Sea Freight from Guangzhou to Dallas
Cost-effective ocean shipping service from Guangzhou port to Dallas. Comprehensive FCL and LCL container shipping solutions with reliable transit times and professional cargo handling throughout the journey.
Transit
30-35 days
Departures
Weekly departures
Why Sea Freight
Benefits of Sea Freight Shipping from Guangzhou to Dallas
Cost Effective
80-90% cheaper than air freight for bulk cargo
High Capacity
FCL and LCL options for any shipment size
Reliable Service
Weekly sailings from major carriers
Global Network
Direct routes to major ports worldwide
Shipping sea freight from the Port of Guangzhou to Dallas through Houston offers exceptional value for businesses moving large volumes of electronics, textiles, and manufactured goods to the Texas market. The Port of Guangzhou ranks as China's third-largest container port, providing weekly sailings from major carriers like COSCO, Evergreen, and MSC directly to Houston's massive port complex. Your cargo enjoys excellent protection during the ocean voyage, with modern container ships equipped with climate control systems and GPS tracking that let you monitor shipments in real time.
This route particularly benefits Dallas-area importers because Houston sits just 240 miles from Dallas, creating a seamless inland transportation network via Interstate 45 and established trucking partnerships. The combination of Guangzhou's manufacturing hub proximity and Houston's efficient port operations means your goods reach Dallas customers faster than routing through Los Angeles or Long Beach, which often face congestion delays.
Route Highlights
30-35 days
Transit Time
Weekly departures
Sailing Frequency
<0.1%
Cargo Damage Rate
FCL & LCL
Container Options
Pricing Guide
Sea Freight Shipping Rates from Guangzhou to Dallas
Current 2026 sea freight rates from Guangzhou to Dallas range from $2,800 to $4,200 per 40-foot container (FCL), depending on your chosen carrier and booking timing. Twenty-foot containers typically cost between $1,900 and $2,800, while less-than-container-load (LCL) shipments run approximately $85 to $120 per cubic meter. Additional charges include a bunker adjustment factor of $180 to $240 per container, Houston port handling fees of $95 per container, and U.S. customs examination fees averaging $125 when inspections occur. Smart shippers reduce costs by booking during shoulder seasons (avoiding Chinese New Year and peak summer months), consolidating multiple shipments into full containers, and partnering with freight forwarders who have volume contracts with major carriers. Remember that inland trucking from Houston to Dallas adds roughly $850 to $1,200 per container, but this combined ocean-plus-truck rate still beats air freight by 75% for most cargo types.
Quick Rate Guide
20ft Container
Standard dry
$1,800-2,800
40ft Container
Standard dry
$2,400-4,200
LCL Shipment
Per cubic meter
$45-85/CBM
Additional Costs
Delivery Timeline
Transit Times for Sea Freight from Guangzhou to Dallas
Step 1
Cargo Loading
1-2 days
Container stuffing at origin
Step 2
Export Clearance
1-2 days
Documentation and customs
Step 3
Ocean Transit
15-25 days
Sailing to destination port
Step 4
Import Clearance
1-3 days
Customs inspection and release
Step 5
Final Delivery
1-5 days
Transport to final destination
Express
20-25 Days
Direct service with priority handling
Standard
25-35 Days
Regular service with full tracking
Economy
35-45 Days
Consolidated for maximum savings
Sea freight from Guangzhou to Dallas requires 30 to 35 days total transit time, including the 18 to 22-day ocean voyage to Houston plus inland transportation and processing time. Container ships typically sail twice weekly from Guangzhou's Nansha and Huangpu terminals, with direct services avoiding transshipment delays that add 3 to 5 days to your schedule. U.S. customs clearance at Houston averages 2 to 4 days for routine shipments, though first-time importers or complex products may need additional documentation review time. Expedited processing becomes possible when you file customs entries 72 hours before vessel arrival and ensure all commercial invoices, packing lists, and certificates of origin contain complete, accurate information. The final leg from Houston to Dallas takes 1 to 2 days via truck, with intermodal rail options available for less urgent shipments that can save 15% on inland costs while adding just one extra day to delivery schedules.
