Sea Freight

Introduction to Sea Freight Solutions

Sea Freight remains the backbone of global trade, accounting for over 90% of all international shipments. For businesses importing from China, Taiwan, and Vietnam to the Americas, it is the most economically viable method for transporting large volumes of goods.

Unlike air freight, which is limited by weight and high costs, sea shipping offers virtually unlimited capacity. From small pallets in a shared container to massive industrial machinery, ocean vessels can handle it all. By leveraging our established contracts with major shipping lines (such as COSCO, Maersk, MSC, and Evergreen), Dantful.US ensures that your cargo receives priority space even during peak seasons.

Why Choose Sea Freight for Your Supply Chain?

Choosing ocean transport is a strategic decision that impacts your bottom line. Here is why savvy importers prefer sea freight for their logistics from Asia to the Americas:

• Unmatched Cost-Efficiency: For shipments weighing over 100kg, sea freight rates are significantly lower than air cargo. For large bulk shipments, the cost difference can save your business thousands of dollars per container.

• Massive Capacity: A single 40ft container can hold over 60 cubic meters of goods. This scalability makes it perfect for seasonal inventory stocking.

• Safety & Reliability: Modern containerization minimizes handling, significantly reducing the risk of damage or theft.

• Eco-Friendly: Ocean shipping has a much lower carbon footprint per ton-mile compared to air transport, aligning with green supply chain initiatives.

• Versatility: Capable of handling hazardous materials (batteries, chemicals), oversized cargo, and temperature-sensitive goods (reefer containers).

Our Core Sea Freight Services

We provide a comprehensive suite of shipping options tailored to your specific cargo volume and budget.

FCL (Full Container Load) Shipping

FCL is the standard for high-volume importers. You rent the entire container exclusively for your goods.

• Equipment Types: 20’ GP (General Purpose), 40’ GP, and 40’ HQ (High Cube).

• Advantages: Faster transit (no deconsolidation needed), lower risk of damage, and the most competitive cost per unit.

• Best For: Shipments over 15 CBM or when you need exclusive security.

LCL (Less than Container Load) Consolidation

LCL allows you to pay only for the space you use. We consolidate your cargo with other shipments in a shared container.

• Advantages: Ideal for small businesses or trial orders; no need to wait until you have enough goods to fill a container.

• Best For: Shipments between 1 CBM and 15 CBM.

Specialized Cargo (RORO, OOG, Breakbulk)

For cargo that doesn’t fit in a standard box:

• OOG (Out of Gauge): Using Open Top or Flat Rack containers for machinery that is too tall or wide.

• RORO (Roll-on/Roll-off): Specifically for wheeled vehicles like trucks, cars, and construction equipment.

• Breakbulk: For loose, non-containerized cargo.

Key Departure Ports Network

Our logistics network covers the most critical industrial zones in Asia. We can arrange pick-up from virtually any factory and ship from the nearest major port to optimize inland costs.

Major Ports in China

China is the “World’s Factory,” and we cover all its major gateways:

• Port of Shanghai: The world’s busiest container port, ideal for suppliers in the Yangtze River Delta (Suzhou, Hangzhou).

• Port of Shenzhen (Yantian/Shekou): The key gateway for the Pearl River Delta electronics and consumer goods hub.

• Port of Ningbo-Zhoushan: Excellent for heavy industrial goods and general cargo from Zhejiang province.

• Port of Qingdao: A major hub for Northern China (Shandong), handling tires, machinery, and agricultural products.

• Port of Xiamen & Port of Tianjin: Key nodes for Southeast and North China exports.

Major Ports in Taiwan, China

Taiwan is a leader in high-tech manufacturing, auto parts, and machinery.

• Port of Kaohsiung: The largest port in Taiwan, handling the majority of container traffic.

• Port of Keelung: Serving the northern industrial clusters near Taipei.

• Port of Taichung: Ideally located for Central Taiwan’s machinery and bicycle industries.

