port choice depends on your final inland destination, transit time goals, and carrier availability.

How to Book Your Shipment to the United States

• Choose your origin port and container type (20', 40', 40'HC, or LCL).
• Select your U.S. destination port (LA/LB, NY/NJ, Savannah, Houston, etc.).
• Provide accurate cargo details - weight, dimensions, commodity, packing.
• Prepare export documents (commercial invoice, packing list, certificates).
• Ensure ISF filing is done before cargo departure (mandatory for imports).
• Compare rates, choose a service, and confirm your booking.
• Track your shipment until delivery to the final consignee.