Shipping times for 9 major sea freight shipping routes from China and the factors that influence them
Shipping times from China to different regions vary significantly depending on a variety of factors, including shipping method (air, sea, etc.), specific ports of origin and destination, customs clearance requirements, and seasonal demand. Below is an overview of shipping times for different routes from China and the factors that influence them:
North America Routes (US, Canada, Mexico)
Major Ports:
US West Coast: Los Angeles/Long Beach, Oakland, Seattle, etc.
US East Coast: New York, Savannah, Norfolk, Houston (via the Panama Canal), etc.
Canada: Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal, etc.
Mexico: Manzanillo, Lazaro Cardenas, Veracruz, etc.
Shipping time of sea freight from China:
Shipping from China Port to Port in West Coast, US: Approximately 14 to 18 days, door-to-door: Approximately 20 to 30 days.
Shipping from China Port to Port in East Coast, US: Approximately 25 to 35 days, door-to-door: Approximately 35 to 45 days.
Shipping time from China to the central United States is approximately 27 to 35 days, either direct from the West Coast or via a second-leg train transfer.
Shipping time from China to Canadian ports is approximately 15 to 26 days, and door-to-door is approximately 20 to 40 days.
Shipping time from China to Mexican ports is approximately 20 to 30 days.
Key influencing factors:
Port congestion and labor issues in the West Coast: The Ports of Los Angeles/Long Beach are classic congestion points, and dockworker labor negotiations often lead to operational slowdowns or strike threats.
Panama Canal restrictions: Drought has caused canal water levels to drop, limiting the number of voyages and drafts, driving up costs and uncertainty on East Coast routes.
Inland transportation: Negotiations between U.S. railroads and the Teamsters Union may also affect the movement of goods from ports to inland areas.
European Routes (Western Europe, Northern Europe, and the Mediterranean)
Major Ports:
Rotterdam, Hamburg, Antwerp, Flixstowe, Piraeus, etc.
Shipping time of sea freight from China:
Shipping from China to Europe sea freight port-to-port: approximately 28 to 38 days.
Door-to-door: approximately 35 to 50 days.
China-Europe Express: approximately 18 to 25 days.
Key influencing factors:
Port strikes: Strikes by dockworkers across Europe are the biggest uncertainty factor, often causing widespread ship delays and port disruptions.
Suez Canal navigation: Canal congestion, toll increases, or unexpected events (such as the grounding of the Ever Given) can directly impact global European shipping schedules.
Geopolitical: The Red Sea crisis has forced ships to detour around the Cape of Good Hope, adding 10-15 days to journeys and is currently the biggest factor impacting time.
Rail freight vs. Sea freight: The China-Europe Express's stable timelines, unaffected by the Red Sea crisis, are a significant advantage.
Australia and New Zealand Routes (Australia and New Zealand)
Major ports:
Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Auckland, etc.
Shipping time of sea freight from China:
Sea freight Port-to-port: approximately 14 to 20 days.
Door-to-door: approximately 20 to 35 days.
Key influencing factors:
Biosafety and Quarantine: This is the most crucial factor. Australia and New Zealand have the world's strictest quarantine standards for imported animals and plants, resulting in extremely high inspection rates and slow processing times. Customs clearance times can extend by days or even weeks. Commonly used items, such as solid wood products or furniture, must undergo fumigation and obtain a fumigation certificate before entry.
Ship schedules are shorter than those in Europe and the United States, and direct shipping options are limited.
Seasonal demand fluctuations (such as agricultural product market season) affect shipping capacity.
South American Routes (East Coast and West Coast)
Major Ports:
West Coast: Callao, Iquique, Buenaventura, Guayaquil, etc.
East Coast: Santos, Buenos Aires, Montevideo, etc.
Shipping time of sea freight from China:
Sea Freight port-to-port:
West Coast ports: Approximately 25 to 35 days to port.
East Coast ports (via the Cape of Good Hope or the Panama Canal): Approximately 35 to 45 days to port.
Key influencing factors:
Longest voyages, greatest uncertainty.
Inefficient destination ports: Major South American ports suffer from underdeveloped infrastructure, low operational efficiency, and severe congestion.
Complex customs clearance and trade barriers: Complicated customs procedures, unstable policies, high inspection rates, and low tax exemption thresholds can lead to high taxes and delays.
Route options: Ships bound for the East Coast may route around the Cape of Good Hope or through the Panama Canal, depending on the navigation conditions of both.
Further reading:
Division of Central and South America in international shipping
Middle East Routes (Arabian Peninsula, Persian Gulf Coast Countries)
Major Ports:
Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Dammam, Doha, etc.
