Shipping Cost from Shanghai to Chesapeake, Virginia

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.

Consequently, the ships can set direction to Western Europe, the East Coast of the U.S., the Suez Canal, the Gulf and the Mediterranean area. A third route the ships are often taking is the Indian Ocean. This lane is often used for oil transport.

Shipping from China to the USA varies greatly in price, from ~$5-12/kg for express couriers, ~$4-8/kg for air freight, to ~$2,000-$6,000 per container for sea freight, depending on speed, volume, and urgency. Express is fastest (3-5 days), air is mid-range (5-10 days), and ocean is cheapest for bulk but takes 15-40+ days, with West Coast ports generally cheaper than East Coast ports.