Sea Freight from Shanghai to Charleston

Cost-effective ocean shipping service from Shanghai port to Charleston. Comprehensive FCL and LCL container shipping solutions with reliable transit times and professional cargo handling throughout the journey.

Cost-Effective

Competitive ocean rates

FCL & LCL Options

Flexible container solutions

Port-to-Port

Direct shipping routes

Reliable Transit

Scheduled departures

Container Options & Pricing

Service Loop	20'D	40'D	40'HQ	45'HQ	Mode	Included Surcharges	Notes
Loop A	$2,080	$2,600	$2,600	$2,900	CY–CY	BK/GRI/LR	–
Loop B	$2,120	$2,650	$2,650	$2,950	CY–CY	BK/GRI/LR	–
EC2	$2,000	$2,500	$2,500	$2,800	CY–CY	BK/GRI/LR	–
SOC	$1,840	$2,300	$2,300	$2,600	CY–CY	BK/GRI/LR/PSS	"20HQ SOC rate = 20DC SOC"

Acronyms Explained

Service Loops: Loop A, Loop B, EC2, SOC → Carrier-operated vessel rotations

Container Types:

• 20'D → 20-foot Dry Container (standard)
• 40'D → 40-foot Dry Container
• 40'HQ → 40-foot High Cube (taller)
• 45'HQ → 45-foot High Cube

Service Mode: CY–CY → Container Yard to Container Yard (port-to-port)

Included Surcharges:

• BK → Bunker surcharge (fuel cost)
• GRI → General Rate Increase
• LR → Low-sulphur surcharge (IMO 2020)
• PSS → Peak Season Surcharge

SOC: Shipper Owned Container (customer supplies container)

Pricing Disclaimer: Rates are estimates and may vary based on cargo type, seasonal demand, port congestion, and current market conditions. Additional charges may apply for special handling, customs clearance, and destination fees.

Port Information

Origin Port

Port of Shanghai

World's largest container port with state-of-the-art facilities

Destination Port

Port of Charleston

International shipping port with container facilities

Sailing Schedule

Regular weekly departures

Transit time: 20 days

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

Special Container Requirements?

Contact us for specialized containers including tank containers, platform containers, or custom solutions for your specific cargo needs.

Service Excellence

ServiceOverview

Sea Freight from Shanghai to Charleston represents our commitment to delivering exceptional logistics solutions for your international shipping needs. With 15+ years of specialized experience in China-to-global trade routes, we've successfully handled 25,000+ containers while maintaining industry-leading reliability standards. Our comprehensive service ensures your cargo reaches Charleston safely, efficiently, and cost-effectively through our optimized sea freight network.

Fast Transit

15-25 days average delivery time

Industry Leading

Reliable Service

99.5% on-time delivery rate with full tracking

Guaranteed

Certified Excellence

ISO 9001:2015 certified operations

Certified

Full Service

Complete door-to-door logistics solution

Comprehensive

Sea Freight Specialist

Sea Freight ServicesShanghai to Charleston

Comprehensive sea freight solutions designed for efficiency, reliability, and cost-effectiveness on the Shanghai to Charleston trade route.

Service Description

Our sea freight service from Shanghai to Charleston leverages strategic partnerships with leading carriers to ensure consistent capacity and competitive rates. We operate 3-4 sailings per week with reliable transit times averaging 15-25 business days.

This route serves as a critical trade corridor, optimized for various cargo types including manufactured goods, electronics, textiles, and industrial equipment. Our comprehensive service portfolio ensures seamless logistics coordination from origin to final destination.

Transit Times & Frequency

Express Service

Premium priority

12-18 days

Standard Service

Trade Route Significance

The Shanghai to Charleston corridor represents a vital commercial link, handling significant volumes of diverse cargo types throughout the year.

Common Cargo Types

This route typically handles electronics, textiles, machinery, consumer goods, and manufactured products, reflecting the diverse export capabilities of Chinese manufacturing.

Seasonal Patterns

Peak shipping periods occur during Q3-Q4 ahead of major retail seasons, with volume fluctuations of 20-30% between low and high seasons affecting both capacity and pricing.

Regulatory Considerations

Shipments must comply with customs regulations, documentation requirements, and trade agreements between China and destination countries, including proper classification and valuation procedures.

