Sea Freight between
the U.S. and the World
Ocean freight remains the backbone of global trade, and the U.S. is at the center of it. From the West Coast gateways that link to Asia, to the Atlantic ports connecting with Europe, to Gulf terminals serving Latin America, DocShipper U.S. offers tailored sea freight solutions that make international trade simple and predictable. Our role? To manage the complexities of shipping across oceans, so your goods move securely, cost-effectively, and on time, every time.
FCL and LCL: Our Traditional Container ShippingSolutions
Containerized shipping is the foundation of ocean freight from the U.S., using standard 20ft and 40ft containers, including High Cube options. Depending on the size and frequency of your shipments, you can choose between Full Container Load (FCL) and Less than Container Load (LCL).
Full Container Load (FCL)
When your volumes are high enough, FCL is the most efficient choice. You benefit from a container reserved exclusively for your cargo.
- Reserve a container solely for your goods.
- Perfect for large quantities and high-volume customers.
- Cost efficiency per unit shipped.
- No handling of goods by other shippers, reducing risk.
- Faster, direct delivery as the container doesn't stop for other shipments.
Less than Container Load (LCL)
If your shipment is not large enough to fill a container, LCL offers a flexible solution. Your cargo is consolidated with other shipments, allowing you to pay only for the space you use.
- Share a container with other shippers.
- Ideal for smaller volume shipments.
- Lower costs through container sharing.
- Flexible space solutions based on your needs.
- Perfect for specialized or lower-volume goods.
Specialized Transport for your Special Cargo
Ro-Ro (Roll-on/Roll-off)
The best option for transporting cars, trucks, buses, or heavy machinery that can be driven directly onto the vessel.
Oversized Cargo
Special containers with temperature and humidity control for sensitive cargo like food, pharmaceuticals, and other perishable products.
Dry Bulk
Used for transporting unpackaged raw materials such as grains, minerals, or construction materials.
Refrigerated Goods (Reefer)
Designed for products requiring temperature control, such as perishable foods, pharmaceuticals, or other sensitive goods.
Shipping Made Easy, From The U.S to Anywhere
Global Shipping Coverage
The United States is home to some of the busiest container ports in the world, Los Angeles, Long Beach, New York/New Jersey, Houston, Miami, Seattle, and many more. Through these strategic gateways, we connect American exporters and importers to over 200 international markets, ensuring smooth access to the world’s main trade corridors.
All Types of Goods
Every shipment is unique, and our expertise spans a wide variety of cargo. Heavy industrial machinery, oversized construction materials, refrigerated products, consumer items, or even personal belongings all require different handling. With DocShipper U.S., every type of freight is matched with the most suitable sea transport solution, ensuring your goods travel in the right conditions and arrive safely.
End-to-End Management
Sea freight is only one link in the chain. That’s why we manage the entire logistics process from start to finish. From collecting goods at your supplier or warehouse, to export clearance in the U.S., port handling, ocean transit, import customs at destination, storage if needed, and final delivery, everything is coordinated under one roof. With DocShipper U.S., you get a single partner for your entire shipping process.
Document Assistance
Paperwork should never be the reason your shipment gets stuck at port. Our team prepares and verifies all the documents required for ocean freight, commercial invoices, bills of lading, packing lists, certificates of origin, and import/export permits, so that customs clearance is smooth and delays are avoided. With DocShipper U.S., the administrative side of shipping is handled with the same care as your cargo.
Comprehensive Support Beyond Sea Freight
At DocShipper U.S., we are not just moving containers from port to port. Our strength lies in providing complete support throughout your supply chain. Every company has its own challenges, which is why we tailor our solutions to match your requirements. From customs clearance to last-mile delivery, storage facilities near major U.S. ports, and multimodal combinations that merge sea freight with air or road, our services go beyond traditional freight forwarding. This integrated approach ensures that your shipments are smooth, predictable, and stress-free, so you can stay focused on your business while we handle the logistics.
Customs Clearance
Our licensed customs experts in the U.S. make sure every declaration, duty, and compliance check is handled. With our support, your goods move through borders quickly and without costly errors.
Last-Mile Delivery
Through our trusted domestic and global partners, we deliver cargo to its final destination, whether it’s a warehouse, retail outlet, or directly to your customer. Reliability is guaranteed from port to doorstep.
Storage
If your goods need to be stored before shipping or after arrival, we provide flexible warehousing solutions near major ports. From short-term holding for consolidation to secure long-term storage, your cargo is always safe and accessible.
Multimodal Service
Some supply chains demand more than ocean freight alone. For projects requiring faster transit or broader coverage, we offer multimodal options that combine sea with air or road freight. This allows you to balance speed and cost, all managed by your dedicated DocShipper contact.
Your sea freight shipments from China,
Managed from A to Z
Benefit from full support, from China to your doorstep, with highly competitive rates.
Steps of your Sea Freight From the U.S.
Each shipment from China demands careful management at every stage. From the initial contact to final delivery, we handle all aspects to ensure a smooth and secure process.
Initial
contact
We start by discussing your specific needs in detail, defining shipment requirements, and providing a customized and accurate quote.
Document
Verification
Our team reviews all essential documents to ensure compliance with customs regulations and avoid delays.
