For shipping machinery to the US by sea: FCL (Full Container Load) rates are approximately $4,500–$8,000 per 40HQ container and $2,200–$4,000 per 20GP container (2026 market rates; US West Coast is cheaper than US East Coast; spot rates are higher); LCL (Less than Container Load) rates are approximately $45–$160 per CBM (US West Coast; $65–$180 for US East Coast); transit times are 11–20 days to the US West Coast and 35–40 days to the US East Coast; additional costs include peak season surcharges and inland drayage at the destination port—final quotes should be based on the freight forwarder’s “total door-to-door price.”
I.
FCL (Full Container Load) Costs
40HQ: US West Coast approx. $2,800–$5,500 (Los Angeles), US East Coast $3,800–$7,000 (New York/Savannah, XMAE mid-2026); spot rate references: Shanghai to Los Angeles $7,352, Shanghai to New York $9,726 (Drewry WCI, Sept 10, 2026); 20GP: $2,200–$4,000 (US West Coast $4,400–$5,200, US East Coast $5,800–$6,800); spot rate fluctuations: Sept 30, 2026, Shanghai to US West Coast $7,578, US East Coast $10,528 per FEU (shipping industry data)—US East Coast rates are 25–40% higher than US West Coast rates; FCL rates fluctuate significantly, so please refer to the quote for the specific week.
II. LCL (Less than Container Load) Costs
Billing: Based on the greater of CBM or weight-ton (W/M); US West Coast: $45–$160/CBM (actual paid: $95–$140; DTF basis); US East Coast: $65–$180/CBM (actual paid: $120–$165); Transit Time: 3–8 days longer than FCL (due to consolidation/deconsolidation); Suitability: Small batches of equipment (1–13 CBM)—LCL allows for sharing shipping costs among small items, though the unit price per CBM is higher.
III.
Surcharges and Terminal Charges
Peak Season Surcharge (PSS): +$100–$500 during Q4 peak season; Fuel Surcharge: Fluctuates based on fuel prices; Destination Drayage: Port-to-warehouse, approx. $500–$1,500; Customs Clearance: US customs broker fee, $100–$300; Customs Declaration + ISF: US import filing (ISF 10+2 required 24 hours in advance)—”Total Door-to-Door Price” = Ocean Freight + Surcharges + Clearance + Drayage; ensure all items are itemized in the quote.
IV.
OOG (Out-of-Gauge) / Oversized Cargo Reference
Oversized: Width >2.33m or Height >2.59m requires Flat Rack or Open Top containers (30–80% more expensive than standard containers); Break-bulk Vessel: Oversized cargo, $95–$165/RT (US West Coast); Ro-Ro (Roll-on/Roll-off): Self-propelled equipment, $3,500–$20,000 per unit—For large equipment (e.g., excavators, presses), have the freight forwarder calculate the OOG shipping plan and total cost in advance.
V. Notes for Overseas Buyers
Key points to consider: 1. Rates based on weekly quotes (shipping rates fluctuate significantly week-to-week); 2. US West Coast vs. US East Coast (a 25–40% price difference; shipments to inland cities can go via the West Coast followed by inland trucking); 3. All-inclusive door-to-door pricing (covering ocean freight, customs clearance, and trucking); 4. ISF filing (required 24 hours prior to arrival); and 5. Early booking for peak season (space is tight in Q4). Shipping rates to the US range from $4,500–$8,000 per 40HQ container and $45–$160 per CBM for LCL;
rates to the US East Coast are 25–40% higher, so budget based on the all-inclusive door-to-door price.
