Sea Freight Shipping for eCommerce and Amazon FBA
AMZ Prep ships FCL and LCL ocean freight from China, India, and Europe to 50 plus US and Canada fulfillment centers. Customs clearance, FBA prep, and delivery included.
AMZ Prep manages the entire ocean freight supply chain under one provider. Factory pickup, export documentation, transit tracking, customs clearance, FBA labeling, and last mile delivery to Amazon fulfillment centers. Cargo is processed same day at an AMZ Prep fulfillment center and checked into Amazon FBA within 2 to 4 days. One team from origin to shelf.
TRUSTED BY GROWING ECOMMERCE BRANDS
- AMZ Prep ships FCL and LCL ocean freight from China, India, and Europe to 50 plus US and Canada fulfillment centers with customs clearance included.
- Sea freight costs 80 to 85 percent less per kg than air freight, making it the standard choice for regular inventory replenishment.
- Transit from China to the US West Coast takes 14 to 20 days port to port. East Coast routes run 25 to 35 days.
- AMZ Prep processes ocean freight inventory same day at destination. FBA prep runs under $1.50 per case. Middle Mile delivery checks inventory into Amazon within 2 to 4 days with zero placement fees.
- A 20ft container from China to the US West Coast averages $1,500 to $3,500. AMZ Prep provides quotes within 24 hours.
Reviewed by Blair Forrest, Founder and CEO · Last updated June 2026
What Is Sea Freight Shipping?
Brands choose between Full Container Load (FCL) for large shipments and Less Than Container Load (LCL) for smaller volumes. Ocean freight handles over 80 percent of global trade by volume. It is the most cost effective mode for moving inventory in bulk.
AMZ Prep manages the entire process under one provider. This includes booking, export documentation, transit tracking, customs clearance, FBA labeling, and last mile delivery to Amazon fulfillment centers.
The average transit time from China to the US West Coast is 14 to 20 days port to port. East Coast routes run 25 to 35 days. AMZ Prep adds FBA prep and Middle Mile delivery at destination so inventory moves from port to Amazon shelf without third party handoffs.
FCL vs LCL: Full Container Load and Less Than Container Load
The choice between FCL shipping and LCL shipping depends on cargo volume, budget, and transit speed. FCL books an entire container for one shipper. LCL consolidates multiple shippers into a shared container. Here is how they compare across the factors that matter most for eCommerce brands.
| Factor | FCL (Full Container Load) | LCL (Less Than Container Load) |
|---|---|---|
| Container | Entire 20ft or 40ft container dedicated to your cargo | Shared container with other shippers |
| Minimum Volume | 15 CBM or more (cost effective threshold) | 1 CBM minimum |
| Cost Structure | Flat rate per container ($1,500 to $5,500 depending on route) | Per CBM pricing ($40 to $120 per CBM depending on route) |
| Cost Per Unit | Lower per unit cost at high volumes | Higher per unit cost but lower total spend |
| Transit Time | Direct loading. No consolidation delay at origin. | Add 3 to 7 days for origin consolidation and deconsolidation |
| Cargo Handling | Loaded once at origin, unloaded once at destination | Multiple handling points increase damage risk |
| Security | Sealed at origin. Only opened at destination. | Shared space with other cargo |
| Best For | Brands shipping 15 CBM or more per order. Regular replenishment. High value or fragile goods. | Growing brands under 15 CBM. Test shipments. Seasonal top ups between FCL orders. |
AMZ Prep handles both FCL and LCL ocean freight. The freight team recommends the right mode based on your cargo volume and timeline. Use the CBM Calculator to determine your total cubic volume and find the breakpoint between LCL and FCL pricing.
How Sea Freight Shipping Works
AMZ Prep manages ocean freight forwarding as a single managed program. One team handles every step from factory pickup to Amazon delivery. No third party handoffs. No gaps in accountability.
Request a Freight Quote
Share your product details, origin, destination, and cargo volume. AMZ Prep provides an all in quote covering ocean freight, customs clearance, and FBA prep within 24 hours.
Book and Schedule Pickup
AMZ Prep coordinates factory pickup at origin. For FCL, a dedicated container is assigned. For LCL, cargo is consolidated at the origin port warehouse.
Export Documentation
AMZ Prep files all export documents. This includes commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, and ISF filing. All paperwork is completed before the vessel departs.