Economic Factors

Current market conditions show stable demand with competitive rates, influenced by fuel costs, capacity availability, and broader economic indicators affecting international trade flows.

Need detailed market analysis or customized shipping solutions for your specific cargo?

Get Expert Consultation

Sea Freight Rates and Transit Times: Shanghai to Charleston

Transparent pricing and reliable transit times for your sea freight shipments

Current Shipping Rates

Express Service

Priority handling, fastest transit

$3.20

per CBM

Standard Service

Regular service, reliable delivery

$2.80

per CBM

Economy Service

Cost-effective, consolidated shipping

$2.40

per CBM

Volume Discounts Available

Transit Time Breakdown

15-25 business days

Total door-to-door delivery time

Collection & Export

Pickup and export clearance

2-3 days

Ocean Transit

Vessel sailing time

12-20 days

Import & Delivery

Port handling and delivery

3-5 days

Factors Affecting Pricing

Container type and cargo volume

Service frequency and routing

Fuel costs and currency rates

Port congestion and equipment

Peak season surcharges

Note: Final pricing may vary based on specific cargo requirements, current market conditions, and additional services requested.

Seasonal Considerations

Peak Season (Q3-Q4)

Higher demand and rates during pre-holiday shipping season. Book early for capacity guarantee.

Off-Peak Season (Q1-Q2)

More favorable rates and flexible scheduling. Ideal time for non-urgent shipments.

Chinese Holidays

Plan around Golden Week and Spring Festival when operations may be limited.

Get Your Customized Quote Today

Every shipment is unique. Contact our specialists for accurate pricing based on your specific cargo, timeline, and service requirements.

Request Quote Now

How Our Sea Freight Process Works: Shanghai to Charleston

Your Role

Arrange unloading, confirm receipt

Required Documentation

Proper documentation is crucial for smooth customs clearance and regulatory compliance. Our team assists with preparation and verification of all required documents.

Commercial Invoice (detailed commodity description)

Packing List (itemized cargo manifest)

Bill of Lading (B/L)

Export License or Declaration

Certificate of Origin (if required)

Import License (destination specific)

Insurance Certificate (if applicable)

Dangerous Goods Declaration (if applicable)

Document Support

Our documentation specialists review all paperwork before shipment to prevent delays and ensure compliance.

Communication & Updates

Stay informed throughout your shipment journey with our proactive communication system and dedicated customer support team.

Booking confirmation within 4 hours

Collection scheduled with 24-hour notice

Real-time tracking updates via email/SMS

Customs clearance status notifications

Delivery appointment coordination

Proof of delivery within 2 hours

24/7 Support

Our customer service team is available around the clock for urgent inquiries and shipment updates.

Problem Resolution & Contingency Planning

Proactive Monitoring

Continuous shipment monitoring to identify and address potential issues before they impact delivery.

Immediate Response

Direct escalation channels and dedicated account managers for rapid problem resolution.

Alternative Solutions

Backup routing options and contingency plans to minimize delays and ensure delivery.

Questions About Shipping From Shanghai to Charleston

How long does sea freight shipping take from Shanghai to Charleston?

Sea freight from Shanghai to Charleston typically takes 18-25 business days door-to-door, depending on the vessel schedule and customs clearance. Charleston enjoys excellent connectivity with weekly direct services.

What container options are available for Shanghai to Charleston shipments?

We offer 20ft containers (33 CBM), 40ft containers (67 CBM), 40ft high cube containers (76 CBM), and 45ft high cube containers for FCL shipments. LCL consolidation is available for smaller volumes.

What documents do I need for sea freight shipping from Shanghai to Charleston?

Required documents include: Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Bill of Lading, Export Declaration, and Import License (if applicable). Additional documents may include Certificate of Origin or specific permits.

How much does container shipping cost from Shanghai to Charleston?

Container shipping rates vary by service loop: Loop A starts at $2,080 for 20ft, EC2 service at $2,000 for 20ft, and SOC rates from $1,840 for 20ft. Contact us for current rates and service options.

Which port facilities handle Charleston container operations?

Charleston Harbor container terminals handle over 2.4 million TEU annually with modern equipment and excellent rail connections to Southeast and Midwest markets.