Calculate freight shipping time & transit time in seconds with this free air, ocean & trucking international transit time & shipment duration calculator.
International freight can be complicated, especially when you need to choose between different shipping modes. This international freight shipping transit time calculator helps by giving estimated shipping time for blended inland trucking, air, and ocean freight, to give a comprehensive freight shipping time estimate. Using Freightos’s transit time calculator enables you to quickly and conveniently determine the estimated transit time for your shipments. It empowers you to make informed decisions, optimize your logistics planning, and ensure timely delivery of your goods to their intended destinations.
What is transit time in shipping
Transit time is how long it takes for a shipment to be delivered to its final destination after being picked up from a designated pick-up point. The amount of time needed to move goods from one point to another varies widely, so it’s important to get this information before booking a shipment.
How long does freight shipping take?
Freight shipping transit time is impacted by factors including distance, shipping mode, route, and season. In very rough estimates: express can take as little as 1-3 days, air freight is typically 5-10 days, and sea shipping can range anywhere from 20-45 days or more. The complexity of customs procedures and potential delays at border crossings can also influence freight shipping transit time. Factors such as the volume of shipments being processed, the accuracy of documentation, and any unforeseen inspections or regulatory requirements can contribute to longer transit times. Moreover, adverse weather conditions, such as storms or extreme temperatures, may disrupt transportation networks, further extending the delivery schedule. Therefore, it is crucial for shippers and recipients to consider these variables when estimating the arrival time of their freight shipments and to plan accordingly to minimize any potential delays.
Port to port shipping transit time & sea freight transit times
Why is there such a wide range in shipment duration when shipping by sea? Because there are a lot of ways to ship. Seriously.
When it comes to transit time between ports, there are about 107,000 different UN Codes for Trade and Transport Locations (UN/LOCODE) for different shipping destinations. This means you’ll see a lot of variance. For example, shipping time for an ocean shipment from Shenzhen, China, to Miami, Florida through the Suez Canal takes 41 days while the (more expensive) Panama Canal takes only 35 days.
Use our Seaport Code Finder to find Locodes, port Names, and seaport codes for international seaports.
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When would you use this transit time calculator?
Once you have collected the key freight documents you need from your supplier and calculated your chargeable weight, use this calculator to help you select a freight mode. Whether you select air or ocean freight usually comes down to balancing cost and transit time.
Average transit times 2023
Freight shipping transit times faced extreme delays in 2021, but returned to near pre-pandemic lengths over the course of 2022. Below is a table of the most recent average transit times for port-to-port and door-to-door shipments from China to the US based on Freightos.com data.
Ocean/Sea, Air, and Express Freight Time From China To The US
| Port to Port | Door to Door | |
| Sea Freight (FCL) | 14-42 days | 19-47 days |
| Sea Freight (LCL) | 14-42 days | 22-50 days |
| Air Freight | 1-5 days | 4-11 days |
| Express* | 2-5 days |
As an expert in international logistics and freight shipping, I've had extensive experience navigating the complexities of the shipping industry. I've worked with various modes of transportation, including air, ocean, and trucking, and have a deep understanding of the factors that influence transit times. My expertise is not just theoretical; I have practically applied my knowledge to streamline logistics processes, optimize shipping routes, and ensure timely deliveries.
Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article about calculating freight shipping time and transit time.
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Transit Time in Shipping:
- Transit time refers to the duration it takes for a shipment to reach its final destination from the designated pick-up point.
- It is a crucial factor in logistics planning, influencing decisions related to shipment bookings and delivery timelines.
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Factors Affecting Freight Shipping Transit Time:
- Distance: The geographical distance between the origin and destination impacts transit time.
- Shipping Mode: Different modes (express, air, sea) have varying transit times.
- Route: The specific route taken by the shipment affects the time it takes to reach the destination.
- Season: Seasonal variations may influence transit times due to weather conditions.
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Estimates for Freight Shipping Transit Time:
- Express: 1-3 days.
- Air Freight: Typically 5-10 days.
- Sea Shipping: Ranges from 20-45 days or more.
- Customs Procedures: Complexity and delays at borders can influence transit time.
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Port-to-Port Shipping Transit Time & Sea Freight Transit Times:
- The wide range in sea freight transit times is due to the multitude of shipping options.
- UN Codes for Trade and Transport Locations (UN/LOCODE) number around 107,000, contributing to variance in shipping durations.
- Example: Shipping from Shenzhen, China, to Miami, Florida takes 41 days via the Suez Canal and 35 days via the Panama Canal.
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Use of Transit Time Calculator:
- The provided transit time calculator, such as Freightos’s, aids in estimating shipping time for blended inland trucking, air, and ocean freight.
- Enables quick and informed decision-making in logistics planning.
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Average Transit Times in 2023:
- Data from Freightos.com indicates the following average transit times for shipments from China to the US:
- Sea Freight (FCL): 14-42 days (Port to Port), 19-47 days (Door to Door)
- Sea Freight (LCL): 14-42 days (Port to Port), 22-50 days (Door to Door)
- Air Freight: 1-5 days (Port to Port), 4-11 days (Door to Door)
- Express: 2-5 days (Door to Door)
- Data from Freightos.com indicates the following average transit times for shipments from China to the US:
In conclusion, understanding transit times and the factors influencing them is crucial for efficient international freight shipping. The use of transit time calculators, like the one mentioned, empowers businesses to make well-informed decisions, optimize logistics, and ensure timely deliveries.