Ocean Transit with Live Tracking
Your shipment moves via ocean carrier with live vessel tracking. AMZ Prep monitors port ETAs and flags delays before they affect your inventory timeline.
US or Canada Customs Clearance
AMZ Prep handles destination customs. This covers duty calculation, ISF filing, and any required product inspections or permits. Section 321 de minimis entry is available for qualifying shipments.
FBA Prep and Final Delivery
Inventory arrives at an AMZ Prep fulfillment center and is processed same day. Labeling, poly bagging, and shipment plan creation run under $1.50 per case. AMZ Prep uses a first pick plus additional pick pricing model so multi item orders stay affordable. Finished units ship to Amazon via Middle Mile and check into FBA within 2 to 4 days with zero placement fees.
Sea Freight Transit Times by Route
Transit times below are port to port estimates for ocean freight shipping. Door to door service adds 5 to 10 business days for origin pickup, customs clearance, FBA prep, and inland delivery. Actual times vary by carrier, season, and port congestion.
| Origin | Destination | FCL Transit | LCL Transit | Mode |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| China (Shanghai, Shenzhen, Ningbo) | US West Coast (LA, Long Beach) | 14 to 20 days | 18 to 25 days | Ocean |
| China (Shanghai, Shenzhen, Ningbo) | US East Coast (NY, NJ, Savannah) | 25 to 35 days | 30 to 40 days | Ocean |
| China (Shanghai, Shenzhen) | Canada (Vancouver) | 12 to 18 days | 16 to 22 days | Ocean |
| China (Shanghai, Shenzhen) | Canada (Toronto, Montreal) | 28 to 35 days | 32 to 40 days | Ocean |
| India (Mumbai, Nhava Sheva, Chennai) | US East Coast | 25 to 32 days | 30 to 38 days | Ocean |
| India (Mumbai, Nhava Sheva) | Canada (Vancouver, Toronto) | 28 to 38 days | 33 to 42 days | Ocean |
| Europe (Rotterdam, Hamburg, Felixstowe) | US East Coast | 12 to 18 days | 16 to 22 days | Ocean |
| Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh, Hai Phong) | US West Coast | 16 to 22 days | 20 to 28 days | Ocean |
Transit times are estimates based on current carrier schedules and may change due to weather, port congestion, or routing adjustments. Contact AMZ Prep for live route availability and current ETAs.
Sea Freight Costs and Pricing Factors
Sea freight shipping costs depend on container type, origin, destination, cargo weight, and seasonal demand. Below are average rate ranges for the most common eCommerce shipping lanes. AMZ Prep negotiates preferred rates through consolidated volume across 2,000 plus brands.
| Service | Rate Range | Pricing Unit |
|---|---|---|
| FCL 20ft (China to US West Coast) | $1,500 to $3,500 | Per container |
| FCL 40ft (China to US West Coast) | $2,500 to $5,500 | Per container |
| FCL 20ft (China to US East Coast) | $2,500 to $5,000 | Per container |
| LCL (China to US) | $40 to $120 | Per CBM |
| LCL (India to Canada) | $50 to $130 | Per CBM |
| LCL (Europe to US) | $45 to $110 | Per CBM |
Rates shown are indicative and vary based on shipment volume, commodity type, and seasonal demand. Use the Freight Rate Calculator for an instant estimate or request a custom quote.
Factors That Affect Ocean Freight Pricing
Container Type and Size
20ft standard, 40ft standard, and 40ft High Cube containers each carry different base rates. Larger containers cost more but reduce per unit cost at scale.
Origin and Destination Ports
Rates vary by port pair. West Coast ports (LA, Long Beach) are cheaper from Asia than East Coast ports (NY, Savannah) due to shorter transit distances.
Seasonal Demand
Peak season (August through October) drives rates up as brands stock inventory for Q4. Booking 8 to 12 weeks ahead locks in better rates.
Fuel Surcharges and Port Fees
Bunker Adjustment Factor (BAF) and terminal handling charges are added to base rates. AMZ Prep includes all surcharges in the quoted price with no hidden fees.
Cargo Weight and Commodity
Heavy or hazardous cargo incurs additional handling fees. Lightweight high volume products benefit more from FCL flat rate pricing.
Customs Duties and Taxes
Import duties vary by HS code and country of origin. Use the Import Duty Calculator to estimate duty costs before shipping.
