40HC Ocean Freight and Booking
from Japan to Long Beach (USA)

Japan → Long Beach: service and transit time

Long Beach adjoins Los Angeles, and together the two form the largest port complex on the US West Coast. Which port a vessel calls at is determined by the carrier service, so we can offer the same transit times and conditions as for Los Angeles. Transit is around 14–20 days, varying by carrier, schedule and season. Delays can occur due to weather, port congestion or omitted calls.

Besides the direct sailings, we can offer transhipment services that transfer at a nearby hub port. Transhipment takes longer than a direct sailing, but sailings are more frequent, space is easier to secure and the freight cost can be lower. Tell us whether you want to prioritise transit time or cost and we will adjust our proposal.

Transit times are a guide for representative services and are not guaranteed. They differ by carrier and service, and delays can occur due to weather, port congestion or omitted calls. Confirmed schedules are provided with your quote.

40HC ocean freight rates to Long Beach and what moves them

Space on the US West Coast tightens ahead of the year-end retail season and rates tend to move up. When port labour negotiations or inland rail congestion coincide, inland costs move as well as the ocean freight.

We compare rates from multiple carriers side by side and present the best available at that moment. Card payment is supported, so you can book without straining your cash flow.

Ports, customs and inland transport for USA

Long Beach sits in the same metropolitan area as Los Angeles and shares essentially the same inland rail connections. US-bound shipments require advance filings such as ISF (10+2) and AMS.

We will guide you through the required documents and deadlines, so please ask even if this is your first shipment to USA. For inland destinations, confirming drayage and onward transport in advance makes the schedule easier to plan.

The Port of Long Beach has run its Green Port Policy since 2005, and reports diesel emissions down roughly 92% since then. It has also worked with Toyota and FuelCell Energy on a hydrogen/power/water tri-generation system at the port, part of a broader push on port infrastructure.

SOC container also available

Equipment turns over reasonably well on the US West Coast, so carrier-owned containers (COC) are normally fine. SOC containers become an option for inland destinations with return constraints.

Other routes in N. America West

We also handle other routes to N. America West. If the destination is not yet fixed, we will compare options on the all-in cost including the inland leg.

Frequently asked questions