2026 Container Shipping 45HQ: Dalian to Houston FCL

Current FCL rates: Dalian to Houston (updated October 21, 2026)

Spot space on the US Gulf is ample; rates are confirmed carrier by carrier and by space availability. Spot quotes are returned within 1 hour.

Dalian and major ports across China to Houston rate comparison (updated October 21, 2026):

FCL rate trends: Dalian to Houston by period (USD)

Verified rate records for exports from Dalian and South China to Houston, sourced from Goodhope Freight market quotes and our own spot space from Apr to Oct 2026, in USD per 20GP / 40HQ.

Main carriers on Dalian to Houston

Based on Goodhope Freight space and rate records updated October 21, 2026, carriers currently offering space on Dalian and major ports across China to Houston include:

• Maersk (MSK): Spot space on the US Gulf; Shanghai-Houston SOC USD 7400/40HQ (Sep 3); Ningbo-Houston HMM SOC USD 7100/40HQ as a same-period reference.
• CMA CGM: Stable US Gulf space; Qingdao-Houston COC USD 7700/40HQ (Aug 18).
• ONE (Ocean Network Express): Spot space on the US Gulf with HBL issuance.
• HMM (Hyundai Merchant Marine): Ningbo-Houston SOC (shipper-owned container) USD 7100/40HQ tranche, heavy cargo friendly.
• ZIM / Evergreen (EMC) / HPL (Hapag-Lloyd): Supplemental space on US Gulf services with flexible pricing.

Rates are compared carrier by carrier by sailing, cargo weight and destination port; live space quotes are replied within 1 hour.

Why ship FCL from Dalian to Houston: port advantages

• One of the largest container gateways on the US Gulf: the 52-mile ship channel handles large container vessels;
• Strong energy and chemical cargo base: the petrochemical belt around Houston ensures stable return cargo;
• Dual rail and highway networks: UP/BNSF rail and I-10/I-45 highways connect the hinterland directly;
• Ample US Gulf sailings from Dalian with multiple carriers for rate comparison.

Houston port (HOU) overview

Port Houston is located on the southeast Texas Gulf Coast, connected to open sea via the 52-mile Houston Ship Channel, and is one of the top container ports in the US by throughput. The port complex consists of multiple public and private terminals handling petrochemical, energy and retail consumer cargo; UP and BNSF railroads ramp on site, with the hinterland covering Texas and other US South states.

• Deep-water channel: 52-mile ship channel with a main channel depth of about 45 ft;
• Multiple terminals: public container terminals including Barbours Cut and Bayport;
• Petrochemical support: mature import/export services for chemicals and energy equipment;
• Common surcharges: ISF filing, destination THC, discharge charge, Detention and Demurrage.

Factors affecting Dalian to Houston container rates

• US Gulf supply/demand: Gulf and US East Coast space move in tandem, tightening in peak season;
• Panama Canal water levels: summer/dry-season transit restrictions affect direct US Gulf capacity;
• Bunker and low-sulphur fuel surcharges (BAF/LSF) move with international oil prices;
• Peak/off-peak seasons: the US peak season from Aug to Oct pushes rates up.

FCL booking process from Dalian to Houston

1. Provide details: origin, Houston consignee ZIP code, cargo description, weight, volume and estimated shipping date;
2. Get a quote: sailing, rate and space availability replied within 1 hour, with the best route combination recommended;
3. Confirm booking: schedule container pickup, loading, return and customs declaration in reverse order, and submit VGM;
4. Ship and track: end-to-end tracking, telex release or original bill of lading, and assistance with destination customs clearance and pickup.

FAQ: Dalian to Houston FCL

How long does a Dalian to Houston FCL shipment take?

All-water US Gulf transit is about 28 to 34 days; if discharged on the US West Coast and moved south by rail/truck, the total is about 35 to 42 days, chosen based on your delivery deadline.

How much is a 40HQ from Dalian to Houston?

Latest quotes: Oct 2026, Shanghai-Houston 20GP USD 7300 (Sailing Oct 28); Yantian-Houston 40HQ USD 8000+ (Sailing Nov 5); Ningbo-Houston 20GP USD 6800 (Sailing Oct 31); Sep market tranche USD 6800/8500. Please confirm the actual rate with the carrier and freight forwarder on the booking date.

Which is more cost-effective, Houston direct or a US West Coast discharge?

Direct US Gulf service to Houston shortens the inland leg, which suits Texas deliveries; a US West Coast discharge plus IPI rail intermodal suits the broad hinterland north of Texas. Compare inland costs by delivery ZIP code.

Get a Dalian to Houston FCL quote now

Need FCL rates from Dalian to Houston? Send commodity, weight, volume and consignee ZIP code, and we will reply with sailing and rates within 1 hour.