Freight is the cost of transporting goods from one location to another. Freight costs depend on the type of goods being shipped, the mode of transportation, the volume and weight of the goods, and the distance to the destination.
This article provides freight rates from China to Los Angeles to give you a better idea of the cost of shipping goods from China to Los Angeles.

Ocean Freight from China to the Los Angeles
Ocean Freight FCL
FCL, or full container load, means your goods fill an entire container, either 20’ or 40’ long. If you are shipping at a high volume, you’ll save time and money by shipping FCL. Pricing for FCL is done as a flat rate, regardless of whether or not your container is completely full.

Ocean Freight LCL
LCL, or less than a container load, means your goods do not fill an entire container, and will be shipped along with other boxes or pallets. Note that when you ship LCL, your goods will need to be consolidated at the origin port and deconsolidated at the destination port.
That’s why LCL shipping takes a few days longer than FCL.
Air Freight from China to the Los Angeles
Top shipping routes from China to the Los Angeles
The top 3 shipping lanes for shipping freight from China to the US are:
- Shipping from Shanghai to New York
- Shipping from Shanghai to Los Angeles
- Shipping from Shenzhen to Los Angeles
Documents required for Customs clearing in China and Los Angeles

When shipping from China to California, the importer must ensure all required documents are presented. They can be submitted by the importer or freight forwarder. They include:
- Packing List
- Commercial Invoice
- Bill of Lading
- Arrival Notice
- Import License
- Certificates of Origin
- Single administrative document
Tips to save time and shipping costs from China to Los Angeles
Here are some ways to reduce freight costs and save time from China to Los Angeles:
- Use a local freight forwarder.
- Try to optimize container space by packing goods tightly to save container shipping costs.
- Make reservations as far as possible to save money and ease any potential stress from delays.
- Use multimodal or combined shipping methods to save time and cost.
- Get cheaper shipping rates by shipping during less busy periods and off-peak seasons.
- Have all required documentation prepared for quick customs clearance.
- Plan ahead to cover customs taxes and levies.
- Check different suppliers and freight forwarders for quotes before selecting one.
- Be aware of your Incoterms and suitable shipping methods to avoid unforeseen costs.
- Get insurance for all your shipments.
Estimated Costs and Transit Time for Shipping to Los Angeles
Understanding the estimated shipping costs and transit times can significantly impact a shipper’s decision-making process. Here’s a simplified table illustrating potential shipping methods, their associated costs, and estimated delivery timeframes for shipping from China to Los Angeles:
Shipping Method | Estimated Costs | Estimated Delivery Time Frame |
Air Freight | $6 – $12 / kg | 3 – 5 days |
Sea Freight | $800 – $1200 / container | 3 – 4 weeks |
Express Courier | Varies based on weight/volume | 2 – 5 days |
Rail Freight | Cost-efficient for landlocked regions | Varies based on route |
Road Freight | Moderate to high | Varies based on distance |
DDP | Inclusive (can be higher) | Varies based on method |
These costs and timeframes are general estimates and can vary based on factors such as shipment size, distance, route, and specific service providers.
Shipping Costs from China to the Los Angeles

Shipping costs typically consist of freight costs and landed costs:
- Freight Costs: Calculated based on the shipping method, weight, and volume of the goods.
- Landed Costs: May include transportation from the factory to the shipping agent, warehousing, and customs clearance.
Average freight costs by method:
- Air Express to the USA: $7.54 to $9.54 per kilogram
- Air Freight to the USA: $3.40 to $15.50 per kilogram
- Sea Freight to the USA: $1,200-$1,850 per container
For a detailed breakdown of costs, contact Hong Ocean for a tailored quote
FAQ
While cargo insurance is not legally required for shipments from China to Los Angeles, it is highly recommended that you protect your goods against potential risks during transit.
The variability in air freight shipping times is primarily due to the route and couriers involved. Urgent shipments often use direct routes to minimize delays. On the other hand, less urgent shipments might involve layovers and other logistical steps to reduce costs.
- Step 1: Get a Shipping Quote from Hong Ocean
- Step 2: Get Freight Insurance
- Step 3: Contact a Customs Broker
Hong Ocean offers the best shipping services from China to USA. It automatically builds suitable routes online and calculates the cost of cargo shipment. China is USA largest trading partner, and the economic relations between the two countries have been growing steadily.
When importing goods from China to Los Angeles, all shipments must follow the regulations set by When importing goods from China to Los Angeles, all shipments must follow the regulations set by Los Angeles customs.
To avoid unexpected shipping and customs issues, it’s essential to check your shipment’s eligibility, determine the applicable duties and taxes, and identify required documents for customs clearance beforehand.