Sea Freight from Xiamen to Houston
Cost-effective ocean shipping service from Xiamen port to Houston. Comprehensive FCL and LCL container shipping solutions with reliable transit times and professional cargo handling throughout the journey.
Transit
28-32 days
Departures
Weekly departures
Why Sea Freight
Benefits of Sea Freight Shipping from Xiamen to Houston
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 Xiamen Port (CNXMN) to Houston Port (USHOU) offers exceptional value for businesses moving large volumes of manufactured goods, electronics, and machinery to the United States market. The Port of Xiamen serves as a major gateway for Fujian Province exports, while Houston's extensive inland connections via rail and truck make it ideal for distributing cargo throughout Texas and the central United States. Container security remains excellent on this route, with both ports maintaining strict ISPS (International Ship and Port Facility Security) standards and offering full container tracking throughout the 28-32 day journey.
Major carriers like COSCO, Evergreen, and Yang Ming provide reliable weekly services on this trade lane, giving you flexibility in booking and competitive pricing. The cost savings compared to air freight typically run 70-80% lower, making this route perfect for non-urgent shipments where timing allows for the longer transit.
Route Highlights
28-32 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 Houston
Current 2026 sea freight rates from Xiamen to Houston typically range from $2,200 to $3,100 per 20-foot container (TEU) and $3,400 to $4,600 per 40-foot container, depending on cargo weight and seasonal demand. Peak shipping seasons from August through October often see rates increase by 15-25% due to holiday merchandise shipments to the United States. Additional costs include bunker adjustment factor (BAF) averaging $180-220 per container, customs clearance fees of approximately $125-175, and potential demurrage charges if containers sit too long at Houston Port. Smart shippers can reduce costs by booking during slower periods like January through March, consolidating multiple shipments into full container loads, and working with freight forwarders who have volume contracts with carriers. Documentation fees, terminal handling charges, and inland transportation from Houston Port to your final destination typically add another $300-500 to your total landed cost.
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 Houston
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 freight from Xiamen Port to Houston Port averages 28-32 days of sailing time, with vessels typically making 2-3 intermediate stops at ports like Yantian or Long Beach before reaching the Texas coast. Customs clearance at Houston usually takes 1-3 business days for standard commercial shipments, though having complete and accurate documentation can speed this process significantly. Express ocean services, while limited on this route, can sometimes shave 3-4 days off transit times but come at a 20-30% rate premium over standard service. Weather delays during typhoon season (June through November) in the South China Sea or Gulf Coast hurricanes can add 2-5 days to your expected delivery timeline. To ensure faster processing, prepare your commercial invoices, packing lists, and any required certificates before your container arrives, and consider using a licensed customs broker familiar with Houston Port procedures rather than handling clearance yourself.
Pricing
Container Options & Pricing
Transparent pricing for FCL and LCL shipments. All rates include standard handling.
| Carrier | 40GP (USD) | 40HQ (USD) | Transit Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| OAC | $4,400 | $4,600 | 29 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 Xiamen to Houston 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: Xiamen to Houston
From Xiamen to Houston, we frequently transport these cargo types:
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 Xiamen to Houston Shipments
Proper documentation ensures smooth customs clearance for your sea freight shipment to Houston. 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
Proves goods were manufactured in China (for duty benefits)
Official record of the trade agreement
Lists product descriptions, pricing, and transaction parties
Sea Freight Requirements for United States
Single Entry or Continuous Bond required for all US imports
Importer Security Filing must be submitted 24 hours before vessel departure from China
Title document for ocean cargo - required for cargo release
Important: United States Requirements
Customs Bond is mandatory for both sea and air imports
FCC certification needed for electronic devices
FDA prior notice required for food products (filed 15 days before arrival)
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.
Customs Bond Requirement
All US imports require either a Continuous Bond (for frequent importers) or a Single Entry Bond (for occasional shipments).
Entry Type 01
Entry Type 01 is the standard classification for commercial sea freight requiring formal customs processing.
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
ISF late fees are strictly enforced without exceptions
FDA prior notice is required for food and pharmaceutical products
FCC certification needed for electronic devices
Hazardous Materials
Dangerous Goods Shipping to Houston
Shipping dangerous goods from Xiamen to Houston 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
A 24/7 emergency number is mandatory; the contact must understand the hazardous materials involved
Provide recent Safety Data Sheets in English and Chinese—documents older than 1 year are rejected
Outer packaging must bear the UN certification mark confirming it can withstand the specific hazards
Shipper must complete and sign the official Dangerous Goods Declaration form
Sea Freight DG Rules for United States
49 CFR Compliance
The US follows 49 CFR for hazmat—ensure your packaging and paperwork meet these federal standards.
ISF 10+2 DG Details
Detailed chemical composition required in ISF filing. Generic descriptions are not accepted—provide exact chemical names.
Port Security Requirements
Port security may require additional documentation or physical inspection of DG shipments.
Key Points for United States Hazmat
Lithium batteries >100Wh are Cargo Aircraft Only
Random CBP inspections are common for DG shipments
ISF filing must include complete DG details 24 hours before departure
US requires exact chemical names—generic descriptions are rejected
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does sea freight take from Xiamen to Houston?
Sea freight from Xiamen to Houston typically takes 28-32 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 Houston?
The estimated cost of shipping a 40ft container from Xiamen to Houston ranges from $4,400 to $4,400 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 Xiamen to Houston shipment?
Choosing between FCL and LCL for your Xiamen to Houston 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 Houston route?
Factors that can cause delays on the Xiamen to Houston 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 Houston?
For the fastest sea freight service to Houston, Xiamen is an excellent choice with 28-32 days transit time. This port offers regular services with reliable transit times.
Are there direct sea freight services from Xiamen to Houston?
Yes, there are direct sea freight services from Xiamen to Houston offered by major carriers including COSCO, MSC, Maersk, and Evergreen. Direct services provide the fastest transit times of 28-32 days. Transshipment options via hub ports may also be available at competitive rates.
How can I calculate import duty from Xiamen, Fujian to Houston?
Import duty from Xiamen to Houston 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 Houston?
Insurance for shipping from Xiamen to Houston 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 28-32-day journey, insurance provides valuable protection against unforeseen events.
What factors affect the cost of shipping from Xiamen to Houston?
The cost of shipping from Xiamen to Houston 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 Houston?
The best way to track your shipment from Xiamen to Houston 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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