Sea Freight from Xiamen to Denver
Cost-effective ocean shipping service from Xiamen 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 Xiamen 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
Sea freight from Xiamen's Port (CNXMN) to Denver delivers exceptional value for businesses shipping non-urgent cargo to the Mountain West region. The Port of Xiamen, one of China's top container terminals, offers reliable weekly sailings with major carriers like COSCO, Evergreen, and MSC, ensuring consistent service to US West Coast ports before rail transport to Denver. Your cargo benefits from secure container shipping that protects goods from weather and handling damage during the 22-27 day journey.
Denver's strategic location as a major distribution hub means your shipments can easily reach customers across Colorado, Wyoming, and surrounding states. While slower than air freight, sea transport costs roughly 85% less per kilogram, making it ideal for electronics, machinery, textiles, and consumer goods that don't require express delivery.
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 Xiamen to Denver
Current 2026 sea freight rates from Xiamen to Denver range from $2,800 to $4,200 per 20-foot container (TEU) and $4,500 to $6,800 per 40-foot container, depending on carrier choice and booking timing. Base ocean freight typically accounts for 60-70% of total costs, with additional charges including bunker adjustment factor (BAF) averaging $180-240 per TEU, customs clearance fees of $125-175, and inland rail transport from Long Beach or Seattle ports adding $800-1,200 per container. Peak season surcharges during September through November can increase rates by 15-25% due to holiday shipping demand. Smart shippers reduce costs by booking 2-3 weeks in advance, consolidating smaller shipments into full container loads, and choosing flexible delivery windows that avoid peak periods.
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 Xiamen 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
Ocean transit from Xiamen to US West Coast ports typically takes 14-18 days, followed by 5-7 days for rail transport to Denver's logistics facilities, creating the total 22-27 day delivery window. Customs clearance at ports like Long Beach or Seattle usually processes within 1-2 days for properly documented shipments, though incomplete paperwork can extend delays by 3-5 days. Standard sea freight service offers the best balance of cost and reliability, while premium services can reduce total transit by 2-3 days through priority vessel space and expedited rail connections. Preparing accurate commercial invoices, packing lists, and any required certificates before departure helps ensure smooth customs processing. Consider that weather delays during winter months and port congestion during peak seasons can add 2-4 days to scheduled arrival times in Denver.
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 Xiamen 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
What Ships from Xiamen to Denver?
Businesses regularly ship the following product categories from Xiamen to Denver, 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
Shipping Documents for the Xiamen to Denver Route
Every shipment to United States requires proper paperwork. Here's what you need for sea freight from Xiamen to Denver.
Universal Requirements
Official record of the trade agreement
Proves goods were manufactured in China (for duty benefits)
Lists package contents, dimensions, and gross/net weights
Lists product descriptions, pricing, and transaction parties
Sea Freight Requirements for United States
Title document for ocean cargo - required for cargo release
Importer Security Filing must be submitted 24 hours before vessel departure from China
Single Entry or Continuous Bond required for all US imports
Important: United States Requirements
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
ISF Filing is critical for sea freight - failure to file results in a $5,000 fine
Customs
Import Clearance: Xiamen to Denver
The customs clearance process in Denver requires accurate documentation and regulatory compliance. 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
Most commercial goods enter under Entry Type 01, which requires full duty payment and formal entry procedures.
UFLPA Compliance
The UFLPA requires evidence that goods were not produced using forced labor. Be prepared to provide supply chain documentation.
ISF 10+2 Filing
Submit your Importer Security Filing at least 24 hours before sailing. Failure to file carries a $5,000 penalty per shipment.
Customs Bond Requirement
You must have a valid Customs Bond before your sea freight arrives at a US port.
Key United States Import Considerations
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
ISF late fees are strictly enforced without exceptions
Hazardous Materials
United States Dangerous Goods Requirements
United States has specific requirements for dangerous goods in addition to international IMDG Code (International Maritime Dangerous Goods) standards. Sea freight allows larger quantities but requires careful planning for extended transit times.
Universal Requirements for All DG Shipments
Outer packaging must bear the UN certification mark confirming it can withstand the specific hazards
Provide recent Safety Data Sheets in English and Chinese—documents older than 1 year are rejected
A 24/7 emergency number is mandatory; the contact must understand the hazardous materials involved
Shipper must complete and sign the official Dangerous Goods Declaration form
Sea Freight DG Rules for United States
49 CFR Compliance
All hazardous materials must comply with 49 CFR (Code of Federal Regulations) requirements for shipping.
ISF 10+2 DG Details
US Customs requires precise chemical identification in ISF filings—vague descriptions will be rejected.
Port Security Requirements
Dangerous goods containers may be subject to additional security screening at US ports.
Key Points for United States Hazmat
Lithium batteries >100Wh are Cargo Aircraft Only
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
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does sea freight take from Xiamen to Denver?
Sea freight from Xiamen 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 Xiamen to Denver?
The cost of shipping a container from Xiamen 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 Xiamen to Denver shipment?
Choosing between FCL and LCL for your Xiamen 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 Xiamen to Denver route?
Factors that can cause delays on the Xiamen 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 Fujian should I choose for the fastest service to Denver?
For the fastest sea freight service to Denver, Xiamen 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 Xiamen to Denver?
Yes, there are direct sea freight services from Xiamen 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 Xiamen, Fujian to Denver?
Import duty from Xiamen 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 Xiamen, Fujian to Denver?
Insurance for shipping from Xiamen 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 Xiamen to Denver?
The cost of shipping from Xiamen 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 Xiamen to Denver?
The best way to track your shipment from Xiamen 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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