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US West Coast / US East Coast Freight Price Difference

Ever wondered why shipping a container to Los Angeles (US West Coast) costs 20-40% less than shipping to New York (US East Coast)—even for the same cargo from Asia? You’re not alone. For US retailers, European cross-border sellers, and global importers targeting American markets, the US West vs. East Coast ocean freight price gap is a critical budget factor—yet most don’t understand why the difference exists, or how to choose the right coast to balance cost and speed.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We’ll break down exactly what drives the US West Coast vs. East Coast ocean freight price difference, how seasonal fluctuations and port congestion amplify (or narrow) the gap, real-world price examples for key routes (Asia to US West/East), and how to decide which coast fits your business needs. By the end, you’ll be able to compare quotes confidently, avoid overpaying, and align your shipping strategy with your inventory and customer timeline.

First: Defining US West Coast & East Coast Key Ports

To understand the price difference, start with clarity on the core ports of each coast—they’re the backbone of US ocean freight, and their location, capacity, and congestion levels directly impact costs:
  • US West Coast (WC) Core Ports: Los Angeles (LA), Long Beach (LB), Oakland, Seattle. These are the first US ports for trans-Pacific shipments from Asia (China, Vietnam, Japan), offering shorter transit times.
  • US East Coast (EC) Core Ports: New York/New Jersey (NY/NJ), Savannah, Charleston, Miami. These serve trans-Pacific shipments via the Panama Canal (or trans-Atlantic from Europe) and are closer to US Midwest/East Coast consumer markets.
Key Note: For European shippers, trans-Atlantic freight to US East Coast ports is often cheaper than routing via US West Coast (due to shorter distance), while Asian shippers face the reverse—critical context for your cost calculations.

Core Reasons for US West Coast vs. East Coast Ocean Freight Price Difference

The price gap between US West and East Coast ocean freight isn’t random—it stems from 5 fundamental factors. Below is a detailed breakdown for US and European shippers:

1. Transit Distance & Fuel Costs (The Biggest Driver)

Distance directly impacts fuel consumption—and fuel is one of the largest line items in ocean freight costs. For the most common route (Asia to US), the difference is stark:
  • Asia to US West Coast: ~5,000-6,000 nautical miles (e.g., Shanghai to LA: 5,500 nm). Transit time: 12-18 days. Lower fuel costs = lower base rates.
  • Asia to US East Coast: ~9,000-11,000 nautical miles (two routes: ① Shanghai → Panama Canal → NY: 9,800 nm; ② Shanghai → Suez Canal → NY: 11,200 nm). Transit time: 25-35 days. 60-80% longer distance = 20-40% higher fuel costs = higher base rates.
For European shippers (trans-Atlantic route): London to NY is ~3,500 nm (7-10 days), while London to LA via Suez is ~12,000 nm (28-35 days)—so East Coast is far cheaper for EU-US shipments.

2. Port Congestion & Terminal Handling Fees (THC)

Port congestion drives up surcharges and THC—two major cost components. US West Coast ports (LA/LB) are historically more congested than East Coast ports, but this gap shifts seasonally:
  • US West Coast: THC ranges from $150-$350 per 40ft container (FCL); $25-$45 per CBM (LCL). Peak season (Q3-Q4) congestion surcharges: $300-$800 per container (due to holiday inventory influx). Labor disputes (e.g., longshoreman strikes) also frequently disrupt WC ports, adding “delay surcharges.”
  • US East Coast: THC is slightly higher ($180-$400 per 40ft container; $30-$50 per CBM) due to smaller terminal capacity, but congestion surcharges are lower ($200-$500 per container) and less frequent. East Coast ports (e.g., Savannah) have expanded capacity in recent years, reducing delays.

3. Routing: Direct vs. Transshipment

Most Asia-US West Coast shipments are direct (no intermediate ports), while many Asia-US East Coast shipments require transshipment (e.g., via Panama Canal hubs or Caribbean ports)—adding cost and time:
  • Direct shipments (WC): No transshipment fees, lower risk of damage/delay.
  • Transshipment (EC): Adds $100-$300 per container in handling fees, plus 3-7 extra days of transit (increasing storage/inventory holding costs for your business).

4. Seasonal Demand Fluctuations

The price gap widens or narrows based on season, driven by US consumer demand:
  • Peak Season (Q3-Q4): WC prices spike 30-50% due to holiday inventory (retailers rushing goods to West Coast ports for fast last-mile delivery to US West/Midwest). EC prices rise too, but only 20-30%—so the gap narrows (e.g., WC: $4,000/40ft; EC: $5,200/40ft → 30% gap vs. off-peak 40% gap).
  • Off-Peak Season (Q1-Q2): WC prices drop 20-30% (lower demand), while EC prices stay relatively stable—so the gap widens (e.g., WC: $2,200/40ft; EC: $3,800/40ft → 73% gap).

5. Last-Mile Delivery Costs (Often Overlooked)

The ocean freight price is just one part—last-mile delivery from the port to your warehouse drastically impacts total cost. For US and European shippers, this can flip the “cheaper WC” narrative:
  • WC Port to US Midwest/East Coast Warehouse: $500-$1,200 per container (truck/rail). Example: LA port to Chicago warehouse: $800.
  • EC Port to US Midwest/East Coast Warehouse: $200-$600 per container. Example: NY port to Chicago warehouse: $350.
Key Math: A $1,600 cheaper WC ocean freight price can be erased by a $800 more expensive last-mile delivery—critical for European shippers targeting US East Coast markets.

