Sea Freight to USA

FCL & LCL CONTAINER SHIPPING BETWEEN ROTTERDAM AND THE UNITED STATES

Sea Freight & Container Shipping to and from USA

Need reliable sea freight between the Netherlands and the United States? Benelux Trade Link arranges FCL and LCL container shipping from Rotterdam and Antwerp to every major US port — and from American suppliers back to the Benelux. Whether you import machinery, consumer goods or raw materials, or export European products to the US market, we manage your shipment from door to door.

The Netherlands–USA lane is one of the world's most established trade corridors. Frequent direct and transhipment sailings mean competitive rates, flexible schedules and a choice of routes to match your cargo, deadline and destination. One specialist coordinates the entire process: collection, export paperwork, ocean freight, US customs coordination and final delivery.

Shipping to or from the United States? Request a free quote or contact our team for current sailing schedules and rates.

Container shipping between Rotterdam and major US ports

From the Port of Rotterdam, Europe's largest seaport, we connect your cargo with the US gateway that best serves your supplier, customer or final destination:

New York / New Jersey — the leading East Coast container gateway, serving the Northeast and Midwest; see the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey
Savannah & Charleston — efficient gateways for the Southeast, retail distribution and automotive cargo
Houston — the main Gulf Coast hub for energy, chemicals, machinery and Texas distribution
Los Angeles / Long Beach & Oakland — West Coast gateways for California and inland US markets
Miami & Jacksonville — strong options for Florida, the Caribbean and Latin America connections

We offer every container shipping option on this route:

FCL (Full Container Load) — 20ft, 40ft and 40ft high-cube containers
LCL (Less than Container Load) — pay only for the space you use in a shared container
Reefer containers — temperature-controlled shipping for food, pharmaceuticals and sensitive goods
Project & out-of-gauge cargo — machinery, production lines and oversized equipment

Typical port-to-port transit from Rotterdam to New York is around 10 to 16 days; Savannah and Houston generally take 15 to 22 days, while West Coast ports can take 25 to 35 days depending on routing. Need it faster? We can compare air freight to the USA and express options for you.

Shipping to the USA: customs, ISF and documentation

US ocean imports require accurate commercial documents and, in most cases, an Importer Security Filing (ISF, commonly called 10+2) before the container is loaded. US Customs and Border Protection provides official basic importing and exporting guidance. Our customs clearance specialists help you prepare the commercial invoice, packing list, HS classification and Incoterms (EXW, FCA, FOB, CIF or DDP), and coordinate with the appropriate US customs broker and local partner.

For imports into the Netherlands and EU, we manage the declaration, import duty and VAT process, including fiscal representation where useful. That means you know the landed cost before the container arrives — without avoidable delays or unexpected paperwork.

Door-to-door USA logistics from one Benelux partner

We collect from your factory, supplier or warehouse in the Benelux; book the right carrier and equipment; coordinate US handling; and arrange delivery to your consignee, warehouse, trade-show venue or distribution centre. On the return journey, our US partner network can collect cargo anywhere in the country for delivery in the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg or beyond.

We also serve Canada and Mexico through the same coordinated network — see sea freight to Canada and sea freight to Mexico.

Why Benelux Trade Link for your US shipments?

As an independent freight forwarder with a global partner network, we provide personal service, direct contact and practical updates from pickup through delivery. Our warehousing and fulfilment, road transport and cargo insurance options make it easy to combine transport with the services around it.

Get a clear USA shipping quote today. Request a quote or contact our team — we will compare the right routes, equipment and terms for your cargo.

Frequently asked questions

How long does sea freight from the Netherlands to the USA take?

Rotterdam to New York normally takes around 10 to 16 days port to port. Savannah and Houston are usually 15 to 22 days, and West Coast ports typically take 25 to 35 days depending on the service and routing.

Do I need an ISF filing for sea freight to the USA?

For most ocean imports into the USA, the importer must file an Importer Security Filing (ISF, or 10+2) before loading. We help you prepare the shipment data and coordinate with the US broker handling the filing.

Can you collect cargo from my supplier and deliver it in the USA?

Yes. We arrange pickup in the Benelux, export handling, ocean freight, US arrival handling and delivery to your final address through our partner network.

Can you handle import duties and VAT in the Netherlands?

Yes. Our customs specialists manage EU import declarations, duties and VAT for cargo arriving from the USA, including fiscal representation where appropriate.

FCL & LCL Options

Full container loads and economical groupage services to USA.

Door-to-Door Service

Collection anywhere in the Benelux and delivery across USA.

Customs Handling

Export documentation and customs clearance for USA arranged for you.

Competitive Rates

Strong carrier agreements on routes to USA keep your costs down.