This refers to a premium delivery service characterized by unique attention to finer details for products, which need handling with care during shipping.
In other words, they are services in shipping management, which surpass the standard expectations for delivery.
The parties involved in shipping ensure they handle the consignment with care when moving products to the customers.
Primarily, it a shipping facilitation describing additional services provided by logistics company and go over-and-above their routine curbside pick-up and delivery options.
What is the relevance of White Glove Service in International Shipping?
In international shipping, white glove delivery service translates to taking all the necessary precautionary measures when shipping products to customers.
It also considers sparing no expense to deliver precisely what the customers need without raising the proverbial finger or feeling irritated.
It is a value-added service within logistics management, allowing shippers to provide information and be accountable to customers’ demands.
The professionals handling these services wear white gloves literally when inspecting the delivery process of the consignments.
The essence of wearing white gloves during the process is to denote meticulousness in handling the products during shipping.
Moreover, it symbolizes the high level of protection your shipment is guaranteed in the entire shipping process.
The professionals handle your goods with utmost care and minimizing the risks of the shipment damaging.
Therefore, you are confident of receiving the items in pristine condition.
Thus, white glove delivery sets the perfectionist mindset in the way logistics company does business with the customers in international shipping.
Who can use White Glove Delivery Services?
Typically, any company offering logistics services, whether domestic or international, can use white glove delivery services.
Online retailers can as well use this particular type of delivery service.
Most of them can use it when it comes to installation or assembling of products.
This service is, of course, suitable for individual consumers or businesses whose consignments are of high value, fragility, and perishability.
B2B and B2C companies can also use white glove delivery services.
Depending on the business, such companies can utilize this service to deliver their products safely and timely.
Moreover, both online and retail big-ticket, furniture, and white-good companies may also use this type of delivery service.
It saves the customers from hassles surrounding transportation from the store to their places.
Again, it relieves the purchasers from the stress of assembling the good.
In a nutshell, any business offering products can use a white glove delivery service to fulfill their orders.
What entails a White Glove Service Package?
This service is comprehensive, and the exact package offered often vary from one company to another.
Even so, it most commonly entails the following aspects;
Inspections – Some companies incorporate pre and post site inspections before assembling the goods. This comes in handy where special configuration is required during set up.
Secure packaging – The core policy of white glove delivery service is to adhere to high standards protecting your package against damage.
An ideal way of attaining this is by using premium packaging materials depending on nature of the product.
Measures are also put in place to ensure your shipment stays safe from movement and moisture during shipping.
Delicate handling – This service also incorporates treating customer’s shipments with top-level care throughout the entire process.
Packagers, drivers, and other experts in the process are well-trained to handle products uniquely.
Product assembly and disassembly – Some companies also provide product assembling, dismantling, and installation services.
This would also include syncing of smart devices to make your shipment ready for usage right away.
Product disposal – This includes taking away all your old or unwanted products rather than leaving you with an unnecessary mess.
Attentive service – Ordinarily, this service also entails answering different questions you have regarding your shipment. You also get feedback regarding a variety of services and inquiries afterward.
When should you Consider White Glove Services?
White glove delivery services come in handy in many circumstances.
Some of the common situations that call for these services include the following;
When purchasing relatively delicate goods, be it from online or retail stores, it’d be advisable to consider white glove service.
In such instances, utmost care is necessary to prevent fragile products from any damage during shipping process.
You may also choose to consider this service when you buy high-value goods.
At times, it would be cost-effective to have peace of mind knowing too well your expensive commodity is in the right hands.
If you purchase a product, which seems to be complicated as far as assembling or installation is concerned, you should consider these services.
The experts ensure they install or assemble the product professionally hence providing the added value service.
When you are working within a strict deadline, you may want to use a white glove delivery service.
They always deliver on an agreed time and are always in touch with the customers to determine the most convenient delivery time.
You also need to consider it if you’re seeking a custom delivery service.
It can help you to stand out among your competitors.
Furthermore, this service may play an essential role in your business by creating a stronger brand in the market.
Are White Glove Services Worthwhile when Shipping from China?
Absolutely yes!
China is arguably the leading manufacturing hub in the world.
Ideally, many individuals and businesses are importing a wide variety of products from this country.
Standard delivery services may, in most instances, fail to provide the necessary convenience and safety when shipping fragile or high-value goods.
To get premium and value-added services for such goods and the entire process, it would be worthwhile to consider white glove services.
Do Ecommerce Websites like Alibaba offer White Glove Service?
Yes.
Most of the ecommerce platforms, such as Alibaba, are nowadays defined by the unique and exclusive experience of buying products.
Furthermore, most of the ecommerce website customers also yearn for these premium delivery services when making their orders.
Many of these websites facilitate the process by using white glove delivery services to provide convenience, speed, and emotional fulfillment.
Moreover, ecommerce websites like Alibaba also adopt white glove services in product deliveries to satisfy their customers.
What is the Average Cost of White Glove Services?
There are a host of variables, which determine the average cost of white glove delivery services, including transportation companies.
Some of these elements include the following;
Type of product – The nature of the commodity you’re shipping influences the average cost you ought to pay.
For instance, perishability, fragility, and weight of the product tend to factor into the overall cost of the service.
Distance – The delivery destination is another significant determinant of the average cost of white glove delivery service.
This often includes the total mileage covered, cross-border charges, and customs clearance fee.
Drop-off location – Straightforward drop-off locations seem to be more affordable compared to difficult-to-reach areas.
For instance, rural drop-off locations can be a bit expensive than urban drop-off points.
Shipment speed – White glove services provide different shipping needs, each with unique costs.
For example, overnight and same-day shipping are often more costly than typical expedited shipping.
Special handling and considerations – In case your shipment requires specific handling or considerations, it is likely to accrue extra costs.
Special handling may include temperature control or the use of specialized equipment.
Add-on services – Optional additional services such as product installation, dismantling, and tracking, may factor into the final costs.
As you can see, there is no fixed amount for white glove delivery services.
Which Items can you Ship using White Glove Services?
Perishable goods are among the top products you can ship using white glove delivery services.
However, there a myriad of other commodities you can import using this method, which includes the following;
Electronic devices – These include items such as smartphones, laptops, tablets, computer parts and accessories, cameras, and video recorders.
Medical and laboratory requirements – Some of these items include MRI equipment, X-Ray machines, Ultrasound devices, CT scan machines, and surgery tools, among others.
Automotive and aviation parts and accessories
Home appliances–Products in this category include ovens, refrigerators, TV sets, washing machines, and sound systems, among others.
Furniture – Common items include seats, dining sets, beds, office furniture, and outdoor furniture products, among others.
How do you Choose the Right White Glove Service Company?
You must do thorough homework and find a credible, experienced company offering great white glove delivery service.
Some of the elements you must look into when seeking the right company for this service include the following;
· Premium Customer Care
You must understand that white glove service is an investment, which you make since your consignments are valuable.
Thus, the company you choose for this business must exhibit reliability and easy-to-reach customer service.
It also must have professional representatives always ready to answer any queries you may have.
· Capacity
When researching a white glove service company, ensure it can handle the task effortlessly with zero inconveniences and excuses.
Determine whether they have sufficient professionals and facilitation in different parts of the world.
· Experience
This is also a necessary aspect to consider when choosing the idea white glove service company.
An experienced entity will always handle all the elements of this delivery effectively.
· Cost
You must also consider the money your preferred company charges for white glove delivery service.
It should be cost-effective and worth the service you obtain.
· Socially Responsible
An ideal white glove service should be able to give back to the community.
They should also value their employees since they are the backbone of the organization.
· Additional Services
You may still consider if the preferred company offers extra services that your business could benefit from.
For instance, you may think of helpful services such as returns management, inventory, and automated shipping if necessary.
What should you Expect from a White Glove Delivery Service?
When you choose white glove delivery, you should expect excellent services all-round. Some of these include the following;
Professional customer service
Extremely low chances of shipment damage
Exceptionally reliable services
Peace of mind
Environmental consciousness
Supply chain solutions
Time precision
Real-time freight tracking
Special packaging
Hassle-free set up
Opportunity for feedback
Who takes Liability for Risks and Damages when using White Glove Services?
The company offering white glove delivery is fully responsible for any liability and damages incurred during a normal shipment delivery.
It is the reason such companies always strive to reduce such liabilities from occurring or reducing them to a bare minimum.
Even so, there are companies, which require the customer to share liabilities hence the need for finding out what is expected of you.
What is White Glove Service Attitude?
It refers to the characteristics exhibited in the manner every package is handled delicately throughout the transit and delivery precision.
The experts handling white glove service are trusted, experienced, and professional in the handling of all types of movable commodities.
Some of the remarkable elements which define the white glove service attitude include the following;
Attention to detail
Premium customer experience
Time precision
Special packaging
Personalized experience
What is the Difference Between Standard and White Glove Delivery Services?
Ideally, standard delivery services are offered by the common logistic service providers like FedEx, UPS, and DHL among others.
Such service providers’ ship consignments from its origin then deliver it outside your home, business, or preferred dropping point.
In many instances, standard delivery is often relatively inexpensive.
However, a typical courier usually takes between 5 to 10 business days.
On the other hand, white glove delivery service offers superior service, and freight is shipped with ultra-care.
Contrary to standard delivery, in white glove delivery, shipment is always unloaded, moved inside, unpacked, and installed/assembled by the team.
The moves will also dispose of any unwanted material.
The customer hardly does anything in white glove delivery service, which is optimal for large freight that’s easily damaged.
However, it is comparatively expensive than standard delivery, but the service is worth every penny you pay for it.
Can you use a 3rd Party Agent when Shipping via White Glove Service?
Yes.
There are several third-party agents you can always use when shipping products via white glove delivery service.
Most third-party agents offering white glove service also come in handy in providing additional services in white glove delivery.
Some of these extra services may include inventory management and transportation among others.
What are the Risks and Challenges of using White Glove Services from China?
They are quite a number, but the major challenges include the following;
· Risk of Late or Missed Deliveries
White glove delivery is dependent on the capabilities of the carrier, delivery specifications, and customer’s ability to meet the shipper’s expectations.
Confusion often occurs whenever the shipment requires a wet signature for delivery confirmation.
It means the delivery can’t happen if the client isn’t at home to receive the consignment.
These can often lead to immeasurable inconveniences and denting of the company’s image.
· Balancing the Service Levels from Market to Market
Of course, even the largest carriers at times fail to perform optimally in certain markets as they do in others.
Over-reliance on one carrier for white glove delivery to multiple markets often lead to imbalanced service levels.
Therefore, it is advisable to utilize different white glove delivery service providers.
· Determining the suitable White Glove Service Company
It can be tricky to identify the best company which offers this service, especially that they are several in the market.
And this challenge can even be more intense since the numerous online reviews are not entirely reliable.
Moreover, finding an all-inclusive white glove service provider providing different options is also relatively difficult.
They have different specialties as far as delivery is concerned.
It is the reason it would be ideal to have multiple service providers at your disposal to allow you to get various delivery service options.
· Deadhead
This is often a terrible element in white glove service.
It leads to space wastage, and the delivery service converts the space into a deadhead.
It can be costly since the charges are always based on mileage.
· Collaborating with Local White Glove Service Providers
The major challenge in this type of delivery service revolves around poor collaboration with local firms offering logistics services.
Even the major players need to outsource such services from local companies to enhance efficiency.
It is always a challenge since private businesses often operate most local providers with no goodwill of partnership.
Making Sure your Customers obtain Quality Experience
Always measure customer’s experience and allow them to know you take each aspect of the service with the seriousness it deserves.
You need to figure out customer satisfaction levels irrespective of the level of service offered.
How long does a White Glove Delivery take?
Technically, delivery speeds in white glove delivery often depend on a wide range of factors.
One of these elements distance of the shipment.
The shorter the distance, the faster the delivery, and vice versa.
The other factor is whether or not the delivery involves crossing borders.
Ordinarily, international deliveries often delay a bit since there are a number of elements that must be considered.
Also, if the shipment requires customs clearance, it may be possible that the delivery may take longer than one, which doesn’t require the same.
Moreover, you also need to select a preferable particular shipping speed when ordering your shipment.
The selected shipping speed, of course, determines the duration delivery will take.
And most importantly, your specific delivery destination also determines the duration white glove service takes.
Delivery in rural areas may take longer compared to those in relatively urbanized centers.
How do you Prepare for a White Glove Delivery when Shipping from China?
Preparation for white glove delivery often depends on your specific expectations.
However, some of the guidelines you need to look into include the following;
Clearing the path – Confirm the path leading from the front door to the destination room is clear. Remove any cables, cords, rugs, or anything that may cause tripping.
If the shipment is excessively large, perhaps you may also need to remove the door from the hinges.
Cleaning the area – Make the area you want to place the consignment clean. You can choose to vacuum, sweep, or mop the floor surface.
