Sea Freight from Guangzhou to San Francisco
Cost-effective ocean shipping service from Guangzhou port to San Francisco. Comprehensive FCL and LCL container shipping solutions with reliable transit times and professional cargo handling throughout the journey.
Transit
14-17 days
Departures
Weekly departures
Why Sea Freight
Benefits of Sea Freight Shipping from Guangzhou to San Francisco
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
Sea freight from Port of Guangzhou to Port of San Francisco offers exceptional value for businesses shipping large volumes or non-urgent cargo to the United States. Major carriers like COSCO, Evergreen, and MSC operate regular services on this transpacific route, providing reliable weekly departures and competitive container rates that can be 70-80% lower than air freight costs. Your cargo travels in secure, weatherproof containers that protect goods from damage during the 14-17 day ocean voyage, making this ideal for electronics, textiles, furniture, and machinery commonly exported from Guangzhou's manufacturing hub.
The Port of San Francisco's proximity to Silicon Valley and Northern California distribution centers gives you strategic access to one of America's most valuable consumer markets. Container shipping also allows you to consolidate multiple product lines in a single shipment, reducing per-unit logistics costs and simplifying your supply chain management.
Route Highlights
14-17 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 San Francisco
Current sea freight rates from Guangzhou to San Francisco in 2026 range from $2,800 to $4,200 for a 40-foot container (40HC), with 20-foot containers (20GP) typically costing $1,800 to $2,800 depending on carrier and season. Peak shipping periods from August through October see rates increase by 15-25% due to holiday inventory buildup, while January through March offers the most competitive pricing. Additional costs include bunker adjustment factor (BAF) of $200-400 per container, terminal handling charges at both ports totaling $350-500, and documentation fees of $75-150 per shipment. You can reduce costs by booking full container loads (FCL) rather than less-than-container-load (LCL) shipments, which charge $85-120 per cubic meter and include consolidation fees. Smart shippers also negotiate annual contracts with freight forwarders to secure volume discounts of 8-15% and gain priority booking during capacity-constrained periods.
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 San Francisco
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
Ocean transit from Port of Guangzhou to Port of San Francisco takes 14-17 days depending on the specific carrier service and any intermediate port calls along the route. Direct services from carriers like OOCL and Yang Ming complete the voyage in 14-15 days, while services with stops in ports like Busan or Tokyo extend transit to 16-17 days but often offer lower rates. Customs clearance at San Francisco typically adds 1-2 business days for routine shipments, though having your customs broker pre-clear documentation can reduce this to same-day release for established importers. Express container services, while limited on this route, can prioritize your cargo for faster port handling and earlier delivery appointments once cleared. To minimize delays, ensure your commercial invoices match your packing lists exactly and provide detailed product descriptions, as U.S. Customs frequently examines shipments from China for compliance verification.
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 | $3,300 | 16 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 San Francisco 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
Top Cargo Categories: Guangzhou to San Francisco
This route serves as a major trade lane for various goods. Common shipments from Guangzhou to San Francisco include:
Electronics
High-tech gadgets from smartphones to industrial circuit boards
Home & Office
Flat-pack furniture, office chairs, LED lighting, and bedding
Industrial
Power generators, industrial machinery, and HVAC equipment
Retail & Fashion
Trendy clothing, athletic footwear, and textile goods
Toys & Recreation
Sports equipment, hobby electronics, and children's toys
Dangerous Goods
Lithium batteries and chemicals (requires MSDS documentation)
Documentation
Shipping Documents for the Guangzhou to San Francisco Route
Proper documentation ensures smooth customs clearance for your sea freight shipment to San Francisco. Your cargo will be accompanied by a Bill of Lading (B/L) as proof of transport.
Universal Requirements
Required for duty rate determination and trade agreements
Official record of goods, their value, and parties involved
Details weights, dimensions, and packaging specifications
Proof of the commercial agreement between buyer and seller
Sea Freight Requirements for United States
Title document for ocean cargo - required for cargo release
Importer Security Filing must be submitted 24 hours before vessel departure from China
Single Entry or Continuous Bond required for all US imports
Important: United States Requirements
FCC certification needed for electronic devices
ISF Filing is critical for sea freight - failure to file results in a $5,000 fine
Customs Bond is mandatory for both sea and air imports
FDA prior notice required for food products (filed 15 days before arrival)
Customs
Import Clearance: Guangzhou to San Francisco
The customs clearance process in San Francisco requires accurate documentation and regulatory compliance. With sea freight, you have weeks to prepare documentation, but errors can lead to significant daily storage fees (demurrage) at the port.
ISF 10+2 Filing
Importer Security Filing must be submitted 24 hours before the vessel departs China. Non-compliance results in a $5,000 fine per violation.
Customs Bond Requirement
All US imports require either a Continuous Bond (for frequent importers) or a Single Entry Bond (for occasional shipments).
Entry Type 01
Entry Type 01 is the standard classification for commercial sea freight requiring formal customs processing.
UFLPA Compliance
All China-origin cargo is subject to UFLPA scrutiny. Importers must be able to verify ethical sourcing.
Key United States Import Considerations
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
FCC certification needed for electronic devices
Hazardous Materials
Dangerous Goods Shipping to San Francisco
Shipping dangerous goods from Guangzhou to San Francisco requires compliance with IMDG Code (International Maritime Dangerous Goods) standards and United States-specific regulations. Sea freight allows larger quantities but requires careful planning for extended transit times.
Universal Requirements for All DG Shipments
Outer packaging must bear the UN certification mark confirming it can withstand the specific hazards
Provide recent Safety Data Sheets in English and Chinese—documents older than 1 year are rejected
A 24/7 emergency number is mandatory; the contact must understand the hazardous materials involved
Shipper must complete and sign the official Dangerous Goods Declaration form
Sea Freight DG Rules for United States
49 CFR Compliance
The US follows 49 CFR for hazmat—ensure your packaging and paperwork meet these federal standards.
Port Security Requirements
Port security may require additional documentation or physical inspection of DG shipments.
ISF 10+2 DG Details
Detailed chemical composition required in ISF filing. Generic descriptions are not accepted—provide exact chemical names.
Key Points for United States Hazmat
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
US requires exact chemical names—generic descriptions are rejected
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does sea freight take from Guangzhou to San Francisco?
Sea freight from Guangzhou to San Francisco typically takes 14-17 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 San Francisco?
The estimated cost of shipping a 40ft container from Guangzhou to San Francisco 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 San Francisco shipment?
Choosing between FCL and LCL for your Guangzhou to San Francisco 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 San Francisco route?
Factors that can cause delays on the Guangzhou to San Francisco 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 San Francisco?
For the fastest sea freight service to San Francisco, Guangzhou is an excellent choice with 14-17 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 San Francisco?
Yes, there are direct sea freight services from Guangzhou to San Francisco offered by major carriers including COSCO, MSC, Maersk, and Evergreen. Direct services provide the fastest transit times of 14-17 days. Transshipment options via hub ports may also be available at competitive rates.
How can I calculate import duty from Guangzhou, Guangdong to San Francisco?
Import duty from Guangzhou to San Francisco 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 San Francisco?
Insurance for shipping from Guangzhou to San Francisco 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 14-17-day journey, insurance provides valuable protection against unforeseen events.
What factors affect the cost of shipping from Guangzhou to San Francisco?
The cost of shipping from Guangzhou to San Francisco 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 San Francisco?
The best way to track your shipment from Guangzhou to San Francisco 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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