Import from Thailand: Shipping Cost Calculator 2026
Landed cost = EXW/FOB price + inland trucking + ocean freight + insurance + duty + VAT/GST + destination charges + last-mile. Missing any line item destroys margin.
Ocean freight benchmarks (Q1 2026, USD)
| Origin → Destination | 20' FCL | 40' HC |
|---|---|---|
| Laem Chabang → Los Angeles | 2,100 | 2,700 |
| Laem Chabang → New York | 3,400 | 4,300 |
| Laem Chabang → Felixstowe (UK) | 2,600 | 3,300 |
| Laem Chabang → Hamburg | 2,700 | 3,400 |
| Laem Chabang → Sydney | 1,800 | 2,300 |
LCL runs USD 45–75 per CBM depending on lane and season.
Duty snapshot for Thai-origin goods
- USA: MFN rates apply (Thailand lost GSP in 2020). Section 301 does not apply to Thai origin — see our Section 301 guide.
- EU/UK: GSP+ for many product lines. Verify HS code — see HS code lookup.
- Australia: TAFTA reduces most Thai-origin tariffs to 0% with Form D certificate of origin.
Line items buyers forget
- Terminal handling at origin (~USD 180 per 40')
- Chassis/drayage in the US (USD 350–800)
- Customs bond (USD 500/yr continuous)
- ISF filing (USD 45)
- Demurrage after 4 free days
- 3PL receiving fee (USD 150–500 per container)
Quick landed cost formula
Landed = FOB × (1 + freight% + duty% + insurance% + broker%)
For 40'HC to LA: freight ≈ 5–8% of FOB, duty ≈ MFN%, broker ≈ 1%, insurance 0.3%.
Related: FCL vs LCL · Freight forwarder
FAQ
What is the cheapest shipping method from Thailand?
Ocean FCL for orders above 15 CBM; LCL for smaller. Air only for high-value/low-weight goods or urgent samples.
Do I pay duty on Thai imports to the USA?
Yes, MFN rates apply since Thailand's GSP expired in 2020. Rate depends on HS code.
How long does sea freight from Thailand take?
Laem Chabang → LA: 18–24 days. → NY/EU: 30–40 days. → Sydney: 14–18 days.
Does TUSKO arrange freight?
Yes, we quote FOB, CIF, and DDP and coordinate with vetted forwarders like DHL, Kuehne+Nagel, and local Thai NVOCCs.