Sea Freight from Shanghai to Seattle
Cost-effective ocean shipping service from Shanghai 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 Shanghai 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 sea freight from the Port of Shanghai (CNSHA) to the Port of Seattle (USSEA) offers substantial cost advantages for businesses moving large volumes to the United States market. This established Pacific route handles over 2.8 million containers annually, giving you access to multiple carrier options including COSCO, Evergreen, and MSC, which means competitive pricing and reliable weekly departures. Your cargo enjoys excellent protection during the 12-15 day ocean crossing, with modern container vessels equipped with advanced tracking systems and climate control for sensitive goods.
The Port of Seattle's efficient rail connections to major distribution centers in Portland, Spokane, and Vancouver make this route particularly valuable for companies serving the entire Pacific Northwest region. Additionally, this shipping lane experiences fewer weather delays compared to East Coast routes, helping you maintain consistent inventory levels for your United States operations.
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 Shanghai to Seattle
Current 2026 sea freight rates from Shanghai to Seattle typically range from $2,800 to $4,200 per 40-foot container, depending on your cargo type and booking timing. Standard 20-foot containers generally cost between $1,600 and $2,800, while rates fluctuate based on seasonal demand peaks during back-to-school and holiday shipping periods. Beyond the base ocean freight cost, expect additional charges including a bunker adjustment factor of $280-350, terminal handling fees of approximately $450 per container, and documentation charges around $75-125. Smart shippers reduce costs by booking during slower periods like February through April, consolidating shipments to fill entire containers, and working with freight forwarders who have negotiated volume discounts with major carriers. Keep in mind that chassis fees at Seattle can add another $180-220 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 Shanghai 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 vessels typically complete the sailing from Shanghai to Seattle in 12-15 days, with faster services available during peak season when carriers deploy larger, more efficient ships. Once your container arrives at the Port of Seattle, plan for 2-3 additional days for customs clearance and terminal processing, though goods eligible for the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) program often clear within 24 hours. Premium service options can reduce total door-to-door delivery to 14-16 days by using priority vessel space and expedited inland transportation, while economy services might extend to 18-20 days total. To minimize delays, ensure your commercial invoices clearly describe goods using proper Harmonized Tariff Schedule codes, and consider filing your Import Security Filing (ISF) at least 72 hours before vessel departure from Shanghai. Weather conditions in the North Pacific during winter months can occasionally add 1-2 days to sailing times, so build buffer time into your supply chain planning during November through March.
Pricing
Container Options & Pricing
Transparent pricing for FCL and LCL shipments. All rates include standard handling.
| Carrier | 40GP (USD) | 40HQ (USD) | Transit Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| OAC | $2,900 | $3,100 | 12 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 Shanghai 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
What Ships from Shanghai to Seattle?
From Shanghai to Seattle, we frequently transport these cargo types:
Electronics
Mobile devices, personal computers, and electronic components
Home & Office
IKEA-style furniture, LED fixtures, and mattresses
Industrial
HVAC systems, solar panels, and CNC manufacturing tools
Retail & Fashion
Sneakers, casual wear, and fashion accessories
Toys & Recreation
Gaming accessories, plush toys, and recreational gear
Dangerous Goods
DG cargo including battery packs and chemical products
Documentation
Essential Paperwork: Shanghai to Seattle
To ship goods from Shanghai 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
Contains item values, quantities, and seller/buyer information
Evidence of the transaction between parties
Certifies the country of manufacture for tariff purposes
Documents packaging details and physical cargo specifications
Sea Freight Requirements for United States
Importer Security Filing must be submitted 24 hours before vessel departure from China
Title document for ocean cargo - required for cargo release
Single Entry or Continuous Bond required for all US imports
Important: United States Requirements
ISF Filing is critical for sea freight - failure to file results in a $5,000 fine
FDA prior notice required for food products (filed 15 days before arrival)
FCC certification needed for electronic devices
Customs Bond is mandatory for both sea and air imports
Customs
Customs Clearance for Seattle Imports
Customs clearance is more than a single step—it encompasses compliance verification, valuation assessment, and security screening. 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.
UFLPA Compliance
Shipments from China must demonstrate compliance with the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act. Documentation proving supply chain transparency may be required.
Entry Type 01
Commercial shipments typically clear as Entry Type 01, subject to full inspection and duty collection protocols.
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
FCC certification needed for electronic devices
FDA prior notice is required for food and pharmaceutical products
UFLPA compliance is a current CBP priority for all China shipments
Hazardous Materials
Hazardous Materials: Shanghai 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
Safety Data Sheet must be current (within 1 year) and provided in both English and Chinese
A signed DGD is mandatory, accurately listing all hazardous materials and their classifications
All containers require UN-stamped packaging certified for the hazard class of the contents
Include an emergency phone number staffed continuously by personnel with cargo knowledge
Sea Freight DG Rules for United States
ISF 10+2 DG Details
Your ISF 10+2 must specify exact chemical names and compositions for all hazardous materials.
49 CFR Compliance
Compliance with 49 CFR is mandatory for all dangerous goods entering US ports.
Port Security Requirements
US ports have enhanced security protocols for DG vessels. Expect potential inspections and delays.
Key Points for United States Hazmat
US requires exact chemical names—generic descriptions are rejected
Random CBP inspections are common for DG shipments
ISF filing must include complete DG details 24 hours before departure
Lithium batteries >100Wh are Cargo Aircraft Only
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does sea freight take from Shanghai to Seattle?
Sea freight from Shanghai 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 Shanghai to Seattle?
The estimated cost of shipping a 40ft container from Shanghai to Seattle ranges from $2,900 to $2,900 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 Shanghai to Seattle shipment?
Choosing between FCL and LCL for your Shanghai 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 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 Shanghai to Seattle route?
Factors that can cause delays on the Shanghai 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 Shanghai should I choose for the fastest service to Seattle?
For the fastest sea freight service to Seattle, Shanghai is an excellent choice with 12-15 days transit time. Shanghai and Ningbo ports offer frequent sailings and excellent connectivity.
Are there direct sea freight services from Shanghai to Seattle?
Yes, there are direct sea freight services from Shanghai 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 Shanghai, Shanghai to Seattle?
Import duty from Shanghai 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 Shanghai, Shanghai to Seattle?
Insurance for shipping from Shanghai 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 Shanghai to Seattle?
The cost of shipping from Shanghai 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 Shanghai to Seattle?
The best way to track your shipment from Shanghai 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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