This makes your delivery to stay spotless when it arrives.
Covering the floor – Cover your delivery in case the service provider hardly use drop cloths or other safety elements to protect your floor.
Be present–Ensure you stay around until the movers leave your house.
Remember, someone must always let it the delivery crew inside whenever they arrive with the shipment.
It also comes in handy, especially in case the wet-signature is needed for the delivery.
If you can be present in person, ensure there is an adult above 18 years old
What is the Difference Between and White Glove and Inside Pick-up and Delivery?
Typically, the core difference between these two services revolves around the extras offered.
And this is often particular upon the arrival of the shipment to your house or business.
White glove delivery provides a wide range of additional and custom services, which suit the specific needs of a customer.
The delivery crew goes far-and-beyond to ensure the customer’s shipment is delivered safely.
With inside-pick-up and delivery, the concern is always to ensure the client receives the shipment ordered.
Extra tailored services are not guaranteed as long as the customer receives the order.
Can you get Expedited Shipping when using White Gloving?
Of course, yes.
When choosing the ideal white gloving speed, there is always the option to select expedited shipping.
This shipping service thus allows you to receive your consignment within the shortest time possible upon the place the order.
In most instances, white gloving expedited shipping often provides different options.
These include one-day, two-day, three-day, and day-definite delivery options.
As you can see, white glove services offers a range of benefits.
This is the most comprehensive guide that covers everything you need to know about China electronic market.
Whether you want to learn about the size, types of electronics, how to find suppliers or quality checking process, you will find everything in this guide.
China is known to be the leading producer of most if not all of the electronics such as televisions, computers, and mobile phones among others.
China has several big electronic markets that deal with electronics Huaqiangbei in Shenzhen being the largest of them all.
It is estimated than 90% of these electronic products are manufactured in China and sold to the world market.
In 2019 alone consumer electronic goods had a market size of 30 billion yuan.
However, from January to March 2020, the market size has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic resulting in a 20.9 billion yuan drop.
What are the Best Electronics Products in China Market?
China’s electronics market offers a variety of electronic products you could think of.
If you are planning to import electronics for resale purposes, the cost is the main factor that you might be considering.
With proper analysis of the market, you will realize that there are several electronics that you can buy at cheaper prices and generate huge profits after reselling.
Here are some of the best and profitable electronic products you might consider importing from China include;
Laptops
Mobile phones
Television and audio
Desktops
Headphones
Digital cameras
Tablets
Video games
Smart wearable’s
Lights
IC chips
Keyboards
Storage components
Power banks
There are no limits to finding any imaginable type of electronic product you could think of in this market.
Which is the Biggest Electronics Market in China?
Shenzhen is the leading city with several electronics markets in China.
Technology giants such as ZTE, Huawei, and DJI among others are based here not forgetting the millions of entrepreneurs and a variety of products you will come across.
HuaQiangBei is one such market in Shenzhen that is not only considered the largest electronic market in Shenzhen but also worldwide.
Tons of companies visit Shenzhen to source for electronic product components for their projects.
HuaQiangBei is located adjacent to Huaqiang Lu Metro station and it’s characterized by multiple floors each dealing with a specific range of products.
To get the most out of your shopping in this market, here are some tips for you;
Visit the market with a local
Purchase in bulk to get larger discounts
Take your time
Learn some basic Chinese language such as salutations, asking for receipts among others.
Compare different vendors in the market for the same product.
Why should you Buy Electronics in Shenzhen?
Shenzhen is the place where most electronic companies from different parts of the world source their products from.
Shenzhen has gained so much popularity owing to the several benefits that come with purchasing electronics from Shenzhen.
Talking of benefits, let’s find out below;
A wide variety of products–Shenzhen is home to various markets with a diverse range of electronic products.
Quality– In recent times most of the top known brands such as Sony, Microsoft, and Apple just to mention a few have their manufacturing done in China.
This speaks a lot regarding the quality of electronics sold in Shenzhen as all these brands are known to produce quality products.
Keep in mind that you are likely to also come across low-quality products and therefore you need to be extra careful in your selection.
Uniqueness – Shenzhen electronic markets keep up to date with the latest trends in electronics and therefore expect to come across unique types of electronic products.
Customization – You can easily request for customization of your products and most if not all manufacturers are willing to do so.
Cost-effectiveness–The cheap labor and availability of raw materials in China result in low production costs.
Owing to this, the cost of electronic products in Shenzhen becomes unbeatable across the world.
Shenzhen has been in the electronic sector for a long period and therefore has incorporated smart logistics.
Meaning it shall be convenient for you when transporting your products from the market.
Most importantly, there are several warehouses located next to the port or the market. Therefore, you can securely store your cargo as they await to be shipped.
Which are the Main Wholesale Electronics Online Marketplace in China?
You don’t need to visit Shenzhen to purchase your goods.
If you are a small business and only need smaller quantities, purchasing from online platforms would be an option.
Several online marketplaces sell electronic products from Shenzhen electronic markets.
This makes it more or less the same as physically shopping from the market.
Nevertheless, purchasing from online platforms requires you to be extra cautious just like you would when physically shopping.
Carefully check the reviews and confirm the credibility of the seller before making any purchase to avoid being scammed.
That said, here are some of the main wholesale electronics online marketplaces in China.
Gear best –Gear best offers a variety of consumer electronic products as well as communication accessories together with apparel.
Prices here are extremely competitive and this explains why its widely known by many.
China brands –If you are looking forward to buying electronics in wholesale, China brands is a suitable website for you.
In addition to that, China brands ensure that their products undergo a thorough inspection to ensure quality is upheld.
Not forgetting the competitive prices offered by China Brand together with discounts to registered members.
China vision– A vision of a China-based wholesaler sparked the idea of starting China Vision.
Initially, China vision was targeting the B2B as well as B2C market fields.
Currently, it’s one of the leading wholesale electronic websites providing customers with quality products.
Additionally, customers get to enjoy 3 months quality guarantee on wholesale purchases.
Sunsky–Sunsky has its headquarters stationed at Shenzhen and mostly deals with the wholesale of game accessories, home and outdoor gadgets, mobile phones, and computer peripherals.
Dh Gate –DhGate is an online platform that links wholesalers and customers with small businesses.
It comprises of several suppliers selling different types of products and therefore you need to identify your suitable supplier.
Consumer electronics and computer peripherals are some of the products that can easily be found on this platform.
Plus buyer–If you are working on a budget, Plus buyer might be the ideal wholesale electronics Online Marketplace for you.
It’s an online marketplace that offers trendy electronics ranging from gifts, digital products, and consumer electronics among others.
In as much as you get the best price, some customers complain about the customer care service and quality of products sold here.
Chinaecarts– Spy cameras, tablets, cellphones, and Samsung/iPhone accessories are some of the electronics you will find in this online market.
The best part about buying from Chinaecarts is that you get to enjoy free shipping.
ePathChina–The main focus of ePathChina is wholesaling and drop shipping electronic products.
Some of the products found here are not limited to; cellphone accessories, home audio and video, LED flashlights, and batteries just to mention a few.
Chinazrh– Chinazrh not only deals with wholesale and retail but also dropshipping purchases. Digital cameras, cellphones, media players, electronic cigarettes, home audio and video, MP5 players, notebooks, and car accessories are some of the electronics you could purchase from this online platform.
Tiny Deal– tiny deal is known to sell consumer electronic products at cheap prices and with dropshipping.
Here, you can find items such as game gadgets, new and cheap android smartphones, and electronic gadgets among others.
Can you Trust China Electronics Market Online?
Yes, you can trust China electronic markets online.
However, you also need to be on the lookout for scammers and fraudsters.
Not all online electronic markets are trustworthy.
It’s very easy to get scammed online as compared to physically visiting the shop.
Therefore it’s always safe to ensure that you are dealing with a genuine supplier before commencing on any form of purchase.
How do you get China Electronics Wholesale Free Shipping Services?
The general rule of getting free shipping service is by purchasing your products in bulk.
Most if not all suppliers will be willing to provide this kind of offer once you buy huge quantities.
Bear in mind that some suppliers don’t offer free shipping.
In such an instance, you need to negotiate with them as by so doing you are likely to get a reduced shipping fee or free shipping.
Which are the main China Electronics Market?
There are several electronics markets in China.
If you are planning to shop for electronics in China, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou are the appropriate cities to visit.
Here, you will come across the following electronics markets;
Huaqiangbei electronic market– It is known to be the biggest electronic market worldwide.
Huaqiangbei also has several different markets and has most of the famous brands such as Apple, Huawei, Sony, Samsung, and Nikon among others.
Some of the markets found at Huaqiangbei are not limited to;
I. SEG electronic market – The building consists of 71 floors with the first 10 floors occupied by wholesalers.
SEG electronic market mainly sells components such as; computer components, security electronics, and communication electronics just to mention a few.
II. Tong tian Di Telecommunication market– If you have a business dealing with phone repairs, this is the market for you.
You can build a phone directly from this market as it sells all mobile phone components you could think of.
III. Huaqiang electronics market – Being the second biggest electronic market in Huaqiangbei, expect to find any kind of electronic products in this market.
Some of the electronics you could purchase from here include; secondhand computers, electronic components, and computer assembly among others.
IV. Feiyang times mansion –Mainly deals with second-hand phones and it’s one of the places in China where you can purchase very cheap cell phones.
V. SangDa electronic market–SangDa electronic market deals with a diverse range of electronics such as; notebooks, repair centers, tablets, and computer accessories just to mention a few.
VI. Mingtong digital market –It is the best market to purchase basic phones specifically meant for communication only with no advanced features.
VII. Yuanwang digital market–Sells branded phones such as Huawei, Samsung, Lenovo, and Xiaomi at cheaper prices as compared to purchasing from their official websites.
Other products sold here include phone accessories such as screen protectors and phone cases among others.
VIII. SEG communication market – just as the name implies, the SEG communication market deals with communication gadgets.
The market is made up of three wholesale buildings and is mainly suitable for mobile phone accessories.
IX. Sun Asia electronic mall – It has several floors with various vendors selling microchips, semiconductors, electronic bits, capacitors, and bobs.
X. Pacific Security protection market– As the name suggests, this market specializes in security gadgets. These include; secret cameras, CCTV surveillance systems, traffic safety, home security, GPS, and monitoring equipment among others.
XI. Longsheng phone accessories wholesale center –just as the name implies, the main electronic products sold here are phone accessories.
Some of these accessories include;
memory cards, cables, power banks, phone cases, screen protectors, earphones, and earphones among others.
In addition to this, other electronic markets outside Huaqiangbei are not limited to;
Purchase your electronic products in bulk –Most if not all Chinese suppliers are willing to offer larger discounts once you buy larger quantities.
Bargain –Bargaining is an art that every buyer needs to incorporate during their sourcing procedures.
Bear in mind that Chinese suppliers are aware of this and therefore they place the initial prices higher with an aim of bargaining and attaining their required amount.
Compare different vendors –Never settle after approaching a single supplier.
Ensure that you have enquired from several other vendors to compare the prices and types of electronics offered.
By so doing you can gauge which one is the suitable one for you.
Buy directly from the factory – Purchasing directly from the factory places you in a better position to get larger trade discounts when buying in bulk.
Additionally, it provides you with a great opportunity to negotiate with your manufacturer on your future purchases.
Working with sourcing agents – Sourcing agents make your purchasing process much easier as they do all the sourcing work on your behalf.
Their experience in this field makes them identify the appropriate manufacturers with uneatable prices.
Not forgetting that they also negotiate on your behalf.
How do you check the Quality of China Electronics Products?
As most if not all of us know, China is the hub of various electronic manufacturing industries.
You can get any type of electronics you are looking for at different prices in China.
Both genuine and counterfeit electronics products circulate in the Chinese market.
As such, having the skill to check on your electronics’ quality is critical.
Let’s have a look at some quality checking tips below;
Check for the markings and labels –All electronic equipment have quality labels or markings. Some of these include; CE, RoHS, FCC, ASTM, FDA, GS, and UL among others.
Check whether your electronic products have quality certifications
Conduct inspection – Inspecting your electronics will not only help you identify quality defects but also safety and functionality faults.
Remember, there are several inspection companies in China that can help you achieve this.
What Documents do you need to Import from China Electronics Market?
Documentation is important when carrying out any type of import or export operations.
Before embarking on your importation of electronics from China, you will be required to have the following documents;
Insurance certificate – An insurance certificate offers protection to your goods against loss or damage.
Certificate of origin –A certificate of origin verifies that the electronics have been produced and manufactured in China.
Inspection certificate –It is a trade document issued by an inspection company to certify that the goods have been inspected and that they meet the set requirements.
Bill of lading–A bill of lading is a sales contract between the shipper and the freight carrier outlining important details required in the processing of the cargo.