Major Ports in Vietnam

As manufacturing shifts to Southeast Asia, Vietnam has become a critical origin for textiles, furniture, and electronics.

• Port of Ho Chi Minh (Cat Lai): The primary hub for Southern Vietnam exports.

• Port of Haiphong: Serving Northern Vietnam and factories near Hanoi.

• Port of Da Nang: Key for Central Vietnam logistics.

Step-by-Step Guide: Shipping Process to the Americas

Shipping internationally can seem complex, but we break it down into a transparent, manageable process.

Shipping internationally can seem complex, but we break it down into a transparent, manageable process.

1. Consultation & Quote: You provide cargo details (dimensions, weight, commodity) and terms (FOB, EXW). We provide a transparent, all-inclusive quote.

2. Booking & Pick-Up: We book space with the shipping line and arrange trucking to pick up goods from your supplier’s warehouse.

3. Export Customs Clearance: Our team handles all export documentation and declarations in China, Taiwan, or Vietnam to ensure goods leave the country legally.

4. Ocean Transit: Your cargo is loaded onto the vessel. You receive a Bill of Lading (B/L) and tracking information.

5. ISF Filing (USA Only): For US-bound shipments, we ensure ISF (Importer Security Filing) is submitted 24 hours before loading to avoid heavy fines.

6. Arrival & Import Clearance: Upon arrival at ports like Los Angeles, New York, or Vancouver, our customs brokers handle duty payments and release.

7. Final Delivery: We arrange the final truck or rail move to your warehouse.

Sea Freight Rates & Transit Time Estimates

Note: Transit times and rates fluctuate based on season, fuel prices, and port congestion. The table below provides estimated ranges for general planning.

Route (Origin → Destination)	Est. Transit Time (Port-to-Port)	Est. Cost (20′ Container)	Est. Cost (40′ Container)
Shanghai (CN) → Los Angeles (USA)	14 – 18 Days	$1,250 – $1,750	$1,750 – $2,450
Shenzhen (CN) → New York (USA)	28 – 35 Days	$1,950 – $2,650	$2,450 – $3,350
Ningbo (CN) → Houston (USA)	25 – 30 Days	$2,000 – $2,700	$2,500 – $3,400
Qingdao (CN) → Miami (USA)	30 – 38 Days	$2,100 – $2,800	$2,650 – $3,500
Kaohsiung (TW) → Long Beach (USA)	13 – 17 Days	$1,350 – $1,800	$1,800 – $2,500
Keelung (TW) → Savannah (USA)	27 – 33 Days	$2,000 – $2,750	$2,600 – $3,550
Ho Chi Minh (VN) → Los Angeles (USA)	17 – 22 Days	$1,300 – $1,800	$1,800 – $2,600
Ho Chi Minh (VN) → Vancouver (CA)	20 – 25 Days	$1,400 – $1,950	$1,950 – $2,800
Haiphong (VN) → Toronto (CA)	28 – 35 Days	$2,250 – $2,950	$2,850 – $3,850
Shanghai (CN) → Manzanillo (MX)	18 – 24 Days	$1,550 – $2,100	$2,100 – $2,950
Shenzhen (CN) → Santos (Brazil)	35 – 45 Days	$2,450 – $3,350	$3,150 – $4,200

For the most accurate, real-time pricing, please Contact Us for a customized quote.

Key Factors Influencing Transit Time

While the port-to-port time is relatively fixed, total shipping time can be affected by several variables:

• Port Congestion: High volumes at major ports (like LA/Long Beach) can add 3-7 days to unloading times.

• Weather Conditions: Typhoons in Asia or storms in the Pacific can delay vessel departures or slow down transit.

• Customs Inspections: Random exams by US Customs (CBP) can hold cargo for 2-10 days depending on the type of exam (VACIS vs. Intensive).

• Peak Season: During Q3 and Q4 (pre-holiday rush), space is tight, and containers may be “rolled” to the next vessel if not booked early.

