Sea Freight from Tianjin to San Francisco
Cost-effective ocean shipping service from Tianjin port to San Francisco. Comprehensive FCL and LCL container shipping solutions with reliable transit times and professional cargo handling throughout the journey.
Transit
14-17 days
Departures
Weekly departures
Why Sea Freight
Benefits of Sea Freight Shipping from Tianjin to San Francisco
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 Tianjin to the Port of San Francisco offers exceptional value for businesses moving large volumes to the United States market. This route provides access to major carriers like COSCO, Evergreen, and Yang Ming, which maintain regular weekly services with excellent track records for cargo safety and container security. The 14-17 day transit time positions your goods competitively in the California market while keeping transportation costs manageable compared to air freight alternatives.
San Francisco's strategic location provides direct access to Northern California's tech industry and connects seamlessly to inland distribution networks throughout the western United States. Your cargo benefits from both ports' advanced handling facilities and established customs processing systems that minimize delays and damage risks.
Route Highlights
14-17 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 San Francisco
Current 2026 sea freight rates from Tianjin to San Francisco typically range from $2,800 to $4,200 per 40-foot container (FCL), with 20-foot containers running $1,900 to $3,100 depending on carrier and booking timing. LCL shipments generally cost between $180 to $280 per cubic meter, making this route particularly cost-effective for larger shipments that can fill at least half a container. Additional fees include bunker adjustment factor (BAF) of roughly $400-600 per container, peak season surcharges during September through November adding 15-25% to base rates, and destination handling charges of approximately $350-450 at San Francisco. Booking during off-peak months like February through April can save 20-30% on base rates, while consolidating multiple shipments into full container loads dramatically reduces per-unit costs. Remember to factor in customs clearance fees of $125-200 and potential demurrage charges if containers aren't collected within the free time period.
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 San Francisco
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 San Francisco typically takes 14-17 days of sailing time, with premium services from carriers like COSCO and Yang Ming often achieving the faster end of this range. Customs clearance at San Francisco usually adds 2-4 business days for standard shipments, though experienced importers with proper documentation and established ABI (Automated Broker Interface) relationships often clear within 24-48 hours. Express customs brokerage services can expedite processing for time-sensitive cargo, while economy services may extend clearance to 5-7 days but offer cost savings of 30-40% on brokerage fees. Container availability and booking confirmation at least 7-10 days before your preferred sailing date helps ensure space on faster direct services rather than slower transshipment routes. Having complete and accurate commercial invoices, packing lists, and any required permits or certificates ready before vessel arrival significantly reduces clearance delays and keeps your goods moving efficiently into the California market.
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 San Francisco 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
Top Cargo Categories: Tianjin to San Francisco
The Tianjin to San Francisco route handles a diverse range of cargo. Here are the most commonly shipped items on this corridor:
Electronics
Smartphones and tablets, laptops and charging accessories
Home & Office
Ready-to-assemble furniture for home and office spaces
Industrial
Solar energy products, manufacturing equipment, and power systems
Retail & Fashion
Consumer fashion including shoes, apparel, and accessories
Toys & Recreation
Video game consoles, STEM kits, and outdoor sports equipment
Dangerous Goods
Hazardous materials including batteries and industrial chemicals
Documentation
Required Documents to Ship from Tianjin to San Francisco
Ensure your Tianjin to San Francisco sea freight clears customs quickly with these required documents.
Universal Requirements
Describes the goods, value, and buyer/seller details
Documentation of the purchase terms and conditions
Specifies cargo measurements, weights, and how items are packed
Verifies Chinese origin for preferential duty treatment
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)
Customs Bond is mandatory for both sea and air imports
FCC certification needed for electronic devices
Customs
Clearing Customs in San Francisco
Understanding United States's customs process helps ensure your Tianjin shipment clears without delays or penalties. With sea freight, you have weeks to prepare documentation, but errors can lead to significant daily storage fees (demurrage) at the port.
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.
Customs Bond Requirement
Commercial cargo cannot clear customs without an active Customs Bond on file with CBP.
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
FDA prior notice is required for food and pharmaceutical products
FCC certification needed for electronic devices
ISF late fees are strictly enforced without exceptions
UFLPA compliance is a current CBP priority for all China shipments
Hazardous Materials
Shipping Hazmat to San Francisco
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
Current SDS documentation in dual language format is mandatory for all dangerous goods
Round-the-clock emergency contact required—must reach someone who knows the technical specifications
Formal DGD signed by the shipper declaring the nature and classification of hazardous contents
UN-approved packaging with proper certification stamps is required for all hazardous shipments
Sea Freight DG Rules for United States
Port Security Requirements
Be prepared for enhanced inspections at port of entry for all hazardous cargo.
49 CFR Compliance
Shipments must meet 49 CFR standards covering packaging, labeling, and documentation.
ISF 10+2 DG Details
ISF filing must include specific dangerous goods details. The US requires precise chemical names—"Cleaning Fluid" is rejected; you must state "Isopropanol" or the exact composition.
Key Points for United States Hazmat
ISF filing must include complete DG details 24 hours before departure
Lithium batteries >100Wh are Cargo Aircraft Only
US requires exact chemical names—generic descriptions are rejected
Random CBP inspections are common for DG shipments
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does sea freight take from Tianjin to San Francisco?
Sea freight from Tianjin to San Francisco typically takes 14-17 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 San Francisco?
The cost of shipping a container from Tianjin to San Francisco 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 San Francisco shipment?
Choosing between FCL and LCL for your Tianjin to San Francisco 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 San Francisco route?
Factors that can cause delays on the Tianjin to San Francisco 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 San Francisco?
For the fastest sea freight service to San Francisco, Tianjin is an excellent choice with 14-17 days transit time. This port offers regular services with reliable transit times.
Are there direct sea freight services from Tianjin to San Francisco?
Yes, there are direct sea freight services from Tianjin to San Francisco offered by major carriers including COSCO, MSC, Maersk, and Evergreen. Direct services provide the fastest transit times of 14-17 days. Transshipment options via hub ports may also be available at competitive rates.
How can I calculate import duty from Tianjin, Tianjin to San Francisco?
Import duty from Tianjin to San Francisco 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 San Francisco?
Insurance for shipping from Tianjin to San Francisco 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 14-17-day journey, insurance provides valuable protection against unforeseen events.
What factors affect the cost of shipping from Tianjin to San Francisco?
The cost of shipping from Tianjin to San Francisco 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 San Francisco?
The best way to track your shipment from Tianjin to San Francisco 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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