Sea freight from Xiamen to the USA typically takes 14–18 days to the U.S. West Coast and 28–35 days to the East Coast port-to-port, or 25–45 days door-to-door (DDP) depending on destination and inland delivery. Costs generally range from USD 80–220 per CBM for LCL shipments and USD 2,200–7,200 per container for FCL (20GP/40HQ), based on route, season, and service scope.
If you’re shipping from Xiamen, you’re likely facing the same frustrations I hear from importers every week: unclear quotes, hidden destination charges, and conflicting advice on LCL vs FCL.
This article is written to help you understand the full landed cost, not just the ocean freight number.
Why Xiamen Is a Strategic Port for Shipping to the USA
Xiamen is one of South China’s most efficient export ports for USA-bound cargo, especially for manufacturers in Fujian and surrounding provinces.
Many suppliers in Fujian ship through Xiamen instead of trucking goods to Shenzhen or Shanghai, which often reduces domestic transport cost and handling risk.
If you are comparing ports, you may also find it useful to read our detailed guide on Top China Ports for Shipping to the USA, which explains when Xiamen, Shanghai, or Shenzhen makes the most sense.
Xiamen to USA Sea Freight Transit Time Explained
Transit time from Xiamen to the USA varies by coast, inland transfer method, and whether the shipment is port-to-port or door-to-door.
Typical Transit Time Reference
| USA Destination | Port-to-Port | Door-to-Door (DDP) |
|---|---|---|
| West Coast (LA / Long Beach) | 14–18 days | 25–35 days |
| Midwest (Rail via LA) | 20–25 days | 30–40 days |
| East Coast (NY / Savannah) | 28–35 days | 35–45 days |
Many importers misunderstand transit time because they only hear the ocean leg, not the full logistics chain.
If you want a deeper explanation of how door-to-door timelines work, I recommend reviewing DDP Shipping from China to USA.
Xiamen to USA Sea Freight Cost Breakdown (DDP vs Port-to-Port)
Sea freight cost from Xiamen to the USA depends primarily on delivery scope (DDP or port-to-port), shipment size, destination coast, and seasonality. There is no single flat rate — only a correct price range for each shipping model.
To avoid confusion, I always separate pricing into DDP door-to-door and port-to-port ocean freight, because they are fundamentally different services.
DDP Sea Freight Cost from Xiamen to USA (Door-to-Door, by KG)
DDP pricing is calculated by chargeable weight and includes export handling, ocean freight, U.S. customs clearance, duties, and final delivery.
| Shipment Weight | DDP Sea Freight Price Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 100–300 KG | USD 2.8–4.2 / KG | Small commercial shipments |
| 300–800 KG | USD 2.2–3.5 / KG | Growing importers |
| 800–2000 KG | USD 1.9–2.9 / KG | Stable bulk cargo |
| 2000 KG+ | USD 1.6–2.5 / KG | Regular large-volume importers |
The Above price is for common goods, if your products with batteries, with famous brands or others, welcome to contact your freight forwarder with provide the shipment details. they will contact and quote for your reference exactly.
When DDP makes sense:
- You don’t want to handle U.S. customs or duties
- You ship to residential or business addresses
- You need a single all-in landed cost
DDP is especially popular for importers who want cost certainty rather than managing multiple vendors in the USA.
Port-to-Port Sea Freight Cost from Xiamen to USA (LCL & FCL)
Port-to-port pricing covers ocean freight only and does NOT include destination charges, customs clearance, or inland delivery.
LCL (Less than Container Load) – Cost by CBM
| Volume Range | Ocean Freight Cost Range | Typical Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| 1–3 CBM | USD 120–220 / CBM | Trial or test orders |
| 3–8 CBM | USD 95–160 / CBM | Multi-supplier consolidation |
| 8–15 CBM | USD 80–130 / CBM | Regular small importers |
LCL offers flexibility, but destination charges at U.S. ports can vary widely if not clearly quoted in advance.
For a broader comparison of landed cost strategies, you can also review
Cheapest Shipping Routes from China to USA.
