China to USA FCL Ocean Freight

FCL (Full Container Load) means you book and fill a whole container just for your own cargo. LCL (Less than Container Load) means your cargo shares space with other shippers' goods. FCL is often the better deal above 15 CBM. It also gives you better cargo security, since no one else's goods get loaded or unloaded with yours, and it often moves faster, since there is no CFS handling step. LCL, by contrast, adds 5–10 days, for consolidation at origin and deconsolidation at the far end.

Your standard options are: a 20ft box (25–28 CBM, max payload about 28 tons), a 40ft standard box (55–60 CBM, max payload about 26 tons), a 40ft High Cube (76 CBM, with a 2.69m internal height), reefer containers (kept at a set temperature, 28–67 CBM depending on size), and flat-rack or open-top containers for out-of-gauge cargo. Most shippers on the trans-Pacific route pick the 40HC, since it uses volume so well.

In normal market conditions, we advise a 4–6 week lead time. During peak season, July through October, plan for 8–14 weeks instead. After a major disruption — Chinese New Year, port congestion, or a COVID-type event — lead times can stretch out much further. We also run a capacity reservation program, so regular importers can lock in confirmed space months ahead.

COC (Carrier-Owned Container) is the standard setup, where the shipping line owns the box, and you pay demurrage if you do not return it on time at the far end. SOC (Shipper-Owned Container) means you own or lease the box yourself — you skip carrier demurrage, but you must arrange to return or reuse it. SOC often suits high-volume importers who run multiple lanes, since it cuts demurrage risk and gives you more freedom with the container.

CBP may pick your container for a VACIS scan — a non-intrusive X-ray — or for a full intensive exam. VACIS is fairly quick, adding just 1–2 days of delay. An intensive exam is different: it needs your container unloaded at a CES (Centralized Examination Station), which can delay your cargo by 5–10 days and cost $1,000 to over $5,000 in exam fees, paid by you as the importer. Suaid Global watches for exam notices and books your CES appointments, to keep delays as short as possible. Exam insurance can also cover these surprise costs.

Trans-Pacific FCL rates swing a lot. They can drop under $2,000/40HC when supply is high, or climb past $20,000/40HC during a capacity crunch, as we saw during the pandemic. As of 2025–2026, rates have settled down, but they still sit above pre-2020 levels. The exact rate depends on your port pair, the vessel service, the season, and the carrier you use. Suaid Global gives you real-time market rate quotes, and we also offer rate protection plans if you plan ahead.