Sea Freight from Xiamen to Los Angeles
Cost-effective ocean shipping service from Xiamen port to Los Angeles. Comprehensive FCL and LCL container shipping solutions with reliable transit times and professional cargo handling throughout the journey.
Transit
15-18 days
Departures
Weekly departures
Why Sea Freight
Benefits of Sea Freight Shipping from Xiamen to Los Angeles
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
Businesses shipping from Xiamen to Los Angeles enjoy one of the most reliable and cost-effective Pacific routes available, with major carriers like COSCO, Evergreen, and Yang Ming offering multiple weekly departures from the Port of Xiamen (CNXMN). The 15-18 day transit time strikes an excellent balance between speed and affordability, making it ideal for electronics, textiles, and furniture that make up the bulk of Xiamen's exports to the United States. Container shipping on this route provides superior cargo protection compared to break-bulk alternatives, with temperature-controlled options readily available for sensitive goods.
Port of Los Angeles (USLAX) handles over 9 million TEU annually, ensuring your cargo benefits from world-class handling facilities and established customs processes. The consistent sailing schedules allow for predictable inventory planning, while the competitive rates help maintain healthy profit margins on your imported goods.
Route Highlights
15-18 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 Los Angeles
Current 2026 sea freight rates from Xiamen to Los Angeles range from $2,800 to $4,200 per 20-foot container (FCL), with 40-foot containers typically costing $3,500 to $5,800 depending on carrier and booking timing. Less than container load (LCL) shipments average $180 to $280 per cubic meter, though consolidation delays can add 2-3 days to your transit time. Additional costs include bunker adjustment factor surcharges of $350-500 per container, customs examination fees averaging $485 when selected, and destination terminal handling charges of approximately $565 per container at Los Angeles. Smart shippers reduce costs by booking during slower periods like late January through March, consolidating multiple shipments to achieve FCL rates, and partnering with freight forwarders who have volume contracts with major carriers. Documentation fees, insurance, and inland transportation from Xiamen factories to port typically add another $200-400 to your total shipping investment.
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 Los Angeles
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 to Los Angeles requires 15-18 days of sailing time across the Pacific, with premium express services occasionally achieving 13-14 days during optimal weather conditions. Customs clearance at the Port of Los Angeles typically processes within 24-48 hours for properly documented shipments, though FDA-regulated goods or first-time importers may experience 3-5 day delays. Standard service offers the best value for most businesses, while expedited services cost 25-40% more but guarantee priority vessel loading and faster port handling. Accelerate your shipment by ensuring complete and accurate commercial invoices, obtaining necessary permits before arrival, and working with customs brokers who specialize in your product category. Weather delays during Pacific storm season (November through February) can add 2-4 days to transit times, so plan accordingly for time-sensitive inventory needs.
Pricing
Container Options & Pricing
Transparent pricing for FCL and LCL shipments. All rates include standard handling.
| Carrier | 40GP (USD) | 40HQ (USD) | Transit Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| OAC | $3,000 | $3,000 | 15 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 Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles
The Xiamen to Los Angeles 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 Xiamen to Los Angeles
To ship goods from Xiamen to Los Angeles, you'll need these documents. For sea freight, you'll receive a Bill of Lading (B/L) as your transport receipt.
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 Los Angeles
Understanding United States's customs process helps ensure your Xiamen 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.
Customs Bond Requirement
Commercial cargo cannot clear customs without an active Customs Bond on file with CBP.
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.
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
ISF late fees are strictly enforced without exceptions
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
Hazardous Materials
Shipping Hazmat to Los Angeles
Transporting dangerous goods from Xiamen 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
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.
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.
Key Points for United States Hazmat
US requires exact chemical names—generic descriptions are rejected
ISF filing must include complete DG details 24 hours before departure
Lithium batteries >100Wh are Cargo Aircraft Only
Random CBP inspections are common for DG shipments
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does sea freight take from Xiamen to Los Angeles?
Sea freight from Xiamen to Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles?
The estimated cost of shipping a 40ft container from Xiamen to Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles shipment?
Choosing between FCL and LCL for your Xiamen to Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles route?
Factors that can cause delays on the Xiamen to Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles?
For the fastest sea freight service to Los Angeles, 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 Los Angeles?
Yes, there are direct sea freight services from Xiamen to Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles?
Import duty from Xiamen to Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles?
Insurance for shipping from Xiamen to Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles?
The cost of shipping from Xiamen to Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles?
The best way to track your shipment from Xiamen to Los Angeles 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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