FCL (Full Container Load) – Cost by Container
| Container Type | USA West Coast | USA East Coast |
|---|---|---|
| 20GP | USD 2,200–3,800 | USD 3,200–5,200 |
| 40HQ | USD 3,200–5,500 | USD 4,500–7,200 |
FCL provides the most stable cost structure and significantly reduces cargo handling risk, making it ideal for furniture, machinery, stone, and fragile goods.
Important note:
DDP and port-to-port pricing should never be compared directly. One is an all-inclusive landed solution; the other is only the ocean leg. Comparing them side by side without understanding scope is one of the most common mistakes importers make.
LCL or FCL: How to Choose Correctly
As a rule of thumb, once your shipment reaches 12–15 CBM, FCL is often the more economical and safer option.
Choose LCL if you:
- Ship irregularly
- Have multiple suppliers
- Are testing the market
Choose FCL if you:
- Ship repeatedly
- Handle fragile or bulky cargo
- Need predictable landed costs
This decision logic aligns closely with what I explain in our guide on
LCL vs FCL Shipping from China.
What Is Included in DDP Sea Freight from Xiamen to the USA?
DDP sea freight means the forwarder handles the entire process—from supplier pickup in China to final delivery in the USA.
A proper DDP service includes:
- Export customs clearance in China
- Ocean freight
- U.S. customs clearance
- Import duties and taxes
- Inland rail or truck delivery
If you are new to this model, you may want to review our full explanation of
What DDP Shipping Means for Importers.
Required Documents for Xiamen to USA Sea Freight
Shipping from Xiamen to the USA goes smoothly only when documentation is accurate, consistent, and prepared before cargo loading. Most customs delays I see are caused by document errors, not by the ocean transit itself.
Based on my 12+ years handling Xiamen–USA sea freight shipments, these are the documents you must prepare — and understand — before shipping.
Core Shipping Documents (Mandatory for All Shipments)
These documents are required whether you ship LCL, FCL, or DDP.
Commercial Invoice
Must clearly state:- Shipper and consignee details
- Accurate product description (not generic names)
- Unit price and total value
- Correct Incoterms (EXW, FOB, or DDP)
Packing List
Must include:- Carton count
- Net and gross weight
- Dimensions per carton or pallet
- Packing method (cartons, pallets, crates)
Bill of Lading (B/L)
Acts as:- Proof of shipment
- Transport contract
- Title document (for original B/L shipments)
Any inconsistency between invoice, packing list, and B/L is a common trigger for U.S. customs review.
Customs & Compliance Information (USA Import Side)
HS Codes
HS codes must match the actual product. Incorrect classification is one of the fastest ways to trigger inspections or penalties.Importer of Record (IOR) Information
Includes:- Company name
- EIN or SSN
- Importer address and contact details
For DDP shipments, this responsibility is handled by the forwarder.
For port-to-port shipments, it is your responsibility as the importer.
Product-Specific Certificates (When Applicable)
Depending on what you ship from Xiamen, additional documents may be required:
- FDA – food, supplements, cosmetics
- FCC – electronics with wireless or communication functions
- CPSIA / ASTM F963 – toys and children’s products
- MSDS – batteries, chemicals, or liquid products
I always recommend confirming certificate requirements before production finishes, not after cargo is packed.
Why Document Accuracy Matters More Than Speed
In real operations, one missing or incorrect document can result in:
- U.S. customs holds
- Demurrage and storage charges
- Delivery delays of weeks
From my experience, pre-checking documents before cargo leaves Xiamen saves more time and money than choosing a faster vessel.
A well-prepared document set makes Xiamen–USA sea freight predictable and repeatable — exactly what importers need when scaling shipments.
Common Mistakes Importers Make on Xiamen–USA Shipments
Most problems on Xiamen–USA sea freight routes are not caused by ocean delays, but by avoidable planning and decision mistakes made before the cargo ever leaves China.
Based on what I see every week at DFH Logistics, these are the most common and costly mistakes importers make.
1. Comparing Only Ocean Freight and Ignoring Destination Costs
Many importers focus solely on the Xiamen ocean freight rate and assume everything else will be “minor.”
