The Best International Shipping Routes from Different U.S. Locations
When planning an international move, one of the most important factors to consider is which shipping route will be the fastest and most cost-effective for your destination. The departure port, transit routes, and final destination all impact shipping times and pricing. Some ports specialize in certain global trade routes, making them more efficient and budget-friendly than others.
Whether you’re moving from the East Coast, West Coast, Midwest, or Gulf Coast, understanding the best international shipping routes can help you make informed decisions about your move. At SDC International Shipping, we determine the optimal route for each customer, ensuring efficiency, reliability, and cost savings.
In this guide, we’ll explore how different U.S. regions influence shipping times, which ports serve key global destinations, and what factors affect the best shipping route for your move.
1. West Coast Departures: Best for Moving to Asia, Australia, and the Pacific
The West Coast is the best departure point for international moves headed to Asia, Australia, and the Pacific Islands. Major ports like Los Angeles (Port of LA), Long Beach, Oakland, and Seattle handle high volumes of international shipments, making them ideal for customers moving to these regions.
One of the biggest advantages of shipping from the West Coast is the vast trade network between the U.S. and Asia. The Port of Los Angeles alone handles nearly 40% of all cargo entering the U.S., ensuring frequent shipments and competitive pricing.
Best Routes from the West Coast
- Los Angeles → Tokyo, Japan: One of the busiest and fastest shipping routes, benefitting from strong trade relations.
- San Francisco → Sydney, Australia: Regular container shipments make this an efficient route, especially for businesses.
- Seattle → Shanghai, China: A key gateway for exports and imports between the U.S. and China, offering multiple weekly sailings.
Key Benefits of Shipping from the West Coast
- Faster transit times to Asia and Oceania compared to East Coast routes.
- Competitive shipping rates due to high volume and frequent departures.
- Ideal for sea freight and air freight shipments alike, with major international airports facilitating fast air cargo options.
📌 Related Service: Moving to Australia
2. East Coast Departures: Best for Moving to Europe, Africa, and the Middle East
For customers relocating to Europe, Africa, or the Middle East, the East Coast offers the fastest and most cost-effective shipping options. The Port of New York, Port of Miami, and Port of Savannah provide direct access to key European and African ports.
The East Coast is particularly advantageous for customers moving to Europe, as some shipping routes can take as little as two weeks. The Transatlantic shipping network is one of the oldest and most established, providing frequent departures to cities such as London, Rotterdam, and Hamburg.
Best Routes from the East Coast
- New York → London, U.K.: One of the busiest shipping lanes for U.S. to Europe, benefiting from multiple sailings per week.
- Miami → Madrid, Spain: A common route for shipments headed to Southern Europe, particularly popular for expats.
- Baltimore → Cape Town, South Africa: Efficient shipping for moves to Africa, often used for business relocations.
Key Benefits of Shipping from the East Coast
- Shorter transit times to Europe compared to West Coast routes, cutting weeks off delivery.
- Frequent sailings to European, African, and Middle Eastern ports, reducing wait times for container space.
- More affordable air freight options due to major international airports in New York and Miami, ideal for urgent shipments.
📌 Related Service: Moving to Europe
3. Gulf Coast Departures: Best for Moving to Latin America and the Caribbean
For international moves heading to Mexico, Central America, South America, and the Caribbean, the Gulf Coast is the best departure point. Major ports such as Houston, New Orleans, and Miami handle frequent cargo shipments to these regions.
Houston, in particular, is known as the energy capital of the world, making it a strategic location for businesses moving industrial equipment overseas. Additionally, trade agreements between the U.S. and Mexico make Houston an ideal departure hub for relocations to Latin America.
Best Routes from the Gulf Coast
- Houston → Mexico City, Mexico: A cost-effective and efficient route, particularly for families and businesses.
- New Orleans → Panama City, Panama: A key entry point for Central American moves, benefiting from the Panama Canal’s trade efficiencies.
- Miami → Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic: A common route for Caribbean relocations, ideal for both expats and retirees.
Key Benefits of Shipping from the Gulf Coast
- Shorter distances to Latin America result in faster transit times, often under two weeks.
- Lower shipping costs due to proximity and trade agreements, especially for cross-border moves to Mexico.
- A variety of shipping options, including full-container (FCL) and shared-container (LCL) shipping, offering flexibility for all shipment sizes.
📌 Related Service: Moving to Mexico
4. Midwest Departures: Best Route Depends on Destination
For customers moving from the Midwest (Chicago, Kansas City, Denver, Minneapolis, etc.), the best shipping route depends on the final destination. Since the Midwest has no direct ocean access, shipments must first travel by rail or truck to the nearest coastal port.
Some of the largest rail hubs in the U.S. are in the Midwest, making train transport a cost-effective and efficient way to get cargo to major shipping ports. Chicago, for example, is one of the busiest intermodal transportation hubs in the world, allowing for seamless movement of shipments.
Best Route Options for Midwest Departures
- Chicago → New York → Europe: Ideal for moves to the U.K., France, or Germany, benefiting from strong trade networks.
- Kansas City → Los Angeles → Asia: A common route for moves to China, Japan, and Southeast Asia, making use of rail-to-ship transport.
- Denver → Houston → Latin America: A fast and efficient route to Mexico and South America, frequently used for business shipments.
📌 Related Service: Storage Solutions for International Moves
Conclusion: Get the Best Shipping Route for Your International Move
Selecting the best shipping route can significantly impact your moving experience. Whether you are relocating to Europe, Asia, Latin America, or beyond, choosing the right departure port ensures faster delivery times and lower costs.
At SDC International Shipping, we handle all logistics, customs, and transport details, ensuring that your belongings reach their destination safely and efficiently.
📞 Call 877-339-0267 today for a free consultation, or visit SDC International Shipping to start planning your move!
