Skypace Ocean Freight Rate Index

Bookable Ocean Freight: Chicago Rail Ramp to Ad Dammam

14 sailings available over 6 weeks (~2/week) | Last updated: February 15, 2026 (weekly refresh)

Route Summary

Origin
Chicago Rail Ramp, United States
USCHI
Destination
Ad Dammam, Saudi Arabia
SADMM
Transit Time
58-69 days
Carriers
6 carriers
CMA-CGM, Hapag-Lloyd, MSC...
Price Range by Container Type (Ocean Freight)
20GP: $2,471.72 - $3,636
40GP: $2,895.52 - $4,522
40HC: $2,895.52 - $4,522

Market Analytics Summary

Market Low (40HC)
$2,895.52
Ocean Alliance, Gemini Cooperation, Independent, Premier Alliance
Market High (40HC)
$4,522
Spread: $1,626.48
Sailings Available
14
~2 per week from 6 carriers

Which Transit Port Offers Best Value?

Analysis based on 14 sailings across 5 routing options:

Transit Port 40HC Price Range Transit Days Carriers
Direct Cheapest $2,895.52 - $4,439 0-0 days Hapag-Lloyd, MSC, Yang Ming
Norfolk Fastest $3,247 - $3,376 58-66 days CMA-CGM, ONE (Ocean Network Express)
New York $3,247 - $3,247 69-69 days ONE (Ocean Network Express)
Los Angeles $4,397 - $4,397 60-60 days ONE (Ocean Network Express)
Tacoma $4,522 - $4,522 67-67 days ONE (Ocean Network Express)

Available Sailings

Vessel Schedule
Predictability
Allocation Routing Transit ETD 20' 40' 40'HC
Ocean Alliance
CMA CGM VERDI
0INLSE1MA
Normal SPOT via Norfolk 63 days Feb 22, 2026 $2,577 $3,376 $3,376
Freight: $2,364 + Origin THC: $820 + Dest THC: $192
Ocean Alliance
APL OREGON
0INLUE1MA
Normal SPOT via Norfolk 66 days Feb 26, 2026 $2,577 $3,376 $3,376
Freight: $2,364 + Origin THC: $820 + Dest THC: $192
Gemini Cooperation
Vessel Unknown
- 10% Direct N/A N/A $2,803.61 $3,651.4 $3,651.4
Freight: $2,538 + Origin THC: $884 + Dest THC: $229.4
Premier Alliance
EMERALD TOWER
002W
Normal 25% via Los Angeles 60 days Feb 27, 2026 $3,491 $4,397 $4,397
Freight: $4,200 + Dest THC: $197
Premier Alliance
HMM DRIVE
057W
Normal 75% via Tacoma 67 days Feb 28, 2026 $3,636 $4,522 $4,522
Freight: $4,325 + Dest THC: $197
Premier Alliance
HYUNDAI PLUTO
044W
Normal 75% via Norfolk 59 days Mar 1, 2026 $2,636 $3,247 $3,247
Freight: $3,050 + Dest THC: $197
Premier Alliance
SAN FRANCISCO BRIDGE
084W
Normal 75% via Norfolk 58 days Mar 2, 2026 $2,636 $3,247 $3,247
Freight: $3,050 + Dest THC: $197
Ocean Alliance
CMA CGM PASSION
0INLWE1MA
High SPOT via Norfolk 64 days Mar 7, 2026 $2,577 $3,376 $3,376
Freight: $2,364 + Origin THC: $820 + Dest THC: $192
Ocean Alliance
APL LE HAVRE
0INM0E1MA
High 85% via Norfolk 65 days Mar 13, 2026 $2,487 $3,336 $3,336
Freight: $2,364 + Origin THC: $780 + Dest THC: $192
Premier Alliance
ONE HAWK
034W
High 85% via New York 69 days Mar 5, 2026 $2,636 $3,247 $3,247
Freight: $3,050 + Dest THC: $197

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does shipping from Chicago Rail Ramp to Ad Dammam take?

Transit time typically ranges from 58-69 days depending on the carrier and routing. Direct services from Ocean Alliance (CMA CGM, COSCO, Evergreen) and Gemini (Maersk, Hapag-Lloyd) offer the fastest transit. We monitor 4 major carrier groups in real-time to find optimal price/transit combinations.

What is the average cost for a 40'HC on this route?

Current range: $2,364 - $4,325 for a 40'HC (ocean freight only). Prices are updated weekly based on data from 50+ carrier contracts. The price chart above shows 8-week history by alliance group. "Other" includes MSC (independent) and ZIM.

Is the displayed price all-inclusive?

We provide a transparent cost breakdown including: BAF (fuel surcharge), THC (terminal handling), documentation fees. Terminal fees on this route range from $72.00-$1113.40 per container for origin and destination combined. Per-shipment fees (B/L, AMS, ISF): approximately $75-150. No hidden surprises.

When is the best time to book for lower rates?

Low season (March-May, November-December): Rates are typically lower than peak season. Peak season (August-October): Pre-holiday inventory rush. Book 3-4 weeks ahead to secure space and lock rates. Check our price history chart - the lowest rates in the past 8 weeks were from Jan 31.

Which carriers serve this route?

Ocean Alliance: CMA CGM, COSCO, OOCL, Evergreen - ~28% market share. Gemini: Maersk + Hapag-Lloyd (formed Feb 2025) - hub-and-spoke model for reliability. Premier Alliance: ONE, HMM, Yang Ming (formed Feb 2025). Independent: MSC (world's largest carrier), ZIM - often competitive on price. Active carriers on this specific route: CMA-CGM, Hapag-Lloyd, MSC, Yang Ming, ONE (Ocean Network Express), Maersk Line.

