Bookable Ocean Freight: Houston to Shanghai
31 sailings available over 6 weeks (~5/week) | Last updated: February 14, 2026 (weekly refresh)
Route Summary
Market Analytics Summary
Which Transit Port Offers Best Value?
Analysis based on 31 sailings across 5 routing options:
| Transit Port | 40HC Price Range | Transit Days | Carriers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Direct Cheapest Fastest | $257 - $1,899.32 | 24-52 days | MSC, Hapag-Lloyd, OOCL (Orient Overseas Container Line) |
| Hong Kong | $324.32 - $324.32 | 40-40 days | ONE (Ocean Network Express) |
| Los Angeles | $1,150 - $1,150 | 32-33 days | Evergreen Line |
| Unknown | $1,150 - $1,150 | 28-35 days | Evergreen Line |
| Long Beach | $1,899.32 - $1,899.32 | 36-36 days | ONE (Ocean Network Express) |
Available Sailings
| Vessel | Schedule Predictability |
Allocation | Routing | Transit | ETD | 20' | 40' | 40'HC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Ocean Alliance EVER FINE 1207-025W |
Normal | closed | via Los Angeles | 32 days | Feb 24, 2026 | $940 | $1,150 |
$1,150
Freight: $1,150 |
|
Independent MSC JAVELIN IX GN608W |
Normal | 25% | Direct | 52 days | Feb 27, 2026 | $841.4 | $1,211.4 |
$1,211.4
Freight: $1,092 + Origin THC: $108 + Dest THC: $11.4 |
|
Gemini Cooperation MAERSK SAIGON 609W |
Normal | 75% | Direct | 37 days | Mar 1, 2026 | $278 | $306 |
$306
Freight: $306 |
|
Ocean Alliance EVER LASTING 1208-091W |
Normal | 75% | via Los Angeles | 33 days | Mar 2, 2026 | $940 | $1,150 |
$1,150
Freight: $1,150 |
|
Premier Alliance WAN HAI A12 W009 |
Normal | 75% | via Long Beach | 36 days | Mar 2, 2026 | $1,449.32 | $1,899.32 |
$1,899.32
Freight: $1,875 + Dest THC: $24.32 |
|
Ocean Alliance COSCO JEDDAH 093W |
Normal | 75% | Direct | 24 days | Mar 3, 2026 | $366.1 | $383.1 |
$383.1
Freight: $317 + Origin THC: $63.06 + Dest THC: $3.04 |
|
Premier Alliance ONE MAESTRO 084W |
Normal | 85% | Direct | 41 days | Mar 4, 2026 | $257 | $257 |
$257
Freight: $250 + Origin THC: $7 |
|
Premier Alliance YM MOVEMENT 084W |
High | 85% | Direct | 47 days | Mar 4, 2026 | $257 | $257 |
$257
Freight: $250 + Origin THC: $7 |
|
Gemini Cooperation MAERSK SANTANA 610W |
High | 85% | Direct | 38 days | Mar 7, 2026 | $278 | $306 |
$306
Freight: $306 |
|
Ocean Alliance EVER EAGLE 0017-194W |
High | 85% | Transshipment | 35 days | Mar 9, 2026 | $940 | $1,150 |
$1,150
Freight: $1,150 |
|
Premier Alliance CORNEILLE 011W |
High | 85% | Direct | 33 days | Mar 11, 2026 | $257 | $257 |
$257
Freight: $250 + Origin THC: $7 |
|
Ocean Alliance EVER LEADING 1209-082W |
High | 85% | Transshipment | 28 days | Mar 14, 2026 | $940 | $1,150 |
$1,150
Freight: $1,150 |
|
Gemini Cooperation MAERSK ATHABASCA 611W |
High | 85% | Direct | 38 days | Mar 14, 2026 | $278 | $306 |
$306
Freight: $306 |
|
Ocean Alliance XIN DA YANG ZHOU 106W |
High | 95% | Direct | 27 days | Mar 16, 2026 | $366.1 | $383.1 |
$383.1
Freight: $317 + Origin THC: $63.06 + Dest THC: $3.04 |
|
Ocean Alliance XIN YA ZHOU 174W |
High | 95% | Direct | 33 days | Mar 17, 2026 | $366.1 | $383.1 |
$383.1
Freight: $317 + Origin THC: $63.06 + Dest THC: $3.04 |
|
Premier Alliance YM MODESTY 077W |
High | 95% | Direct | 42 days | Mar 16, 2026 | $257 | $257 |
$257
Freight: $250 + Origin THC: $7 |
|
Premier Alliance EVER SUPERB 112W |
High | 95% | Direct | 45 days | Mar 20, 2026 | $257 | $257 |
$257
Freight: $250 + Origin THC: $7 |
|
Gemini Cooperation MARIA Y 612W |
High | 95% | Direct | 38 days | Mar 21, 2026 | $278 | $306 |
$306
Freight: $306 |
|
Ocean Alliance OOCL WASHINGTON 095W |
High | 95% | Direct | 35 days | Mar 22, 2026 | $366.1 | $383.1 |
$383.1
Freight: $317 + Origin THC: $63.06 + Dest THC: $3.04 |
|
Ocean Alliance EVER LEGACY 1211-075W |
High | 95% | Transshipment | 33 days | Mar 23, 2026 | $940 | $1,150 |
$1,150
Freight: $1,150 |
|
Gemini Cooperation TANGIER MAERSK 613W |
High | 95% | Direct | 38 days | Mar 28, 2026 | $278 | $306 |
$306
Freight: $306 |
|
Ocean Alliance OOCL EUROPE 211W |
High | 95% | Direct | 35 days | Mar 29, 2026 | $366.1 | $383.1 |
$383.1
Freight: $317 + Origin THC: $63.06 + Dest THC: $3.04 |
|
Ocean Alliance EVER FORWARD 1212-029W |
High | 95% | Transshipment | 33 days | Mar 30, 2026 | $940 | $1,150 |
$1,150
Freight: $1,150 |
|
Premier Alliance ONE MODERN 079W |
High | 95% | Direct | 45 days | Apr 3, 2026 | $257 | $257 |
$257
Freight: $250 + Origin THC: $7 |
|
Gemini Cooperation MAERSK SANA 614W |
High | 95% | Direct | 38 days | Apr 4, 2026 | $278 | $306 |
$306
Freight: $306 |
Showing 25 of 31 sailings. Enable JavaScript to see all rates and interactive features.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does shipping from Houston to Shanghai take?
Transit time typically ranges from 24-52 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: $250 - $1,875 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 $7.00-$119.40 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: Evergreen Line, MSC, Hapag-Lloyd, ONE (Ocean Network Express), OOCL (Orient Overseas Container Line), Yang Ming.
Which transit port offers the best value?
Houston (Cheapest) (Fastest): 40HC $250-$1,875, Transit 24-52 days, Carriers: MSC, Hapag-Lloyd. Hong Kong: 40HC $300-$300, Transit 40-40 days, Carriers: ONE (Ocean Network Express). Los Angeles: 40HC $1,150-$1,150, Transit 32-33 days, Carriers: Evergreen Line. Long Beach: 40HC $1,875-$1,875, Transit 36-36 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.