East Coast or West Coast: How Your Chosen US Destination Affects Transit Time and Cost

When moving to the United States, many people are surprised by how much the destination influences both transit time and the overall cost of an international shipment. Routes to the East Coast are typically quicker and often cheaper, while shipments bound for the West Coast take longer due to greater distances and different shipping patterns. Understanding these differences can help you plan your move with confidence.

Why East Coast destinations are faster

Ports such as New York, Boston and Miami are significantly closer to the UK than their counterparts on the West Coast. Vessels travel directly across the North Atlantic, which means shorter sailing times and more frequent departures. These ports also benefit from well established shipping lanes with high demand, helping keep schedules more consistent.

As a result, customers moving to the East Coast can usually expect noticeably shorter lead times once their container has departed the UK.

Typical East Coast timeframes

• Exclusive container (Full Container Load): around 10 to 18 days at sea, depending on the port and shipping line schedule. Allow additional time for customs clearance and delivery to your new home.
• Shared container (Groupage): usually between 6 and 10 weeks door to door, as the container must be consolidated before departure and unpacked on arrival.

Why West Coast shipments take longer

Moves to Los Angeles, San Francisco and Seattle involve a much longer sailing route. Most vessels travel via the Panama Canal or around South America, which increases both distance and duration. The route is less direct and subject to more variables, including potential congestion at major transit points.

Because of the extended journey and the lower frequency of sailings compared with East Coast services, shipments typically take noticeably longer to arrive.

Typical West Coast timeframes

• Exclusive container: usually 28 to 40 days at sea, again with extra time needed for clearance and delivery after arrival.
• Shared container: around 10 to 14 weeks door to door, depending on consolidation times and final destination.

Cost differences between East and West Coast routes

The longer distance to the West Coast generally results in higher freight charges. Port fees and onward transport costs can also be higher, especially for inland delivery. Shared container services help reduce costs for both coasts, although they do involve longer overall timelines due to consolidation.

East Coast moves are often more economical because of shorter sailing distances and more competitive route availability.

Planning your handover date

Once you have chosen your destination, it is sensible to work backwards from your required arrival date. Consider factors such as:

• Packing and collection: allow at least a few days for professional packing, export wrapping and inventory preparation.
• Container consolidation (for shared loads): this can add several weeks before the container departs.
• Clearance on arrival: customs processing varies by port but can take several days, especially during busy periods.

Booking early helps you secure preferred collection dates and gives you a realistic buffer in case of any unforeseen delays.

Temporary accommodation and essentials planning

Because overseas shipments take time, most movers need a short period of temporary accommodation on arrival in the United States. It is a good idea to plan for:

• A furnished short term rental or hotel stay until your belongings are delivered.
• An essentials kit including clothing, toiletries, key documents and any items you will need for day to day living.
• Storage on arrival if your long term accommodation is not yet ready. Anglo Pacific can arrange this as part of your move.

Allowing for a bit of flexibility will make the arrival phase much smoother, particularly if you are moving to the West Coast where transit times are longer.

Ready to plan your move?

Whether you are heading for New York or Seattle, Anglo Pacific can guide you through the logistics and help you choose the most suitable shipping option. Contact our team for clear advice and tailored support for your move to the United States.