Which transit port offers the best value?

Norfolk (Cheapest) (Fastest): 40HC $2,364-$3,050, Transit 58-66 days, Carriers: CMA-CGM, ONE (Ocean Network Express). Chicago Rail Ramp: 40HC $2,538-$4,158, Transit 0-0 days, Carriers: Hapag-Lloyd, MSC. New York: 40HC $3,050-$3,050, Transit 69-69 days, Carriers: ONE (Ocean Network Express). Los Angeles: 40HC $4,200-$4,200, Transit 60-60 days, Carriers: ONE (Ocean Network Express). Tacoma: 40HC $4,325-$4,325, Transit 67-67 days, Carriers: ONE (Ocean Network Express)

How fast is my Export Booking confirmed?

Freight rates are bookable online. Skypace is integrated with 10 top carriers for accelerated booking placement between the Client and Carrier. This process is fully and continuously orchestrated by the customer service and logistics department of Maxton Shipping Inc. The Efficiency Difference: Traditional: Booking Request → [QUEUE: Customer Service Rep] → Human Validation → [TIME LOSS] → Request to Carrier. Skypace: Booking Request → [AUTO DETAILS VALIDATION] → Accelerated Request to Carrier. Real-world Example: Bill from Divine Enterprises books a shipment from Port Houston to Port Rotterdam. When he enters shipment data sufficient to place a booking on a specific vessel, the system verifies the necessary information and places the request with the ocean line. Skypace AI and the booking operator track the booking status and coordinate its fate with the Client through all phases. Upon successful confirmation, the Client can issue the Bill of Lading, track the cargo, and manage post-shipment documentation directly from their account dashboard.

How does the Import Port-to-Port booking process work?

Unlike Exports where the client initiates the cargo movement, Imports require validation at origin. Your booking placement does not trigger instantly. First, our operator in the country of origin verifies schedule accuracy and contacts the Exporter to confirm Cargo Readiness. Only then do we proceed with the booking. If the Exporter proposes an alternative date, our export operator returns to you with options for earlier or later sailings, ensuring you have full visibility and control over your import timeline before any commitment is made.

How are Door-to-Door shipments managed?

When a customer books a Door-to-Port or Door-to-Door shipment (Import or Export), we execute a semi-automated validation process. We validate that all address and cargo data is sufficient to place a firm order with the ocean line for a valid sailing date, ensuring no details are missed before execution.

Is full automation available for high-volume shippers?

Yes. Full automation modes are available for clients with accounts on app.skypace.com. This allows local account teams to implement SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) that automate booking allocation across carriers. The platform can notify and integrate suppliers (e.g., OEMs, assembly lines, customs brokers, local truckers) into the workflow, creating a semi-automated process for moving POs/SKUs. This supports both Automated Carrier Selection based on price/transit preferences and Automated Stakeholder Notifications at each shipment milestone.

How do I make a booking with Skypace?

We offer three paths depending on your urgency and preference: Guest Booking (No Account yet): Go to the Quote, select a rate, and click "Book as Guest". Our customer service team will validate your request within 24 hours to create your profile and identify credit terms. Recommended if you are short on time today and your shipment is not departing for at least 7 days. Express Account (For Urgent Cargo): Go to Sign Up first. Our Account Management team will welcome you within 1 business day (often faster) to assign credit terms. Once active, bookings are processed instantly. Recommended if you have an urgent shipment departing soon. Guided Booking (Concierge): Not sure where to start? Go to skypace.com/contact to call, leave a message, or start a Live Chat. Our Logistics Management team will guide you and your colleagues on how to get started, onboard your team, and set up your workflows.

Data & Methodology

Authorized Retailer Guarantee

Rates are sourced from Skypace's carrier contracts and updated weekly. Prices shown are indicative ocean freight rates and do not constitute a binding offer. Final pricing confirmed upon booking.

Cargo Exclusions

Rates apply to standard dry cargo only. Hazardous goods (IMO classes 1-9), refrigerated cargo, out-of-gauge shipments, and commodities requiring special permits may incur additional charges or require separate quotation.

TBA Charges

The following charges are typically invoiced separately: Documentation fees ($35-75), AMS/ISF filing ($25-50 per B/L), Chassis usage at destination, Demurrage & Detention (after free time), Customs clearance, and Inland transportation.

Booking Verification Process

Maxton Shipping Inc. d/b/a Skypace operates as a licensed NVOCC (FMC #030653) and freight forwarder. All shipments are subject to our Terms of Service and the applicable bill of lading terms. Rates are subject to change without notice and subject to space availability.

Skypace Retail Pricing Policy

All freight rates displayed on Skypace are proprietary Retail Offers provided by Maxton Shipping Inc. These rates are inclusive of base freight, applicable surcharges, and Skypace operational fees. While based on direct carrier contracts, these rates constitute independent commercial offers from Skypace and may differ from direct carrier spot rates. Bookings are subject to verification of cargo readiness and vessel space availability.

Rate Scope & Final Calculation

The rates displayed represent the Ocean Freight cost structure (Base Freight + Carrier Surcharges). They exclude variable shipment-level fees, specifically:

  • Handling Charges: Per shipment / Bill of Lading fees.
  • Government & Compliance: Export/Import Customs Clearance, Duties, and Taxes.
  • Accessorials: Charges applicable to Door-to-Door scenarios (e.g., Chassis split, Waiting time, Residential delivery).

Ready to Ship? Book online to accelerate your supply chain — use the "Quote Shipment" feature on this page, visit www.skypace.com, or log in to the official platform at app.skypace.com.