For the routing and selection of shipping routes, you can refer to Major International Shipping Routes and What is a transshipment port? Introduction to major global transshipment ports; for special cargo (such as oil transport), see Major World Maritime Oil Shipping Routes; for the trade-off between direct and transshipment, see Direct vessel vs transshipment vessel.
Overview of Global Shipping Routes
International shipping is the lifeline of global trade, with approximately 90% of international trade goods transported by sea. Global shipping routes can be divided into the following main types based on navigation areas and directions.
Major International Shipping Routes
1. Pacific Route
Connecting Asia and the Americas, it is one of the busiest routes in the world. Major ports include Shanghai, Ningbo, Shenzhen, Yantian, Los Angeles, Long Beach, etc.
2. Asia-Europe Route
Connecting Asia and Europe via the Strait of Malacca and the Suez Canal, it is a core corridor for Asia-Europe trade. Major ports of call include Singapore, Rotterdam, Hamburg, etc.
3. Atlantic Route
Connecting Europe and the Americas, it is an important corridor for transatlantic trade.
4. North-South Route
Connecting industrialized countries in the Northern Hemisphere with resource-rich countries in the Southern Hemisphere, including South America routes, Africa routes, Oceania routes, etc.
5. Intra-Asia Routes
Covering intra-regional routes in Southeast Asia, Northeast Asia, South Asia, etc., it is an important support for regional supply chains.
Factors Influencing Route Selection
| Factor | Description |
|---|---|
| Port of Origin / Port of Destination | Directly determines the direction of the route |
| Sailing Schedule | Different routes have different schedules and frequencies |
| Transit Time | Direct vessels are faster than transshipment vessels |
| Transportation Cost | Different routes and shipping companies have different freight rates |
China's Main Export Shipping Routes
China's export shipping routes cover major global trade regions:
- North America route: about 12-18 days to the US West Coast, about 22-30 days to the US East Coast
- Europe route: about 22-33 days
- Southeast Asia route: about 5-10 days
- Middle East/India-Pakistan route: about 12-20 days
Understanding the layout of global shipping routes helps enterprises reasonably plan shipping solutions and select suitable ports of departure and destination.
Practical Experience
Bofeng Logistics has been deeply involved in the cross-border logistics industry for many years and has accumulated extensive operational experience:
- International Ocean Freight: We provide full-process shipping services including booking, trucking, customs declaration and inspection, insurance, etc.
- China-Hong Kong Logistics: We handle a large volume of cross-border goods between China and Hong Kong every week, and are familiar with customs clearance procedures and exception handling at various ports.
- Macau Logistics: Leveraging the geographical advantage of the Zhuhai headquarters, we have rich experience in Zhuhai-Macau logistics operations.
- Hong Kong Warehousing: We have established long-term cooperation with multiple warehouses in Hong Kong and can provide flexible warehousing solutions.
- Customs Declaration and Clearance: Professional customs declaration team familiar with declaration requirements for various types of goods.
The above is experience shared by Bofeng Logistics accumulated in actual operations, for your reference.
Further Reading
For more related information, we recommend the following guides on the Bofeng Logistics official website:
- 📖 Shipping Route Knowledge: Major International Shipping Routes · What Is a Transshipment Port · Direct Vessel vs. Transshipment Vessel
- 📘 International Shipping Operations Manual: A complete knowledge system for international ocean shipping, covering shipping modes, fee structures, operational procedures, and more
Bofeng Logistics specializes in international ocean shipping, domestic ocean shipping, Hong Kong/Macau logistics dedicated lines, and value-added logistics services such as trucking, customs clearance, warehousing, and insurance. If you have any needs, feel free to contact us anytime.
📞Hotline: 13075678958 | Email: info@zhbfwl.com
Ocean Shipping Route Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Which route is used for exports from China to the United States?
A: It takes the trans-Pacific route—about 12-18 days to the U.S. West Coast (Los Angeles, Long Beach, etc.), and about 22-30 days to the U.S. East Coast (New York, etc.). The exact transit time depends on the vessel schedule.
Q: What are the main factors to consider when choosing a shipping route?
A: The core considerations are the routing of the origin/destination ports, sailing frequency, direct or transshipment service, transit time, and cost. You can refer to the table in this article and combine it with freight forwarder quotes for a comprehensive judgment.
Disclaimer: This article was compiled by the Bofeng Logistics team and reviewed as of August 2026. Route and port information may change due to carrier schedule adjustments, market conditions, and policy changes. Please refer to the information confirmed at the time of booking.
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