To The Moon

This is an article that I have shared on other social media platforms to explain how shipping works. This does not target any business, but it provides an understanding of shipping from China to America.

What key activities are involved when an order is placed to import products from China to America?

Below is a summary of the lead time breakdown for importing goods from China (Shanghai) to the U.S. West Coast (Port of Los Angeles), followed by a table listing each activity, its estimated lead time, key documentation, and considerations. (This was done with help from Grok LLM.)

Some of the activities can run in parallel or be completed within the same day. For example, the receipt of the booking confirmation in the morning can allow the “export” container to be collected in Shanghai in the afternoon and trucked to a designated warehouse on the same day.

The total estimated lead time ranges from 38 to 74 days, with a typical range of 45–60 days, depending on production time, port congestion, customs inspections, and domestic transport distance. The process includes order placement, production, shipping, customs clearance, and final delivery, with additional handling steps like insurance and transloading incorporated.

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Summary

• Order to Export (China): 14–46 days, driven by production (7–30 days) and preparation steps like booking, customs declaration, and container handling.

• Ocean Transit (Shanghai to LA): 17–35 days, including port staging, voyage, and potential berthing delays due to congestion.

• U.S. Import and Distribution: 7–19 days, covering customs clearance, trucking, warehousing, and domestic delivery.

• Key Variables: Production complexity, port congestion, customs inspections, and inland transport distance.

Here is a lead time overview for some key operations and logistics activities. This case study involves shipping (via ocean) from Shanghai, China, to Los Angeles, America.

Lead Time Shipping (Part 1 of 2)

Lead Time Shipping (Part 2 of 2)

Additional Notes

• Total Lead Time: 38–74 days (typical: 45–60 days).

• Value-Added Services: Quality inspections, 3PL coordination, tariff optimisation, and real-time tracking can reduce risks and delays.

• Recommendations: Partner with freight forwarders and customs brokers, plan for peak seasons, and use technology for visibility.

This table consolidates the import process, highlighting critical steps and potential bottlenecks.

When an order is placed in China, it can take weeks for it to arrive (via sea) in America. It won't be long before American shelves stand empty. What should be in our tariffs playbook?

The Tariffs Playbook

Article content

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While the current trade landscape between China and the U.S. presents evolving dynamics, businesses on both sides are proactively adapting to ensure long-term growth and stability. By strategically diversifying markets and supply chains, companies are building resilience and unlocking new opportunities. This forward-thinking approach, regardless of future policy shifts, empowers businesses to optimise costs, enhance their global reach, and cultivate a robust and adaptable operational framework for sustained success. Taking proactive steps today to broaden horizons will undoubtedly yield positive results in the future.

@TigerStars

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