The China–USA trade lane remains the world's most significant bilateral shipping corridor. Great Hensen ships full container load (FCL), less than container load (LCL), dangerous goods (IMDG classes 2–9), and out of gauge (OOG) cargo to every major US port. Our DG freight specialization and heavy-lift project cargo capability mean even complex shipments clear US customs without delays.
US Port options and transit times
The United States has multiple port gateways, and the choice of discharge port significantly impacts total transit time and inland logistics cost. Below is a summary from major Chinese load ports (Shanghai, Qingdao, Tianjin):
West Coast
- Los Angeles / Long Beach (LA/LB): 12–16 days. The largest US port complex and the primary entry for Chinese imports. Handles 40% of all US containerized imports.
- Seattle / Tacoma (NWSA): 13–17 days. Strong option for Pacific Northwest and Canadian cross-border distribution. Less congestion-prone than LA/LB.
East Coast
- New York / New Jersey (NY/NJ): 28–35 days via Panama Canal. The largest East Coast port. Serves the Northeast market and provides rail connections to the Midwest.
- Savannah: 27–33 days via Panama. Fast-growing Southeast gateway. Excellent for Atlanta, Charlotte, and Southeast distribution centers.
- Norfolk: 26–32 days. Deep-water port with strong rail connectivity to the Midwest.
Gulf Coast
- Houston: 28–32 days via Panama. Primary Gulf gateway. Serves Texas and the central US. Key port for oil & gas equipment and project cargo.
US customs clearance and documentation
Importing goods into the United States requires navigating CBP (Customs and Border Protection) procedures. Key requirements include:
- ISF 10+2 Filing (Importer Security Filing): Must be filed at least 24 hours before vessel departure from the foreign port. We coordinate ISF filing with the US importer or their customs broker.
- Customs Bond: Required for all commercial shipments valued over $2,500. Single-entry or continuous bonds are available.
- C-TPAT: Great Hensen is C-TPAT certified, which reduces CBP inspection rates and accelerates clearance for compliant shipments. See how we cleared electrical equipment for a Fortune 500 manufacturer →
- FDA, FCC, DOT: Additional agency requirements may apply depending on the commodity. We pre-check requirements for every shipment.
Tariff considerations: section 301
Section 301 tariffs on Chinese goods remain a critical factor for any China-to-USA sea freight shipment. Great Hensen's process:
- HS code verification: We work with the shipper to verify the correct 10-digit HTSUS classification before the bill of lading is issued.
- Tariff rate check: Cross-reference against current USTR exclusion lists and additional duty rates.
- Duty minimization: For shippers looking to defer or manage duties, our bonded warehousing and JIT distribution model allows staging goods in Qingdao and releasing only as US demand materializes.
Carrier options on the china–usa Route
All major carriers serve the trans-Pacific trade. Great Hensen maintains contract rates with MSK, HPL, MSC, COSCO, HMM, OOCL, EMC, YML, and CMA CGM across this lane. Our volume across multiple clients allows us to secure competitive rates even during high-season periods (August through October for holiday imports).
DG cargo to the USA
The US Coast Guard enforces IMDG Code compliance at all US ports. Our DG cargo process for US shipments includes: DG Packaging Certificate (Chinese: 危包证), MSDS documentation, Maritime DG Declaration, and advance notification to the receiving terminal. Los Angeles, Houston, and NY/NJ all accept IMDG classes 2–9 with standard compliance documentation.
FCL and LCL Service options
- FCL (Full Container Load): 20ft, 40ft, 40ft high-cube standard containers. Also flat racks and open tops for OOG cargo. Best for shipments filling 15 CBM or more.
- LCL (Less than Container Load): Consolidated service for shipments under 15 CBM. Weekly consolidated containers to all major US ports. Cost-effective for smaller shipments that do not require a dedicated container.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does sea freight from China to the USA take?
West Coast ports (LA/Long Beach) take 12–16 days from Shanghai or Qingdao. East Coast ports (NY/NJ, Savannah) take 25–35 days via the Panama Canal. Gulf Coast (Houston) takes 28–32 days. Actual transit varies by port pair, carrier schedule, and Panama Canal conditions. We provide a confirmed transit time with every booking.
Are Section 301 tariffs still in effect for Chinese goods shipped to the USA?
Yes. Section 301 tariffs remain in effect on many Chinese-origin goods entering the United States. Rates vary by HS code category — from 7.5% on certain consumer electronics to 25% on a broad range of industrial products. Great Hensen provides HS code classification verification before shipment to help clients identify tariff exposure and explore duty-minimization strategies such as using bonded warehousing for staged distribution.
Can Great Hensen ship dangerous goods from China to the USA by sea?
Yes. We handle IMDG classes 2–9 dangerous goods to all major US ports. Requirements include DG Packaging Certificate, MSDS, Maritime DG Declaration, and compliance with both Chinese export and US import regulations. C-TPAT certification streamlines CBP processing for compliant DG shipments. Contact us with your UN number for a specific assessment.