Sea Freight

Sea Freight from Tianjin to Salt Lake City

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

Cost-Effective
FCL & LCL Options
Port-to-Port
Reliable Transit

Transit

18-22 days

Departures

Weekly departures

Why Sea Freight

Benefits of Sea Freight Shipping from Tianjin to Salt Lake City

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

Sea freight from Port of Tianjin (CNTSN) to Salt Lake City Inland Port offers exceptional value for businesses moving large volumes of manufactured goods, electronics, and consumer products to the Mountain West region. This route provides access to multiple carrier options including COSCO, Evergreen, and MSC, ensuring competitive pricing and reliable scheduling flexibility that air freight simply cannot match. Your cargo enjoys superior protection during ocean transit, with containerized shipments experiencing damage rates below 0.2% compared to higher handling risks in air transport.

The Salt Lake City Inland Port serves as a strategic distribution hub, connecting your goods to major highways and rail networks that reach Denver, Phoenix, and Las Vegas within days of arrival. Smart businesses leverage this route to reduce per-unit shipping costs by 60-75% compared to air freight while maintaining predictable delivery schedules.

Route Highlights

18-22 days

Transit Time

Weekly departures

Sailing Frequency

<0.1%

Cargo Damage Rate

FCL & LCL

Container Options

Get a Quote

Pricing Guide

Sea Freight Shipping Rates from Tianjin to Salt Lake City

Current 2026 sea freight rates from Tianjin to Salt Lake City range from $2,800 to $3,400 per 20-foot container (FCL) and $3,800 to $4,600 per 40-foot container, with LCL shipments averaging $85-110 per cubic meter depending on cargo density and carrier selection. Fuel surcharges add approximately 12-18% to base rates, while documentation fees, customs clearance, and inland trucking from the port typically contribute another $450-650 to your total landed cost. Rate fluctuations occur based on seasonal demand peaks during back-to-school and holiday seasons, with August through October commanding premium pricing due to retail inventory buildups. Businesses can secure better rates by booking 2-3 weeks in advance, consolidating smaller shipments into full containers, and maintaining flexible delivery windows during off-peak periods. Container weight restrictions allow up to 28,000 kg for standard dry containers, making this route ideal for dense manufactured goods and electronics destined for Utah's growing tech sector.

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

Origin THC$150-250
Destination THC$200-350
BAF Surcharge$300-500
Customs Brokerage$150-400
Get Exact Quote

Delivery Timeline

Transit Times for Sea Freight from Tianjin to Salt Lake City

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 Tianjin to the West Coast typically requires 12-14 days, followed by rail transport to Salt Lake City Inland Port adding 4-8 additional days for the complete 18-22 day journey. Customs clearance at the port of entry usually processes within 1-2 business days for properly documented shipments, though complex cargo classifications or random inspections can extend clearance by 3-5 days. Premium service options through carriers like COSCO and Evergreen offer priority vessel space and faster inland connections, potentially reducing total transit time to 16-18 days for time-sensitive shipments. Preparing accurate commercial invoices, packing lists, and certificates of origin before departure helps avoid customs delays, while working with experienced freight forwarders ensures proper documentation submission to CBP systems. Consider that winter weather conditions between December and February can occasionally add 1-2 days to inland transport, making early shipment planning crucial for holiday season inventory.

Pricing

Container Options & Pricing

Transparent pricing for FCL and LCL shipments. All rates include standard handling.

Standard

20ft FCL

Dimensions6.1m × 2.4m × 2.6m
Transit18-22 days

$2,400 - $3,200

Popular

Popular

40ft FCL

Dimensions12.2m × 2.4m × 2.6m
Transit18-22 days

$2,800 - $4,000

Standard

40ft HC FCL

Dimensions12.2m × 2.4m × 2.9m
Transit18-22 days

$3,000 - $4,300

Standard

LCL Shipment

DimensionsPer CBM
Transit18-22 days

$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 Salt Lake City 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 days

Get a customized quote and book your container.

Collection & Export

2-3 days

We collect cargo and handle export documentation.

Ocean Transit

12-20 days

Your cargo travels safely across the ocean.

Port Handling

2-3 days

Customs clearance and port procedures completed.

Final Delivery

1-2 days

Cargo delivered to your specified destination.

Key Documents

Commercial Invoice
Certificate of Origin
Contract/Purchase Order
ISF (10+2) Filing
Customs Bond

See full documentation requirements below

Cargo Types

What Ships from Tianjin to Salt Lake City?