It also serves as a receipt of goods that have been shipped.
Commercial invoice–A commercial invoice is a customs document that outlines the details of the cargo and amount due or rather the payment terms.
Import license – It is a legal document that is issued by a department of a state government verifying the entry of goods into the country.
Packing List – A packing list outlines details of the products in the shipment which include; weight, quantity, and description of the contents.
Sales contract –An agreement between the supplier and the buyer stating the terms of sale surrounding price or exchange of goods and services and delivery.
Which are the Leading Electronics Trade Fair in China?
Every year, China attracts thousands if not millions of people across the world to attend the various trade fairs held.
Among these trade fairs, there are electronic trade fairs that bring together several suppliers, and importers from all over the world.
The trade fairs are meant to provide a platform for both parties to buy and sell as well as creating business opportunities.
Some of the leading electronics trade fairs that should be on your list are not limited to;
China electronics fair
Canton fair
Guangzhou International Lighting exhibition
China Yiwu international Commodities Fair
Electronica China
Global source trade show
Appliance and Electronics World Expo
E-PACK TECH
China electronics circuit exhibition
Hongkong electronics fair
Do Suppliers in the China Electronics Market offer Warranty?
Yes, they do offer a warranty.
All electronic products are sold with warranty and therefore if your supplier doesn’t provide a warranty it’s better to decline the purchase.
Nevertheless, this is what you need to know.
Most suppliers will do anything to their capacity and come up with arguments to evade any form of compensation.
Therefore a warranty is not always what you think it should be.
I mean it doesn’t always guarantee you refunds or compensation.
Keep in mind that Chinese suppliers work on a slim profit margin and therefore compensation would wipe out all their profits.
How do Shenzhen Electronics Market Prices compare to other China Electronic Market?
In Shenzhen’s electronic market, the suppliers are focused on wholesale and selling more products as compared to increasing profits.
In other Chinese electronics markets, this might be different in the sense that suppliers are more focused on increasing profits.
They would rather sell as a single product and get higher profits.
Also, the Shenzhen electronics market has cost-effective prices on the products sold as compared to other China electronic markets.
How do you Ship from China Electronics Market?
Most China electronic markets are located in Shenzhen which has proximity to the airport and port.
Shipping from China electronics market can be done through the following shipping methods;
Rail freight would be the suitable shipping method if you want a cheaper method than airfreight but faster than sea freight.
Just like sea freight, rail freight is another convenient shipping method for bulky goods.
To use rail freight, the destination country has to be connected to China by the railway transport network.
· Road Freight
Road freight is mostly applicable when transporting products from the market to the port or from the destination port to your warehouse.
However, just like rail transport, shipping through road is limited to countries connected to China by rail transport network.
Apart from these four shipping methods, shipping companies also play a role in ensuring that the delivery of goods is successful.
Some of the shipping companies include FedEx, DHL, EU, UPA, and TNT.
Which Quality Certification Market should Check in Electronics Products in China Market?
All electronic products must have quality certifications as most if not all country have this requirement.
Some of the main quality certifications are not limited to;
CE certification
UL (Underwriters Laboratory)
RoHS (restriction of Hazardous Substances)
IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission)
CCC (China Compulsory Certification)
CQC (China Quality Certification)
RED (Radio Equipment Directive)
Do Cheap Electronics mean Low Quality in China Electronics Market?
No, they don’t.
China is one of the countries where you are bound to come across all kinds of electronics whether cheap and counterfeit, cheap and quality, second-hand, or expensive products.
Owing to the many options at your disposal, you need to first decide on what you want.
Keep in mind, not all quality products come at higher prices.
Some scammers use this to trick you into purchasing a “quality” gadget due to its higher quoted price. Only for you to later discover that the product was a knock off.
You need to do your homework and identify ways in which you can verify the quality of different types of electronics that you are searching for.
This way, you might end up getting quality products at the best prices.
How do you choose the Best Supplier in China Electronics Market?
A good supplier might determine whether or not your whole importation processes will be a success.
Finding a suitable supplier might seem challenging especially to any newbie in the importation industry.
Now that you’re here, let me give you some tips on how you can choose the best supplier in China electronic market;
The fast and easiest way to choose the best supplier would be through using a sourcing agent.
Apart from sourcing products for you, sourcing agents are responsible for identifying the best supplier for their clients.
Check the length of experience – A supplier who has been in the game for years will have more experience and know-how on how to do work as expected as compared to new suppliers.
Check the certification –Ensuring that you are dealing with an authorized supplier is crucial as it also determines the quality of products sold.
Request for the supplier’s references to determine the safety of your business with them.
Ask for a sample product and identify if he or she is reluctant. A good supplier won’t have any problems sending you a sample product.
Can you use Dropshipping when Buying from China Electronics Market?
Yes, you can drop ship when buying from China electronics market.
Most if not all Chinese suppliers you will find in the market are into wholesaling, dropshipping or retailing businesses.
How much does Warehouse Cost in China Electronics Market?
The cost of warehouse storage can range from as low as $1 to as much as $120 per cubic meter.
Generally, the storage cost is low in Shenzhen and therefore it would be a good place to establish your warehouse facility.
The cost of a warehouse in China electronics market varies depending on the following factors;
Space occupied
Type of storage
Type of warehouse
If you’re looking into working with freight forwarders, they will be responsible for finding a suitable warehouse for your products.
Why Hire Sourcing Agents when Buying from China Electronics Market?
Sourcing agents come in handy when doing any type of importation.
Let us find out more below;
Sourcing agents will identify a suitable supplier for your products.
They also negotiate on prices on behalf of you.
Sourcing agents reduce the probability of being scammed as they have the skill to easily spot scammers.
You will not have to worry about the language barrier as sourcing agents will bridge the gap between you and your supplier.
China has several electronic markets and this makes it hard for any newbie to navigate through. Sourcing agents select the best ones for you thereby reducing the time consumed in the market.
Sourcing agents keep track of your goods until they are delivered to the shipping warehouse.
They are versatile and therefore can promptly solve any arising issue with the suppliers to safeguard your goods.
How do you Pay Suppliers in China Electronics Market?
There are several payment methods accepted by Chinese suppliers.
However, some of them might pose a risk to either or both parties and therefore as a buyer, you need to make a wise selection.
Here are some payment methods you could use when paying your suppliers in China electronic market;
Letter of credit
Telegraphic transfers
PayPal
International credit cards
Western Union
Online escrow
Cash
Among the payment methods, a letter of credit is the best payment method, especially when making big transactions.
Telegraphic transfers are also widely accepted by most suppliers.
Nevertheless, both you and the supplier will be subjected to risks.
Owing to this, most suppliers request for a deposit beforehand to minimize their risk.
PayPal is suitable for smaller transactions and the fee increases with the size of the transaction.
Most suppliers dislike Paypal due to the higher transactional fees involved.
Western Union and online escrow are also ideal when making small transactions.
However, you need to be extra careful when using these methods as they are a target for fraudsters.
Western union puts you at risk as it offers little protection once payment is made.
Therefore, it’s advisable to use this payment method if you trust your supplier.
International credit cards are widely accepted by Chinese suppliers.
Keep in mind that they also a target for scammers and fraudsters.
That said, you need to verify that you are dealing with a genuine supplier before making any transaction.
Cash payment leaves you at risk of losing money in case you are not satisfied with your products.
Not forgetting that you will also need to incur currency exchange costs.
All in all, it’s a good payment method accepted by most suppliers.
What are the Opening Hours for China Electronics Market?
Most markets open from 9am and close at 6pm every day of the week.
However, some stay open up to 10 pm.
Keep in mind that most if not all markets remain closed during Chinese public holidays.
This is a type of supplier that sources a wide variety of products from one or more manufacturers and resell them to the customers.
A trading company in China is hardly involved in assembling the items at all.
You place the order through this entity, and they forward it to the local partner factory.
It is similar but not identical to what is commonly referred to as wholesaler or distributor in the west.
Since a trading company liaises with different manufacturers, it becomes easy for you to obtain a wide range of commodities.
2) What are the Types of Trading Companies in China?
There are five major types of trading companies in China, which include the following;
Traditional Trading Companies
These refer to the types of entities, which acted as gatekeepers linking the customers and the factory.
These types thrived in China in the past years since they could effectively sell local factories commodities without investing in their stock.
Ideally, traditional trading companies could easily add between 20-40% on top of the factory price.
However, they are gradually becoming redundant, given the dynamics in international business is rapidly changing.
Factory Group Trading Company
These refer to the category of trading companies where a few larger manufacturers control multiple production facilities.
Of course, this also involves covering a variety of commodities and materials.
Essentially, they trade through a single trading entity in all their exporting and invoicing procedures.
Combined Manufacturer and Trading Company
This is the type of trading company selling a broad range of related products manufactured by other factories within the same locality.
It is a manufacturer with its products but also sells other varieties of products related to those they produce but manufactured by different factories.
In short, they buy the products they don’t manufacture from other factories then resell them to customers together with what they produce.
Hong Kong Trading Companies
These types of trading companies operate from Hong Kong, originally the center of manufacturing before the 1980s.
Some of these trading companies have expanded to become relatively large manufacturing groups.
They operate factories in different parts of Mainland China, Malaysia, Cambodia, and Vietnam.
SOHO Trading Company
SOHO refers to Small Office, Home Office trading company.
It is a type of company with only one or two people handling its various operations.
In many instances, the proprietors of SOHO trading companies are usually former employees of specific factories or trading companies.
They form such entities after winning some loyal customers, obtain company registration, and setting up an account on Alibaba.
3) How do you Check Whether Trading Companies in China are Genuine?
Nowadays, it can be a bit difficult to determine whether the trading company you’re dealing with is genuine or not.
Most will outrightly state they are trading companies upon asking, whereas others would say they are factories.
In the case of the latter, you need to dig deeper by asking them the specific commodities they make.
However, if that’s not enough, another ideal way to check the genuinity of a trading company is by checking their registered capital.
A company with significant registered capital is perfect since it indicates its strength in the trade.
Another option would be to check the business license.
Ask for these documents and to determine the specific business scope.
Alternatively, you may choose to check with verified suppliers’ directories.
This way, you’ll be able to determine whether or not the preferred trading company in China is genuine.
Moreover, you can check from online platforms. In such instances, you can look at the reviews and feedback from previous customers.
This gives you an idea of the genuinity of a trading company or otherwise.
4) Which are the Best Trading Companies in China?
Typically, the best trading company is dependent on a host of variables, including one that suits your specific demands.
This may as well include the particular products you’re purchasing.
A key aspect of determining the ideal trading company is its ability to boost sales of your business without spending money on marketing.
Nevertheless, some of the highly ranked trading companies in China include the following;
Zhejiang Willing Foreign Trading Co. Ltd
Yiwu Trading Company
Xiamen ITG Group
Tai Yick Trading Company
Nexfar Trading Company
Soto Imports
Young &Young Trading Company
Orient International Enterprise Ltd
Nanjing Maxfit Trading Company Ltd
Sinergia Trading Company
Cheung’s Trading Company
EL-Hashem Trading Group Co. Ltd
5) Which Services do Trading Companies in China Offer?
They offer a wide range of services, which include the following;
Assorted product sourcing from different manufacturers
Premium customer service
Quality inspection
Packaging
Customs clearance where applicable
Freight forwarding
6) How do Trading Companies Work in China?
Technically, trading companies are mere businesses, which work with various manufacturers that produce different products.
It is the ideal way of profits and sales maximization.
These products are sold to different categories of customers, including individual consumers, government bodies, corporates, and other businesses.
Essentially, trading companies often procure a variety of specialized products, thus maintaining stock or store and deliver commodities to customers.
These types of companies identify their marketing networks by figuring-out products and negotiate with the manufacturers.
They are also experts in import and export rules and procedures.
Trading companies also employ sales agents both in the local and foreign markets to solicit orders and promote their brands.
It is an ideal way for such companies to create a large pool of China trading companies.
Trading companies operate as middlemen by finding and determining products clients need and supplying them with the same from different companies.
7) What are the Benefits of using Trading Companies in China?
Some of the major advantages of using trading companies when importing products from China include the following;
They understand the customers’ needs better than manufacturers.
Therefore, you’re confident of getting better and suitable products for your business when buying from such entities.
Most of the reputable trading companies in China always promote the products they sell, which is unlike factories.
In essence, they help push the products in the market, thus proving worthy to the customers.
Trading companies also tend to have better customer service, which is critical since they understand difficulty of establishing markets.
It thus makes it easy for them to handle their customers with utmost care and caution.
Trading companies have low minimum order quantity making it affordable to various buyers, including small-scale traders.
In many cases, trading companies in China often sell for relatively small manufacturing companies.
Such manufacturers are usually inexperienced and have less capacity and expertise to sell their products internationally.
