Ocean Freight to United States
Ocean freight shipping to the United States
The United States economy is the most powerful in the world, contributing to over 26% of total global consumption. That said, ocean freight to the United States is an important driving factor of the North American economy.
The US is the world’s largest importer, dealing over $2.2 trillion worth of goods with its main partners - China, Mexico, Japan, Canada, and Germany - in 2016. Its exports reached $1.47 billion, making it the world’s largest second exporter.
FCL or LCL for your ocean freight to the United States
One of the most important aspects of your ocean freight to the US includes deciding between a Full Container Load (FCL) or a Less than a Container Load (LCL). As its name suggests, an FCL means you have the entire container to yourself and can occupy its entire space. Depending on the amount of cargo, you can choose between a 20-foot or 40-foot FCL, which carries a total of 10 or 21 standard American pallets respectively. The standard American pallet measures 47.24 inches long and 39.37 inches wide. If you’ll be occupying over half of the container space, it’s more ideal to opt for an FCL because it allows you to take greater advantage of the transportation cost. Plus, it prevents risk of damages and contamination.
LCL, on the other hand, means you will have to share container space with other shippers. If your cargo is more durable and less sensitive to damages and contamination, this is the better choice. It helps you save on shipping costs as you will be sharing the cost of the container with other parties.
Ocean freight ports in the United States
Port of Los Angeles
The Port of Los Angeles is the US’ largest port. Located in the western state of California’s San Pedro Bay, it’s responsible for the majority of the cargo arriving via the Transpacific route from Asia. With a 43-mile long waterfront and land occupying 7,500 acres, it’s not a surprise that it’s the US’ top port, a position it has held since 2000. In total, it accounts for 13.5% of the North American market share. The port is estimated to handle around $1.2 billion worth of shipments every day.
→ Ship container to Los Angeles
Port of Long Beach
The Port of Long Beach is located right next to the Port of Los Angeles and is largely known as its sister port. It takes 12.1% of the North American market share and together with the Port of LA, handles over 25% of the overall container trade in the continent. Given its strategic location, it is also considered one of the major gateways for trade with Asia. Trade movement at the Port of Long Beach is estimated at $180 billion annually.
→ Ship container to Long Beach
Port of New York & New Jersey
The Ports of New York and New Jersey are considered as one entity and is the US East Coast’s busiest port and the country’s third-largest after Los Angeles and Long Beach. It contributes to over 11% of the overall container trade in the continent. Given its highly strategic and well-connected location, it offers access to one of the, if not the most concentrated consumer markets in the world. Commonly handled commodities include petroleum, bulk, scrap metal, and break bulk cargo.
→ Ship container to New York → Ship container to Newark
Georgia Ports
Over in the Peach State are where the Ports of Savannah and Brunswick are located. The continent’s largest single-terminal container facility with the biggest concentration of import distribution centre is located at the Port of Savannah. And with more than 500 acres of land leased or owned by the automobile industry, the Port of Brunswick is the US’ top port for importing new auto.
Port of Seattle-Tacoma
Jointly operated by the Northwest Seaport Alliance, the Port of Seattle and Port of Tacoma, both located in Washington State, merged in 2015. Together, their cargo volumes account for more than 5% of the North American market. It continues to register strong growth. In 2017, it recorded its strongest first quarter international container volumes in 12 years.
→ Ship container to Seattle → Ship container to Tacoma
Our ocean freight services to the US
iContainers offers door-to-door ocean freight services. This includes cargo pick up and delivery to and from the postal codes provided by you so that you may enjoy a smoother end-to-end shipping experience. You may enjoy our door-to-door shipping to/from the US with any of the following services:
- Door-to-door ocean freight shipping from Spain to US
- Door-to-door ocean freight shipping from Taiwan to US
- Door-to-door ocean freight shipping from China to US
- Door-to-door ocean freight shipping from Netherlands to US
- Door-to-door ocean freight shipping from Dominican Republic to US
- Door-to-door ocean freight shipping from Mexico to US
- Door-to-door ocean freight shipping from UAE to US
- Door-to-door ocean freight shipping from Belgium to US
- Door-to-door ocean freight shipping from Germany to US
What our ocean freight rates to the US include
You may also consult ship container rates for your ocean freight to the US here.