Shipping goods from China to the United States by sea is a common and cost-effective method for international trade — but how long does it actually take?
If you’ve ever wondered why your container sometimes arrives early and other times gets delayed for weeks, you’re not alone. In this post, we’ll break down the real transit times, why delays happen, and how reliable freight forwarders really are.
Typical Transit Times from China to the U.S.
Sea freight time depends on the origin and destination ports, but here’s a general guide:
| Route | Estimated Port-to-Port Transit Time |
| Shenzhen/Guangzhou → Los Angeles | 15–20 days |
| Ningbo/Shanghai → Los Angeles | 13–18 days |
| Qingdao/Tianjin → Los Angeles | 18–25 days |
| South China → New York/Houston (via Panama Canal) | 28–40 days |
Note: These times only cover ocean transit — not pickup, customs, or final delivery.
Do Different Shipping Lines Make a Difference?
Yes — different carriers can have varying schedules, service speeds, and reliability.
Here’s how they differ:
- Fast routes (premium service): Offered by carriers like Maersk, MSC, CMA CGM.
- Economy or slow services: Used by smaller carriers or less frequent routes.
- Transshipment: Some carriers route through intermediate ports (like Busan or Singapore), which increases time.
A direct vessel from Shanghai to LA might take 15 days, but if your carrier uses a transshipment route, it could stretch to 25–30 days.
Why Does My Shipment Sometimes Take So Long?
Even with a fixed schedule, multiple factors can delay your shipment:
- Port congestion
- U.S. West Coast ports (especially Los Angeles/Long Beach) often face long queues during peak season.
- Customs delays
- Missing documents or random inspections can hold up clearance.
- Container rollover
- If a vessel is overbooked, your container might get bumped to the next sailing.
- Weather disruptions
- Typhoons in Asia or storms in the Pacific can slow down or reroute vessels.
- Trucking & chassis shortages in the U.S.
- Even after arrival, lack of trucks or drivers can delay delivery.
How Accurate Are Freight Forwarders About Timing?
Freight forwarders usually provide estimated transit times, not guarantees — and accuracy depends on experience and visibility.
- A reliable forwarder should give you:
- Estimated cut-off and departure dates
- Realistic port ETA
- Possible risks or delay windows
Good forwarders have ~80–90% accuracy for normal shipments — but external factors (like port strikes or customs holds) are always a risk.
What You Can Do to Minimize Delays
- Book early during peak seasons (Oct–Jan, pre-CNY)
- Choose direct routes when speed is critical
- Ask your forwarder for vessel info, transshipment plans, and customs prep
- Build buffer time into your lead times
Final Thoughts
Sea freight from China to the U.S. isn’t always predictable — but with the right planning and a transparent logistics partner, you can reduce uncertainty and keep your supply chain on track.
Need help choosing the best route or improving your delivery time?