The advantage herein is that such products are typically low-priced, which is directly passed to you as the customer.
They are strict when it comes to quality inspection and control.
Trading companies employ a professional quality control team, which understands the specific demands of the customer.
You can always source different types of products all under one roof.
The essence here is it prevents you from undergoing the hassles related to searching for other products from various manufacturers.
8) Is dealing with Trading Companies in China better than Manufacturers?
Ideally, it depends on your specific demands and the various underlying circumstances as far as importing goods from China is concerned.
In other words, different situations dictate the better option to deal with between trading companies and manufacturers.
For instance, if you’re purchasing a single product in large quantities, it would be better to deal directly with manufacturers.
Dealing with manufacturers is also a better option when in need of better discounts.
Typically, they are still valuable in various industries; thus, the platform can hardly function without such entities.
Nevertheless, traditional trading companies are becoming insignificant suppliers on Alibaba.com.
Therefore, their presence on this platform is diminishing day by day.
16) How do you Identify Trading Company on China eCommerce Sites?
Different Chinese ecommerce platforms have various settings and outlook.
As such, identification of trading companies may thus vary from one ecommerce website to another.
However, some of the aspects you need to look into when identifying these entities of Chinese ecommerce platforms include;
Low registered capital mostly, CNY 500,000 or below
Defined as “Trading Company” on their respective pages
Lack of ISO 9001, BSCI, and other relevant company certifications
No product standard mentions nor test reports
Deals with an assortment of products, often unrelated
Company name includes the term “Trading” or “commodity.”
17) Do Wholesalers Work the same way as Trading Companies in China?
Not really.
What happens is wholesalers often have a variety of commodities in stock, unlike trading companies.
As such, wholesalers can sell products in stock in lower volumes at any moment they wish to.
Ideally, they can package and ship an order at any moment, whereas trading companies must always place the order and wait for some time.
In a nutshell, wholesalers are always ever-ready and swift to fulfill customer’s orders.
However, trading companies in China mostly have to wait to receive products from the factory in readiness for shipment.
18) Do Trading Companies in China Support OEM Businesses?
Yes.
In fact, most of the manufacturers in China operate on an OEM basis.
It thus becomes easy for trading companies to sell their products to prospective customers.
As long as the OEM businesses provide the necessary quality, trading companies in China are always supporting their trade.
Most Chinese trading companies have a list of various OEM businesses in China, producing different products.
19) What are the possible Scams of Sourcing from Trading Company in China?
They are quite several, but the most common ones you’re likely to face, especially as a first-timer, include the following;
Counterfeit products
Inferior quality products or items less than your standards
Change of payment recipient when you’re about to close the deal
Requesting for more payments for customs clearance
Refusal of sending samples
Unverified profiles on ecommerce websites such as Alibaba
A trading company posing as a manufacturing company
Asking for payment to a personal bank account
Actual products different from the samples or photos on the website
Payment details that hardly match the company information
Accepting payment only through Western Union
20) How do you Handle Risks Associated with Trading Companies in China?
You can use several interventions to manage risks related to importing from trading companies in China. Some of these risks include the following;
Do thorough background research of the company – Search on various online platforms and look at the feedback and reviews page.
In any case, you can easily pick out a potential scam trading company by merely reading the reviews.
Check seller’s guarantees – Ideally, trading companies can offer specific safeguards to buyers. In general, the more guarantees offered, the more confident you can be in purchase bid.
Trading companies provide guarantees on a per-item basis. Even so, ensure you do thorough research before committing.
Use recommended payment methods – You must be skeptical of trading companies preferring irreversible payment methods.
That is the first sign of a scam, which you must be wary of when dealing with such entities.
Deal with verified trading companies – If you are shopping from ecommerce outlets, ensure the trading company has a verified badge.
It makes it easy to follow-up with such a company if the transaction doesn’t go as expected.
Choose trading companies with as many as complete orders as possible – Look for trading companies that have shipped as many orders as possible successfully.
The more completed sales, the lesser the chances of issues arising.
21) Can you use Sourcing Agent when buying from Trading Company?
Absolutely correct.
This is one of the most effective and low-risk techniques of importing goods from Chinese trading companies.
Many such agents have been in the trade for ages; hence know all the ideal trading companies for specific commodities.
Using a sourcing agent is advantageous because it is safe, and you’re guaranteed of the respective quality you’re seeking.
What’s more, is a sourcing agent is always involved in the entire process of dealing with trading companies.
Therefore, it allows you to have peace of mind and, at the same time, avoid the tiresome hassles of dealing with trading entities.
22) Is it possible to Drop Ship Products from Trading Company in China?
These are substances, which appear in form or quantities likely to pose a threat to property, health, safety, and environment.
A thorough assessment of the contents of such materials reveals they can undermine the environment, health, and safety.
Which Products are Considered HAZMAT?
There are numerous products and materials considered as HAZMAT.
Such products often fall under the following categories;
Nuclear waste products
Fuel
Radiological agents
Biological agents
Chemical agents
Toxic chemicals
Some of the specific HAZMAT products you are likely to come across include the following;
Insecticides and pest control products
Wood treatment products
Aerosol spray receptacles
Bleaches
Fire extinguishers
Oxygen tanks
Car batteries
Inks
Hand sanitizers
Fertilizer compounds
Paints, thinners, and paint removers
Flammable essential oils
Ammunition and gun powders
Fragrances
Refrigerant gases
HAZMATs are often present in form of liquids, gases, or solids.
In some instances, they can be released in a combination of all three states.
This may include mist, smoke, vapor, dust, gas, and fumes, among others.
How do you Classify Dangerous Goods?
HAZMAT are classified into various categories as a way of enhancing precaution and utmost safety.
There are nine groups under, which these types of materials are categorized, which include the following;
Group 1: Explosive materials
Group 2: Gaseous materials
Group 3: Inflammable liquids
Group 4: Inflammable solids
Group 5: Materials, which contain peroxides and easily oxidizing agents
Group 6: Highly toxic and Infective substances
Group 7: Radioactive materials and substances
Group 8: Erosive substances
Group 9: Dangerous materials and miscellaneous substances in nature
Notably, all the categories from Group 1-6, with exception of Group 3, have a variety of sub-heads.
The essence is to further sub-divide HAZMAT classification for ease in packaging and storage of the goods.
Sub-categorization of the HAZMAT include the following;
Group 1 consists of six sub-classes, which range from explosives with major explosion threat.
Group 2 has three sub-categories compressed gases, flammable gases, and health hazard gases upon inhaling.
Group 4 consists of three sub-classes flammable solids and combustible materials.
All these substances exhibit the tendency to give off inflammable gases whenever they in tangency with water.
Group 5 has two sub-categories of materials, which oxidize easily and those that contain peroxides hence likely to cause harm.
Group 6 also consists of two sub-classes, which deal with toxic and radioactive substances.
What is HAZMAT Packaging?
This refers to a receptacle for containment of all the materials and substances regarded as hazardous during transit.
HAZMAT packaging must conform to all the specific minimum requirements, as outlined in the HAZMAT rules and regulations.
What Factors should you Consider when Choosing Packaging for HAZMAT?
Here are the vital elements regarding HAZMAT packaging, which you need to have in mind when selecting one;
Inner-packaging volume – This is the amount or quantity of packaging, which needs outer packaging for efficiency and safety during transportation. It often applies majorly to combination packaging.
Cushioning and absorbents – These are components that must be used in transporting HAZMAT, especially liquid substances.
Strong outer packaging – This refers to the outermost layer of the package designed to protect inner packaging from releasing its contents.
Specification packaging – It is the kind of packaging, which complies with one of the standards for packaging in HAZMAT policies.
The marking of these packaging is done to ascertain all regulatory requirements, including performance tests, are met.
Number of inner packaging per package – This is the maximum quantity or amount of different products in a specific HAZMAT package.
Authorized packaging – It is the type of packaging prescribed to the packaging section of HAZMAT policies for a specific hazardous substance.
How do you Prepare a HAZMAT Package for Shipping?
Transporting HAZMAT package can be a complicated process, especially over a long distance.
Technically, it poses a variety of serious risks in case you get it wrong.
However, the following steps come in handy when preparing this type of package for shipping;
Material Classification
By law, a product safety data sheet (SDS) must be submitted to the party handling the dangerous materials.
The SDS is essential in providing guidance to enable workers to handle such products to become familiar with such materials.
It also prevents them from mishandling the substances.
Contacting Reliable Carriers
You can get in touch with some of the top carriers such as FedEx, DHL, UPS, and USPS among others.
Such leading carriers often provide shipping options for HAZMAT.
However, every carrier is guided by specific principles regarding their execution and handling of such substances.
Determine the Right HAZMAT Package
The suitable type of package is dependent on the specific substance.
Consider confirming from the specific laws guiding packaging of hazardous substances.
For instance, drums are best suited for dangerous liquids.
However, the type of drum to use, whether plastic, steel, or aluminum, depends on the type of liquid.
Marking and Labeling the Package
HAZMAT have specific ways of marking and labeling, depending on their categories, weight, and identification number.
Always follow the right regulations when marking and labeling these items.
Get the Paperwork Ready
Some specific carriers often demand additional shipping papers to ship hazardous compounds based on a particular product.
Get all the documents and ensure they are correctly captured and match all the relevant details of the products.
Figure-out any Extra Carrier Requirements
Many carriers tend to have more or less similar rules regarding shipping HAZMAT.
But there are a few, which require additional requirements.
Therefore, inquire from the carrier about all the requirements they would require for shipping dangerous substances.
What are the Four Levels of Hazardous response?
These levels include the following;
Awareness Level
It is the basic level and targets random people who could be first on an emergency scene involving dangerous substances.
Responders, at this level, are expected to recognize the presence of HAZMAT.
Thus they should protect themselves, inform professionals, and secure the area to their best levels possible.
You can obtain this level from local institutions of higher learning.
Operations Level
This level consists of responders responding to releases of possible releases of HAZMAT as part of the initial response to an emergency.
The essence is to protect the property, environment, and nearby persons from the effects of the release.
First responders at this level are anticipated to respond in a relatively defensive mode.
This helps in controlling release from a comparatively safe distance and keep it from spreading.
Technician Level
This refers to a reasonably specialized and somewhat technical level.
Responders at the technician level take a more offensive approach when responding to releases of HAZMAT for controlling release.
Technician-level responders are accredited HAZMAT technicians expected to utilize specialized chemical protective clothing and equipment.
Specialist Level
It is the supreme level of HAZMAT responders.
Responders, at this level, have advanced and in-depth knowledge in a variety of science fields.
They assist technician-level responders with various responses.
In some instances, it may take a hands-on offensive approach to regulate or contain the hazardous release.
Specialist responders may as well work with the respective incident commander who offers guidance to technician-level responders.
How much does HAZMAT Shipping Cost?
Shipping cost for HAZMAT depends on a host of variables.
One of these variables is the specific type of HAZMAT you’re shipping.
Different hazardous products are charged differently based on a variety of factors.
Some are reasonably priced, whereas others tend to attract hefty charges.
The other variable is the delivery distance.
The further the delivery destination distance, the more expensive the shipping charges and vice versa.
Also, the specific carrier of your choice determines the cost of hazardous shipping substances.
All carriers offer HAZMAT shipping options often charge different rates depending on their policies.
Again, the particular mode of transportation influences the cost of shipping HAZMAT.
Airfreight will, of course, be more expensive than both trucking and ocean freight.
And most importantly, the volume or quantity of the HAZMAT you’re shipping is a determinant factor of cost.
Evidently, the large the volume or quantity, the more the shipping cost of this material and vice versa.
In a nutshell, there is no fixed shipping cost for hazardous substances.
They vary significantly based on these factors and other prevailing situations.
How do you know if a Product is Hazardous?
Typically, the manufacturers and importers of hazardous materials are required by law to classify products.
They are also responsible for developing the product’s containers label and safety data sheet (SDS), which comply with stipulated requirements.
You can use several ways to determine whether the product is hazardous.
Some of these ways include the following;
Requesting SDS from Manufacturer/Supplier
A material SDS ordinarily lists all the ingredients in a dangerous substance.
The manufacturer must provide accurate information to enable you to determine whether or not the item is hazardous.
Conducting Site Inspection
You can also choose to carry out the identification process of the HAZMAT on a particular site.
This is more practical if you are working with a knowledgeable team with a better understanding of different elements.
Check out the Packaging Marks and Labels
Look at the different warning words such as flammable, danger, reactive, and corrosive, among others.
Most products with such warnings are extremely hazardous hence the need to take appropriate measures.
Many carriers can accommodate some types of dangerous materials but have particular policies and pricing.
There are a few but critical elements which guide a carrier on how to ship HAZMAT;
Ensure you have an SDS as a way to determine whether the products you are shipping are hazardous and to what extent.
