Sea Freight from Guangzhou to Los Angeles
Cost-effective ocean shipping service from Guangzhou port to Los Angeles. Comprehensive FCL and LCL container shipping solutions with reliable transit times and professional cargo handling throughout the journey.
Transit
15-18 days
Departures
Weekly departures
Why Sea Freight
Benefits of Sea Freight Shipping from Guangzhou to Los Angeles
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 from the Port of Guangzhou to the Port of Los Angeles offers manufacturers and retailers one of the most reliable trans-Pacific trade corridors available today. Major carriers like COSCO, Evergreen, and Yang Ming operate regular weekly services on this route, providing consistent capacity even during peak seasons when other lanes face constraints. Your cargo benefits from established terminal operations at both ports, with Guangzhou's deep-water facilities handling everything from electronics to textiles efficiently, while Los Angeles offers direct rail connections to major distribution centers across the United States.
The route's maturity means competitive pricing and proven security protocols that protect high-value shipments like consumer electronics, automotive parts, and fashion goods that dominate this trade lane. Business owners particularly value the predictable sailing schedules that support just-in-time inventory strategies for the massive U.S. consumer market.
Route Highlights
15-18 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 Los Angeles
Current sea freight rates from Guangzhou to Los Angeles range from $1,200 to $2,800 per twenty-foot equivalent unit (TEU) depending on your cargo type and booking timing, with standard dry containers typically falling in the $1,500 to $2,100 range. Container rates fluctuate based on seasonal demand, with peak shopping season from August through October driving prices up by 20 to 40 percent compared to slower periods in February and March. Additional costs include terminal handling charges of approximately $400 to $600 per container at both ends, plus fuel surcharges that currently add 8 to 12 percent to base rates due to updated environmental regulations. Smart shippers reduce costs by booking cargo 3 to 4 weeks in advance, consolidating shipments to fill full containers, and avoiding peak season rushes when possible. Documentation fees, customs brokerage, and inland transportation from the port to your final destination typically add another $800 to $1,500 to your total landed cost.
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 Los Angeles
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
Standard sea freight service from Guangzhou to Los Angeles takes 15 to 18 days for the ocean crossing, with most major carriers maintaining reliable schedules that rarely deviate more than 1 to 2 days from published arrival times. Customs clearance at the Port of Los Angeles typically adds another 1 to 3 business days for routine shipments, though complex cargo requiring inspections or additional documentation can extend this to 5 to 7 days. Express services offered by premium carriers can reduce ocean transit to 12 to 14 days at a cost premium of 15 to 25 percent, making them worthwhile for time-sensitive merchandise launches or inventory replenishment. Preparation significantly impacts your total door-to-door timeline, so ensure your commercial invoices, packing lists, and any required certificates reach your customs broker at least 48 hours before vessel arrival. Experienced importers often achieve faster clearance by working with established customs brokers, maintaining consistent product classifications, and ensuring all documentation accuracy before shipment departure from Guangzhou.
Pricing
Container Options & Pricing
Transparent pricing for FCL and LCL shipments. All rates include standard handling.
| Carrier | 40GP (USD) | 40HQ (USD) | Transit Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| OAC | $3,100 | $3,100 | 15 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 Los Angeles 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
Common Goods Shipped from Guangzhou to Los Angeles
Businesses regularly ship the following product categories from Guangzhou to Los Angeles, United States:
Electronics
Mobile devices, personal computers, and electronic components
Home & Office
IKEA-style furniture, LED fixtures, and mattresses
Industrial
HVAC systems, solar panels, and CNC manufacturing tools
Retail & Fashion
Sneakers, casual wear, and fashion accessories
Toys & Recreation
Gaming accessories, plush toys, and recreational gear
Dangerous Goods
DG cargo including battery packs and chemical products
Documentation
Essential Paperwork: Guangzhou to Los Angeles
Ensure your Guangzhou to Los Angeles sea freight clears customs quickly with these required documents.
