When planning your supply chain, one of the most common questions is: How fast do cargo ships go? The speed of cargo shipments from China to the U.S. depends on several factors, including transit routes, fuel efficiency measures, and port congestion.
Transit Times from China to the U.S.
The fastest vessel transit from China to the U.S. West Coast is 11 days without stopping. However, most vessels make stops or sail more slowly to conserve fuel. Since 2020, vessel operators have installed scrubbers to reduce fossil fuel emissions, which has further slowed transit times.
For the East Coast, the fastest transit time is 23-24 days, but in reality, it typically takes 28-32 days due to port congestion and possible Panama Canal delays.
Additional Time for Offloading and Restocking
Once a vessel arrives at the outgoing terminal, the minimum turnaround time is 4 days. On arrival, the fastest possible offloading is within 24 hours, as seen with Matson, but 1-3 days is the norm.
To estimate the total transit time, factor in:
- 4-8 days at origin for loading and customs clearance.
- 11-32 days for ocean transit, depending on the destination.
- 1-3 days for arrival processing and delivery.
Optimizing Your Cargo Shipments
If you’re wondering, How fast do cargo ships go?, it’s important to consider the full shipping timeline. While premium shipping services can reduce transit time, they come at a higher cost. Evaluating your supply chain needs and balancing speed with budget constraints is crucial.
Looking to optimize your shipping process? Consider Simple Forwarding as your freight forwarder. With expert logistics solutions and a focus on efficiency, we help businesses streamline their ocean freight from China to the U.S. Contact us today to find the best shipping solution for your needs!
