Sea Freight from Qingdao to Long Beach
Cost-effective ocean shipping service from Qingdao 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 Qingdao 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 from Qingdao to Long Beach offers exceptional value for businesses moving large volumes to the United States market. The Port of Qingdao serves as China's premier northern gateway, with direct container services operated by major carriers like COSCO, Evergreen, and Yang Ming providing reliable weekly sailings to the Port of Long Beach. This route handles everything from electronics and textiles to machinery and automotive parts, with containerized cargo enjoying excellent protection during the Pacific crossing.
Long Beach's proximity to major distribution centers in Los Angeles and the Inland Empire means your goods reach final destinations quickly once they arrive, making this combination ideal for businesses serving the western United States. The established trade lane ensures competitive rates and consistent service levels that help maintain predictable supply chain costs.
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 Qingdao to Long Beach
Current 2026 sea freight rates from Qingdao to Long Beach range from $1,200 to $1,800 per twenty-foot equivalent unit (TEU), depending on cargo type and booking volume. Forty-foot containers typically cost between $1,800 and $2,700, with high-cube containers commanding a $200 to $300 premium due to increased capacity. Additional charges include a bunker adjustment factor of approximately $180 per TEU, terminal handling fees of $300 at Long Beach, and documentation charges around $75 per shipment. Businesses can reduce costs by consolidating shipments, booking during off-peak periods like late January through March, and establishing volume commitments with carriers for preferential rates. Remember that US customs clearance fees and potential exam charges can add $150 to $500 per container, so factor these into your total landed cost calculations.
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 Qingdao 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 Qingdao to Long Beach typically requires 15 to 18 days for direct sailings, though some services may include a brief technical stop in Busan, South Korea, adding 1 to 2 days to the journey. Once your container arrives at Long Beach, allow 2 to 4 additional days for customs clearance and cargo release, assuming all documentation is properly prepared and no physical examination is required. Premium services from carriers like MSC and CMA CGM offer priority vessel space and faster port handling, potentially reducing total door-to-door time by 2 to 3 days for time-sensitive shipments. To expedite processing, ensure your commercial invoices accurately describe goods, prepare ISF (Importer Security Filing) documentation at least 24 hours before vessel departure from Qingdao, and consider using a trusted customs broker familiar with Long Beach operations. Peak season periods from August through October may extend transit times by 3 to 5 days due to port congestion and equipment shortages.
Pricing
Container Options & Pricing
Transparent pricing for FCL and LCL shipments. All rates include standard handling.
| Carrier | 40GP (USD) | 40HQ (USD) | Transit Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| EMC | $2,912 | $2,912 | 17 days |
| COSCO | $3,000 | $3,000 | 19 days |
| SML | $2,700 | $2,700 | 22 days |
| HMM | $2,750 | $2,750 | 24 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 Qingdao 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
Top Cargo Categories: Qingdao to Long Beach
This route serves as a major trade lane for various goods. Common shipments from Qingdao to Long Beach 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 Qingdao to Long Beach Route
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.
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).
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
FDA prior notice is required for food and pharmaceutical products
ISF late fees are strictly enforced without exceptions
FCC certification needed for electronic devices
Hazardous Materials
Dangerous Goods Shipping to Long Beach
Shipping dangerous goods from Qingdao 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
A 24/7 emergency number is mandatory; the contact must understand the hazardous materials involved
Provide recent Safety Data Sheets in English and Chinese—documents older than 1 year are rejected
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.
ISF 10+2 DG Details
Detailed chemical composition required in ISF filing. Generic descriptions are not accepted—provide exact chemical names.
Port Security Requirements
Port security may require additional documentation or physical inspection of DG shipments.
Key Points for United States Hazmat
Lithium batteries >100Wh are Cargo Aircraft Only
Random CBP inspections are common for DG shipments
ISF filing must include complete DG details 24 hours before departure
US requires exact chemical names—generic descriptions are rejected
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does sea freight take from Qingdao to Long Beach?
Sea freight from Qingdao 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 Qingdao to Long Beach?
The estimated cost of shipping a 40ft container from Qingdao to Long Beach ranges from $2,700 to $3,000 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 Qingdao to Long Beach shipment?
Choosing between FCL and LCL for your Qingdao 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 Qingdao to Long Beach route?
Factors that can cause delays on the Qingdao 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 Shandong should I choose for the fastest service to Long Beach?
For the fastest sea freight service to Long Beach, Qingdao 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 Qingdao to Long Beach?
Yes, there are direct sea freight services from Qingdao 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 Qingdao, Shandong to Long Beach?
Import duty from Qingdao 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 Qingdao, Shandong to Long Beach?
Insurance for shipping from Qingdao 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 Qingdao to Long Beach?
The cost of shipping from Qingdao 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 Qingdao to Long Beach?
The best way to track your shipment from Qingdao 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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