Calculating Container Shipping Time: A Practical Guide for Importers and Brands

Calculating container shipping time is a key part of planning any overseas shipment. For brands sourcing products internationally, even small miscalculations can lead to delayed launches, inventory gaps, or missed promotional windows.

Shipping timelines depend on more than just how far a container travels. Port congestion, transshipment routes, customs clearance, and seasonal disruptions all influence how long sea freight actually takes. In this guide, we’ll break down how container shipping time is calculated, what affects it, and how businesses can plan more reliably when moving goods by sea.

What Is Container Shipping Time?

Container shipping time, often called sea freight transit time, refers to the number of days it takes for a shipping container to move from the port of origin to the destination port.

It’s important to note that this is not the same as total delivery time.

Transit Time vs. Total Delivery Time

Many importers assume transit time equals delivery time. In reality, they are very different.

Transit time includes:

• Vessel travels from port to port

• Scheduled stops or transshipments

Total delivery time includes:

• Export customs clearance

• Port congestion and waiting time

• Loading and unloading

• Import customs clearance

• Inland trucking or rail transport

For accurate planning, brands should always consider end-to-end lead time, not just ocean transit.

How Is Container Shipping Time Calculated?

Shipping time is influenced by several variables. Understanding these helps you forecast more accurately.

1. Distance Between Ports

Longer distances naturally require more time. For example:

• China to Southeast Asia may take under two weeks

• China to Europe can take over a month

2. Shipping Route & Transshipment

Direct routes are faster but not always available. Many shipments stop at hub ports for transshipment, which can add several days.

3. Vessel Speed

Container ships typically travel at 16–25 knots, but speed may be reduced to save fuel or comply with emissions regulations.

4. Port Congestion

Busy ports can delay loading and unloading, especially during peak seasons such as:

• Pre-holiday shipping periods

• Chinese New Year

• Global supply chain disruptions

5. Weather & Seasonal Conditions

Storms, typhoons, and rough seas can slow vessels or force route changes.

6. Customs Clearance & Inspections

Unexpected inspections or incomplete documentation can significantly extend delivery time.

Average Container Shipping Times on Major Trade Routes

Please note that the port of loading referenced here is Hong Kong, but The ODM Group also ships from Shanghai, Ningbo, and Shenzhen, among other ports.

Sailing time will vary by about 2/3 days depending on the actual port of departure in China.

EU Countries

• Shipping from China to Belgium, Antwerp 30 days
• Shipping from China to Denmark, Copenhagen 31 days
• Shipping from China to Finland, Helsinki 32 days
• Shipping from China to France, Marseille 24 days
• Shipping from China to Germany, Hamburg 30 days
• Shipping from China to Germany, Bremen/Bremerhaven 30 days
• Shipping from China to Netherlands, Rotterdam 30 days
• Shipping from China to Netherlands, Amsterdam 30 days
• Shipping from China to New Zealand, Auckland 16 days
• Shipping from China to Norway, Oslo 31 days
• Shipping from China to Italy, Palermo 23 days
• Shipping from China to United Kingdom, London 29 days
• Shipping from China to Spain, Las Palmas 28 days
• Shipping from China to Sweden, Stockholm 32 days
• Shipping from China to Ukraine, Odessa 23 days
• Shipping from China to Poland, Gdynia 31 days
• Shipping from China to Russia, Magadan 9 days

American Countries

• Shipping from China to Chile, San Antonio 31 days
• Shipping from China to Brazil, Rio De Janeiro 31 days
• Shipping from China to Canada, Toronto 36 days
• Shipping from China to Colombia, Santa Marta 29 days
• Shipping from China to United States, Los Angeles 20 days
• Shipping from China to United States, Long Beach 20 days
• Shipping from China to United States, Houston 32 days
• Shipping from China to United States, New York/New Jersey 34 days
• Shipping from China to Puerto Rico, San Juan 31 days
• Shipping from China to Mexico, Veracruz 33 days
• Shipping from China to Portugal, Porto 27 days
• Shipping from China to Uruguay, Montevideo 32 days