Shipping time of sea freight from China:
Sea Freight: Port-to-port: Approximately 15 to 22 days.
Door-to-door: Approximately 20 to 30 days.
Key influencing factors:
Destination port efficiency: Jebel Ali Port in the UAE is highly efficient, but other ports may experience significant reductions in efficiency during religious holidays (such as Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr), leading to delays.
Political situation: Regional instability may affect shipping safety and insurance costs.
Holidays: During Ramadan, the pace of work slows down, significantly reducing logistics efficiency.
Africa Routes
Major ports in 4 regions:
North Africa: Mediterranean coast, such as Alexandria and Algiers.
West Africa: Lagos, Lomé, Abidjan, Tema, etc.
East Africa: Mombasa and Dar es Salaam.
South Africa: Durban and Cape Town.
Shipping time of sea freight from China:
Sea Freight port to port:
About 25 to 40 days to North African ports.
About 30 to 50 days to East African ports.
About 25 to 35 days to South African ports.
About 40 to 50 days to West African ports.
Key influencing factors:
Poor conditions at destination ports: Congestion, outdated equipment, and poor management are common. Lagos is one of the most congested ports in the world.
Customs clearance challenges: Regulations are highly arbitrary, and document requirements are demanding and ever-changing, making customs clearance a significant challenge.
Inland transportation difficulties: Poor transportation infrastructure from ports to inland areas creates significant security concerns.
Political and social unrest: Political instability in some regions increases transportation risks and insurance costs.
Southeast Asia Routes (Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, etc.)
Major ports:
Singapore, Port Klang, Jakarta, Ho Chi Minh City, Bangkok, Laem Chabang, etc.
Shipping time of sea freight from China:
Sea Freight: Port-to-port: Approximately 5 to 10 days.
Door-to-door: Approximately 10 to 18 days.
Key influencing factors:
Short voyage distance is an advantage.
Destination port infrastructure varies significantly: Singapore is highly efficient, while ports in some countries may have outdated equipment, limited processing capacity, and prone to congestion.
Complex customs clearance environment: Customs policies, document requirements, and issues vary from country to country, making customs clearance a major risk point for delays.
Typhoon season affects ports and shipping routes in South China.
Further reading:
East Asia Routes (Japan, South Korea, Russian Far East)
Major Ports:
Japan (Tokyo, Yokohama, Osaka),
South Korea (Busan, Incheon),
Russian Far East (Vladivostok).
Shipping time of sea freight from China:
Sea Freight: Port-to-port is very fast, departing from northern China ports in approximately 2 to 5 days, with longer times of 7 to 12 days.
Rail/Land Transport: To the Russian Far East and some inland areas, transit times are comparable to or slightly longer than sea freight via ports such as Suifenhe and Hunchun.
Key influencing factors:
Extremely short voyages and very stable shipping times.
Highly efficient operations at destination ports (Japan and South Korea), but minor delays may occur due to port efficiency in the Russian Far East and winter ice conditions.
Political and trade policy changes may affect customs clearance processes.
South Asia Routes (India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh)
Major Ports:
Nhava Sheva, Colombo, Chittagong
Shipping time of sea freight from China:
Sea Freight: Port to Port: Approximately 12 to 18 days
Key influencing factors:
Severe port congestion: Due to inadequate infrastructure and complex procedures, ships spend significant time waiting for berths, particularly at ports in India and Bangladesh. This creates significant uncertainty in shipping times.
Strict customs clearance and policies: Indian Customs has a high inspection rate and extremely strict documentation requirements. Any errors can result in significant delays and fines.
Chittagong is one of the least efficient ports in the world, and delays are common.
Ultimate advice for cargo owners:
1. Allow at least 2 to 4 weeks of buffer time, especially for routes to South Asia, South America, Africa, and currently detoured Europe.
2. Accurate documentation: This is crucial for all routes and crucial for regions with complex customs clearance environments (South Asia, South America, and Africa).
3. Purchase shipping insurance: For long-distance, high-risk routes, and for high-value goods, insurance is essential.
4. Choose an experienced logistics provider: A partner with extensive experience and a strong network of agents specializing in specific routes (such as South America) can help you resolve most challenges.
Senghor Logistics has 13 years of freight forwarding experience, specializing in shipping routes from China to Europe, North America, South America, Australia and New Zealand, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East.
We are proficient in import customs clearance services for countries such as the United States, Canada, Europe, and Australia, with a particular understanding of US import customs clearance rates.
After years of experience in the international logistics industry, we have gained loyal customers in numerous countries, understand their priorities, and can provide tailored services.
Welcome to talk to us about cargo shipping from China!
Post time: Aug-25-2025