In reality, U.S. destination charges, customs clearance, duties, and inland delivery often account for a large portion of the final landed cost.
This is why two quotes with similar ocean freight can result in very different total costs.
2. Choosing LCL for Cargo That Should Be FCL
LCL looks cheaper at first glance, but once shipments exceed roughly 12–15 CBM, LCL destination fees, handling, and delivery costs can surpass FCL.
I often see importers ship 18 CBM as LCL, only to realize later they could have saved money and reduced risk with a 20GP container.
3. Underestimating Volume and Chargeable Weight
Incorrect carton dimensions, ignoring pallet size, or assuming factory estimates are accurate often leads to re-rated charges after cargo arrival.
This is especially common with furniture, stone products, and irregular-shaped cargo shipped from Fujian factories.
4. Mixing Up DDP and Port-to-Port Pricing
One of the biggest misunderstandings is comparing DDP door-to-door pricing directly with port-to-port ocean freight.
DDP includes customs clearance, duties, and delivery.
Port-to-port does not.
Comparing them without understanding scope almost always leads to wrong budgeting decisions.
5. Incorrect or Incomplete Documentation
Missing HS codes, inconsistent invoice values, or vague product descriptions are common triggers for U.S. customs inspection.
Once flagged, shipments from Xiamen can face:
- Clearance delays
- Additional document requests
- Unexpected penalties
All of these cost time and money that could have been avoided.
6. Choosing the Cheapest Quote Without Understanding the Process
The lowest quote often comes with:
- Unclear inclusions
- Separate destination invoices
- Poor communication after cargo departure
In sea freight, price without process control is risk, not savings.
In my experience, avoiding these mistakes often saves more money than negotiating the freight rate itself.
A well-structured shipment from Xiamen to the USA should feel predictable, transparent, and repeatable — not stressful or uncertain.
Why DFH Logistics Is Your Best Freight Forwarder from Xiamen to USA?
Choosing a freight forwarder is not about who gives the lowest quote — it’s about who can control cost, risk, and delivery from Xiamen all the way to your U.S. address. That is exactly where DFH Logistics adds real value.
Here is why importers choose us specifically for Xiamen–USA routes:
Deep Experience with Xiamen-Origin Shipments
We work directly with factories and warehouses across Fujian and surrounding regions. This allows us to:
- Arrange efficient supplier pickup to Xiamen
- Reduce unnecessary domestic trucking costs
- Avoid common export declaration mistakes at Xiamen Customs
Clear, All-In Cost Structure (No Guesswork)
Whether you ship LCL, FCL, or DDP door-to-door, we focus on landed cost clarity, not just ocean freight.
You know in advance:
- What is included
- What is excluded
- Where cost risks may appear
This prevents the “cheap quote, expensive final bill” problem many importers face.
Reliable DDP Sea Freight from Xiamen to USA
For clients who don’t want to manage U.S. customs, duties, or inland delivery, our DDP sea freight service covers:
- Export clearance in China
- Ocean freight
- U.S. customs clearance
- Duty and tax handling
- Final delivery to business or residential address
You deal with one responsible party, not multiple agents.
Strong Control on Documentation and Compliance
We pre-check invoices, packing lists, HS codes, and shipment structure before cargo is loaded.
This significantly reduces:
- Customs inspections
- Clearance delays
- Unexpected penalties
For many clients, this alone saves weeks of time and thousands of dollars each year.
A Long-Term Partner, Not a One-Off Booking Agent
Our role is not just to “move a container.”
We help you:
- Choose the right shipping model as your volume grows
- Transition smoothly from LCL to FCL
- Optimize cost over multiple shipments, not just one
That is how stable supply chains are built.
If you are planning to ship from Xiamen to the USA — whether it’s your first shipment or your 50th container — the right freight forwarder will save you far more than they ever cost.
Final Thoughts
Shipping from Xiamen to the USA can be highly cost-effective—but only when transit time, cost structure, and service scope are clearly defined.
With the right sea freight setup, you avoid surprises and build a long-term importing model instead of solving problems shipment by shipment.
