The United States is one of the most important markets for Turkish exporters outside Europe, and Turkey USA sea freight forms the backbone of that trade. Marble, textiles and apparel, carpets, machinery, automotive components, food and furniture leave the ports of Marmara, the Aegean and the Mediterranean, cross the Atlantic and arrive at New York, Savannah, Houston or Los Angeles. In the opposite direction, Türkiye imports cotton, chemicals, machinery and agricultural products. In this guide, Özd Global looks at routes, transit times, container options, US customs requirements and the factors that shape freight rates from the perspective of both exporters and importers.
Turkey USA Sea Freight Routes
Container services from Türkiye to the US sail through the Mediterranean, pass Gibraltar and head across the Atlantic. East Coast ports are served by direct or single-transshipment services, while West Coast ports are reached via the Panama Canal or by rail from East Coast gateways.
| Turkish origin | US destination | Typical transit time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ambarlı / Istanbul | New York / New Jersey | 18-25 days | Direct or transshipment |
| Mersin | Savannah | 22-28 days | Transshipment |
| İzmir | Norfolk | 20-26 days | Direct or transshipment |
| Kocaeli | Houston | 25-32 days | Transshipment (Gulf Coast) |
| Ambarlı | Los Angeles / Long Beach | 35-45 days | Panama Canal or transshipment |
Transit times depend on the carrier, dwell time at the transshipment hub and the season. East Coast ports are generally the most favourable option from Türkiye in both time and cost. Özd Global plans the most suitable arrival port and inland transport combination according to the final delivery point.
Container Options: FCL, LCL and Special Equipment
- FCL: The most economical choice for marble blocks, furniture and full-container textile shipments. A 20' suits heavy cargo, a 40' HC suits voluminous cargo.
- LCL: Appropriate for samples, small lots and e-commerce stock between 1-15 m³. Consolidation hubs are typically in Istanbul.
- Special equipment: Flat rack and open top for machinery and project cargo; reefer containers for food.
Tip: Keep US road weight limits in mind when shipping heavy cargo. In many states, loads above roughly 17-19 tonnes in a 20' or 19-21 tonnes in a 40' require special permits or tri-axle chassis, which adds to destination costs.
US Customs Requirements
Exporting to the US involves more advance filings and compliance steps than most other markets:
- ISF (Importer Security Filing / 10+2): Must be transmitted electronically to US Customs at least 24 hours before vessel loading; missing or late filings attract monetary penalties.
- AMS filing: Manifest data is submitted by the carrier or NVOCC before departure.
- Commercial invoice and packing list: HTS code, origin and value must be clearly stated.
- FDA prior notice: Food, supplements, cosmetics and medical products require facility registration and prior notice.
- Product-specific rules such as the Lacey Act, USDA and CPSC: Wood, plant-based products and consumer goods may need additional documentation.
US duty rates are determined by the HTS code, and additional tariff measures can be introduced from time to time. Always confirm the current duty position before pricing an order. Through our customs clearance service, we prepare the Turkish export declaration and coordinate with the customs broker on the US side.
What Determines the Freight Rate?
Turkey USA sea freight rates are more stable than the Far East lane but still fluctuate. The main influences are:
- Container type and weight
- Destination port (East Coast and Gulf ports are usually more economical)
- Bunker adjustment factor (BAF) and Panama Canal fees
- Seasonality: demand rises in late summer and ahead of the year-end
- Terminal handling charges (THC) and chassis usage fees at destination
- US inland transport: truck or rail from port to final delivery point
Because exact prices change weekly, our sea freight team prepares a current, comparative quote for every shipment.
Importing from the US to Türkiye
Agricultural commodities such as cotton, soybeans and corn, along with chemicals, medical devices and machinery, are the main items arriving from the US. Imports are subject to Turkish HS classification and, where applicable, TAREKS and product safety checks. Transit time from Houston or Savannah is typically 25-35 days. After the container arrives at Kocaeli or Ambarlı, unloading, labelling and distribution can be handled at our warehousing and distribution centre in Gebze.
Practical Advice for Exporters
- Agree the Incoterms rule with your buyer; US importers usually prefer FOB or CIF.
- Use ISPM-15 heat-treated, stamped wooden pallets; unstamped pallets can lead to refusal at US customs.
- Include English product information, origin marking ("Made in Türkiye") and UPC codes where required on labels and packaging.
- Send ISF data to your forwarder at least a week before loading.
- Do not skip cargo insurance; Atlantic weather can pose a real risk.
Özd Global builds weekly loading plans for exporters shipping regularly to the US and monitors ISF and AMS filings to make sure they are submitted on time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a container take from Türkiye to the US?
Typical transit times are 18-28 days to East Coast ports, 25-32 days to Gulf ports and 35-45 days to West Coast ports. Add customs clearance and inland transport for door-to-door timing.
What is the ISF filing and who submits it?
ISF is the importer's advance declaration of ten data elements about the cargo to US Customs before loading. It is usually filed by the US importer or their customs broker, but the data is supplied by the exporter and the forwarder.
Does LCL make sense for US shipments?
Yes, for small and irregular volumes. Above about 15 m³, FCL is usually more economical and avoids deconsolidation time at the destination port.
With accurate documentation and the right carrier selection, Turkey USA sea freight is the most effective way to grow your exports. Özd Global's Gebze-based team manages your US shipments from booking to delivery. Visit our contact page for a quote or call +90 551 462 41 34.
