Transit times
How long does shipping from China to the USA take?
Transit times by mode and by US coast — plus the parts of the journey that actually cause delays, which usually aren't the ocean crossing.
- Ocean, West Coast
- 16–21 days port to port
- Ocean, East Coast
- 28–38 days port to port
- Air freight
- 5–9 days door to door
Updated
Transit times at a glance
| Mode | West Coast | East & Gulf Coast | Inland hubs |
|---|---|---|---|
| FCL ocean | 16–21 days | 28–38 days | 24–32 days via West Coast rail |
| LCL ocean | 22–28 days | 35–45 days | 30–40 days |
| Air freight | 5–8 days | 6–9 days | 6–9 days |
| Express courier | 3–5 days | 3–6 days | 3–6 days |
Ocean figures are port to port; allow another 3–7 days for pickup, export clearance, US customs and final delivery. Air and express figures are door to door. All times are indicative — we confirm the current window for your shipment when we quote.
Where the time actually goes
On an ocean shipment to Los Angeles, the ship is at sea for roughly two weeks. The rest of the timeline is spent on land, and that's where most delays happen.
| Stage | Typical time | What slows it down |
|---|---|---|
| Pickup and delivery to port | 1–3 days | Goods not ready, missing paperwork |
| Waiting for the vessel | 2–7 days | Missing the cut-off pushes cargo to the next sailing, often a week later |
| Ocean crossing | 12–35 days | Weather, congestion, cancelled sailings, transhipment |
| Discharge at the US terminal | 2–5 days | Terminal congestion, holds |
| US customs clearance | 1–3 days | Late ISF, document errors, examinations |
| Final delivery | 1–5 days | Appointment availability, distance from the port |
Peak season and Chinese New Year
Two periods reliably slow everything down.
Chinese New Year
Factories across China close for the Spring Festival, which falls in late January or February. Many shut for two to four weeks, and production can take weeks longer to recover as workers return. In the run-up, demand for space surges as everyone tries to ship before the shutdown.
Peak season
From roughly July to October, retailers ship for back-to-school and the holidays. Space tightens, rates rise, and US ports and railways get busier. For Black Friday stock, aim to have goods leaving China by early September.
Golden Week
China's national holiday runs from 1 to 7 October. Factories, trucking and export services slow down for the week, so plan early-October departures in advance.
How to avoid delays
- Send the commercial invoice and packing list early — and make sure they match, including carton counts, weights and values.
- File the ISF on time. We file as soon as your booking is confirmed; a late filing can hold the cargo on arrival.
- Describe products precisely. Vague descriptions such as "parts" or "accessories" invite questions and examinations.
- Check for other agency rules. Food, cosmetics, medical devices, radio-emitting electronics, children's products and some chemicals are regulated by agencies such as the FDA, FCC, CPSC or EPA.
- Be ready to receive. A dock that can take delivery the day the cargo is released saves days — and storage fees.
Compare modes in detail: ocean freight or air freight.
FAQ
Transit times: common questions
The questions importers ask us before the first booking. If yours is not here, ask us directly — a real coordinator replies, not an auto-responder.
What is the fastest way to ship from China to the USA?
Express courier, at around 3–5 days door to door. Air freight takes 5–9 days and is much cheaper for larger shipments.
Why does ocean freight to the East Coast take longer?
Ships either sail through the Panama Canal, which adds roughly two weeks compared with the West Coast, or land on the West Coast and cross the country by rail or truck.
How long does US customs clearance take?
Usually one to three days when the paperwork is in order. An X-ray exam adds a few days; an intensive exam can add one to three weeks.
Does Chinese New Year affect shipping?
Yes, significantly. Factories close for two to four weeks, space is tight in the weeks before, and production takes time to recover afterwards. Plan to ship at least three weeks before the holiday.
Can you guarantee a delivery date?
Ocean carriers don’t guarantee arrival dates, so no honest forwarder can guarantee one for sea freight. We give realistic windows and update you if they change. Some express services do offer guaranteed delivery times.