Pricing
Container Options & Pricing
Transparent pricing for FCL and LCL shipments. All rates include standard handling.
| Carrier | 40GP (USD) | 40HQ (USD) | Transit Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| OAC | $4,600 | $4,800 | 30 days |
Pricing Disclaimer
These prices are subject to change based on market conditions, fuel surcharges, and seasonal demand. Contact us for the most up-to-date pricing and a customized quote for your specific shipment needs. Prices shown are for standard cargo and may vary for special cargo types.
Standard
20ft FCL
6.1m × 2.4m × 2.6m
Contact for pricing
Extra Height
40ft High Cube
12.2m × 2.4m × 2.9m
See 40HQ rates above
Less than Container
LCL Shipment
Per CBM
From $45/CBM
Custom
Special Cargo
Various
Get custom quote
Equipment
Container Types Available
20ft Dry Container
Standard general cargo container
40ft Dry Container
High capacity for large shipments
40ft High Cube
Extra height for bulky cargo
20ft Refrigerated
Temperature-controlled cargo
Open Top Container
For oversized cargo loading
Flat Rack Container
Heavy machinery and equipment
Track Record
Reliable Service
Our Guangzhou to Dallas corridor represents years of refined expertise and thousands of successful shipments.
15+
Years Experience
25K+
Containers Shipped
99.5%
On-Time Delivery
24/7
Support Available
Process
How Our Sea Freight Process Works
Quote & Booking
1-2 daysGet a customized quote and book your container.
Collection & Export
2-3 daysWe collect cargo and handle export documentation.
Ocean Transit
12-20 daysYour cargo travels safely across the ocean.
Port Handling
2-3 daysCustoms clearance and port procedures completed.
Final Delivery
1-2 daysCargo delivered to your specified destination.
Key Documents
See full documentation requirements below
Cargo Types
What Ships from Guangzhou to Dallas?
Our Guangzhou to Dallas service regularly handles shipments across these categories:
Electronics
Smartphones and tablets, laptops and charging accessories
Home & Office
Ready-to-assemble furniture for home and office spaces
Industrial
Solar energy products, manufacturing equipment, and power systems
Retail & Fashion
Consumer fashion including shoes, apparel, and accessories
Toys & Recreation
Video game consoles, STEM kits, and outdoor sports equipment
Dangerous Goods
Hazardous materials including batteries and industrial chemicals
Documentation
Required Documents to Ship from Guangzhou to Dallas
Ensure your Guangzhou to Dallas sea freight clears customs quickly with these required documents.
Universal Requirements
Documentation of the purchase terms and conditions
Specifies cargo measurements, weights, and how items are packed
Describes the goods, value, and buyer/seller details
Verifies Chinese origin for preferential duty treatment
Sea Freight Requirements for United States
Title document for ocean cargo - required for cargo release
Single Entry or Continuous Bond required for all US imports
Importer Security Filing must be submitted 24 hours before vessel departure from China
Important: United States Requirements
FDA prior notice required for food products (filed 15 days before arrival)
Customs Bond is mandatory for both sea and air imports
ISF Filing is critical for sea freight - failure to file results in a $5,000 fine
FCC certification needed for electronic devices
Customs
Clearing Customs in Dallas
Understanding United States's customs process helps ensure your Guangzhou shipment clears without delays or penalties. With sea freight, you have weeks to prepare documentation, but errors can lead to significant daily storage fees (demurrage) at the port.
Customs Bond Requirement
Commercial cargo cannot clear customs without an active Customs Bond on file with CBP.
UFLPA Compliance
Shipments from China must demonstrate compliance with the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act. Documentation proving supply chain transparency may be required.
Entry Type 01
Commercial shipments typically clear as Entry Type 01, subject to full inspection and duty collection protocols.
ISF 10+2 Filing
The ISF filing deadline is 24 hours prior to vessel departure from origin. Missing this deadline triggers automatic penalties of $5,000.
Key United States Import Considerations
ISF late fees are strictly enforced without exceptions
FCC certification needed for electronic devices
FDA prior notice is required for food and pharmaceutical products
UFLPA compliance is a current CBP priority for all China shipments
Hazardous Materials
Shipping Hazmat to Dallas
Transporting dangerous goods from Guangzhou requires careful compliance with IMDG Code (International Maritime Dangerous Goods) and United States import rules. Sea freight allows larger quantities but requires careful planning for extended transit times.