Understanding Your Total Shipping Cost

The “freight rate” is just one part of the total landed cost. A transparent quote should include:

1. Ocean Freight: The cost to move the container from port to port.

2. Local Charges (Origin): Trucking, export declaration, and terminal handling charges (THC) in China/Vietnam.

3. Local Charges (Destination): DTHC (Destination Terminal Handling Charges), chassis fees, and pier pass fees.

4. Customs & Duties: Import duties (based on HS Code), MPF (Merchandise Processing Fee), and HMF (Harbor Maintenance Fee).

5. Delivery Fees: Cost to truck the container from the US port to your warehouse.

6. Surcharges: BAF (Bunker Adjustment Factor for fuel), GRI (General Rate Increase), or PSS (Peak Season Surcharge).

Customs Clearance & Documentation for Imports

Successfully clearing customs is critical to avoiding delays and storage fees. Importing into the Americas requires specific documentation and compliance checks.

Essential Documents

• Bill of Lading (B/L): The master shipping document.

• Commercial Invoice: Listing item values for duty calculation.

• Packing List: Detailed inventory of the shipment.

• Certificate of Origin: Required for claiming tariff benefits (e.g., under trade agreements).

• Arrival Notice: Issued by the carrier upon arrival.

USA Specific Requirements

• Customs Bond: A requirement for all commercial imports into the US (Single Entry or Continuous Bond).

• ISF (10+2) Filing: Must be filed 24 hours prior to vessel loading at the origin port.

• HTS Codes: Accurate classification of goods to determine duty rates.

Partner with a reliable freight forwarder

Why trust Dantful.US International Logistics with your cargo? We are more than just a forwarder; we are your strategic partner in growth.

• Deep Market Expertise: We focus exclusively on the China/Taiwan/Vietnam to Americas trade lanes. We know the regulations, the routes, and the risks.

• Cost Savings: By consolidating volume and leveraging carrier relationships, we pass significant savings on to you.

• End-to-End Visibility: From the moment we pick up your goods to the moment they arrive at your door, you are kept in the loop.

• Problem Solvers: Port strikes? Space shortages? Customs audits? Our experienced team proactively manages disruptions so you don’t have to.

FAQs about Sea Freight from China, Taiwan & Vietnam

1. How long does sea freight take from China to the USA? It depends on the coast. West Coast shipments (LA/Long Beach) typically take 14–20 days, while East Coast shipments (NY/Savannah) take 28–35 days via the Panama Canal.

2. Should I choose FCL or LCL? If your cargo volume is over 15 CBM, FCL is usually cheaper and safer. For shipments under 15 CBM, LCL is the cost-effective choice.

3. How much does it cost to ship a 20ft/40ft container to the USA? Shipping rates fluctuate weekly. As a rough estimate, a 20ft container from China to the US West Coast (LA/LB) ranges from $1,250 – $1,750, while a 40ft container ranges from $1,750 – $2,450. East Coast rates are typically $700 – $1,050 higher. For an exact quote valid for today, please contact us.

4. Do Dantful.US handle Amazon FBA shipments? Yes! We are experts in Amazon FBA Logistics. We can ship directly from Chinese factories to Amazon fulfillment centers in the US, ensuring compliance with Amazon’s strict labeling and palletizing requirements.

5. What are the shipping rates to Canada, Mexico, and Brazil?

• To Canada (Vancouver/Toronto): Similar to US West Coast rates, typically $1,400 – $2,100 for a 20ft container.

• To Mexico (Manzanillo): Rates are competitive, often around $1,550 – $2,250 per 40ft container.

• To Brazil (Santos): Due to longer distances, rates are generally higher, ranging from $2,450 – $3,500 per 40ft container depending on the season.

Ready to streamline your supply chain? Stop worrying about logistics and focus on growing your business. Get a Free Quote Today – Our team is ready to provide you with a fast, competitive, and reliable shipping solution.