Universal Requirements
Contains item values, quantities, and seller/buyer information
Evidence of the transaction between parties
Certifies the country of manufacture for tariff purposes
Documents packaging details and physical cargo specifications
Sea Freight Requirements for United States
Importer Security Filing must be submitted 24 hours before vessel departure from China
Title document for ocean cargo - required for cargo release
Single Entry or Continuous Bond required for all US imports
Important: United States Requirements
ISF Filing is critical for sea freight - failure to file results in a $5,000 fine
FDA prior notice required for food products (filed 15 days before arrival)
FCC certification needed for electronic devices
Customs Bond is mandatory for both sea and air imports
Customs
Customs Clearance for Los Angeles Imports
Customs clearance is more than a single step—it encompasses compliance verification, valuation assessment, and security screening. With sea freight, you have weeks to prepare documentation, but errors can lead to significant daily storage fees (demurrage) at the port.
UFLPA Compliance
CBP may request proof of UFLPA compliance for any shipment from China. Maintain detailed supplier records.
ISF 10+2 Filing
ISF data must reach CBP 24 hours before the ship leaves port. Late or missing filings incur $5,000 fines.
Customs Bond Requirement
A Continuous Bond or Single Entry Bond is mandatory for all commercial imports entering the United States.
Entry Type 01
Standard commercial imports use Entry Type 01, requiring complete documentation and duty assessment.
Key United States Import Considerations
FCC certification needed for electronic devices
UFLPA compliance is a current CBP priority for all China shipments
ISF late fees are strictly enforced without exceptions
FDA prior notice is required for food and pharmaceutical products
Hazardous Materials
Hazardous Materials: Guangzhou to Los Angeles
Hazardous materials shipments to Los Angeles are governed by IMDG Code (International Maritime Dangerous Goods). Sea freight allows larger quantities but requires careful planning for extended transit times.
Universal Requirements for All DG Shipments
A signed DGD is mandatory, accurately listing all hazardous materials and their classifications
All containers require UN-stamped packaging certified for the hazard class of the contents
Safety Data Sheet must be current (within 1 year) and provided in both English and Chinese
Include an emergency phone number staffed continuously by personnel with cargo knowledge
Sea Freight DG Rules for United States
ISF 10+2 DG Details
Your ISF 10+2 must specify exact chemical names and compositions for all hazardous materials.
Port Security Requirements
US ports have enhanced security protocols for DG vessels. Expect potential inspections and delays.
49 CFR Compliance
Compliance with 49 CFR is mandatory for all dangerous goods entering US ports.
Key Points for United States Hazmat
US requires exact chemical names—generic descriptions are rejected
ISF filing must include complete DG details 24 hours before departure
Random CBP inspections are common for DG shipments
Lithium batteries >100Wh are Cargo Aircraft Only
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does sea freight take from Guangzhou to Los Angeles?
Sea freight from Guangzhou to Los Angeles typically takes 15-18 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 Los Angeles?
The estimated cost of shipping a 40ft container from Guangzhou to Los Angeles ranges from $3,100 to $3,100 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 Los Angeles shipment?
Choosing between FCL and LCL for your Guangzhou to Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles route?
Factors that can cause delays on the Guangzhou to Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles?
For the fastest sea freight service to Los Angeles, Guangzhou is an excellent choice with 15-18 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 Los Angeles?
Yes, there are direct sea freight services from Guangzhou to Los Angeles offered by major carriers including COSCO, MSC, Maersk, and Evergreen. Direct services provide the fastest transit times of 15-18 days. Transshipment options via hub ports may also be available at competitive rates.
How can I calculate import duty from Guangzhou, Guangdong to Los Angeles?
Import duty from Guangzhou to Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles?
Insurance for shipping from Guangzhou to Los Angeles 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 15-18-day journey, insurance provides valuable protection against unforeseen events.
What factors affect the cost of shipping from Guangzhou to Los Angeles?
The cost of shipping from Guangzhou to Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles?
The best way to track your shipment from Guangzhou to Los Angeles 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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