Real-World US West vs. East Coast Ocean Freight Price Examples

To make this tangible, here are 3 common scenarios (Asia to US) with full price breakdowns—relevant for European and US shippers sourcing from Asia:

Scenario 1: FCL (40ft High Cube) – Industrial Machinery (Shanghai to LA vs. NY, US Manufacturer)

  • Shanghai to LA (WC) – Off-Peak:
    • Base Ocean Rate: $2,300
    • THC: $250
    • Fuel Surcharge (8%): $184
    • Congestion Surcharge: $150
    • Last-Mile to Chicago Warehouse: $800
    • Total Cost: $3,684 (Transit Time: 15 days)
  • Shanghai to NY (EC) – Off-Peak:
    • Base Ocean Rate: $3,900
    • THC: $320
    • Fuel Surcharge (12%): $468
    • Transshipment Fee: $200
    • Last-Mile to Chicago Warehouse: $350
    • Total Cost: $5,238 (Transit Time: 30 days)
  • Price Gap: 42% (EC is $1,554 more expensive; but last-mile saves $450 vs. WC)

Scenario 2: LCL (12 CBM) – Fashion Goods (Shenzhen to Oakland vs. Savannah, European Retailer)

  • Shenzhen to Oakland (WC) – Peak Season:
    • Base Ocean Rate: $140 per CBM = $1,680
    • THC: $35 per CBM = $420
    • Fuel Surcharge (15%): $252
    • Peak Congestion Surcharge: $50 per CBM = $600
    • Last-Mile to Atlanta Warehouse: $900
    • Total Cost: $3,852 (Transit Time: 18 days)
  • Shenzhen to Savannah (EC) – Peak Season:
    • Base Ocean Rate: $200 per CBM = $2,400
    • THC: $40 per CBM = $480
    • Fuel Surcharge (10%): $240
    • Peak Congestion Surcharge: $35 per CBM = $420
    • Last-Mile to Atlanta Warehouse: $300
    • Total Cost: $3,840 (Transit Time: 28 days)
  • Price Gap: 0.3% (EC is $12 cheaper; peak season narrows the gap)

Scenario 3: FCL (20ft) – Electronics (Hong Kong to Seattle vs. Charleston, US Tech Seller)

  • Hong Kong to Seattle (WC) – Off-Peak:
    • Base Ocean Rate: $1,800
    • THC: $200
    • Fuel Surcharge (7%): $126
    • Last-Mile to Dallas Warehouse: $700
    • Total Cost: $2,826 (Transit Time: 14 days)
  • Hong Kong to Charleston (EC) – Off-Peak:
    • Base Ocean Rate: $3,200
    • THC: $280
    • Fuel Surcharge (11%): $352
    • Transshipment Fee: $150
    • Last-Mile to Dallas Warehouse: $450
    • Total Cost: $4,432 (Transit Time: 26 days)
  • Price Gap: 57% (EC is $1,606 more expensive)

How to Choose: US West Coast vs. East Coast for Your Shipment

Use these 4 questions to decide which coast fits your business—balance cost, speed, and inventory needs:
  1. Where is your target US market? If 60%+ of customers are on the West/Midwest: Choose WC (cheaper last-mile). If East Coast/Southeast: Choose EC (avoids long cross-country trucking).
  2. What’s your timeline? Urgent inventory (e.g., seasonal goods, stockouts): WC (12-18 days vs. EC 25-35 days). Slow-moving goods: EC (cheaper total cost if last-mile is short).
  3. What’s your cargo volume? FCL (large volume): WC is cheaper off-peak. LCL (small volume): EC may be competitive in peak season (narrower price gap).
  4. What’s your budget priority? Cost-first: WC off-peak (if last-mile is manageable). Speed-first: WC (direct shipments). Balanced: EC in peak season (avoids WC congestion surcharges).

3 Tips to Minimize Costs Regardless of Coast

  1. Book Early for Peak Season: Reserve space 6-8 weeks before Q3-Q4 to lock in lower rates and avoid congestion surcharges (critical for WC ports).
  2. Negotiate All-In Quotes: Insist on quotes that include base rate, THC, fuel surcharges, and last-mile delivery—avoid “port-to-port” quotes that hide costs.
  3. Work with a US-Focused Freight Forwarder: Forwarders with US coast expertise can optimize routing (e.g., avoid transshipment for EC), negotiate better carrier rates, and help you time shipments to avoid peak surcharges.

Get a Custom US West/East Coast Freight Quote Today

The US West vs. East Coast ocean freight price difference doesn’t have to be a guessing game. With the right partner, you can choose the optimal coast for your needs, budget accurately, and avoid costly surprises.
Ready to simplify your US-bound ocean freight? Contact our team for a free, personalized quote tailored to your route (Asia to US WC/EC, Europe to US WC/EC), cargo specs, and timeline. We’ll break down every cost (ocean + last-mile), help you choose the best coast, and share strategies to minimize surcharges—no hidden fees, no delays.
Don’t let coast-to-coast price confusion derail your US market growth. Reach out today to lock in transparent pricing and reliable US ocean freight support.
Category: Logistics transportation timeliness

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