How Much Are the Shipping Costs From Yantian, Shenzhen to the USA? What Are the Factors Affecting Shipping Costs From Yantian to the USA?

How Much Does It Cost to Ship from Yantian, Shenzhen to the U.S.? What Factors Influence Shipping Costs from Yantian to the U.S.?

With the development of globalization, the scale of international trade continues to expand, and ocean freight, as one of the main logistics transportation methods, directly affects the operational costs of enterprises with its price and efficiency. Yantian Port in Shenzhen is one of the important container ports in southern China, connecting many countries and regions around the world, among which the United States is an important trading partner. Then, how is the ocean freight cost from Yantian, Shenzhen to the U.S. calculated? And what factors influence it?

First of all, we need to understand that ocean freight costs are not fixed but determined by multiple factors. According to public reports and industry analysis, the main factors influencing ocean freight costs from Yantian to the U.S. include the following aspects

Distance of the route and voyage time

The distance from Yantian Port to the West Coast ports of Los Angeles or Long Beach in the U.S. is approximately 13,000 kilometers, while the distance to the East Coast ports of New York or New Orleans is even farther, approaching 18,000 kilometers. The distance of the route directly affects fuel consumption, thereby significantly impacting freight costs. Voyage time also influences the turnover efficiency of goods, indirectly affecting costs. For example, direct routes are usually more expensive than transshipment routes but faster.

Market demand and supply-demand relationship

In recent years, due to supply chain disruptions caused by the pandemic and the surge in demand brought about by global economic recovery, the international shipping market has experienced unprecedented fluctuations. According to media reports, in 2025, severe shortages of containers and port congestion occurred worldwide, causing freight rates to soar. Even during the post-pandemic recovery phase, the imbalance between supply and demand has not been fully alleviated. When demand for the Yantian-U.S. route is strong, shipping companies may increase freight rates; conversely, they may lower prices to attract customers.

Fuel Surcharge BAF

Fuel is an important cost component of maritime transport, so many shipping companies charge fuel surcharges based on changes in international crude oil prices. This fee is typically calculated per standard container TEU unit and adjusted regularly. For example, a major shipping giant once mentioned in an announcement that due to rising fuel prices, they would raise the BAF standards for all routes. For exporters, this part of the fee cannot be ignored.

Port handling fees

In addition to basic ocean freight, there are also some additional port handling fees, such as loading and unloading fees, warehousing fees, etc. These fees vary depending on different port policies. For example, the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, as two important gateway ports in the U.S., have relatively well-developed infrastructure but also face certain congestion problems. By contrast, some smaller and medium-sized ports have higher operational efficiency and correspondingly lower charges.

Exchange rate fluctuation

Changes in the exchange rate of RMB to USD also have a certain impact on ocean freight costs. If the RMB depreciates, the freight cost paid in USD will increase relatively; conversely, it will decrease. Especially in international trade settlements, exchange rate risks need to be fully considered.

Choice of value-added services

In addition to basic ocean freight services, shipping companies also provide various value-added services, such as full tracking, insurance protection, customized packaging, etc. Although these services can enhance customer satisfaction, they also bring additional costs. Enterprises should weigh the pros and cons when choosing service plans.

To sum up, the ocean freight cost from Yantian, Shenzhen to the U.S. is a complex and ever-changing issue involving factors at multiple levels such as geographical conditions, economic environment, and policy regulations. For import and export enterprises, reasonably planning logistics strategies and closely monitoring market dynamics are crucial. In the future, with the application of digital technology and the promotion of green shipping concepts, the international shipping industry is expected to usher in a more efficient and environmentally friendly new era.