If your tracking info says "Your package is on the ship," you're probably wondering: how long does it take to arrive? Shipping by sea is one of the most common and cost-effective ways to transport goods internationally—but it's also the slowest. In this article, we'll explain how long sea shipments usually take, what can affect their timelines, and how other transport methods—like truck, train, and airplane—fit into the process.

How Long Does Ocean Shipping Take?

Average Transit Times by Region: Sea transport times vary depending on the origin and destination countries:

• Asia to North America: 2–5 weeks
• Europe to North America: 2–4 weeks
• Asia to Europe: 3–6 weeks
• Intra-Asia or Intra-Europe: 1–2 weeks

These are rough estimates and do not include customs clearance or final-mile delivery.

Port Processing Delays

Once the ship arrives at the port, containers can take several days (or even weeks) to unload due to port congestion, customs inspections, or limited labor availability. This stage can significantly extend delivery times.

Customs Clearance and Duties

After unloading, the package must clear customs. If documentation is incomplete or duties are unpaid, your package may be held for several days.

Final-Mile Delivery by Other Transport Modes

Once your package is released from customs, it is transferred to a local carrier for final delivery. This part usually involves:

Road Transport (Truck or Van): Most ocean freight is delivered to warehouses or end users by truck. This takes 1–5 days depending on distance and carrier efficiency.

Rail Transport (Train): In some cases, especially for inland delivery within large countries like the U.S., Canada, or China, freight may be transported by train before switching to truck.

Air Transport (Airplane): Rarely used after ocean shipping, but may be used if your package is separated and repackaged for urgent delivery in special cases.

What Can Cause Delays?

Port Congestion: Busy ports like Los Angeles, Rotterdam, or Shanghai can delay unloading for days or even weeks.

Weather Disruptions: Storms or typhoons can slow ships or cause rerouting.

Customs Inspections: If your package is flagged for inspection, expect a delay of 3–10 business days.

Documentation Errors: Incorrect invoices or missing item details can pause customs clearance.

Strikes or Holidays: Dockworker strikes or national holidays at origin or destination ports can cause temporary shutdowns.

How to Track Ocean Shipments

Ocean freight doesn't update tracking frequently. It may go silent for days or weeks while at sea.

Some carriers allow you to track the vessel itself by name or container ID.

Once your package clears customs and is handed to a domestic carrier, tracking updates resume.

Tips to Manage Expectations

Be patient—sea freight is slow but steady.

If tracking hasn't updated for a week, it may still be on the ship or waiting at port.

Contact the seller or freight forwarder if your package is delayed beyond the expected range.

Consider choosing air shipping next time if you need faster delivery (but expect higher costs).

If your package is on a ship, it may take several weeks before you receive it. Sea transport is reliable for large-volume or international shipments, but it moves at a much slower pace than air or rail. Once the ship docks, additional steps—like customs clearance, ground transport by truck or train, and local delivery—must still happen. So while waiting can be frustrating, your package is likely just steadily moving through a long but normal process.