Sea Freight from Hong Kong to Seattle
Cost-effective ocean shipping service from Hong Kong port to Seattle. Comprehensive FCL and LCL container shipping solutions with reliable transit times and professional cargo handling throughout the journey.
Transit
12-15 days
Departures
Weekly departures
Why Sea Freight
Benefits of Sea Freight Shipping from Hong Kong to Seattle
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 Hong Kong (HKHKG) to the Port of Seattle (USSEA) offers exceptional value for businesses moving substantial cargo volumes to the Pacific Northwest. This route connects Asia's premier transshipment hub with one of America's most efficient container ports, providing reliable weekly sailings from major carriers like Evergreen, COSCO, and MSC. Your cargo benefits from Hong Kong's world-class container handling facilities and Seattle's advanced rail connections that reach deep into the U.S.
heartland within days of arrival. The Port of Seattle handles over 3.8 million TEU annually, ensuring your shipments receive professional processing and quick port departure. Electronics, machinery, textiles, and consumer goods from Hong Kong manufacturers find strong demand in Seattle's tech-driven economy, making this a proven trade lane for sustainable business growth.
Route Highlights
12-15 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 Seattle
Current 2026 sea freight rates from Hong Kong to Seattle typically range from $2,800 to $4,200 per 20-foot container (FCL) and $3,800 to $5,600 per 40-foot container, depending on carrier choice and booking timing. Less than container load (LCL) shipments generally cost between $180 and $280 per cubic meter, though consolidation schedules may extend transit times by 2-3 days. Peak season surcharges from September through January can add $400-800 per container due to holiday shipping demand, while low season rates in February through May offer the best value. Additional costs include documentation fees ($75-150), customs clearance at Seattle ($200-400), and potential chassis or drayage charges ($300-500) for inland delivery. Smart shippers book 2-3 weeks ahead during peak periods and consider flexible departure dates to secure better rates with preferred 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 Seattle
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 freight from Hong Kong's container terminals to Seattle's Terminal 18 or Terminal 46 requires 12-15 days of sailing time across the Pacific, with direct services offering the fastest transit. Standard weekly sailings from major alliances like THE Alliance and Ocean Alliance typically dock in Seattle on Tuesdays and Fridays, providing predictable arrival schedules for your supply chain planning. U.S. Customs processing at the Port of Seattle usually takes 1-2 additional days for routine cargo, though shipments with proper advance filing through the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) system clear faster. Expedited services are available for time-sensitive cargo, potentially reducing total door-to-door delivery to 14-16 days with premium rates approximately 20-30% higher than standard ocean freight. To minimize delays, ensure your commercial invoices clearly describe goods using proper Harmonized Tariff Schedule codes and maintain accurate shipper and consignee information in all documentation.
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 Seattle 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 Hong Kong to Seattle
This route serves as a major trade lane for various goods. Common shipments from Hong Kong to Seattle include:
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 Hong Kong to Seattle
To ship goods from Hong Kong to Seattle, you'll need these documents. For sea freight, you'll receive a Bill of Lading (B/L) as your transport receipt.
Universal Requirements
Describes the goods, value, and buyer/seller details
Specifies cargo measurements, weights, and how items are packed
Documentation of the purchase terms and conditions
Verifies Chinese origin for preferential duty treatment
Sea Freight Requirements for United States
Importer Security Filing must be submitted 24 hours before vessel departure from China
Single Entry or Continuous Bond required for all US imports
Title document for ocean cargo - required for cargo release
Important: United States Requirements
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)
FCC certification needed for electronic devices
Customs
Clearing Customs in Seattle
Understanding United States's customs process helps ensure your Hong Kong 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.
Entry Type 01
Commercial shipments typically clear as Entry Type 01, subject to full inspection and duty collection protocols.
UFLPA Compliance
Shipments from China must demonstrate compliance with the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act. Documentation proving supply chain transparency may be required.
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
FDA prior notice is required for food and pharmaceutical products
FCC certification needed for electronic devices
UFLPA compliance is a current CBP priority for all China shipments
Hazardous Materials
Hazardous Materials: Hong Kong to Seattle
Hazardous materials shipments to Seattle 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
Current SDS documentation in dual language format is mandatory for all dangerous goods
Round-the-clock emergency contact required—must reach someone who knows the technical specifications
Formal DGD signed by the shipper declaring the nature and classification of hazardous contents
UN-approved packaging with proper certification stamps is required for all hazardous shipments
Sea Freight DG Rules for United States
Port Security Requirements
Be prepared for enhanced inspections at port of entry for all hazardous cargo.
49 CFR Compliance
Shipments must meet 49 CFR standards covering packaging, labeling, and documentation.
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.
Key Points for United States Hazmat
ISF filing must include complete DG details 24 hours before departure
Lithium batteries >100Wh are Cargo Aircraft Only
US requires exact chemical names—generic descriptions are rejected
Random CBP inspections are common for DG shipments
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does sea freight take from Hong Kong to Seattle?
Sea freight from Hong Kong to Seattle typically takes 12-15 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 Seattle?
The cost of shipping a container from Hong Kong to Seattle 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 Seattle shipment?
Choosing between FCL and LCL for your Hong Kong to Seattle 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 Seattle route?
Factors that can cause delays on the Hong Kong to Seattle 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 Seattle?
For the fastest sea freight service to Seattle, Hong Kong is an excellent choice with 12-15 days transit time. This port offers regular services with reliable transit times.
Are there direct sea freight services from Hong Kong to Seattle?
Yes, there are direct sea freight services from Hong Kong to Seattle offered by major carriers including COSCO, MSC, Maersk, and Evergreen. Direct services provide the fastest transit times of 12-15 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 Seattle?
Import duty from Hong Kong to Seattle 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 Seattle?
Insurance for shipping from Hong Kong to Seattle 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 12-15-day journey, insurance provides valuable protection against unforeseen events.
What factors affect the cost of shipping from Hong Kong to Seattle?
The cost of shipping from Hong Kong to Seattle 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 Seattle?
The best way to track your shipment from Hong Kong to Seattle 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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