Goods Collection
We coordinate the transport of your goods from the warehouse or supplier in China to the export port, preparing everything for shipping by sea.
Export Customs Clearance
Our customs brokers handle all formalities to ensure your goods legally exit China, following all regulatory requirements.
Handling and Processing at Origin
At the port, goods are carefully received, thoroughly processed, and securely loaded onto the cargo ship for transport.
Sea Transport
Your products are carefully transported by sea to the destination port, ensuring they arrive safely and efficiently, ready for the next stage of their journey.
Handling and Processing at Destination
Once at the destination port, goods are unloaded, processed, and prepped for the final delivery stage.
Import Customs Clearance
We manage all import customs formalities, allowing your goods to enter the destination country seamlessly.
Final Delivery
The goods are transported to their final destination with care, whether that’s your warehouse, a distribution center, or another location of your choice.
More reasons to choose us
Real-Time Tracking
Through a dedicated platform, you can track every step of your shipment in real time, ensuring full visibility from departure in China to arrival in Europe or elsewhere.
24/7 Support
A single point of contact, available 24/7, to answer your questions and ensure smooth communication, regardless of time zone.
Highly Competitive Pricing
Our global network of partners allows us to offer the best ocean freight shipping proces, especially for China-Europe routes, thanks to our local presence and relationships with carriers.
Personalized Support
Clients appreciate our flexible and personalized approach, quickly helping to overcome obstacles for the best customer experience possible.
6100 +
Clients
9200 +
Operations
230 +
K CBM Chartered
4.8 +
ReviewsClients Testimonials
We can't make this up - See why businesses worldwide trust us with their shipments every day.
I contacted DocShipper to organize the import of board games from Asia to Switzerland. Despite my lack of experience in the field and the modest size of my request, my dealings with the staff were always professional and efficient. I received sound advice and the staff always took the time to answer my questions. I look forward to working with DocShipper for the import of my goods and highly recommend their services.
Mavrik Grangier
December 10, 2024
My name is Ad Van Den Bosh. I am a Dutch business man cross-trading in the Far East. I reached Robert Houwayek (DocShipper's representative) to clear a 40HC of greenhouse equipment from Qingdao, and deliver it to Lan Krabue in no time. He suggested that I request a Form E, which I did from the supplier, and was able to enjoy a preferential tariff treatment. DocShipper, a way to help you save both time and money!!
Ad van den Bosch
March 5, 2024
I recently used Docshipper to ship my appliances from Germany to Thailand, and I'm thrilled with the service I received! [...]The team was professional, responsive, and kept me informed every step of the way. The packaging and handling of my appliances were top-notch, and they arrived in perfect condition. I was impressed with the attention to detail and care taken to ensure a safe and successful transport. I really recommend Docshipper for it.
Chemmie Chatuphorn
November 28, 2024
In the event of goods being stuck at customs, Robert [...] is a customs broker you should arguably consider to release your cargo. Once I knew that my scale modeling tools coming from Spain are being withheld at Suvarnabhumi Airport, I resorted to him to release it and handle the last mile delivery. All what he asked me is to send 2 emails to be able to do it! [...] Well guess what, within 48 hours, it was done! I got my parcel at my place in Phuket.
Chan chan
Mar 5, 2024
A vice president caught up in the thick of thin things, an EXW shipment of plumbing supplies for irrigation from Eureka California to Costa Rica is definitely not what I’d like to have on my agenda. Robert’s hang-in-there posture toward any arising challenges in shipping. [...] skillfully handled all US export formalities incl. SED/AES filing, not to mention the sea freight from Oakland POL. Everything ended up working out like a charm!
Dave Sheppard
July 10, 2024
I feel they covered everything. DocShipper shipped a 20- ft Milvan overseas to Laem Chabang for a customer. The team was responsible for shipping the shipping to another country. Having very little knowledge in this area, I didn't know how to organise myself . One week after my arrival on the Asian continent. Marc O. Was available at all times and nearly instant feedback. Made a stressful event much easier and he definitely knows his job.
Anonymous, Indiana
Aug 9, 2023
No more stress when shipping from China.
From pick-up to the arrival of your goods, everything is fully managed. You focus on your business, and we take care of the rest with competitive rates and personalized support.
When to choose (or not) Sea freight from China
Although widely popular, ocean shipping isn’t always the best transport option.
When should you choose it?
- When shipping large volumes at a lower cost
- For transporting heavy or oversized goods
- When delivery time is not a priority
- For long-distance international shipments
- When dealing with non-perishable products
- If the destination has well-connected ports
- When minimal handling is required for the goods
- For items that can endure varying climate conditions
When should you avoid it?
- When shipments are urgent and time-sensitive
- For short or local transportation distances
- When handling high-value or delicate goods
- If enhanced security measures are required
- When access to port infrastructure is limited
- For frequent, small-volume shipments
- When managing complex or short supply chains
- During periods of seasonal demand fluctuations
Required documents
for sea freight
To ensure your goods travel in full compliance, several documents are essential.
- Bill of Lading
- Packing List
- Certificate of Origin
- Bill of Lading (B/L)
- Commercial Invoice
- Insurance Certificate
- Import/Export License
Have questions? We
have answers
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