If you determine the goods are dangerous, carry out a needs assignment analysis to figure-out the specific employees can handle them. The levels of employees to handle different HAZMAT varies from 1-4.
Consider having a trained employee to research the substance in a hazardous material table. It allows you to determine specifically approved quantities permissible for shipping, labeling needs, and proper packaging.
Find out the quantities and matching packaging requirements for the consignment.
Obtain all the necessary documents for the shipment where applicable.
Obtain the proper hazard communication once you have the correct packaging for the consignment. These include labels, marking, and declaration forms.
Mark and label the shipment
If you’re using a combination package, put the substance in its inner packaging according to the closure instructions.
Fill out the shipping paper and attach it to the outer part of the shipment in an unobstructed area and ship it.
Keep the shipper’s declaration on file for at least two years.
What are the Regulations for HAZMAT Shipping?
Shipping HAZMAT can pose risks to anyone who may come into contact with the consignment.
Hence it is vital to follow the rules and regulations to minimize or eliminate any unsafe condition.
However, some of the core parts of these regulations include the following;
It is the responsibility of the shipper to include classification, packaging, marking, and labeling of HAZMAT.
All these should be under national and international governmental regulations.
The material must be packed appropriately after thorough assessment and determination of the danger it poses.
All dangerous products must be labeled properly for transportation. Every label defines the type of hazard the substance presents.
The labels are purchased from a reputable printing distributor and should correspond to the size, color, and shape.
The minimum markings on a hazardous consignment must incorporate the following elements;
Registered carrier’s name
Consignee’s name and address
Consignor’s name and address
There could as well be other types of markings such as Do Not Wet, Fragile, Biohazard or Do Not Tip, etc.
Are there Penalties for Non-compliance when Shipping Hazardous Material?
Yes.
Just like any other shipping regulation, flouting of the same for hazardous materials can be costly.
It varies from one country to another.
In many countries, fines and jail-terms are the penalties one is likely to face from a knowing, willful, and reckless violation of HAZMAT regulations.
Even the tiniest error can result in a six-figure fine and, in other instances banning your entity from transporting HAZMAT goods.
The exact amount of fine varies depending on the gravity of the type of non-compliance.
Furthermore, if the violations of these regulations become persistent, each day of the non-compliance constitutes a separate offense.
Who are the Top China Courier for HAZMAT?
You can choose to use various HAZMAT shipping carriers in China since they are several and provide broad options for these services.
However, it is advisable always to consider using some of the highly regarded carriers such as the following;
FedEx–This carrier offers training and guidance on how to ship HAZMAT and how to be accredited to ship dangerous substances. They offer HAZMAT shipping services from China to different parts of the world.
UPS – It also offers HAZMAT shipping and training services for entities new in shipping these substances.
DHL – This is an established entity in matters surrounding shipping of HAZMAT. DHL conforms to all the regulations of IATA and other applicable national legislation hence an ideal option for these services.
USPS – This carrier ships HAZMAT, though with a few restrictions for some domestic and international hazardous product shipments.
Should you use a 3rd Party Agent when Shipping HAZMAT?
Yes.
There is no restriction barring a 3rd party agent or broker from facilitating HAZMAT shipping.
Ideally, as long as the 3rd party agent complies with the necessary regulations as stipulated by relevant authorities, they are good to go.
Moreover, the broker must demonstrate a history and ability to safely and efficiently transport HAZMAT to the respective destinations.
However, the responsibility for HAZMAT transportation still lies with the 3rd party agent or broker.
Therefore, they remain liable for their actions.
What are the Labeling Requirements of HAZMAT Packages?
Ideally, the packaging and shipping of HAMAT are highly controlled across different sectors irrespective of mode of transport.
The labeling regulations and shipping marks for these products are extensive, and the core ones include the following aspects;
Durability
The labels for HAZMAT must be durable and resistant to any prevailing weather condition.
The labels must withstand all the conditions they could be exposed to without deterioration or color change for at least 30 days.
Manufacturer Identification
The manufacturer’s name or identity may be printed on other outer parts of the label solid line inner border. But it should never be larger than 10pt type.
Size
The labels must be oriented as a diamond shape, i.e., square-on-point. The labels must also be 3.9 inches on each side.
The labels must have a solid line inner border ranging from 0.2-0.25 inches from the edge. The label for CARGO AIRCRAFT ONLY must be rectangular and be 4.3 in height and 4.7 inches wide.
The class or division number of the hazardous material must be at least 0.25 inches in height and not more than 0.5 inches.
When displaying the hazard, the height of lettering must be at least 0.3 inches.
Color
The coloring scheme of the labels must conform to the prescribed regulations.
All texts, numbers, symbols, and borders must be black except for the following;
You can use white where the background is green, red, or blue
You must use white for class and a class number denoting corrosive
You may use white for the organic peroxide symbol
All colors used must withstand a 72-hour fadeometer test without substantive change.
You must use colors that fall within color tolerances, as defined in Appendix A of 49 CFR 172.407.
The label color must stretch to the edge of the label, with the exception for CORROSIVE RADIOACTIVE YELLOW-II/III. For these two, the color must extend to the inner border.
Exceptions
Except for substances that are poisonous by inhalation, a label conforming to UN recommendations may be used.
Can you Track a HAZMAT Shipment?
Absolutely correct!
This is one of the ancillary services offered by a wide range of carriers.
Every customer has an interest in knowing their HAZMAT status when in transit.
Therefore, you can check with your preferred carrier, who, by extent, provides a tracking number for the particular shipment.
Alternatively, you can seek the services of a third-party tracking company to determine the status of your HAZMAT consignment.
In this case, you need to obtain a tracking number and other relevant details from the carrier and use it on the 3rd party’s tracking platform.
Is HAZMAT Shipment Insurable?
Yes.
HAZMAT consignments are risky and also exposed to more danger when in transit.
Most insurance companies have designed a special type of policy, which covers HAZMAT shipments.
The insurance policies often range depending on the type of cargo you are hauling, which determines the required insurance liability.
Most of the HAZMAT shipment insurance policies cover loading and unloading of the material and in-transit coverage.
It may also cover on-going contamination and site pollution clean-up operations among others.
How can you Maximize Safety, Security, and Compliance when Shipping HAZMAT?
There are several interventions that you can put in place to achieve safety, security, and compliance in shipping HAZMAT.
However, one of the most effective approaches is making sure you work with a reputable and professional HAZMAT carrier.
Most of the top carriers have instituted relevant measures to ensure they comply with transportation of hazardous material safely.
They have financial stability, experienced and knowledgeable personnel in matters surrounding HAZMAT shipping.
Moreover, such carriers also have higher safety ratings, permits, and accreditation from all the relevant bodies involved in HAZMAT shipping.
Highly rated carriers have HAZMAT departments’ hence guaranteeing safety and compliance standards.
When you go this direction, you can be confident of attaining maximum safety, security, and compliance when transporting HAZMAT.
What is Performance Packaging in HAZMAT?
It refers to a type of packaging, which must pass a wide range of several tests hence ensuring the package meet required standards.
Ideally, the essence here is to make sure the packages are strong enough to endure various aspects during handling.
These may include shocks and atmospheric pressure changes often apparent during shipping.
Can you Ship HAZMAT with other Materials?
Yes.
It is possible, but many carriers often try to avoid this kind of undertaking.
However, the correct interventions must put in place, including packaging, marking, and labeling.
This helps in guaranteeing safety, security, and compliance.
What documentation do you need when Shipping HAZMAT?
They are quite several, and in many instances, they also vary from one country to another.
Some of the common documentation, however, include the following;
Straight Bill of Lading
Shipper’s declaration for HAZMAT
HAZMAT shipping form flags
IMO dangerous goods declaration
Multi-modal HAZMAT forms
HAZMAT shipping form sheets
Uniform Hazardous waste manifest
Import license
Insurance certificates
Are HAZMAT Packages Dutiable?
Yes.
But it depends on the specific country since different countries often charge import duty based on varied factors.
For instance, any HAZMAT packages imported to the US worth $10,000 and above are dutiable.
The value may vary in different countries, depending on their specific policies.
There are a few types of HAZMAT consignments, which are exempted from import duty in different countries.
Thus you need to figure out from the respective country of destination whether the goods are dutiable and, if so, determine the rates too.
How do you choose a Carrier for HAZMAT?
When choosing an ideal HAZMAT carrier, it’s necessary to select one offering the best interests by verifying shipments and compliant.
Some of the best strategies of finding a suitable carrier for HAZMAT include the following;
Thorough vetting of the carrier determines their capacity, financial stability, certifications, and reliability, among others.
Inquire about the carrier’s processes for checking shipments. This will enable you to determine potential risk and liability non-compliance before obtaining their services.
Go for carriers with HAZMAT department. It is an ideal way of getting one, which meets or exceeds safety and compliance requirements.
Choose HAZMAT carrier with HAZMAT certified professionals. This makes the facilitation of shipping these items become easy, fast, and efficient.
Tj chinafreight is your trusted freight forwarder with years of experience in handling HAMAT shipping.
Our team handles the paperwork, labeling and handling HAZMAT.
If you have any question about luggage shipping, your answer is right here.
This guide covers everything about luggage shipping – from benefits, available shipping options, custom clearance, labelling requirements, documentation to possible restrictions, amongst others.
This is a service, which enables you to send your baggage to a specific destination in advance.
You can describe it as an alternative method for carrying or checking in with your luggage when traveling by air.
Essentially, it involves retrieval of your shipment from your home, office, or accommodation place and delivered to your respective destination.
Thus you’ll find your belongings awaiting you upon your arrival.
Luggage shipping offers both local and international cargo hauling services and often regarded as a cost-effective method.
What are the Benefits of Luggage Shipping?
Luggage shipping offers a host of benefits, especially when you are dealing with a specialist entity.
Some of these advantages include the following;
It Offers Exceptional Convenience
Luggage shipping services often tend to provide door-to-door services.
And this revolves around picking the luggage from your home, office, or business.
This is thus convenient and gives you the necessary peace of mind.
You can easily change flights or fly standby, make flight connections, and take public transportation to and from the airport.
Luggage Shipping is also Cost-effective
Typically, you’ll spend relatively less money on luggage shipping compared to using removal companies or booking excess baggage on a flight.
You’ll also save checked baggage fees.
Convenience of Tracking Luggage
This service is trackable, thus making it easy for you to determine the progress and status of your baggage.
In that sense, you’ll know when to expect your luggage from the shipping company.
Fast Shipping
Luggage shipping is relatively fast since, in most instances, it uses express delivery services.
Secure Shipping
This service is also secure.
The parties involved always ensure they outsource a reliable and reputable shipper to deliver the baggage.
What are the Different Ways of Shipping Luggage Internationally?
There are several options, which you can explore based on the respective luggage shipping companies.
Some of the commonly used means include the following;
Standard shipping
Express shipping
Next day shipping
Over-night shipping
How does International Luggage Shipping Work?
Customers often want to move their belongings from one country to another due to various reasons.
It could be due to relocating, for studies or sending to friends or relatives living abroad.
Once you decide the belongings you want to ship, you simply contact the shipping company.
In this case, you book for the collection of the luggage online through the carrier’s platform.
The company gives you a quote for the services, including packing, shipping, and unpacking, where applicable.
You need to have the right packing containers such as suitcases and boxes to guarantee the safety of your possessions in transit.
After the booking and verification process is over, you’ll need to print your collection labels.
These labels include all the relevant information you provide to facilitate the collection and shipping of the baggage.
The shipping company gets all the relevant details for shipping luggage and get in touch accordingly.
You also have to provide relevant shipping documents to the shipping company for your luggage where applicable.
In instances where the luggage is dutiable, you also need to ensure you cater for the same costs to facilitate efficient shipping.
The company picks all the luggage and ship them to the delivery destination within the shortest time possible.
By the time you get to your destination, you’ll find the belongings ready, be it in your hotel room, office, or new home.
Can you ship Luggage via Courier?
Yes.
Several courier services are offering a wide range of luggage shipping services to different parts of the world.
Luggage shipping using a courier is regarded as the best mode to consider when transporting your belongings internationally.
However, the cost of this option is always relatively high compared to other ordinary service providers.
Some of the leading courier services that you can utilize include DHL, FedEx, UPS, USPS, EMS, and China Post, among others.
What are the available Luggage Shipping Options?
The main shipping options for luggage include the following;
Ship your things in the Luggage Box
Luggage shipping service providers often provide a luggage box for interested customers.
These boxes are specially designed to enable you to fit different types of your belongings.
They are available in wide-ranging sizes and made of different materials.
It is a convenient, safe, and cost-effective option to consider.
Moreover, you can go for a bigger size, which suits all your requirements to prevent incidents of having many pieces of baggage.
