Transit Time
Last updated: June 14, 2026
- Transit time is port-to-port only — from vessel departure at origin to arrival at destination
- Does NOT include inland transport (factory to port), customs clearance, or final delivery
- Typical China transit: Europe 30-35 days, US West Coast 14-18 days, SE Asia 7-10 days, Africa 25-30 days
Transit Time is the total time from cargo departure at the origin port to arrival at the destination port. Port-to-port transit does NOT include inland transport (factory to port), export customs clearance, or import customs clearance and final delivery. Door-to-door transit is typically port-to-port time plus 5-10 days.
Chinese: 运输时间 / 航程时间 (Yùnshū shíjiān / Hángchéng shíjiān)
Typical Transit Times from China
From major Chinese ports (Qingdao, Shanghai, Ningbo): Europe (Rotterdam/Hamburg) 30-35 days; US West Coast (Los Angeles/Long Beach) 14-18 days; US East Coast (New York/Savannah) 28-33 days; South America (Santos) 35-40 days; Middle East (Jebel Ali) 18-22 days; Africa (Durban) 25-30 days; Southeast Asia (Singapore) 7-10 days; Australia (Sydney) 15-18 days.
These are average estimates. Actual transit varies by carrier schedule, direct vs. transshipment routing, seasonal weather, and port conditions.
Practical Example
An importer in Hamburg needs to know when their FCL shipment of electronics from Qingdao will arrive at their warehouse. The vessel schedule shows Qingdao departure on June 1 and Hamburg arrival on July 5 — a port-to-port transit time of 34 days. However, the factory will deliver cargo to the Qingdao CY on May 28 (3 days before departure), and Hamburg import customs clearance plus trucking to the warehouse adds another 5 days after arrival. Actual door-to-door time: May 28 to July 10 — 43 days total versus the 34-day port-to-port transit time the carrier quoted.
Related Terms
- Demurrage — charges when containers stay at terminal beyond free time
- Incoterms — define when risk and cost transfer between buyer/seller
- Feeder Vessel — can add 2-5 days for transshipment routing
Frequently Asked Questions
Does transit time include inland transport and customs clearance?
No. Transit time specifically means port-to-port duration. It does NOT include trucking from factory to port (1-3 days), export customs clearance (1-2 days), or import clearance plus final delivery (3-7 days). For a complete timeline, ask for door-to-door transit. Read more in our logistics FAQ.
What causes transit time delays?
Common causes: port congestion (vessels waiting for berths), adverse weather (typhoons in the Pacific, winter storms in the North Atlantic), transshipment delays at hub ports, vessel schedule changes (blank sailings), canal congestion (Panama or Suez), and labor disruptions. During COVID-19, transit times sometimes exceeded 60 days.
How can I speed up transit time?
To reduce total transit: choose direct sailings (no transshipment), use express carrier services, ship from a major hub port with frequent sailings, consider air freight for time-critical cargo (3-7 days door-to-door), or use China-Europe rail for European destinations (18-20 days). Each option increases cost — we help find the right balance.
Need Logistics Help?
We provide accurate transit time estimates for your specific trade lane, port pair, and cargo type.
Contact Our Team → See Full Glossary →