Ocean freight cost
What does a container from Shanghai to Los Angeles cost right now?
The short answer
Updated Oct 13, 2026
Spot market rates this week
| Container | Spot market rate | Read on |
|---|---|---|
| 40' standard | $8,613 | Oct 13, 2026 |
| 40' high cube | $8,613 | Oct 13, 2026 |
| 20' standard | $6,876 | Oct 13, 2026 |
Spot market reads for full containers of general cargo (FCL, freight all kinds), port to port, Shanghai (CNSHA) to Long Beach (USLGB). Not a Gateway rate: Gateway quotes below spot for confirmed shipments.
The 40ft rate is up 1.2% over the last 30 days.
What the price leaves out
The rate covers the ocean freight from the port of Shanghai to the port. On top of it, budget for the US import duty on your goods, the customs entry and its fees, the truck from the port to your warehouse, and cargo insurance if you want it.
- US duty depends on the HTS code: goods from China carry Section 301 duties on top of the regular rate. Check yours in the Gateway tariff calculator.
- Trucking from the Los Angeles and Long Beach terminals: see what drayage costs from the LA ports.
- Who pays which part depends on your Incoterm: buying FOB Shanghai, the freight is yours to book.
Weekly history
The Shanghai to Long Beach lane is read every week from carrier spot quotes. Its price history and sailing windows are on the ocean rate board.
Shanghai to Los Angeles questions
How much does it cost to ship a 40ft container from Shanghai to Los Angeles?
About $8,613 on the spot market for the ocean freight, port to port, as read on Oct 13, 2026. Duty, customs entry, trucking from the port and insurance are extra.
How long does shipping take from Shanghai to Los Angeles?
About 12 days at sea, port to port. Allow more for loading at origin, unloading and customs clearance in Los Angeles, and the truck to your door.
Is Los Angeles or Long Beach the port for a container from Shanghai?
Either. The two ports share one harbor on San Pedro Bay, and carriers serve both. The rate on this page is for Long Beach, which is where this lane is quoted.
How much does a 20ft container cost from Shanghai to Los Angeles?
About $6,876 on the spot market, port to port, as read on Oct 13, 2026.
Can I pay less than the spot rate?
Yes. This is a spot market read, not a Gateway rate. Gateway quotes below spot for confirmed shipments, and regular volume on a lane gets contracted pricing that does not move with the weekly market.