Car/Vehicle Shipping Cost from Shanghai to Washington State

Ocean freight from Shanghai to the USA takes 15 to 40 days (port-to-port), depending on the type of load (FCL or LCL) and the port of arrival – West Coast is generally faster to reach from China than East Coast ports. Air freight is much faster, with expedited options ranging from 1 to 3 days.

Yes, you can bring a Chinese car to the U.S., but it's extremely difficult and costly for regular use because it must meet strict U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations, often requiring expensive modifications or waiting 25 years for an exemption, plus massive tariffs on Chinese EVs. The process involves complex certification, potential modifications (like charging ports, mirrors, safety features), and high costs, making it impractical for most individuals unless done by a registered importer for high-end vehicles.

LCL (Less than Container Load) Costs For smaller shipments, LCL is more cost-effective. Rates are usually calculated by cubic meters, starting around $50–$80 per CBM. However, additional handling fees can make LCL less predictable than FCL.