Africa Countries

• Shipping from China to Morocco, Casablanca 26 days
• Shipping from China to Madagascar, Suarez 16 days
• Shipping from China to South Africa, Cape Town 21 days
• Shipping from China to Tunisia, Tunis 23 days

Middle Eastern Countries

• Shipping from China to Israel, Tel-Aviv 20 days
• Shipping from China to United Arab Emirates, Dubai 15 days
• Shipping from China to Lebanon, Beirut 21 days
• Shipping from China to Turkey, Istanbul 22 days

Asia Countries

• Shipping from China to Australia, Dampier 9 days
• Shipping from China to Australia, Sydney 15 days
• Shipping from China to China, Shanghai 3 days
• Shipping from China to India, Jawaharlal Nehru 12 days
• Shipping from China to Malaysa, Tanjung Pelepas  5 days
• Shipping from China to Singapore, Singapore 5 days
• Shipping from China to Japan, Nagoya 5 days
• Shipping from China to Taiwan, Keelung 2 days
• Shipping from China to Pakistan, Karachi 14 days

For other ports of discharge, not mentioned above, or for other ports of loading, please click here for a freight transit time calculator. Do send us a comment and we will add your ports to this list. Note also that the Freight times do not take into account further delays which may occur such as:

• Getting products to port a few days before sailing for clearance in China. Account for 2-3 days extra
• Waiting until the next available vessel departs (there is unlikely to be a departure every day to your port of choice)
• Customs clearance in your country (count 3-5 days of slack.)
• Internal trucking in your country. (count 3-5 days of slack.)

 

Please also check our blogs on Incoterms for more info on Freight calculations as well as our blog on National holidays where there might be further delays.

Understanding shipping routes and distances is important in order to keep your production streamlined. Consider using an online sea freight calculator or air freight transit time calculator to really stay on top of things.

See also our blogs on Incoterms, calculating air freight, how many products fit in a container, shipping hazardous materials, & Pre-shipment QC.

Container Shipping Time from Hong Kong to (in days):

Keelung: 2, Shanghai: 3, Nagoya: 5, Tanjung Pelepas: 5, Singapore: 5, Dampier: 9, Magadan: 9, Jawaharlal Nehru: 12, Karachi: 14, Sydney: 15, Dubai: 15, Suarez: 16, Auckland: 16, Tel-Aviv: 20, Los Angeles: 20, Long Beach: 20, Beirut: 21, Cape Town: 21, Istanbul: 22, Palermo: 23, Tunis: 23, Odessa: 23, Marseilles: 24, Casablanca: 26, Porto: 27, Las Palmas: 28, Santa Marta: 29, London: 29, Antwerp: 30, Hamburg: 30, Bremen/Bremerhaven: 30, Rotterdam: 30, Amsterdam: 30, Rio De Janeiro:31, San Antonio: 31, Copenhagen: 31, Oslo: 31, Gdynia: 31, San Juan: 31, Helsinki: 32, Stockholm: 32, Houston: 32, Montevideo: 32, Veracruz: 33, New York/New Jersey: 34, Toronto: 36.

Container Shipping Time from Shanghai to (in days):

Sydney: 14, Dubai: 17, Singapore: 7, Auckland: 16, Tel-Aviv: 22, Los Angeles: 18, Cape Town: 23, Istanbul: 24, Palermo: 25, Odessa: 25, Porto: 28, London: 31, Hamburg: 32, Rio De Janeiro: 33, San Antonio: 30, Oslo: 33, Montevideo: 33, Houston: 30, New York: 31, Toronto: 31, Veracruz: 30, Santa Marta: 26, Suarez: 17, Tanjung Pelepas: 6, Keelung: 2.

Read more about shipping merchandise

Shipping tends to slow down during peak seasons, and this article explains why. It breaks down what causes holiday delays and how brands can plan ahead to avoid missed deadlines and last-minute surprises.

Customs paperwork can be confusing, especially for branded products. This guide walks through the China customs declaration process, the documents you’ll need, and common mistakes that can hold shipments up.

 

Not sure whether to ship by courier, air, or sea? This article compares different shipping options and helps you choose the best method based on timing, budget, and order size.

