Ocean freight from China to Los Angeles and Long Beach. 2026 rates, transit times, carriers, FBA delivery, and Section 301 tariff impact.
The Port of Los Angeles and Port of Long Beach together form the largest container port complex in the Western Hemisphere, handling over 17 million TEU annually. About 60% of all US imports from China arrive at LA/LB. This guide covers FCL, LCL, FBA delivery, and current 2026 rates.
China-North America Shipping Routes & Transit Times
| Port of Origin | Direct Service | Transit Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shanghai (CNSHA) | Yes | 14-18 days | Most frequent sailings |
| Ningbo (CNNGB) | Yes | 14-18 days | Direct, frequent |
| Yantian (CNYAN) | Yes | 14-18 days | South China cargo |
| Qingdao (CNTAO) | Yes | 15-20 days | North China |
| Xiamen (CNXMN) | Yes | 16-20 days | Fujian |
| Tianjin (CNTXG) | Yes | 18-22 days | Beijing area |
Major Carriers on China-North America Trade
Major carriers serving China-LA/LB:
- COSCO (OA) - 5+ weekly sailings
- OOCL (OA) - 4-5 weekly
- Evergreen (OA) - 4-5 weekly
- Maersk (Gemini) - 3-4 weekly
- Hapag-Lloyd (Gemini) - 3-4 weekly
- ONE (Premier) - 3-4 weekly
- Yang Ming (Premier) - 2-3 weekly
- ZIM (Indep.) - 3-4 weekly
2026 Rate Ranges
Indicative FCL rates China-LA/LB (2026):
- 20'GP: $2,200 - $3,400
- 40'GP: $2,800 - $4,200
- 40'HC: $3,000 - $4,500
LCL rate: $80 - $140 per CBM
*Pre-Lunar New Year (Jan-Feb) and Q4 peak season (Sep-Nov) see 30-50% rate spikes.*
Customs Clearance in North America
USA customs requirements:
- ISF (Importer Security Filing) 10+2 - must file 24-48 hours before vessel loading
- Customs bond required (Single Transaction or Continuous)
- US Customs HTSUS code (10 digits)
- Section 301 tariffs: 7.5-25% on most Chinese-origin goods (currently under review for 2026)
- MPF (Merchandise Processing Fee) 0.3464% min $32.71 max $634.62
- HMF (Harbor Maintenance Fee) 0.125% on ocean only
- ISF penalty: $5,000 per missed/late filing
Key Takeaways
- Best ports: Discussed above with detailed comparison
- 2026 FCL range: See rate section above
- Transit time: Typically 7-30 days depending on destination
- Customs: Most destinations require ISF/CIF/ACID filings
- Best for: FCL for full containers, LCL for small shipments
Pro Tips for Shipping from China to North America
Pro tips for China-LA/LB shipping:
- File ISF at least 48 hours before loading to avoid $5K penalty
- Use Yantian for fastest transit from South China
- FBA sellers: pre-book delivery to FBA warehouse (LAX9, ONT8, etc.)
- Consider rail from LA to Chicago (4-5 days) for inland distribution
- Section 301 tariffs significantly impact cost - consult customs broker
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does shipping from China to LA take?
Ocean transit from Yantian to Long Beach is 14-18 days. Door-to-door including customs and trucking is 25-32 days.
What is Section 301 tariff on Chinese goods?
Section 301 tariffs range from 7.5% to 25% on most Chinese-origin goods. List 4A is 7.5%, List 3 is 25%. Verify with customs broker for your HS code.
Should I ship to LA/LB or Oakland?
LA/LB is more frequent and cheaper. Oakland is faster to Northern California but fewer sailings.
What is ISF and when do I file it?
ISF (Importer Security Filing) 10+2 must be filed 24-48 hours before vessel loading at origin. Penalty: $5,000 per missed filing.