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China to Chicago LCL Direct: Rates and Sailing Details

Chicago is the largest inland deconsolidation point and rail hub in the US Midwest. Direct LCL on EMC arrives in about 23 days and can be distributed quickly across the Midwest states.

This page is prepared for LCL bookings from China to the USA: direct LCL from about USD 76/RT, up to USD 105/RT by volume band; via Los Angeles from about USD 104/RT (plus first-leg USD 70/RT); carriers EMC/ONE/OOCL; reference transit 22-23 days. Rates keep moving with peak/off-peak seasons and space availability; the figures below are volume-banded reference quotes and the confirmed rate on the booking day prevails.

Chicago Direct LCL Rates (USD/RT, by Volume Band)

Chicago LCL Rates via Los Angeles (LAX)

The second-leg sailing time via Los Angeles does not include the stay at the transshipment hub. Add LAX first-leg freight USD 70/RT; the second leg is billed on the higher of 1 CBM:363 KGS / 800 LBS; DDC US West Coast USD 28.1/RT.

Chicago: How to Choose Your LCL Route

• Direct LCL: reference transit about 23 days, volume ratio 1:1000, stable schedule - suitable for time-sensitive consolidated cargo.
• Via Los Angeles: reference transit about 22 days, plus LAX first-leg freight USD 70/RT, DDC US West USD 28.1/RT, volume ratio 1:363.

LCL Billing Method (W/M)

• Weight ton: 1,000 kg = 1 chargeable ton.
• Measurement ton: 1 CBM = 1 chargeable ton.
• Higher of the two (W/M): billing is based on the greater of weight ton and measurement ton; for example, cargo of 0.8 CBM and 1,200 kg has a weight ton of 1.2 > measurement ton of 0.8, so it is billed at 1.2.
• Minimum charge: most routes charge from 1 CBM; less than 1 CBM is charged as 1 CBM.
• Dense cargo billed by weight: high-density heavy cargo is more expensive billed by weight ton, while light bulky cargo is more expensive billed by measurement ton; measuring both before shipment can significantly affect the cost.

Direct LCL on this route is billed at 1:1000 (higher of 1 CBM = 1,000 KG); the second leg via New York/Los Angeles is billed on the higher of 1 CBM:363 KGS / 800 LBS.

Reference Transit Time

From sailing at major Chinese ports to CFS deconsolidation and pickup at Chicago, the reference transit is 22-23 days (subject to actual sailing, transshipment and deconsolidation arrangements). Direct LCL is more stable overall; transshipment transit does not include the stay at the hub. LCL overall usually takes 5-10 days longer than FCL; allow buffer time when the deadline is tight.

Carriers

Space on this route is provided by the following carriers, which can be compared line by line by schedule, cargo weight and destination port: EMC/ONE/OOCL.

Origin Ports & Cargo Consolidation

Consolidation is available at major Chinese ports including Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Ningbo, Qingdao, Xiamen, Tianjin, Dalian, Zhuhai, Zhongshan, Dongguan, Foshan, Shantou, Wuhan, Chongqing, Chengdu, Xi'an, Zhengzhou and Changsha; the forwarder arranges warehouse-in, customs declaration and LCL stuffing as one seamless process.

Destination Charges & Documents

• AMS filing: USD 25/bill (see AMS column in the table); amendment fee USD 50/bill.
• DDC: US East Coast USD 31/RT, US West Coast USD 28.1/RT (each route applies the rate for its coast).
• Destination charges: CFS deconsolidation, destination handling charge, D/O re-issue, government fees (MPF/HMF) and delivery charges are invoiced as actually incurred.
• Freight collect: collect (Y) is supported on this route, subject to booking confirmation.

Export Packing & Safety Notes

• All palletized cargo may only be wrapped in transparent plastic film. Opaque or dark plastic film is strictly prohibited, and the marks and numbers of small packages must not be covered; otherwise the cargo may be refused, delayed in inspection or require repacking at extra cost.

LCL Operation Process

1. Deliver to warehouse: deliver to the nominated warehouse on schedule or arrange pickup;
2. Customs declaration & measurement: complete export customs declaration, measure and weigh, and issue warehouse-in data;
3. LCL stuffing: consolidate cargo into containers by destination port and route, and issue the LCL bill of lading;
4. Ocean shipment: load and ship, and track with the bill of lading number;
5. Destination deconsolidation: strip and distribute cargo to each consignee after arrival;
6. Clearance & delivery: consignee clears customs, pays duties and picks up, or the forwarder arranges delivery.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

How long does LCL shipping from China to Chicago take?

Reference transit: direct about 23 days, via Los Angeles about 22 days. LCL overall usually takes 5-10 days longer than a direct full-container shipment, mainly due to origin consolidation waiting time and destination CFS deconsolidation; the actual time depends on sailing and arrival.

How is LCL from China to Chicago charged?

LCL is billed on W/M (the higher of weight ton and measurement ton): 1 CBM = 1 chargeable ton, 1,000 kg = 1 chargeable ton, and most routes charge from a minimum of 1 CBM. The rate to Chicago is USD/RT (RT = revenue/chargeable ton), direct LCL is banded by volume at about USD 76/RT to USD 105/RT; a first-leg freight of USD 70/RT applies via Los Angeles (LAX).

What is the difference between direct consolidation and transshipment via another port in price and transit?

Direct LCL to Chicago: cargo is consolidated into the container at origin and is not stripped en route; transit is more stable, volume ratio 1:1000.Via Los Angeles (LAX): a first-leg freight of USD 70/RT applies, the second leg is billed on the higher of 1 CBM:363 KGS / 800 LBS, and DDC on the US West Coast is USD 28.1/RT.

What should I pay attention to when shipping LCL cargo to Chicago?

All goods and outer cartons shipped to the USA must carry a MADE IN CHINA label, otherwise they may be destroyed by customs; all palletized cargo may only be wrapped in transparent plastic film and package marks and numbers of small pieces must not be covered; medical devices must have FDA certification or they cannot be cleared at destination. AMS filing USD 25/bill, amendment fee USD 50/bill.

How do I get the latest LCL quote and sailing schedule?

Provide origin city, destination ZIP code, cargo description, pieces, gross weight and volume, and we will reply with the LCL quote, sailing schedule and deconsolidation plan within 1 hour.

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Need an LCL quote from China to Chicago? Provide origin city, Chicago consignee ZIP code, cargo description, pieces, gross weight and volume, and we will reply with sailing schedule and rates within 1 hour.