Some products don’t fit neatly into containers. This guide explains what break-bulk shipping is, when it makes sense, and why it’s often used for oversized or irregular items.

Transshipping can speed things up—or slow them down—depending on how it’s handled. This article explains how transshipping works, why it’s used, and how it impacts shipping time and routing.

Factors That Commonly Cause Shipping Delays

Even with accurate estimates, delays can happen. The most common causes include:

• Port congestion or labor shortages

• Peak season volume surges

• Container shortages

• Weather disruptions

• Customs documentation issues

For promotional campaigns or retail launches, building buffer time into your shipping plan is critical.

Sea Freight vs. Air Freight: Time Comparison

While this article focuses on container shipping, it’s helpful to compare options:

• Sea freight: Cost-effective for bulk orders but slower

• Air freight: Faster (days instead of weeks) but significantly more expensive

Many brands use a hybrid strategy, shipping bulk inventory by sea while air-freighting urgent items.

Tools to Help Estimate Container Shipping Time

Shipping lines and freight forwarders often provide transit schedules, but real-world timing can still vary.

When planning shipments, brands should:

• Request updated sailing schedules

• Confirm whether routes are direct or transshipped

• Ask about historical congestion at destination ports

Working with experienced sourcing and logistics partners helps reduce uncertainty and avoid surprises.

Planning Shipping Time for Promotional Products

For branded merchandise and promotional products, shipping time directly impacts:

• Product launches

• Seasonal campaigns

• Event deadlines

• Retail rollouts

Sea freight remains the most cost-effective option for bulk promotional items, but it requires clear timelines and proactive planning.

How can ODM help?

Calculating container shipping time accurately is not just a logistics exercise. It directly impacts production planning, inventory management, and the success of your marketing campaigns. Understanding the factors behind sea freight transit times helps brands avoid last-minute surprises and make better sourcing decisions.

This is where working with an experienced partner makes a real difference. At ODM, we support clients beyond product manufacturing. Our team manages the full sourcing process in Asia, from factory selection and quality control to logistics planning and shipping timelines. With teams on the ground in China and Vietnam, we provide clearer visibility, realistic lead times, and proactive communication throughout the journey.

By combining manufacturing expertise with hands-on logistics knowledge, ODM helps brands plan shipments with confidence, reduce risk, and keep projects on schedule, especially when deadlines matter most. Contact us today!

Shipping-Inspired Promotional Products

Here are some creative product ideas that play off the theme of shipping and logistics — perfect for branded gifts, client giveaways, or trade shows.

A fun and eye-catching piece that takes inspiration from aviation and cargo transport. Perfect when you want to highlight global reach or express your brand’s connection to international logistics.

This collection features gift ideas that take inspiration from shipping and logistics themes. Great if you’re looking for branded items that feel relevant, thoughtful, and easy to tie back to your industry.

A wider range of shipping-themed promotional products, from practical giveaways to more novelty-style items. Ideal for campaigns centered around supply chains, delivery, or global operations.

A standout item that turns the idea of a shipping container into branded signage or display — ideal for events, showrooms, or retail pop-ups where you want to showcase your logistics identity in a big way.

Other Related Blogs…

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

How long does container shipping usually take?

Most container shipments by sea take anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks, depending on the origin and destination ports, the shipping route, and whether the shipment is direct or transshipped. Busy ports and peak seasons can extend this timeline.

What’s the difference between transit time and total shipping time?

Transit time refers only to the time a container spends traveling from port to port. Total shipping time includes everything else — export and import customs clearance, port handling, and inland transportation to the final destination.

Why do container shipping times change so often?

Shipping schedules can shift due to weather conditions, port congestion, vessel availability, or changes in routing. Even after a shipment is booked, unexpected delays can still happen.

Does transshipping increase shipping time?

In most cases, yes. Transshipping involves moving a container through one or more intermediate ports, which usually adds a few extra days. However, it can sometimes be the only option for certain routes or help improve overall vessel availability.

Is sea freight always the best option for promotional products?

Sea freight is usually the most cost-effective choice for bulk orders, but it’s not always the fastest. For urgent deadlines, some brands use a mix of sea and air freight to balance cost and timing.