Ship container to
China

How much does it cost to ship a container to China

China being a part of Asia, shipping container rates from the United States begin at $277 for a 20 foot container.A 40 foot container will cost at least around $100 more. The shipping timeline ranges depending on the route.The biggest importer of Chinese goods is the United States, followed by Hong Kong and South Korea, with expenditures up to $500 billion. China famously exports electronics, machinery equipment, footwear, clothing (not including knitted or crocheted textiles), toys, games, plastics, and sports equipment.

ship icon Shipping rates to China

Chicago, Il - Qingdao
From 1,395 $
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Chicago, Il - Xiamen
From 1,450 $
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Charleston - Ningbo
From 746 $
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Los Angeles - Shanghai Port
From 481 $
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Los Angeles - Yantian
From 481 $
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Los Angeles - Xiamen
From 634 $
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Los Angeles - Ningbo
From 534 $
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Charleston - Shanghai Port
From 578 $
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Seattle - Shanghai Port
From 1,061 $
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Louisville - Shanghai Port
From 1,099 $
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Oakland - Xiamen
From 734 $
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Chicago, Il - Tianjinxingang
From 1,533 $
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ship icon Shipping rates from China ship icon

Yantian - New York
From 6,124 $
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Qingdao - Charleston
From 6,270 $
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Yantian - Tacoma
From 3,140 $
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Ningbo - New York
From 6,269 $
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Ningbo - Charleston
From 6,270 $
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Yantian - Long Beach
From 3,140 $
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Ningbo - Norfolk
From 6,270 $
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Ningbo - Los Angeles
From 3,188 $
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Shanghai - New York
From 6,269 $
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Shanghai - Charleston
From 6,270 $
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Xiamen - Los Angeles
From 3,188 $
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Yantian - Houston, Tx
From 7,065 $
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Historical ocean freight rates from the USA to China

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This chart shows the average rates of the past 18 months for ocean freight from USA to China. These prices don’t comprise unanticipated or supplementary charges that may come up in the course of your booking and freight transaction.
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Main ports in China

Finding it hard to choose the best port in China to ship your container to from the US or Spain? At iContainers we offer 96 ports in China from the US and 100 ports in China from Spain for ocean freight transport. FCL (Full Container Load) or LCL (Less than a Container Load), you decide!

dalian

guangzhou

ningbo

fuzhou

haikou

qingdao

FAQs about shipping your container to China

What is the estimated transit time for shipping a container to China?

Shipping to China can take from 15 to 60 days on average. The difference in duration is determined by the distance and the route taken between the port of origin and the destination port. Therefore, estimated transit time to send a container to China from the US will no doubt vary from the route Pittsburgh-Shanghai to Seattle-Shanghai.

What type of cargo can be sent in a container?

Standard dry shipping containers – as their name suggests – are suitable for transportation of dry goods and, more specifically, non-perishable goods. This type of container doesn’t include refrigeration or ventilation systems which is why it is not recommended for sensitive cargo but it is available in different sizes, which allows shippers to choose the best container according to the volume of their shipment.

How do you figure out shipping cost to China?

Your quotation for your shipping will be estimated based on a number of fixed factors: the kind of container you need, your shipment’s size and volume, the applicable Incoterm and the duration of transit. However, there are other >elements to take into account which will invariably add to your costs. A good example of this is the price rise when shipping sensitive or hazardous materials.

What container capacity do I need for my cargo?

You will find different container sizes and volume capacities when choosing your shipping option. Standard dry shipping containers go from 20ft and 1,172 CFT / 33.2 CBM to 45ft and 3,122 CFT / 88.4 CBM, with other options in between. However, these containers are usually appropriate for high-volume cargo, whereas using a Shared Container (LCL) is often recommended when shipment isn’t too voluminous.

FOB vs CIF: What´s the difference?

Although these two Incoterms may seem slightly confusing, there is a considerable difference between them that importers or exporters should look at closely before deciding on one of the two. The FOB agreement states the seller is liable for the goods only until they’re loaded and in transit while under CIF the seller is responsible for them until they reach the destination port.

What paperwork is needed for international shipments to China?

Readying all paperwork needed for international shipments can be a somewhat confusing process. It’s important to know that there are certain documents that you will need to deal with regardless of the country of origin or destination of your shipment. Some of said document include a Bill of Lading, a commercial invoice or a packing list. Other required paperwork may comprise customs authorization, power of attorney or complimentary documents related to the nature of your cargo.

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Importing From Asia In 2022

Discover how to import or export from/to China, India or Vietnam and avoid delays on your cargo. Includes Incoterms and documents.

asia eBook
Klaus Lydsal

"Customs duties play an important role in your international shipment. How they're determined and calculated varies from country to country"

Klaus Lydsal, vice president of operations at iContainers

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