Sea Freight from Tianjin to New York
Cost-effective ocean shipping service from Tianjin port to New York. Comprehensive FCL and LCL container shipping solutions with reliable transit times and professional cargo handling throughout the journey.
Transit
22-28 days
Departures
Weekly departures
Why Sea Freight
Benefits of Sea Freight Shipping from Tianjin to New York
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 to the Port of New York/New Jersey offers your business access to one of the world's most efficient trade corridors, connecting China's third-largest port with America's busiest container gateway. The route provides excellent carrier options including COSCO, Evergreen, and MSC, giving you flexibility in scheduling and competitive pricing for your shipments. Ocean freight from Tianjin delivers superior cargo safety for heavy machinery, electronics, textiles, and furniture bound for the US market, with modern container vessels equipped with advanced tracking systems.
This established trade lane handles over 2.8 million TEUs annually between these ports, ensuring reliable weekly departures and reducing the risk of space shortages during peak seasons. Your cost savings can reach 85% compared to air freight when shipping large volumes, making this route ideal for businesses prioritizing budget efficiency over speed.
Route Highlights
22-28 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 New York
Current 2026 sea freight rates from Tianjin to New York range from $2,800 to $4,200 per 40-foot container, depending on your cargo type and booking timing. Standard 20-foot containers typically cost between $1,800 and $2,900, while specialized equipment like refrigerated containers command premium rates of $4,500 to $6,200 per unit. Beyond base ocean freight charges, expect additional costs including bunker adjustment factor (BAF) of $380 per container, documentation fees of $125, and terminal handling charges averaging $285 at the Port of New York/New Jersey. Customs clearance and delivery to your final destination adds another $450 to $750 depending on distance from the port. Smart shippers reduce costs by booking 4-6 weeks in advance, consolidating smaller shipments into full containers, and avoiding peak season surcharges that typically occur from September through November.
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 New York
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 departing Tianjin typically require 20-22 days to reach the Port of New York/New Jersey during optimal weather conditions, though this can extend to 26-28 days during winter months or peak congestion periods. Customs clearance at the US port generally takes 2-4 additional days for standard commercial shipments, assuming your documentation is complete and accurate upon arrival. Express services offered by premium carriers like Maersk and CMA CGM can shave 2-3 days off standard transit times but cost approximately 15-20% more than regular sailings. Processing delays often occur when importers fail to provide proper commercial invoices or FDA documentation for regulated goods, so having your paperwork review completed before departure saves valuable time. Your total door-to-door timeline should account for 25-32 days from pickup in Tianjin to final delivery in the New York metropolitan area.
Pricing
Container Options & Pricing
Transparent pricing for FCL and LCL shipments. All rates include standard handling.
| Carrier | 40GP (USD) | 40HQ (USD) | Transit Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| EMC | $3,650 | $3,650 | 35 days |
| COSCO | $3,750 | $3,750 | 37 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 Tianjin to New York 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
Frequently Shipped Goods: Tianjin to New York
Businesses regularly ship the following product categories from Tianjin to New York, United States:
Electronics
Consumer electronics including phones, computers, and lithium-ion batteries
Home & Office
Modern furniture, ergonomic office equipment, and home lighting
Industrial
Heavy machinery, renewable energy components, and industrial tools
Retail & Fashion
Fast-fashion apparel, footwear, and synthetic textiles
Toys & Recreation
E-bikes, electric scooters, and educational toys
Dangerous Goods
Regulated items such as lithium-ion cells and chemical compounds
Documentation
Documentation for Tianjin to New York Shipments
Proper documentation ensures smooth customs clearance for your sea freight shipment to New York. Your cargo will be accompanied by a Bill of Lading (B/L) as proof of transport.
Universal Requirements
Lists package contents, dimensions, and gross/net weights
Official record of the trade agreement
Proves goods were manufactured in China (for duty benefits)
Lists product descriptions, pricing, and transaction parties
Sea Freight Requirements for United States
Single Entry or Continuous Bond required for all US imports
Title document for ocean cargo - required for cargo release
Importer Security Filing must be submitted 24 hours before vessel departure from China
Important: United States Requirements
Customs Bond is mandatory for both sea and air imports
FDA prior notice required for food products (filed 15 days before arrival)
FCC certification needed for electronic devices
ISF Filing is critical for sea freight - failure to file results in a $5,000 fine
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 New York
Shipping dangerous goods from Tianjin to New York 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
Provide a phone number (with country code) manned 24/7 by someone familiar with the cargo details
Complete the formal declaration document with shipper signature certifying DG compliance
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 Tianjin to New York?
Sea freight from Tianjin to New York typically takes 22-28 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 New York?
The estimated cost of shipping a 40ft container from Tianjin to New York ranges from $3,650 to $3,750 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 Tianjin to New York shipment?
Choosing between FCL and LCL for your Tianjin to New York 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 New York route?
Factors that can cause delays on the Tianjin to New York 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 New York?
For the fastest sea freight service to New York, Tianjin is an excellent choice with 22-28 days transit time. This port offers regular services with reliable transit times.
Are there direct sea freight services from Tianjin to New York?
Yes, there are direct sea freight services from Tianjin to New York offered by major carriers including COSCO, MSC, Maersk, and Evergreen. Direct services provide the fastest transit times of 22-28 days. Transshipment options via hub ports may also be available at competitive rates.
How can I calculate import duty from Tianjin, Tianjin to New York?
Import duty from Tianjin to New York 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 New York?
Insurance for shipping from Tianjin to New York 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 22-28-day journey, insurance provides valuable protection against unforeseen events.
What factors affect the cost of shipping from Tianjin to New York?
The cost of shipping from Tianjin to New York 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 New York?
The best way to track your shipment from Tianjin to New York 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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