· Pack and Ship your Suitcase
This option entails packing all your belongings inside your suitcase, which is later packed in a personalized way.
The type of packing here depends on the size and contents of your luggage.
It may also depend on your preferred requirements, which you feel suit your particular needs.
The good thing with this option is it gives you the liberty to determine how to pack your stuff in a befitting way.
Ship your Suitcase as is
It is a luggage shipping option, which involves transporting your belongings when packed in your suitcase only.
Ideally, you do not need to pack them inside any particular type of luggage box or alternative personalized packing container.
This option is suitable for domestic luggage shipping.
It is also ideal when your belongings are not susceptible to various elements they could be exposed to in transit.
How much does Luggage Shipping Cost?
The cost of luggage shipping often varies depending on a wide range of factors.
The size and weight of the luggage are some of the elements that determine the cost of shipping.
The bigger the size and heavier the weight of the luggage, the higher the cost and vice versa.
Distance is the other factor determining the exact amount of money you’ll pay for luggage shipping services.
Of course, the longer the distance, the more the cost and vice versa.
The specific carrier you’re using is another element that influences the cost of luggage shipping.
Different carriers offer different charges depending on their policies and other prevailing elements.
Other ancillary services, which you may require is the other aspect, which determines the amount you’ll pay for this service.
Some customers would prefer packing, unpacking, and at times arranging the belongings.
The bottom line, nonetheless, is there is no fixed amount of luggage shipping services.
The charges are dependent on many factors, including the ones mentioned above.
What is “Base Price” in Luggage Shipping?
It refers to the amount of money you pay for luggage shipping service but does not include standard extra fees.
You can describe it as a portion of the total cost of shipping luggage, given there are several basic shipping features.
Is Custom Clearance Necessary in Luggage Shipping?
It depends on the items you are shipping and the delivery destination.
If you are sending the luggage within the same country, it won’t be necessary to obtain customs clearance.
This also applies when shipping the luggage between countries that are members’ states of a particular economic block like the EU.
In some countries, you won’t need customs clearance if you are shipping luggage as a returning resident.
You only require to prove ownership of the personal effects and clothes.
Nevertheless, it is the responsibility of the sender to make sure they understand their circumstances.
This entails knowing the luggage you’re sending and prevailing customs regulations of the country of destination.
In a nutshell, the need for customs clearance in luggage shipping varies based on a host of numerous variables.
Who takes care of Custom when Shipping Luggage Internationally?
The customs duty is the sole responsibility of the sender.
The carrier provider may only help in facilitating the customs clearance process when need be.
In some instances, you can always arrange the carrier service to take care of the customs and subsequently surcharge you.
This, however, is often done on a case by case basis depending on the carrier service provider.
Do you need Special Documents to Ship Luggage Internationally?
Different countries have varying policies when it comes to international luggage shipping.
The need is thus dependent on the type of personal belongings you are shipping and the specific country you are transporting the baggage to.
If you’re shipping special personal effects, it is more likely you’ll need special documents for the same.
On the other hand, if you’re shipping ordinary personal items as the luggage, you won’t necessarily require special documents.
There are some countries, which will demand a variety of special documents, including proof of ownership of the personal items.
Nonetheless, some of the common documents you’ll possibly need for luggage shipping include the following;
Country of origin documents
Destination country documents
Customs documents
How Long Does Luggage Shipping Take?
The duration of luggage is dependent on various factors.
For instance, the precise delivery destination determines the time it takes for shipping the luggage.
Typically, domestic luggage shipping often takes a shorter period compared to international luggage shipping.
In essence, the process involved in international luggage shipping is relatively thorough than what is required in domestic shipping.
Moreover, international luggage shipping is prone to delays as a result of several deliberate and uncontrolled factors.
In any case, such elements rarely affect domestic baggage shipping.
The other determinant factor of luggage shipping duration is your specific preferred carrier of choice.
Different carriers have varied policies in terms of shipping periods, and factors influencing the same.
Some carriers ply different routes. It thus means your luggage can either delay or get faster depending on route.
And importantly, the specific shipping option of your choice also influences the duration your luggage will get to the destination.
Many carriers offer a wide range of alternatives including, express shipping, same-day shipping, 2-day shipping, etc.
The choice you pick will, of course, determine the exact duration it will take to get to the delivery destination.
Is Door-to-door Delivery available for Luggage Shipping?
Yes.
The essence of luggage shipping is to alleviate you from the inconveniences of moving around with the baggage.
Therefore, it is the prerogative of every luggage shipping company to offer door-door delivery when transporting your baggage.
What Packaging Material do you need for Luggage Shipping?
The specific materials you need for shipping your luggage to the respective destination include the following;
Envelopes – These are used for packing different types of documents and other essential personal effects. They are also suitable for light and fragile items.
Boxes – They come in different designs, sizes, and materials. Boxes are ideal for packing relatively heavy items.
You can as well use them to pack the items, which appear to be fragile for safety.
Bubble cushioning – These materials are used for reinforcing safety by preventing relatively fragile items from damage.
They provide a cushioned surface hence enabling the items to stay secure irrespective of the mechanical motion subjected to it.
Packaging peanuts – These are also used as cushioning material in a package.
Packaging peanuts prevent damage to fragile objects during shipping.
The design of these elements is to interlock when compressed and flow freely when not compressed.
Tape – It is a vital material used for sealing bundling or wrapping items during handling and shipping items.
Packing tapes come in different forms in terms of material, width, thickness, and strength, among others.
Are there Special Labeling Requirements for Luggage Shipping?
Yes, albeit a few.
Ideally, make sure to insert the shipping labels for your luggage. Document inside label pouch and ensure the tracking barcode faces outside.
Attach the label pouch tightly to the box.
Never place the label pouch on the box opening.
Make sure you tape an extra label on the luggage box using clear tape.
Do you need Freight Agent for Luggage Shipping?
Yes, under certain circumstances.
If you’re shipping your luggage locally or within the same country, you will not need to use a freight agent.
The essence of using the services of a freight agent is to facilitate the movement of the items through international borders.
Therefore, if you’re shipping items, which perhaps may require customs clearance, then you might need the services of a freight agent.
In many instances, however, the carrier service providers often handle all the processes in luggage shipping.
Unless it is really necessary, you will not essentially require the services of a freight agent when shipping luggage.
Should you Insure Luggage for International Shipping?
Ideally, the carriers are often insured, and this, in many instances, would suffice in case of an unlikely event during shipping process.
But if you’re shipping relatively expensive personal items, it would be ideal to consider obtaining insurance for the same.
In some instances, the carrier’s insurance may only compensate up to a specific level in case of damage or loss.
Thus you’ll need to insure your comparatively expensive objects to get reasonable compensation just in case of damage or loss.
Are there any Restrictions for Luggage Shipping?
Yes.
There are a wide range of items which you can never ship using this service.
Ideally, these objects are referred to as prohibited and non-compensation items.
Importantly, you also need to confirm whether your preferred carrier accepts the particular items you’re about to ship.
Moreover, you need to ascertain that the items are not prohibited in the country of destination before you ship them.
How do you Track Luggage in International Shipping?
The moment you confirm the booking of your luggage and get the labels, you can also request for tracking number from the carrier.
The tracking number is unique for every luggage hence ideal in facilitating the tracking process of your baggage.
Most of the carriers have integrated their systems such that you can use the tracking number to determine the status of your luggage in transit.
All you need is to key in the number in the system and find out its status.
Alternatively, once you get the tracking number, you can seek the services of a 3rd party tracking company.
This way, you’ll be able to know whether it is picked up, in transit, with a courier, or there is a customs delay.
Is Pick-up and Drop-off Services available for Luggage Shipping?
Yes.
Most luggage shipping carriers nowadays offer pick-up and drop-off services.
These primarily involve collecting the luggage from the customer’s place and delivering it to their specific residence, hotel, or office.
You’ll notice during online booking you’ll need to provide relevant details, making this entire process easy.
Is there Weight Limit in International Luggage Shipping?
Not necessarily.
What happens mostly is that items are usually categorized based on weight band
Therefore, in case your item surpasses the weight allowance of the lower band, it is moved to the next band available on that service.
And in case your luggage exceeds the weight allowance of the upper-most band, you will be charged per kilogram.
For every additional 1kg.
In short, there is no weight limit, but the heavier the luggage, the more expensive you are charged.
What are the Advantages of Shipping Luggage vs. Carry On?
You benefit from professional, personalized attention.
For instance, when there are changes in your itinerary, the agent will handle rerouting your luggage.
With carry-on, you can never be certain that your luggage won’t be mishandled or lost irrespective of the fee you pay for the luggage.
Luggage shipping companies guarantee your baggage arrives on time and unscathed. Therefore, there is no need for queueing since you’ll bypass the check-ins and carousels. With the carry-on option, you’ll have to queue at the airport to check-in your luggage and do the same at the carousel after arriving to pick it.
Luggage companies enhanced convenience, especially when you’re traveling as a family.
By contrast, carry-on subjects you to schlepping your bag, which can be tiresome and inconvenient when traveling with kids.
Luggage shipping companies give you the convenience of getting an immediate quote and paying for the same.
You can see how they charge the fees based on weight shipping speed and destination.
With carry-on, if you have more bags or if your luggage is heavy, you can end up paying hefty charges.
Luggage shipping companies have experience and specialty in dealing with all types of baggage.
Therefore, it guarantees safety irrespective of the size, shape, and weight of the luggage.
With carry-on, chances are high; some fragile objects may end up spoiling during the handling and shipping process.
You don’t have to worry about your luggage shipping needs from China.
Tj chinafreight offers the best solution for all your luggage shipping.
Whether you need storage facilities or spaces in ships or airlines, Tj chinafreight will handle everything for you.
Most if not all of us know that China is home to several shoes wholesale market.
Some of the main shoe markets you will find in China are not limited to;
Yeuhe Shoes wholesale market
Xiang Hao Pan shoe market
Guangzhou metropolis shoe city
Bayun Tiandi Footwear wholesale market
Jiahao hardware accessories shoe wholesale market
Guangzhou Euro commercial Plaza shoe city
Dadushi shoes wholesale market
Hualigong shoes wholesale market
Chengdu shoes city
Wanhao Foortwear Accessories wholesale market
Xiang Hao Pan shoe market is the leading and the best market to purchase shoe materials not only in Guangzhou but also in China.
How Big is China Shoe Market?
China’s shoe market is steadily rising every year with several markets scattered all over China.
China is a key player on a global scale when it comes to the manufacture of shoes.
Guangzhou is one city that has several leading shoe markets in China.
In 2020, it is estimated that footwear revenue has amounted to $66,102m and this is projected to increase annually by 6.4%.
Apart from Guangzhou, Yiwu should be the next on your list of the cities to purchase shoes from in china.
Expect to find any type of shoe or shoe accessories in China whether genuine or counterfeit, cheap, or pricy just to mention a few.
This explains why several shoe importers choose China as the go-to place when it comes to shoe importation.
Why Buy from China Shoes Market?
China shoe market has gained popularity among several shoe importers owing to the following pros;
Varieties – Anything related to shoes can easily be found in China.
Talk of the diverse designs, sizes, shoe accessories, and materials used just to mention a few.
You get to choose among the hundreds if not thousands of shoe varieties available.
Cost-effectiveness – This is one of the top reasons why importers choose to purchase from China.
Shoes in the Chinese markets are sold at a good price not forgetting that you are offered room for bargaining too.
Meaning not only will you buy at the best prices but also end up making with huge profit margins in your business.
Uniqueness – Due to the stiff competition in the market, every supplier tries to ensure they are up to date with the emerging trends in fashion. Therefore, you are likely to come across several unique shoes or shoe accessories when shopping from the China shoe market.
Customization –Most if not all manufacturers offer customization services. Luckily or unluckily, this mostly falls in favor with large scale purchasers. Keep in mind that most manufacturers focus on a larger production. Therefore, producing less than what their machines are accustomed to might result in losses.
Quality – You can purchase quality shoes from China and this depends on how well you maneuver through the market.
As known by many, China is a place of counterfeits too.
What most people don’t know is that big shoe brands such as Nike and Adidas also have their manufacturing units in China.
That said, you can as well shop for quality shoes from China.
Do proper research and work with the right people during your sourcing process.
Which Types of Shoes can you Import from China?
You can import several types of shoes from China whether, for children, men, or women.
All are available in the market.
Here are some of the shoes you might consider importing from China;
Sandles
Boots
Sports shoes
Heels
Flat shoes
Court shoes
Lace-up shoes
Leather shoes
Hiking shoes
Sneakers
High tops shoes
Brogue
Jelly shoes
Wedding shoes
Wedges
Canvas shoes
Kids shoes
Industrial shoes
Official and casual leather shoes
In addition to these, you can also import shoe parts or materials together with semi-finished products.
