Vessel	Schedule Predictability	Allocation	Routing	Transit	ETD	20'	40'	40'HC
Premier Alliance EVER SUPERB 112E	Normal	closed	via Hong Kong	31 days	Feb 21, 2026	$2,369.71	$2,778.93	$2,778.93 Freight: $2,537 + Origin THC: $129.93 + Dest THC: $112
Independent MSC SHAY 77E	Normal	closed	Direct	26 days	Feb 21, 2026	$2,451.04	$2,976.32	$2,976.32 Freight: $2,756 + Origin THC: $141.32 + Dest THC: $79
Ocean Alliance CMA CGM BAALBECK 0PGN1E1MA	Low (1)	closed	Direct	29 days	Feb 22, 2026	$2,565.75	$3,059.41	$3,059.41 Freight: $2,745 + Origin THC: $148.92 + Dest THC: $165.49
Premier Alliance ONE FORWARD 007E	Normal	closed	via Long Beach	19 days	Feb 22, 2026	$3,697.71	$4,356.93	$4,356.93 Freight: $4,212 + Origin THC: $129.93 + Dest THC: $15
Premier Alliance WAN HAI 323 W056	Normal	closed	via Hong Kong	42 days	Feb 22, 2026	$3,697.71	$4,356.93	$4,356.93 Freight: $4,212 + Origin THC: $129.93 + Dest THC: $15
Premier Alliance YM UNIFORMITY 082E	Normal	closed	via Hong Kong	32 days	Feb 22, 2026	$3,697.71	$4,356.93	$4,356.93 Freight: $4,212 + Origin THC: $129.93 + Dest THC: $15
Ocean Alliance CMA CGM BAALBECK 0PGN1E	Low (1)	closed	Direct	29 days	Feb 22, 2026	$2,324.04	$2,905.29	$2,905.29 Freight: $2,645 + Origin THC: $192.23 + Dest THC: $68.06
Premier Alliance ONE MODERN 079E	Low (1)	85%	via Hong Kong	29 days	Mar 6, 2026	$2,369.71	$2,778.93	$2,778.93 Freight: $2,537 + Origin THC: $129.93 + Dest THC: $112
Premier Alliance HMM EMERALD 012E	Normal	closed	via Shekou Pt	23 days	Feb 23, 2026	$3,697.71	$4,356.93	$4,356.93 Freight: $4,212 + Origin THC: $129.93 + Dest THC: $15
Independent ZIM MOUNT RAINIER 11E	Normal	closed	Transshipment	47 days	Feb 23, 2026	$2,451.04	$2,976.32	$2,976.32 Freight: $2,756 + Origin THC: $141.32 + Dest THC: $79
Independent ZIM CANADA 18E	Normal	closed	Direct	29 days	Feb 24, 2026	$2,319.02	$2,891.78	$2,891.78 Freight: $2,630 + Origin THC: $153.78 + Dest THC: $108
Premier Alliance NAVIOS LAPIS 012W	Normal	25%	via Hong Kong	39 days	Feb 25, 2026	$3,697.71	$4,356.93	$4,356.93 Freight: $4,212 + Origin THC: $129.93 + Dest THC: $15
Ocean Alliance WAN HAI A06 E013	Normal	25%	via Lazaro Cardenas	24 days	Feb 26, 2026	$3,065.22	$3,475.32	$3,475.32 Freight: $3,255 + Origin THC: $141.32 + Dest THC: $79
Premier Alliance YM MODERATION 082E	Normal	25%	via Hong Kong	41 days	Feb 27, 2026	$2,369.71	$2,778.93	$2,778.93 Freight: $2,537 + Origin THC: $129.93 + Dest THC: $112
Ocean Alliance EVER LEADING 1209-082E	Normal	75%	via Lazaro Cardenas	24 days	Feb 28, 2026	$3,065.22	$3,475.32	$3,475.32 Freight: $3,255 + Origin THC: $141.32 + Dest THC: $79
Ocean Alliance EVER LEADING 1209082E	Normal	75%	via Los Angeles	29 days	Feb 28, 2026	$3,795.98	$4,257.23	$4,257.23 Freight: $4,065 + Origin THC: $192.23
Premier Alliance MSC VALENTINA FA609A	Normal	75%	via Hong Kong	47 days	Mar 1, 2026	$2,369.71	$2,778.93	$2,778.93 Freight: $2,537 + Origin THC: $129.93 + Dest THC: $112
Ocean Alliance COSCO EUROPE 111E	Normal	75%	via Long Beach	22 days	Mar 2, 2026	$3,795.98	$4,257.23	$4,257.23 Freight: $4,065 + Origin THC: $192.23
Ocean Alliance COSCO AUCKLAND 127E	Normal	75%	Direct	32 days	Mar 2, 2026	$2,565.75	$3,059.41	$3,059.41 Freight: $2,745 + Origin THC: $148.92 + Dest THC: $165.49
Ocean Alliance COSCO VIETNAM 107E	Normal	75%	via Lazaro Cardenas	46 days	Mar 2, 2026	$3,065.22	$3,475.32	$3,475.32 Freight: $3,255 + Origin THC: $141.32 + Dest THC: $79
Premier Alliance YM UPWARD 099E	Normal	75%	via Hong Kong	30 days	Mar 2, 2026	$3,697.71	$4,356.93	$4,356.93 Freight: $4,212 + Origin THC: $129.93 + Dest THC: $15
Premier Alliance ONE MODERN 0079E	Low (1)	75%	Direct	28 days	Mar 3, 2026	$2,444.52	$2,732.78	$2,732.78 Freight: $2,521 + Origin THC: $141.78 + Dest THC: $70
Premier Alliance HMM RAON 023E	Normal	75%	via Shekou Pt	20 days	Mar 3, 2026	$3,697.71	$4,356.93	$4,356.93 Freight: $4,212 + Origin THC: $129.93 + Dest THC: $15
Ocean Alliance OOCL SINGAPORE 064E	Normal	75%	via Lazaro Cardenas	19 days	Mar 3, 2026	$3,065.22	$3,475.32	$3,475.32 Freight: $3,255 + Origin THC: $141.32 + Dest THC: $79
Premier Alliance HMM RAON 0023E	Normal	75%	via Long Beach	27 days	Mar 3, 2026	$4,836.52	$5,726.78	$5,726.78 Freight: $5,521 + Origin THC: $141.78 + Dest THC: $64

How long does shipping from Shanghai to Houston take?

Transit time typically ranges from 19-49 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: $2,521 - $5,521 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 $144.93-$338.04 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: ONE (Ocean Network Express), ZIM, Evergreen Line, OOCL (Orient Overseas Container Line), COSCO Shipping Lines, CMA-CGM, MSC, HMM (Hyundai Merchant Marine) and 1 more.

Which transit port offers the best value?

Shanghai (Cheapest): 40HC $2,521-$3,194, Transit 26-47 days, Carriers: ZIM, OOCL (Orient Overseas Container Line). Hong Kong: 40HC $2,537-$4,212, Transit 26-49 days, Carriers: ONE (Ocean Network Express). Lazaro Cardenas: 40HC $3,255-$3,255, Transit 19-46 days, Carriers: Evergreen Line. Long Beach (Fastest): 40HC $4,065-$5,521, Transit 19-29 days, Carriers: ONE (Ocean Network Express), OOCL (Orient Overseas Container Line). Los Angeles: 40HC $4,065-$4,065, Transit 29-29 days, Carriers: OOCL (Orient Overseas Container Line)

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.

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.