Container Shipping to United States — Get Instant Quotes
Why Choose iContainers for Shipping to the United States?
- All‑inclusive online platform: Instant quotes, booking, documentation and tracking in one dashboard.
- Deep U.S. customs expertise: ISF filings, FDA requirements and tariff codes handled by our licensed brokers.
- Transparent pricing: Up‑front rates with no hidden surcharges; spot and contract options available.
- Global carrier network: Space on all major alliances plus weekly LCL consolidations to both coasts.
Our Container Shipping Services to the United States
We tailor each shipment to your timeline, budget and commodity. Below are the main modes we offer as well as an air‑freight alternative for urgent cargo.
Full Container Load (FCL) Shipping
Most high‑volume exports to the U.S. move via FCL. We serve key ports such as Los Angeles, Long Beach, New York/New Jersey, Savannah and Houston. Typical transit times include:
| Trade Lane | Example Route | Transit (Days)* |
|---|---|---|
| Asia → USWC | Shanghai → Los Angeles | 12‑15 |
| Asia → USEC (via Panama) | Shenzhen → New York | 28‑32 |
| Europe → USEC | Rotterdam → New York | 10‑14 |
| South America → USGC | Santos → Houston | 8‑11 |
*Port‑to‑port, subject to carrier schedule.
Less than Container Load (LCL) Shipping
LCL is popular with SMEs, e‑commerce retailers and startups shipping smaller volumes. Weekly consolidations depart from major origin hubs to the U.S., giving you cost control without tying up capital in full boxes.
Typical LCL users: Small businesses shipping apparel from Spain, auto parts from Germany, or samples from Turkey.
Air Freight (Alternative Option)
When speed outweighs cost, we arrange airport‑to‑airport or door‑to‑door air freight to LAX, JFK, ATL, ORD and MIA, with transit times of 2‑5 days worldwide. Use it for prototypes, high‑value electronics or delayed orders. (iata)
Container shipping rates to United States
How much does it cost to ship a container to United States?
How Long Does It Take to Ship a Container to the United States?
Transit times vary by origin and coast:
- Asia → West Coast: 12‑18 days (fastest ocean service)
- Asia → East Coast: 25‑35 days (via Panama or Suez)
- Europe → East Coast: 10‑20 days
- Europe → Gulf Coast: 15‑22 days
Add 1‑3 days for U.S. customs clearance and inland drayage.
Popular Routes and Ports for Shipping to the United States
- Shanghai → Los Angeles / Long Beach – Electronics, consumer goods
- Shenzhen → New York / New Jersey – Apparel, furniture
- Hamburg → Savannah – Machinery, automotive parts
- Rotterdam → Charleston – Chemicals, food ingredients
- Santos → Houston – Coffee, frozen juice, industrial supplies
For inland destinations (e.g., Chicago, Dallas, Memphis) we offer combined rail and truck delivery from coastal ports.
Steps to Book Your Container Shipment with iContainers
- Get an instant quote — enter origin, destination and cargo details.
- Select service — choose FCL, LCL or air, and pick departure.
- Confirm booking & pay — lock in space and receive booking number.
- Upload documents — commercial invoice, packing list, ISF, etc.
- Track your shipment — live milestones from pickup to POD.
- Clear customs & deliver — our agents coordinate inspection and final‑mile trucking.
What Can You Ship in a Container to the United States?
Common Commodities
- Consumer electronics
- Furniture & home décor
- Textiles and apparel
- Automotive parts & machinery
- Foodstuffs compliant with FDA regulations (e.g., canned goods, grains)
Restricted or Prohibited Goods
- Products without proper FDA / USDA approval
- Hazardous chemicals lacking permits (IMDG classes 1, 2, 7)
- Weapons, ammunition or defense articles
- Counterfeit or trademark‑infringing merchandise
Our compliance team reviews every shipment to avoid delays and fines.
Main ports in United States
FAQs About Shipping Containers to United States
Use the iContainers quote tool; rates depend on container size, origin port, destination port, weight, Incoterms and seasonality.
Booking a 20‑foot FCL on an economy service from a major origin hub is usually the lowest‑cost option.
Insurance isn’t mandatory but highly recommended; we offer all‑risk coverage starting at 0.65% of cargo value.
Typically 1‑3 business days if paperwork is complete and there are no inspections.
DAP or DDP if you want door delivery; FOB if you prefer to manage ocean freight yourself.
Yes. We provide drayage, rail and trucking to all 48 contiguous states.