Sea Freight from Ningbo to Long Beach
Cost-effective ocean shipping service from Ningbo 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 Ningbo 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 Ningbo-Zhoushan Port to the Port of Long Beach offers American businesses one of the most reliable and cost-effective routes for importing goods from China's manufacturing hub. This established trade corridor connects you directly to Ningbo's massive container terminals, which handle everything from electronics and textiles to machinery and consumer goods destined for the US market. Major carriers like COSCO, Evergreen, and Yang Ming operate regular weekly services on this route, giving you flexibility in scheduling and competitive pricing options.
The Port of Long Beach's advanced infrastructure and experienced customs processing teams mean your containers move efficiently through the supply chain, reducing delays that can hurt your bottom line. Beyond cost savings of up to 85% compared to air freight, sea shipping from Ningbo provides excellent cargo security through sealed containers and comprehensive tracking systems that let you monitor your shipment across the Pacific.
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 Ningbo to Long Beach
Current 2026 sea freight rates from Ningbo to Long Beach typically range from $1,200 to $2,800 per 20-foot container (TEU) and $1,800 to $4,200 per 40-foot container (FEU), depending on seasonal demand and carrier selection. These base rates fluctuate significantly during peak shipping seasons from August through October when consumer goods flow increases for the holiday shopping period. Additional costs you should budget for include a bunker adjustment factor (BAF) of $200-400 per container, port handling charges of approximately $150-250 at each end, and documentation fees around $75-125 per shipment. Smart shippers reduce costs by booking space 2-3 weeks in advance, consolidating smaller shipments into full container loads, and working with freight forwarders who have strong relationships with multiple carriers. Terminal handling charges at Long Beach can add another $300-500 per container, but these fees often include services like container destuffing and temporary storage that provide real value.
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 Ningbo 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 transit from Ningbo-Zhoushan Port to the Port of Long Beach typically takes 15-18 days of sailing time, making this one of the faster transpacific routes available to US importers. Vessel schedules vary by carrier, with express services completing the journey in closer to 15 days while standard services may take the full 18 days depending on intermediate port calls and weather conditions. Once your container arrives at Long Beach, allow an additional 2-4 days for customs clearance and terminal processing, though shipments with proper documentation and trusted trader status often clear within 24-48 hours. Expedite your customs clearance by ensuring all commercial invoices, packing lists, and certificates of origin are accurate and submitted electronically before vessel arrival. Consider that US Customs and Border Protection prioritizes shipments from importers with strong compliance records, so maintaining proper documentation standards can significantly reduce your dwell time at the terminal and get your goods moving to their final destination faster.
Pricing
Container Options & Pricing
Transparent pricing for FCL and LCL shipments. All rates include standard handling.
| Carrier | 40GP (USD) | 40HQ (USD) | Transit Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| EMC | $2,962 | $2,962 | 15 days |
| COSCO | $3,050 | $3,050 | 17 days |
| SML | $2,750 | $2,750 | 20 days |
| HMM | $2,800 | $2,800 | 22 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 Ningbo 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
Popular Items on the Ningbo to Long Beach Route
Our Ningbo to Long Beach service regularly handles shipments across these categories:
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 Ningbo 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
Import Clearance: Ningbo to Long Beach
The customs clearance process in Long Beach 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.
Entry Type 01
Entry Type 01 is the standard classification for commercial sea freight requiring formal customs processing.
Customs Bond Requirement
All US imports require either a Continuous Bond (for frequent importers) or a Single Entry Bond (for occasional shipments).
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.
UFLPA Compliance
All China-origin cargo is subject to UFLPA scrutiny. Importers must be able to verify ethical sourcing.
Key United States Import Considerations
FDA prior notice is required for food and pharmaceutical products
ISF late fees are strictly enforced without exceptions
UFLPA compliance is a current CBP priority for all China shipments
FCC certification needed for electronic devices
Hazardous Materials
Dangerous Goods Shipping to Long Beach
Shipping dangerous goods from Ningbo 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
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
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.
49 CFR Compliance
The US follows 49 CFR for hazmat—ensure your packaging and paperwork meet these federal standards.
Key Points for United States Hazmat
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
US requires exact chemical names—generic descriptions are rejected
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does sea freight take from Ningbo to Long Beach?
Sea freight from Ningbo 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 Ningbo to Long Beach?
The estimated cost of shipping a 40ft container from Ningbo to Long Beach ranges from $2,750 to $3,050 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 Ningbo to Long Beach shipment?
Choosing between FCL and LCL for your Ningbo 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 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 Ningbo to Long Beach route?
Factors that can cause delays on the Ningbo 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 Zhejiang should I choose for the fastest service to Long Beach?
For the fastest sea freight service to Long Beach, Ningbo is an excellent choice with 15-18 days transit time. Shanghai and Ningbo ports offer frequent sailings and excellent connectivity.
Are there direct sea freight services from Ningbo to Long Beach?
Yes, there are direct sea freight services from Ningbo 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 Ningbo, Zhejiang to Long Beach?
Import duty from Ningbo 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 Ningbo, Zhejiang to Long Beach?
Insurance for shipping from Ningbo 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 Ningbo to Long Beach?
The cost of shipping from Ningbo 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 Ningbo to Long Beach?
The best way to track your shipment from Ningbo 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.
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