Universal Requirements for All DG Shipments
Current SDS documentation in dual language format is mandatory for all dangerous goods
Formal DGD signed by the shipper declaring the nature and classification of hazardous contents
Round-the-clock emergency contact required—must reach someone who knows the technical specifications
UN-approved packaging with proper certification stamps is required for all hazardous shipments
Sea Freight DG Rules for United States
ISF 10+2 DG Details
ISF filing must include specific dangerous goods details. The US requires precise chemical names—"Cleaning Fluid" is rejected; you must state "Isopropanol" or the exact composition.
49 CFR Compliance
Shipments must meet 49 CFR standards covering packaging, labeling, and documentation.
Port Security Requirements
Be prepared for enhanced inspections at port of entry for all hazardous cargo.
Key Points for United States Hazmat
US requires exact chemical names—generic descriptions are rejected
Lithium batteries >100Wh are Cargo Aircraft Only
ISF filing must include complete DG details 24 hours before departure
Random CBP inspections are common for DG shipments
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does sea freight take from Guangzhou to Dallas?
Sea freight from Guangzhou to Dallas typically takes 30-35 days for port-to-port transit. Actual delivery time may vary by 2-5 days depending on vessel schedules, customs clearance, and final delivery arrangements.
What is the estimated cost of shipping a container from Guangzhou to Dallas?
The estimated cost of shipping a 40ft container from Guangzhou to Dallas ranges from $4,600 to $4,600 depending on the carrier and service level. LCL rates typically start around $45-85 per CBM. Contact us for current rates and a customized quote.
Should I choose FCL or LCL for my Guangzhou to Dallas shipment?
Choosing between FCL and LCL for your Guangzhou to Dallas shipment depends on cargo volume. FCL (Full Container Load) is more cost-effective for shipments over 15 CBM, while LCL (Less than Container Load) is better for smaller volumes under 10 CBM. FCL also offers faster transit and lower risk of damage.
What documents do I need to ship from China to United States?
Documents required to ship from China to United States include: Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Bill of Lading, Certificate of Origin, and customs declaration forms. US imports also require an ISF (Importer Security Filing) submitted 24 hours before loading.
What factors can cause delays on the Guangzhou to Dallas route?
Factors that can cause delays on the Guangzhou to Dallas route include port congestion, adverse weather conditions, customs inspections, incomplete documentation, and peak season volume. US West Coast ports occasionally experience congestion during peak shipping seasons. Planning ahead and ensuring accurate documentation helps minimize delays.
Which port in Guangdong should I choose for the fastest service to Dallas?
For the fastest sea freight service to Dallas, Guangzhou is an excellent choice with 30-35 days transit time. South China ports like Shenzhen and Guangzhou provide competitive transit times with multiple weekly departures.
Are there direct sea freight services from Guangzhou to Dallas?
Yes, there are direct sea freight services from Guangzhou to Dallas offered by major carriers including COSCO, MSC, Maersk, and Evergreen. Direct services provide the fastest transit times of 30-35 days. Transshipment options via hub ports may also be available at competitive rates.
How can I calculate import duty from Guangzhou, Guangdong to Dallas?
Import duty from Guangzhou to Dallas is calculated based on the HS code of your goods, the declared value (CIF), and United States's tariff rates. US import duties vary from 0-25% depending on product classification. Use the USITC database or consult a customs broker for accurate duty calculations.
Do I need insurance to ship from Guangzhou, Guangdong to Dallas?
Insurance for shipping from Guangzhou to Dallas is highly recommended though not legally required. Marine cargo insurance typically costs 0.3-0.5% of cargo value and covers loss or damage during transit. Given the 30-35-day journey, insurance provides valuable protection against unforeseen events.
What factors affect the cost of shipping from Guangzhou to Dallas?
The cost of shipping from Guangzhou to Dallas is affected by container type and size, cargo weight and volume, fuel surcharges, seasonal demand, carrier selection, and additional services like customs clearance. Peak seasons (August-October) typically see higher rates due to increased demand.
What is the best way to track my shipment from Guangzhou to Dallas?
The best way to track your shipment from Guangzhou to Dallas is through our online tracking portal using your Bill of Lading number. You'll receive real-time updates on vessel location, estimated arrival, and customs status. Our team also provides proactive notifications for any schedule changes.
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