CHINA TO US FREIGHT RATES 2026: CURRENT COSTS AND TRANSIT TIMES

For US importers sourcing from China, the trans-Pacific lane is the most important freight corridor in the world — and in 2026, it's also one of the most dynamic. Rates have stabilized from 2021's historic peaks but remain well above pre-pandemic baselines. Transit times have lengthened on some lanes while competitive pressure has sharpened on others. Here is a current, lane-by-lane breakdown of what you should expect to pay and how long your cargo will take to arrive.

Ocean Freight: West Coast vs. East Coast

The fundamental choice for China-to-US shippers is whether goods land on the West Coast (LA/Long Beach, Seattle/Tacoma) or the East Coast (Savannah, New York/NJ, Charleston). This choice drives significant differences in both cost and transit time:

• China → US West Coast (FCL 40ft / FEU): omitted until a named source and asOf date are attached spot. Transit time: 14–18 days from major Chinese ports (Shanghai, Ningbo, Shenzhen, Guangzhou). The West Coast gateway remains the fastest and typically cheapest landing point for trans-Pacific cargo, though port congestion at LA/LB can add 2–5 days of vessel waiting time during peak periods.
• China → US East Coast (FCL 40ft / FEU): omitted until a named source and asOf date are attached spot. Transit time: 28–35 days (via Panama Canal) or 32–40 days (via Suez/Cape, now rare). The East Coast premium reflects the longer voyage and Panama Canal fees. For cargo destined for Midwest or East Coast distribution, the economics often still favor East Coast direct routing over transloading at West Coast ports.
• China → US Gulf (Houston, New Orleans): omitted until a named source and asOf date are attached spot. Transit time: 25–32 days. Gulf routing has gained share for Texas-heavy distribution networks. Rates sit between West Coast and East Coast.

Less-Than-Container (LCL) Rates

For smaller shipments that don't fill a full container, LCL (Less-than-Container Load) consolidation is the standard approach. China-to-US West Coast LCL rates currently run omitted until a named source and asOf date are attached per cubic meter (CBM) plus a terminal handling charge of omitted until a named source and asOf date are attached per shipment. East Coast adds omitted until a named source and asOf date are attached premium. LCL is economical for shipments under about 15 CBM; above that, FCL economics typically win even if you don't fill the box entirely.

Air Freight: China to US

For time-critical or high-value cargo, air freight is the alternative. Current China-to-US air freight rates:

• China → US (major gateways — LAX, JFK, ORD): omitted until a named source and asOf date are attached per kilogram, all-in. This represents a significant decline from the omitted until a named source and asOf date are attached levels seen in 2021–2022. Transit time: 3–5 days door-to-door, including customs clearance.
• Express (DHL/FedEx/UPS): omitted until a named source and asOf date are attached for small parcels, with transit of 2–3 days. Express is cost-effective for shipments under 50kg; above that, air cargo via freight forwarder is typically cheaper.

The air-vs-ocean cost break-even depends on cargo value. For goods worth more than omitted until a named source and asOf date are attached, air freight's cost as a percentage of cargo value is often acceptable. For lower-value bulk goods, ocean is almost always the right choice.

Surcharges: What's Actually Added to the Base Rate

The rates above are base ocean freight. The all-in cost adds several surcharges that can total omitted until a named source and asOf date are attached depending on lane, carrier, and timing:

• Bunker Adjustment Factor (BAF/FSC): omitted until a named source and asOf date are attached, reflecting fuel costs. Varies with oil prices.
• Terminal Handling Charge (THC/OHC): omitted until a named source and asOf date are attached at origin (Chinese ports), plus omitted until a named source and asOf date are attached at US destination port.
• Peak Season Surcharge (PSS): omitted until a named source and asOf date are attached, applied by most carriers from approximately July through October. If you are shipping in this window, budget for PSS.
• Port Congestion Surcharge (PCS): omitted until a named source and asOf date are attached, applied selectively when specific ports are congested. LA/LB has been most affected in Q2 2026.
• Documentation and B/L fees: omitted until a named source and asOf date are attached per shipment.

Key Variables That Move Your Rate

Several factors will push your rate toward the top or bottom of the ranges above:

• Booking lead time. Booking 4–6 weeks ahead of vessel departure consistently delivers omitted until a named source and asOf date are attached lower rates than booking 1–2 weeks out. Spot capacity is scarcer and more expensive as loading date approaches.
• Volume commitment. Shippers committing to 20+ FEU per month can negotiate contract rates below the spot benchmarks. Even informal volume agreements with a preferred carrier often unlock better pricing.
• Carrier selection. The 10 major trans-Pacific carriers — MSC, COSCO, Evergreen, ONE, Yang Ming, Hapag-Lloyd, and others — have different pricing strategies. Getting quotes from 3–5 carriers is standard practice; rate spread of omitted until a named source and asOf date are attached between the cheapest and most expensive quote is common on the same lane and departure window.
• Port pair. Shipping from Shanghai is typically cheaper than Shenzhen on certain services; Ningbo often has slightly lower port handling costs. If your Chinese supplier has multiple factory or warehouse locations, the origin port matters.

Outlook for H2 2026

Q3 and Q4 2026 look likely to bring modest rate increases from Q2 levels. Seasonal demand — back-to-school and holiday pre-stocking — typically peaks from June through September. New vessel deliveries expected in H2 2026 will add some capacity relief, but not enough to fully offset the seasonal demand uptick. Our base case: West Coast rates move to omitted until a named source and asOf date are attached in peak season, with East Coast following at omitted until a named source and asOf date are attached Plan accordingly and book Q3 capacity now if your volumes are predictable.