Sea Freight for Amazon FBA Sellers
AMZ Prep connects international sea freight shipping directly into FBA prep and Amazon delivery. No vendor handoffs between freight forwarder, prep center, and last mile carrier. One provider. Factory to Amazon shelf.
Zero Placement Fees
AMZ Prep splits FBA inbound shipments across 5 destinations using Middle Mile routing logic. This eliminates Amazon inbound placement fees entirely. No other sea freight forwarder offers this.
2 to 4 Day Amazon Check In
AMZ Prep processes ocean freight inventory same day and delivers to Amazon FBA within 2 to 4 days via Middle Mile. Standard FBA LTL check in takes 30 plus days. That speed difference keeps products in stock and Buy Box eligible.
FBA Prep Under $1.50 Per Case
Labeling, poly bagging, bundling, and shipment plan creation run under $1.50 per case. AMZ Prep uses a first pick plus additional pick model so multi item orders cost less than per unit pricing competitors. Products arrive FBA ready.
Customs Clearance Built In
ISF filing, duty calculation, HS code classification, and US or Canada customs clearance are handled by the same team managing your freight. One point of contact from origin to shelf.
50 Plus Fulfillment Centers
AMZ Prep operates 50 plus locations across the US and Canada. Inventory routes to the nearest fulfillment center based on Amazon destination assignments for the fastest FBA check in.
20 to 25 Percent Savings
Regional carrier partnerships and consolidated volume across 2,000 plus brands deliver 20 to 25 percent lower freight costs compared to national brokers. All fees included in the quoted price.
Sea Freight vs Air Freight
Ocean freight and air freight serve different inventory needs. Sea freight costs 80 to 85 percent less per kg but takes 3 to 5 times longer in transit. The right choice depends on your inventory timeline, budget, and product type.
| Factor | Sea Freight | Air Freight |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Per Kg | $0.10 to $0.50 per kg (FCL) | $3.50 to $8.00 per kg |
| Transit Time (China to US) | 14 to 35 days port to port | 3 to 8 days airport to airport |
| Capacity | Up to 67 CBM per 40ft container | Limited by weight and aircraft capacity |
| Minimum Shipment | 1 CBM (LCL) | No minimum (per kg pricing) |
| Carbon Footprint | Lowest per ton km of any freight mode | Highest per ton km |
| Best For | Regular replenishment. Bulk inventory. Cost sensitive goods. Planned restocks 30 to 60 days ahead. | Stockout recovery. Product launches. High margin items. Perishable or time sensitive goods. |
Most AMZ Prep brands use sea freight for regular inventory replenishment and air freight for emergency restocks or product launches. The AMZ Prep freight team builds a shipping plan that combines both modes based on your inventory forecast and sales velocity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sea freight shipping moves cargo across oceans in containers aboard cargo vessels. AMZ Prep manages the full process from factory pickup through customs clearance to FBA delivery in the US and Canada.
Ocean freight from China to the US West Coast takes 14 to 20 days port to port. East Coast transit runs 25 to 35 days. Door to door adds 5 to 10 days for pickup, customs, and inland delivery.
FCL books an entire container for one shipper. LCL consolidates multiple shippers into a shared container. FCL costs less per unit at higher volumes. LCL works for shipments under 15 CBM.
A 20ft container from China to the US West Coast averages $1,500 to $3,500. A 40ft container runs $2,500 to $5,500. Rates vary by origin, season, and fuel surcharges. AMZ Prep provides quotes within 24 hours.
Choose sea freight when your inventory timeline allows 25 to 40 days of transit. Ocean freight costs 80 to 85 percent less per kg than air freight. It is the standard choice for regular inventory replenishment.
Required documents include a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, ISF filing, and certificate of origin. AMZ Prep prepares and files all documentation as part of the managed freight service.
AMZ Prep files ISF, calculates duties, coordinates with licensed customs brokers, and manages all pre-arrival documentation. Section 321 de minimis entry is available for qualifying shipments under $800.
Yes. Inventory arrives at AMZ Prep for FBA labeling, poly bagging, and shipment plan creation. Finished units ship to Amazon fulfillment centers via Middle Mile with zero placement fees.
Ship Sea Freight to US and Canada FBA Centers
Share your origin, product details, and destination. AMZ Prep provides an all in quote covering ocean freight, customs, FBA prep, and delivery within 24 hours.