What are the Challenges when Buying from China Shoes Market?
Just like any other market or business, expect to experience some challenges when sourcing for your products.
Let’s have a look at the key challenges you should be prepared of;
Language barrier – The language barrier stands to be the topmost challenge that any importer needs to be prepared for before landing in China.
Most Chinese are not proficient in English and therefore communication might be a huge problem.
That said, most importers opt to hire sourcing agents to take care of the purchasing and negotiation processes.
Knowing the Chinese language plays a crucial role when purchasing from any market in China.
Scammers –Encountering scammers in the market shouldn’t be a surprise more so in China where there exist thousands of markets.
To avoid falling for such traps, always ensure that you confirm the credibility of your supplier.
Also, take note of products that sell at a very cheap price as they might cost you a lot sooner or later.
Low quality products –As a businessman, quality should be your topmost priority.
Talking of quality, China is known to have both quality and low-quality shoes that circulate in the market.
For that reason, you need to know how to select the best from the rest.
If you don’t have skills in selecting shoes, you can consider hiring a sourcing agent to assist.
You hack these skills and your business is set for a striking growth.
Unavailability of some products in stock – Not all products are kept in stock by suppliers.
For some, you will need to order some days or weeks before you get your shoes.
This might cause delays that might hurt your business.
Why do you need a Sourcing Agent in China Shoes Market
If you’re in the import/ export business, having a sourcing agent will relieve you of several uncertainties.
Here is why;
Language barrier – Sourcing agents bridge the language gap between you and your supplier.
All sourcing agents can communicate in both English and Chinese hence making the communication smooth.
Product sourcing – With a sourcing agent, you will not have to worry about how and where to purchase your shoes from.
Sourcing agents have established networks with several manufacturers and suppliers and therefore can easily get your products.
Not forgetting that they know the best suppliers in the market hence can secure quality products.
Checks on your products – A sourcing agent will run checks on your shoes to ensure that they meet your required specifications.
Reduce the probability of getting scammed – Having gained much experience and expertise in their industry, sourcing agents can easily site a scammer.
Assist you to navigate through the market – It might seem difficult to navigate through the several shoe markets in China.
Leave alone identifying the best supplier for your specified products.
Sourcing agents save your time and assist you to navigate through these markets quite easily and faster.
How can you get the Best Prices in China Shoes Market?
Every buyer’s goal would always be to purchase a product at the best price possible.
Whether for business or personal consumption, it will play a key role in increasing profits or saving.
For you to get the best prices in China shoe market, you need to be aware of the following tips;
Bargain – Bargaining is the key to every satisfactory purchase.
Start from the lowest price possible, probably less than half of the initial price.
Negotiate with your supplier until you reach an agreement.
Keep in mind that all Chinese suppliers offer room for bargains and therefore it’s important to practice this.
Make bulk purchases – Most if not all manufacturers or suppliers will offer huge trade discounts on bulky purchases as opposed to smaller ones.
Work with sourcing agents – Sourcing agents have the skills and expertise in negotiating with suppliers.
Not forgetting their widespread networks with several suppliers.
This way, they can easily secure the best prices for your products at any given time.
Purchase directly from the factory– Buying your shoes directly from the factory eliminates any middlemen.
This means expenses will be minimal and therefore prices of products will be lower.
How do you Ship from China Shoes Market?
Once you’re done sourcing for your shoes or shoe products, shipping should be your next concern.
Shipping from China shoe market can be done via four main methods;
Airfreight – Airfreight is best suitable for urgent items. The reason being the shipping costs incurred are higher.
However, your products get to be delivered faster.
Sea freight – Sea freight is the slowest shipping method and the commonly used one by most importers.
The main perk of using sea freight is its affordability and ability to ship large bulky products.
Road freight – Faster than sea freight and cheaper than air freight, road freight is the only shipping method applicable in every other shipping method.
What I mean is, you will need to use road freight to transport your products from the market to the port.
Besides, you will also use road freight to transport your goods from the delivery port to your warehouse.
However, this shipping method is limited to countries that share the road transport network with China.
Rail freight –Rail freight would be the best substitute for sea freight.
This is because not only is it suitable for transporting bulky products but also it’s faster than sea freight.
Just like road transport, rail transport would be ideal for countries that share the rail transport network with China.
Additionally, companies such as DHL, FedEx, UPS and TNT ensure that your goods are successfully delivered.
Is there MOQ when Importing from China Shoes Market?
Yes, there is MOQ.
The minimum order quantity differs from one supplier to the other.
It’s important to note that the MOQ also varies depending on the model, color, and size of the shoe.
For instance, the MOQ per color might range from 500 to 1000 pairs.
On the other hand, the MOQ per size will be 250 to 500 pairs.
The MOQ per model is the highest, ranging from 1,000 to 2,000 pieces.
Small businesses and startups liaise with traders to get a lower MOQ.
How do you Check the Quality of Shoes in the China Shoes Market?
Performing quality checks is an important step in any purchasing process.
For you to run a successful business, quality should be your topmost priority.
Here are some ways that you could implement when checking the quality of shoes in China shoe market;
Check the sole of the shoes and confirm that they are sturdy enough.
They shouldn’t allow any sharp object pierce through and should offer comfort.
A simple task such as checking the spelling of the name will tell you a lot about the shoe quality.
Counterfeits or rather low-quality shoes might have misspelled names that are hardly noticed.
The insole and arch should provide sufficient support.
Furthermore, it’s important to confirm that the sewing on the removable insoles is neatly done.
Poorly done seams are a sign of low-quality shoes.
If your shoe heels are glued, be on the lookout for any gap that might facilitate the soles to peel off.
Looped threads, uneven stitches, and visible glue are a sign of low-quality shoes.
Which are the Leading Shoes Manufacturers and Suppliers in China Shoes Market?
With several manufacturers and suppliers in China shoe market.
It might be quite a hassle identifying the ideal one for your products.
To make your search even easier, here is the list of leading shoe manufacturers and suppliers in China shoe market;
Yue Yuen industrial Limited
Belle International holding limited
Camel apparel Limited
Zhejiang Aokang Shoes Co.Ltd
Daphne International Holdings Limited
Anta Sport products limited
Red Dragonfly
Li-Ning
Anta
Spider king
Yearcon
OLICOM shoes
AMC shoes
Xiamen Biyate Trading
Siaqi sports
Which are the Leading Online China Shoes Market?
Apart from the physical markets present in China, you could also choose to shop online for your products.
Let’s have a look at some of the leading online China shoe markets below;
How long will it take to Ship from China Shoes Market?
It would take around 2 weeks to 4 weeks when shipping via sea freight and 2-3 days when using airfreight.
Remember, the delivery time could also be affected by the factors listed below;
Public holidays –Most businesses remain closed during public holidays therefore is important to note this when planning for your shipment.
Mistakes in documentation will result in delays.
Weather conditions – Bad weather conditions might delay the shipping vessel.
The shipping method used – Some shipping methods are slower or faster than others.
Why use Freight Forwarder when Buying from China Shoes Market?
As a frequent importer, you might not see the need for a freight forwarder.
However, if you are not yet conversant with importation operations, you might probably consider seeking assistance from a freight forwarder.
Here is why;
Cost-effectiveness – Freight forwarders have established networks with several carriers hence they negotiate prices on your behalf.
Versatility – Freight forwarders come up with quick solutions in the event of any unforeseen situations.
Flexibility – Working with freight forwarders allows you to switch between options. They are fast to adapt to any changes regarding your shipment.
Securing warehouse space – Every shipment needs storage space once purchased. Freight forwarders will secure a warehouse for your goods up to the time they are delivered.
Custom clearance –Custom clearance involves a lot of paperwork and could end up being quite tasking.
With a freight forwarder, you will continue with your routine activities as they take care of your customs.
Goods are delivered on time – just like any other business, freight forwarders work on a tight schedule to ensure that customer satisfaction is upheld.
They work to meet the customer’s deadlines hence your goods will be delivered on time.
How do you Pay Suppliers in China Shoes Market?
Chinese suppliers accept a range of payment methods from buyers not excluding;
Telegraphic transfers –Telegraphic transfers are widely accepted by most suppliers in China.
Both you and the supplier face risk and due to this most suppliers will request a deposit beforehand.
If you choose this method, using an online broker would not only get you better exchange rates but also process faster.
Telegraphic transfers are suitable for low to medium-sized transactions.
International credit cards –International credit cards are not accepted as much as telegraphic transfers.
Keep in mind that most fraudsters target this method and therefore it’s not the safest.
In addition to that, most suppliers in China don’t accept credit cards.
This is due to poor payment infrastructure for processing the transaction, especially for U.S credit cards.
Letter of credit-If you are making big transactions, this is the ideal payment method for you.
A letter of credit is the best payment method you could use when paying Chinese suppliers.
As if that’s enough, a Letter of credit has no risks for you and your supplier.
Western Union –Just like international credit cards, western union is also a target for fraudsters and scammers.
Additionally, the traceability of your transaction is next to zero. Unless you trust your supplier, this should not be a payment method to rely on.
Online escrow – Once you make the payment, it is held by a third party until you receive your goods. Online escrow is ideal for small transactions.
PayPal – the reason why most Chinese suppliers don’t advocate for use of PayPal is due to the high amount of fees.
The bigger the transaction the higher the fees charged.
Cash – Cash payment is accepted by most Chinese suppliers.
However, it might be quite challenging to recover money in case you are dissatisfied with your goods.
That said, the buyer is at higher risk as compared to the supplier.
Which Documents do you need to Import from China Shoes Market?
Documentation is a crucial part of any type of import/ export business.
When importing from China shoe market, ensure that you have the following documents in check;
Insurance certificate –An insurance certificate is meant to protect your shipment against damage or loss.
Inspection certificate –After your goods have been inspected, you will be issued an inspection certificate by the inspection company. This certifies that your shoes have met the set standards.
Packing List –A packing list contains all the details about the contents of the shipment. This includes the amount, sizes, and weight of each item packed.
Certificate of origin – To verify that your shoes have been manufactured and obtained from China.
You will be required to provide a certificate of origin.
Commercial invoice – It is a document issued by the seller to the buyer outlining the price, name, and quantity of the shipment.
A commercial invoice is also used to calculate tariffs and serves as proof of sale.
Pro forma invoice – It is a trade document prepared by the exporter that provides cost estimated and describes the products purchased.
Sales contract – A sales contract is an agreement between the supplier and the buyer on the terms of sale. It keeps a record of transactions between the buyer and the seller.
Bill of lading – A written document issued by a carrier that outlines important information regarding the processing of the shipment.
A bill of lading is also used as a receipt of shipped goods.
How much does Renting Warehouse Cost in China Shoes Market?
The cost of renting a warehouse in China shoe market has been on the rise due to the emergence of more industries.
This has led to costs shooting to as much as $5 in the last 10 years in cities such as Guangzhou.
Normally, the rental storage costs are measured as per every square meter.
It can cost as low as $1 to as high as $12 per square meter to rent a warehouse.
Keep in mind that the costs might vary owing to a couple of reasons such as;
The total space required –The more space the higher the fee.
The type of warehouse – Some warehouse is designed to provide extra amenities that further shoot the storage fee.
The type of storage – Different types of goods will require different storage. Take for instance perishables and shoes. Perishables might require refrigeration while shoes don’t. Therefore this will affect the cost of rental storage.
When is China Shoes Market Opened?
China’s shoes market normally opened from 9 am to 6 pm every day.
This excludes public holidays as most businesses remain closed during such occasions.
If you are planning to visit the market, make a point of arriving from 9.30 am to allow the vendors to finish their cleaning routines.
Also, getting done before closure time is important if you want to evade crazy traffic during the pick hours.
Should you Buy from China Shoes Market or Factory?
You can either choose to buy from China shoe market or the factory.
However, this is what I have to tell you.
If you are planning to buy in bulk, the ideal option would be purchasing directly from the factory.
The reason being, not only will you get huge trade discounts but also enjoy the several benefits that come with bulk purchasing such as customization.
Not forgetting that you will have the opportunity to directly bond with your manufacturer and further negotiate future deals.
Is China Footwear Market the Largest in the World?
Yes, it is.
For the longest time, China has been a key player on a global scale when it comes to footwear.
Not only does it top the manufacture of footwear but also it is the leading exporter of footwear globally.
The average annual growth rate is estimated to be 7% through the year 2020.
Nevertheless, the rising competition from South East Asian countries is challenging the footwear industry in China.
How do you Identify Fake Shoes in China Shoes Market?
When shopping from China shoe market, having the skill to identify fake shoes is a plus.
Very cheap prices – In as much as you can purchase anything from China at cheap prices, beware of very cheap prices.
The too good to be true kind of price.
Original shoes are not cheap and therefore if you are presented with a price that is half of your expectation, the shoe might be fake.
