Sea Freight from Tianjin to Denver
Cost-effective ocean shipping service from Tianjin port to Denver. Comprehensive FCL and LCL container shipping solutions with reliable transit times and professional cargo handling throughout the journey.
Transit
22-27 days
Departures
Weekly departures
Why Sea Freight
Benefits of Sea Freight Shipping from Tianjin to Denver
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 Tianjin Port to Denver's logistics hub offers exceptional value for businesses moving large volumes to America's mountain west region. The Port of Tianjin, China's fourth-largest container port, provides direct access to major shipping lines like COSCO, Evergreen, and MSC, giving you multiple carrier options and competitive rates. Your cargo travels safely in weatherproof containers across the Pacific, then transfers seamlessly to Union Pacific's rail network for the final stretch to Denver's intermodal facilities.
This sea-to-rail combination costs roughly 70% less than air freight while reaching one of America's fastest-growing distribution markets. Denver's central location means your goods can reach 60% of the U.S. population within two days of arrival, making this route ideal for electronics, machinery, and consumer goods destined for western states.
Route Highlights
22-27 days
Transit Time
Weekly departures
Sailing Frequency
<0.1%
Cargo Damage Rate
FCL & LCL
Container Options
Pricing Guide
Sea Freight Shipping Rates from Tianjin to Denver
Current 2026 sea freight rates from Tianjin to Denver range from $1,800 to $2,400 per 20-foot container (TEU) and $2,600 to $3,200 per 40-foot container (FEU), depending on your chosen carrier and booking timing. Ocean freight accounts for about 65% of total costs, while the rail portion from Long Beach or Los Angeles to Denver adds approximately $800 to $1,000 per container. Additional charges include fuel surcharges (currently 15-20% of base rates), customs clearance fees around $150-200, and potential detention charges if containers aren't returned within free time. Booking during shoulder seasons (March-April and September-October) can save 10-15% compared to peak periods, and consolidating shipments into full container loads offers better per-unit pricing than less-than-container-load services. Smart shippers also negotiate all-inclusive rates upfront to avoid unexpected charges during transit.
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 Tianjin to Denver
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
Sea freight from Tianjin Port to Denver typically requires 22-27 days door-to-door, with ocean transit consuming 14-16 days to reach West Coast ports like Long Beach or Los Angeles. Customs clearance at U.S. ports usually takes 2-4 days for routine shipments, though having proper documentation and working with experienced customs brokers can reduce delays significantly. The rail journey from California ports to Denver's intermodal terminals adds another 4-6 days, depending on train schedules and weather conditions in mountain passes. Express services can shave 2-3 days off standard transit times but cost 15-25% more, while economy services may extend delivery by up to a week during peak seasons. Preparing accurate commercial invoices, packing lists, and certificates of origin before departure helps ensure smooth customs processing and keeps your shipment moving on schedule.
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 Tianjin to Denver 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 Tianjin to Denver
Businesses regularly ship the following product categories from Tianjin to Denver, United States:
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: Tianjin to Denver
Ensure your Tianjin to Denver sea freight clears customs quickly with these required documents.
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 Denver 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.
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
Shipping Hazmat to Denver
Transporting dangerous goods from Tianjin requires careful compliance with IMDG Code (International Maritime Dangerous Goods) and United States import rules. 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
All containers require UN-stamped packaging certified for the hazard class of the contents
A signed DGD is mandatory, accurately listing all hazardous materials and their classifications
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 Tianjin to Denver?
Sea freight from Tianjin to Denver typically takes 22-27 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 Tianjin to Denver?
The cost of shipping a container from Tianjin to Denver 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 Tianjin to Denver shipment?
Choosing between FCL and LCL for your Tianjin to Denver 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 Tianjin to Denver route?
Factors that can cause delays on the Tianjin to Denver 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 Tianjin should I choose for the fastest service to Denver?
For the fastest sea freight service to Denver, Tianjin is an excellent choice with 22-27 days transit time. This port offers regular services with reliable transit times.
Are there direct sea freight services from Tianjin to Denver?
Yes, there are direct sea freight services from Tianjin to Denver offered by major carriers including COSCO, MSC, Maersk, and Evergreen. Direct services provide the fastest transit times of 22-27 days. Transshipment options via hub ports may also be available at competitive rates.
How can I calculate import duty from Tianjin, Tianjin to Denver?
Import duty from Tianjin to Denver 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 Tianjin, Tianjin to Denver?
Insurance for shipping from Tianjin to Denver 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 22-27-day journey, insurance provides valuable protection against unforeseen events.
What factors affect the cost of shipping from Tianjin to Denver?
The cost of shipping from Tianjin to Denver 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 Tianjin to Denver?
The best way to track your shipment from Tianjin to Denver 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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Explore Other Routes
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