Sea Freight

Sea Freight from Xiamen to Long Beach

Cost-effective ocean shipping service from Xiamen port to Long Beach. 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

15-18 days

Departures

Weekly departures

Why Sea Freight

Benefits of Sea Freight Shipping from Xiamen to Long Beach

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 Xiamen to the Port of Long Beach offers your business access to one of the most reliable transpacific routes in 2026. Major carriers like COSCO, Evergreen, and Yang Ming operate regular weekly services on this route, giving you excellent schedule flexibility and competitive pricing options. The Port of Long Beach handles over 9.2 million TEU annually and provides advanced cargo tracking systems that let you monitor your shipment's progress in real time.

Your goods benefit from state-of-the-art container handling at both ports, which significantly reduces damage risk compared to smaller facilities. The route works exceptionally well for electronics, textiles, furniture, and automotive parts - exactly the type of cargo that flows regularly between these manufacturing and consumer markets.

Route Highlights

15-18 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 Xiamen to Long Beach

Current sea freight rates from Xiamen to Long Beach in 2026 range from $2,800 to $4,200 per 40-foot container, depending on your cargo type and booking timing. Full Container Load (FCL) shipments typically cost 30-40% less per cubic meter than Less than Container Load (LCL) options, which run approximately $85-120 per cubic meter. Beyond the base ocean freight, expect additional charges including a bunker adjustment factor of $180-220, terminal handling fees of roughly $350 per container, and documentation fees around $75. Peak season months from August through October can push rates up by 25-35%, so booking during shoulder seasons like April through June often delivers significant savings. Many shippers reduce costs by consolidating multiple orders into single container shipments and working with freight forwarders who have volume contracts with major carriers.

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 Xiamen to Long Beach

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

Sea freight from Xiamen to Long Beach typically takes 15-18 days for the ocean crossing, with most vessels making one intermediate stop in either Busan or Tokyo. Once your cargo arrives at Long Beach, customs clearance usually adds another 2-4 business days, though having your paperwork prepared in advance can reduce this to 1-2 days. Express services from premium carriers can shave 2-3 days off standard transit times but cost approximately 20% more than regular sailings. The Port of Long Beach processes over 40% of all containerized imports entering the United States, so their customs teams work efficiently, but peak periods like pre-holiday seasons can extend clearance times. Smart shippers file their Importer Security Filing (ISF) at least 72 hours before vessel departure and ensure all commercial invoices include accurate Harmonized Tariff Schedule codes to avoid delays.

Pricing

Container Options & Pricing

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

Carrier40GP (USD)40HQ (USD)Transit Time
OAC$3,000$3,00015 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 Long Beach 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

Contract/Purchase Order
Certificate of Origin
Commercial Invoice
Bill of Lading (B/L)
Customs Bond

See full documentation requirements below

Cargo Types

Popular Items on the Xiamen to Long Beach Route

This route serves as a major trade lane for various goods. Common shipments from Xiamen to Long Beach include:

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: Xiamen to Long Beach

Ensure your Xiamen to Long Beach sea freight clears customs quickly with these required documents.

Universal Requirements

Contract/Purchase Order

Evidence of the transaction between parties

Certificate of Origin

Certifies the country of manufacture for tariff purposes

Commercial Invoice

Contains item values, quantities, and seller/buyer information

Packing List

Documents packaging details and physical cargo specifications

Sea Freight Requirements for United States

Bill of Lading (B/L)Required

Title document for ocean cargo - required for cargo release

Customs BondRequired

Single Entry or Continuous Bond required for all US imports

ISF (10+2) FilingRequired

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

Important: United States Requirements

1

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

2

FCC certification needed for electronic devices

3

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

4

Customs Bond is mandatory for both sea and air imports

Customs

Customs Clearance for Long Beach 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)

Customs Bond Requirement

Commercial cargo cannot clear customs without an active Customs Bond on file with CBP.

UFLPA Compliance

Shipments from China must demonstrate compliance with the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act. Documentation proving supply chain transparency may be required.

Entry Type 01

Commercial shipments typically clear as Entry Type 01, subject to full inspection and duty collection protocols.

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

1

ISF late fees are strictly enforced without exceptions

2

FCC certification needed for electronic devices

3

FDA prior notice is required for food and pharmaceutical products

4

UFLPA compliance is a current CBP priority for all China shipments

Hazardous Materials

Hazardous Materials: Xiamen to Long Beach

Hazardous materials shipments to Long Beach are governed by IMDG Code (International Maritime Dangerous Goods). 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 Xiamen to Long Beach?

Sea freight from Xiamen to Long Beach typically takes 15-18 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 Long Beach?

The estimated cost of shipping a 40ft container from Xiamen to Long Beach ranges from $3,000 to $3,000 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 Long Beach shipment?

Choosing between FCL and LCL for your Xiamen to Long Beach 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 Long Beach route?

Factors that can cause delays on the Xiamen to Long Beach 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 Long Beach?

For the fastest sea freight service to Long Beach, Xiamen is an excellent choice with 15-18 days transit time. This port offers regular services with reliable transit times.

Are there direct sea freight services from Xiamen to Long Beach?

Yes, there are direct sea freight services from Xiamen to Long Beach offered by major carriers including COSCO, MSC, Maersk, and Evergreen. Direct services provide the fastest transit times of 15-18 days. Transshipment options via hub ports may also be available at competitive rates.

How can I calculate import duty from Xiamen, Fujian to Long Beach?

Import duty from Xiamen to Long Beach 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 Long Beach?

Insurance for shipping from Xiamen to Long Beach 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 15-18-day journey, insurance provides valuable protection against unforeseen events.

What factors affect the cost of shipping from Xiamen to Long Beach?

The cost of shipping from Xiamen to Long Beach 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 Long Beach?

The best way to track your shipment from Xiamen to Long Beach 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 Xiamen to Long Beach? Get a competitive quote for your cargo. Our team will respond within 24 hours.

10K+
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