From Tianjin to Salt Lake City, 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: Tianjin to Salt Lake City

To ship goods from Tianjin to Salt Lake City, you'll need these documents. For sea freight, you'll receive a Bill of Lading (B/L) as your transport receipt.

Universal Requirements

Commercial Invoice

Contains item values, quantities, and seller/buyer information

Certificate of Origin

Certifies the country of manufacture for tariff purposes

Contract/Purchase Order

Evidence of the transaction between parties

Packing List

Documents packaging details and physical cargo specifications

Sea Freight Requirements for United States

ISF (10+2) FilingRequired

Importer Security Filing must be submitted 24 hours before vessel departure from China

Customs BondRequired

Single Entry or Continuous Bond required for all US imports

Bill of Lading (B/L)Required

Title document for ocean cargo - required for cargo release

Important: United States Requirements

1

ISF Filing is critical for sea freight - failure to file results in a $5,000 fine

2

FCC certification needed for electronic devices

3

FDA prior notice required for food products (filed 15 days before arrival)

4

Customs Bond is mandatory for both sea and air imports

Customs

Customs Clearance for Salt Lake City 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.

CBP(Customs and Border Protection)

UFLPA Compliance

CBP may request proof of UFLPA compliance for any shipment from China. Maintain detailed supplier records.

ISF 10+2 Filing

ISF data must reach CBP 24 hours before the ship leaves port. Late or missing filings incur $5,000 fines.

Customs Bond Requirement

A Continuous Bond or Single Entry Bond is mandatory for all commercial imports entering the United States.

Entry Type 01

Standard commercial imports use Entry Type 01, requiring complete documentation and duty assessment.

Key United States Import Considerations

1

FCC certification needed for electronic devices

2

UFLPA compliance is a current CBP priority for all China shipments

3

ISF late fees are strictly enforced without exceptions

4

FDA prior notice is required for food and pharmaceutical products

Hazardous Materials

Shipping Hazmat to Salt Lake City

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.

DOT/PHMSA

Universal Requirements for All DG Shipments

Dangerous Goods Declaration

A signed DGD is mandatory, accurately listing all hazardous materials and their classifications

UN-Rated Packaging

All containers require UN-stamped packaging certified for the hazard class of the contents

MSDS/SDS Documentation

Safety Data Sheet must be current (within 1 year) and provided in both English and Chinese

24-Hour Emergency Contact

Include an emergency phone number staffed continuously by personnel with cargo knowledge

Sea Freight DG Rules for United States

Port Security Requirements

US ports have enhanced security protocols for DG vessels. Expect potential inspections and delays.

49 CFR Compliance

Compliance with 49 CFR is mandatory for all dangerous goods entering US ports.

ISF 10+2 DG Details

Your ISF 10+2 must specify exact chemical names and compositions for all hazardous materials.

Key Points for United States Hazmat

1

ISF filing must include complete DG details 24 hours before departure

2

Random CBP inspections are common for DG shipments

3

US requires exact chemical names—generic descriptions are rejected

4

Lithium batteries >100Wh are Cargo Aircraft Only

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does sea freight take from Tianjin to Salt Lake City?

Sea freight from Tianjin to Salt Lake City typically takes 18-22 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 Salt Lake City?

The cost of shipping a container from Tianjin to Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City shipment?

Choosing between FCL and LCL for your Tianjin to Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City route?

Factors that can cause delays on the Tianjin to Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City?

For the fastest sea freight service to Salt Lake City, Tianjin is an excellent choice with 18-22 days transit time. This port offers regular services with reliable transit times.

Are there direct sea freight services from Tianjin to Salt Lake City?

Yes, there are direct sea freight services from Tianjin to Salt Lake City offered by major carriers including COSCO, MSC, Maersk, and Evergreen. Direct services provide the fastest transit times of 18-22 days. Transshipment options via hub ports may also be available at competitive rates.

How can I calculate import duty from Tianjin, Tianjin to Salt Lake City?

Import duty from Tianjin to Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City?

Insurance for shipping from Tianjin to Salt Lake City 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 18-22-day journey, insurance provides valuable protection against unforeseen events.

What factors affect the cost of shipping from Tianjin to Salt Lake City?

The cost of shipping from Tianjin to Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City?

The best way to track your shipment from Tianjin to Salt Lake City 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.

Get Your Sea Freight Quote

Ready to ship from Tianjin to Salt Lake City? Get a competitive quote for your cargo. Our team will respond within 24 hours.

10K+
Shipments
delivered
50+
Destination
countries
24hr
Quote
response
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