Sea Freight from Hong Kong to Long Beach
Cost-effective ocean shipping service from Hong Kong port to Long Beach. 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 Hong Kong to Long Beach
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 Hong Kong's bustling Port of Hong Kong (HKHKG) to Long Beach's Port of Long Beach (USLGB) offers tremendous value for businesses moving large volumes to the United States market. This route connects Asia's premier transshipment hub with America's second-busiest container port, giving you access to major carriers like COSCO, Evergreen, and OOCL that run regular weekly services. Your cargo benefits from established handling procedures at both ports, with Long Beach's modern terminals equipped for efficient container processing and direct rail connections to distribution centers across the American Southwest.
The ocean route provides excellent cost efficiency for heavy shipments like electronics, textiles, and consumer goods typically exported from Hong Kong, with container rates significantly lower per unit than air freight. Both ports maintain strong security protocols and advanced tracking systems, ensuring your merchandise arrives safely while you maintain visibility throughout the journey.
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 Hong Kong to Long Beach
Current 2026 sea freight rates from Hong Kong to Long Beach typically range from $800 to $1,500 per twenty-foot equivalent unit (TEU), with forty-foot containers running $1,200 to $2,300 depending on seasonal demand and carrier selection. Peak shipping seasons from August through October often see rates increase by 20-30% due to holiday inventory builds, while January through March generally offers the most competitive pricing. Additional costs include bunker adjustment factor (BAF) of $150-250 per container, terminal handling charges at Long Beach around $400-500 per container, and customs examination fees if your shipment gets selected for inspection. Smart shippers can reduce costs by booking during shoulder seasons, consolidating smaller shipments into full container loads, and working with freight forwarders who have volume contracts with major carriers. Remember that these ocean rates exclude inland transportation from Long Beach to your final destination, which typically adds $200-800 depending on distance and delivery requirements.
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 Hong Kong to Long Beach
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 vessels sailing from Hong Kong's Port of Hong Kong to Long Beach's Port of Long Beach require 15-18 days for the Pacific crossing, with faster services completing the journey in 15 days and slower services taking up to 18 days. Once your container arrives at Long Beach, customs clearance typically adds 2-4 business days for routine shipments, though complex cargo or random examinations can extend this to 5-7 days. Express ocean services offered by premium carriers like Maersk and MSC provide priority vessel space and faster port handling, potentially shaving 1-2 days off total transit time for time-sensitive shipments. Standard services offer reliable weekly departures with competitive rates, while economy options may involve transshipment through other Asian ports, adding 3-5 days to your total journey time. Preparing accurate documentation, including commercial invoices and packing lists, before your cargo departs Hong Kong helps prevent customs delays and ensures smoother processing through Long Beach's automated clearance systems.
Pricing
Container Options & Pricing
Transparent pricing for FCL and LCL shipments. All rates include standard handling.
Standard
20ft FCL
$2,400 - $3,200
Popular
40ft FCL
$2,800 - $4,000
Standard
40ft HC FCL
$3,000 - $4,300
Standard
LCL Shipment
$45 - $85 /CBM
Note: Rates are estimates and may vary based on cargo type, seasonal demand, and market conditions.
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 Hong Kong to Long Beach 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 Hong Kong to Long Beach?
The Hong Kong to Long Beach route handles a diverse range of cargo. Here are the most commonly shipped items on this corridor:
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
Documentation for Hong Kong to Long Beach Shipments
Proper documentation ensures smooth customs clearance for your sea freight shipment to Long Beach. Your cargo will be accompanied by a Bill of Lading (B/L) as proof of transport.
Universal Requirements
Details weights, dimensions, and packaging specifications
Official record of goods, their value, and parties involved
Required for duty rate determination and trade agreements
Proof of the commercial agreement between buyer and seller
Sea Freight Requirements for United States
Single Entry or Continuous Bond required for all US imports
Importer Security Filing must be submitted 24 hours before vessel departure from China
Title document for ocean cargo - required for cargo release
Important: United States Requirements
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
FDA prior notice required for food products (filed 15 days before arrival)
Customs
United States Customs Process
Getting your cargo through United States customs involves multiple stages of verification and documentation review. 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 Long Beach
Shipping dangerous goods from Hong Kong to Long Beach 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 Hong Kong to Long Beach?
Sea freight from Hong Kong to Long Beach 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 Hong Kong to Long Beach?
The cost of shipping a container from Hong Kong to Long Beach varies based on container size, carrier, and current market conditions. FCL rates typically range from $2,800-$4,500 for a 40ft container, while LCL rates start around $45-85 per CBM. Request a quote for accurate pricing.
Should I choose FCL or LCL for my Hong Kong to Long Beach shipment?
Choosing between FCL and LCL for your Hong Kong to Long Beach 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 Hong Kong to United States?
Documents required to ship from Hong Kong 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 Hong Kong to Long Beach route?
Factors that can cause delays on the Hong Kong to Long Beach 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 Hong Kong should I choose for the fastest service to Long Beach?
For the fastest sea freight service to Long Beach, Hong Kong is an excellent choice with 15-18 days transit time. This port offers regular services with reliable transit times.
Are there direct sea freight services from Hong Kong to Long Beach?
Yes, there are direct sea freight services from Hong Kong to Long Beach 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 Hong Kong, Hong Kong to Long Beach?
Import duty from Hong Kong to Long Beach 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 Hong Kong, Hong Kong to Long Beach?
Insurance for shipping from Hong Kong to Long Beach 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 Hong Kong to Long Beach?
The cost of shipping from Hong Kong to Long Beach 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 Hong Kong to Long Beach?
The best way to track your shipment from Hong Kong to Long Beach 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.
More Routes
Explore Other Routes
Sea Freight from Hong Kong
Sea Freight to Long Beach
Get Your Sea Freight Quote
Ready to ship from Hong Kong to Long Beach? Get a competitive quote for your cargo. Our team will respond within 24 hours.
delivered
countries
response