Sea Freight from Hong Kong to Los Angeles
Cost-effective ocean shipping service from Hong Kong 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 Hong Kong 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
Sea freight from Hong Kong's bustling Port of Hong Kong (HKHKG) to the Port of Los Angeles (USLAX) offers exceptional value for businesses shipping large volumes to the United States market. This route serves as one of the most reliable transpacific corridors, with major carriers like COSCO, Evergreen, and Hapag-Lloyd providing consistent weekly services that ensure your cargo moves predictably. The massive container capacity available on this route means lower per-unit costs compared to air freight, making it ideal for electronics, textiles, furniture, and consumer goods that define much of the Hong Kong to US trade flow.
Your cargo enjoys enhanced security in sealed containers throughout the 15-18 day journey, with advanced tracking systems that provide visibility from departure to arrival at one of America's largest ports. The Port of Los Angeles handles over 9 million TEUs annually, ensuring robust infrastructure and experienced handling teams that understand the unique requirements of Asian imports.
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 Los Angeles
Current 2026 sea freight rates from Hong Kong to Los Angeles typically range from $800 to $1,400 per 20-foot container (TEU) and $1,200 to $2,000 per 40-foot container, depending on seasonal demand and carrier selection. Peak shipping season from August through October can push rates 20-30% higher as retailers stock inventory for holiday sales, while January through March often offers the most competitive pricing. Additional costs include a bunker adjustment factor (BAF) of roughly $150-250 per container to cover fuel fluctuations, plus documentation fees around $75-125 per shipment. US customs processing fees and potential examination costs can add another $200-400 to your total landed cost, particularly for first-time importers or high-risk commodity codes. Smart shippers often secure better rates by booking space 2-3 weeks in advance, consolidating multiple shipments, or partnering with freight forwarders who have volume agreements with major carriers.
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 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
Ocean vessels typically complete the transpacific voyage from Hong Kong to Los Angeles in 12-14 days of actual sailing time, though total door-to-door transit averages 15-18 days including port operations and customs clearance. Premium express services from carriers like MSC and CMA CGM can shave 2-3 days off standard schedules by using faster vessels and priority berthing, though at 15-25% higher rates. US Customs and Border Protection processing at the Port of Los Angeles usually takes 1-2 days for routine cargo, but can extend to 5-7 days if your shipment undergoes physical examination or requires additional documentation. Importers can significantly reduce clearance delays by ensuring their customs broker receives complete commercial invoices and packing lists at least 24 hours before vessel arrival, and by maintaining good standing in CBP's trusted trader programs like C-TPAT. Peak congestion periods during Chinese New Year or major US shopping seasons may add 2-4 additional days to overall transit times due to increased cargo volumes.
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 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
Frequently Shipped Goods: Hong Kong to Los Angeles
Businesses regularly ship the following product categories from Hong Kong to Los Angeles, United States:
Electronics
Consumer electronics including phones, computers, and lithium-ion batteries
Home & Office
Modern furniture, ergonomic office equipment, and home lighting
Industrial
Heavy machinery, renewable energy components, and industrial tools
Retail & Fashion
Fast-fashion apparel, footwear, and synthetic textiles
Toys & Recreation
E-bikes, electric scooters, and educational toys
Dangerous Goods
Regulated items such as lithium-ion cells and chemical compounds
Documentation
Shipping Documents for the Hong Kong to Los Angeles Route
Proper documentation ensures smooth customs clearance for your sea freight shipment to Los Angeles. Your cargo will be accompanied by a Bill of Lading (B/L) as proof of transport.
Universal Requirements
Lists package contents, dimensions, and gross/net weights
Proves goods were manufactured in China (for duty benefits)
Official record of the trade agreement
Lists product descriptions, pricing, and transaction parties
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
FCC certification needed for electronic devices
FDA prior notice required for food products (filed 15 days before arrival)
ISF Filing is critical for sea freight - failure to file results in a $5,000 fine
Customs
Import Clearance: Hong Kong to Los Angeles
The customs clearance process in Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles
Shipping dangerous goods from Hong Kong to Los Angeles 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
Packaging must display valid UN certification matching the dangerous goods classification
Complete the formal declaration document with shipper signature certifying DG compliance
Provide a phone number (with country code) manned 24/7 by someone familiar with the cargo details
Material Safety Data Sheet required in English and Chinese, dated within the last 12 months
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 Los Angeles?
Sea freight from Hong Kong 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 Hong Kong to Los Angeles?
The cost of shipping a container from Hong Kong to Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles shipment?
Choosing between FCL and LCL for your Hong Kong 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 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 Los Angeles route?
Factors that can cause delays on the Hong Kong 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 Hong Kong should I choose for the fastest service to Los Angeles?
For the fastest sea freight service to Los Angeles, 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 Los Angeles?
Yes, there are direct sea freight services from Hong Kong 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 Hong Kong, Hong Kong to Los Angeles?
Import duty from Hong Kong 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 Hong Kong, Hong Kong to Los Angeles?
Insurance for shipping from Hong Kong 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 Hong Kong to Los Angeles?
The cost of shipping from Hong Kong 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 Hong Kong to Los Angeles?
The best way to track your shipment from Hong Kong 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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Explore Other Routes
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