Misspelled names – It might be difficult to notice spelling mistakes as they appear to look similar to the names on original shoes.
However, with extra attention to details, you might notice that a letter is missing or letters have been interchanged.
Check the show style – In most cases, you will notice that original shoes will differ from fake shoes in terms of colors and color shades.
Check the weight – fake shoes are manufactured using low quality raw materials and therefore they end up being heavier.
Original shoes are designed to be lightweight to ensure comfort while walking.
Check whether the SKU number in the box is the same as the one on the shoe label.
In case you notice any missing letter or the numbers do not match there’s a high probability it is a fake shoe.
Do China Shoes Market Suppliers offer Branding Services?
Yes, they do.
Most shoe suppliers are willing to offer branding for your shoes or shoe accessories as either ODM or OEM.
With ODM (original Design manufacturer) a company manufactures the shoes and thereafter you brand them.
On the other hand, with OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) a company produces parts and components that are used in the manufacture of another product.
A good example would be purchasing shoe accessories that will be used as components in the manufacture of shoes.
How do you Buy Shoes from China Wholesale Suppliers?
You can choose to buy shoes online or offline from China wholesale suppliers.
Choosing offline would mean that you physically visit the market and identify your preferred supplier.
Alternatively, you might choose to research online for your supplier and thereafter head to the market.
Once you identify your supplier, the next step would be letting them know what you want and negotiating on prices.
After this is accomplished, the production process can kick-off, or rather you can make an order and your goods shall be delivered.
On the other hand, buying shoes online from China wholesale suppliers has been made much easier thanks to the following platforms;
Alibaba
Aliexpress
Chinabrands
DHgate
Made In China
Once you access these sites, several wholesalers will be displayed on your screen.
All you have to do is choose the one that best suits you and contact them.
After contacting your supplier, they will get back to you and after negotiations, you will reach a mutual agreement.
It’s important to request for sample product before starting the production process just to confirm your order specifications.
If the shoes are already in stock, you will make an order and wait for your shipment to be delivered.
Keep in mind, you need to factor in shipping costs in your budget too.
Can you get Designer Shoes in China Shoes Market?
Yes, you can get designer shoes in China shoe market.
Some of the big shoe brands such as Nike have their manufacturing units in China.
Therefore, you can easily source designer shoes from this market.
Nevertheless, not all shoes that appear to be designer shoes are original.
Some are counterfeits and so you need to have proper skills in identifying such.
How do you Find Quality Shoes in China Shoes Market?
China shoe market has all types of shoes; talk of original, fake, expensive, cheap, unique name them.
With all the diverse varieties available in the market, it might be quite challenging to identify quality shoes.
If you are good at shoe inspection, then this might not be quite a hassle.
Here are some ways you can find quality shoes in China shoe market;
Use sourcing agents – using sourcing agents would be the easiest and fastest way to shop for quality shoes.
Sourcing agents have experience in the market hence can easily select quality shoes on your behalf.
Not forgetting that they have established networks with several suppliers thereby making the entire process faster.
Check the reviews -Checking the reviews of the supplier before purchasing might save you from future disappointments.
Purchase from a well-known brand – A famous brand or supplier is geared into ensuring that they maintain their clients.
To accomplish this, they ensure that they don’t compromise the quality of their products.
In addition to that, well-known brands have experience in the industry and therefore you are guaranteed quality.
The best part – you don’t have to worry about how you will ship your shoes from China.
Tj chinafreight China offers the perfect freight forwarding solution when importing from China shoe market.
Less than truckload (LTL) freight is a type of shipping used for transporting shipment that hardly requires a full 48 or 53-foot trailer.
You can also use this shipping to transport a consignment weighing between 150 and 15,000 pounds.
In LTL freight, the shipper pays for the part of the standard truck trailer their freight covers.
Other shippers and their respective consignments fill the unoccupied space.
How does LTL Freight Work in International Shipping?
LTL freight works on an aspect you would consider as a hub and spoke model.
This is contrary to traveling directly from the shipment pick-up location to a delivery station.
In this model, there are relatively small local distribution centers, which act as spokes.
In essence, shipments are collected in such spokes and transported to comparatively large hubs.
From the hubs, the consignments are sorted onto another truck to carry on with the journey to the next hub or spoke enroute final destination.
So basically, this system works by combining partial loads in a bid of creating full multi-stop truckloads.
The cost is dependent on the space utilized, shipment class, and pick-up and drop-off points.
What is the difference between LTL and FTL Freight?
LTL and FTL tend to differ from a wide range of perspectives.
Some of these varying elements of truck freight include the following;
In FTL, you utilize the entire space on the truck to ship your commodities to the respective destination.
LTL freight, however, entails shipments from various shippers sharing one trailer space.
FTL freight requires a semi-truck or full truckload.
Ideally, FTL consignments range from 150 pounds to thousands of pounds.
In this case, it is only economical if you’re shipping a substantive volume or weight.
By contrast, LTL is ideal for shipping loads, which cannot fit in a full truck but weighs around 150 pounds.
LTL freight is often shipped through a common shipper who handles freight above parcel shipping levels.
LTL carriers also accept loose freight or what’s known as pallet-free shipment more than FTL.
LTL shipping accommodates between one to ten pallets for every shipment, and the weight can range from 150 to 15,000 lbs.
On the other hand, FTL freight can carry up to at least 26 pallets with weight ranging from 5,000 to 45,000 lbs.
Your freight in LTL is handled severally due to transfers from one truck to another.
However, on FTL, your shipment hardly leaves the truck.
LTL shipping for refrigerated shipment transit times is dependent on a set of delivery routes and schedules.
In contrast, transit times for refrigerated consignment on FTL freight aren’t affected since refrigerated trucks are readily available.
When should you Consider LTL Shipping?
If you are shipping a comparatively light freight, LTL seems to be an ideal option for cost-effectiveness.
Therefore, if you’re working on a tight budget but still need your consignment to reach the destination, consider LTL freight.
LTL shipping can also be a suitable option if you don’t buy items often.
How does LTL Freight compare to LCL Freight?
In LTL freight, you purchase the portion of space on the trailer to ship your commodities.
Hence you’ll notice that in LTL, shipments tend to carry several consignments for different customers in one truck.
However, in Less than Container Load (LCL), shipments only tend to take up a portion of the container.
It involves paying for a space in a container for your shipments rather than paying for the entire container.
Both LTL freight and LCL freight are ideal for small businesses, which often ship smaller shipments.
Who are the Top LTL China Carriers?
In China, competition in LTL freight is quite intense.
Many companies are offering these services, including other ancillary facilities.
However, some of the highly-rated carriers in China include the following;
Deppon Logistics
Shenzhen Global Express Logistics
FedEx Freight
Linde Beijing International Transport Agency
JJ Shipping
UPS Freight
Beijing Fansite International Transport Agency
China Railway Special Freight Co., Ltd
Shengyu Freight
Shenzhen Marine shipping agency
China Railway Express
What is the Cost of LTL Shipping?
Calculating LTL freight factors in a wide range of elements hence the need to understand what is included.
Typically, the weight of LTL freight shipment range from 100 to 20,000 pounds.
Most LTL carriers often provide discounts based on weight increase and LTL carrier weight class.
Some of the factors, which influence the cost of LTL shipping include the following;
· Weight
LTL freight carriers will always charge less per-hundred pounds the more the weight increases.
Ideally, the more the weight of the consignment, the higher the shipping cost.
· Base Rate
Different LTL freight carriers determine their primary base fare.
The base rate is based on freight classification.
However, carriers usually adjust the based rates depending on their volume needs.
· Distance
Typically, the longer the transportation distance, the higher the cost.
Most of the LTL freight carriers thus specialize in providing their services in specific regions.
Therefore, there is a need to understand the particular areas your preferred carrier often targets.
In case your area falls outside the carrier’s normal service area, it will likely require the interlining process.
And of course, interlining process entails transferring shipments to other LTL carriers hence inflating the cost.
· Freight Classification
Every freight has a specific classification, which is essential in determining the freight rates.
Some of the elements determining the freight category include handling, product density, stow-ability, value, and liability.
· Density
Density is a vital cost and freight classification determinant.
You can figure out freight density by dividing the total weight by total cubic feet.
· Negotiated Rate Tariffs
You can always negotiate tariff rates with different LTL freight carriers rather than settling for a base rate.
You can obtain best deal possible on your LTL freight if you understand your lane activity and freight data.
The bottom line is that all these factors determine the ultimate LTL freight rates to a significant extent.
Therefore, acknowledging and understanding these elements can enable you to save a considerable amount of money.
How long does LTL Shipping Take?
Several variables influence LTL freight times, depending on the specific carrier and routes.
Some of the common factors, which determine the overall LTL shipping duration include the following;
· Distance
Most trucks are restricted to the number of miles they can cover over a particular period.
Speed limits and other traffic regulations also affect delivery speed.
Ordinarily, inter-cities may take between 1-2 business days, regional shipments between 2-4 days inter-countries about 4-6 days.
· Weather
Bad weather conditions such as heavy rains, snow, mist, and others, which affect movement and visibility, may hinder LTL shipping speed.
Such weather elements can cause delays, which can be difficult to make up.
· Unexpected Delays
In LTL shipping, there are numerous aspects, which can result in unexpected delays.
For instance, mechanical breakdowns and traffic issues such as poor road and infrastructure conditions.
Such instances may affect the overall duration it takes to ship the LTL consignments.
· Route
The route for delivery destination is a vital aspect that you must consider.
In many cases, shipments, which head to sparsely populated areas, tend to take longer than otherwise.
In such situations, fewer trucks are heading in that direction; hence may cause your LTL shipment to wait longer for FTL to be assembled.
Number of Stops and Transfers
LTL shipments typically take several stops and transfers in transit.
Therefore, your consignment is likely to first head to the regional terminal, sorted onto another truck heading towards the ultimate destination.
In some instances, the number of transfers may happen more than twice, depending on the specific carrier.
The more the stops and transfers your shipment is subjected to, the longer it takes to get to the delivery destination.
Does Common Carrier Mean a Truck used for LTL Freight?
Not necessarily.
A common carrier essentially refers to any public or private entity offering shipping services of different types of consignments.
Therefore, a common carrier has enough capacity to facilitate transportation of LTL, FTL, or partial truckloads.
What is the Advantage of LTL Over other Freight Alternatives?
LTL freight has a myriad of benefits compared to other freight options.
The common advantages include the following;
· Cost-effectiveness
The truckload in LTL freight comprises several smaller consignments, which all together fill up the whole trailer.
Since your shipment is only utilizing a portion of the truckload space, it means you’ll only pay for that particular space.
In the long run, you end paying a fraction of what normal full truckload consignment would ordinarily cost.
· Eco-friendliness
LTL freight process results in comparatively few trucks carrying full loads instead of more trailers transporting less than their capacity.
The net effect, in this case, is a reduction of emission since it lessens the number of trucks required to deliver goods to respective destinations.
· Inventory Safety
LTL shipping uses palletized shipments.
Therefore, combining a consignment onto a pallet or crate creates greater stability for the shipments throughout transit.
This secures the inventory and prevents them from any potential damage when in transit.
And hence making LTL freight an ideal option for transporting fragile shipments over other alternatives.
· Easy Tracking
LTL freight carriers enable you to track the shipment at varied stages of the delivery process.
It provides status updates and notifications when the consignment reaches the hub.
Moreover, recent developments in tracking have enabled more granular insight into where your LTL shipment is.
· More Service Options
Ordinarily, most LTL freight carriers provide various special service options you’re unlikely to get from other shipping alternatives.
Some of these services include handling, freeze protection, inside pick-up, and delivery, among others.
· Faster Delivery Times
In many instances, LTL freight tends to be faster as far as getting your products in the hands of your end-users is concerned.
Ideally, you don’t need to wait for the customers to place a particular quantity of orders to fill up the whole truck.
What is Freight Class in LTL Shipping?
It refers to a standardized system of classification for various shipments shipped via LTL freight.
The essence of freight class is to establish constant parameters between LTL freight carriers.
This classification system guarantees customers of receiving unbiased prices when shipping freight.
Freight class in LTL shipping is often assigned to a shipment depending on a specific commodity or density of freight being shipped.
How do you Choose a Forwarder for LTL Shipping?
When looking for an ideal forwarder for LTL shipping, you need to be meticulous to obtain the right one.
Some of the ways of determining the right one include the following;
· Experience
Experience is a fundamental element when choosing an LTL shipping forwarder.
An experienced forwarder will facilitate the movement of your consignment irrespective of the prevailing conditions.
Experienced LTL shipping forwarders also understand various aspects of dealing with issues hence guaranteeing efficiency.
· Formidable Network
An ideal forwarder should have a host of networks in various sectors surrounding LTL shipping.
The essence here is to help in facilitating efficiency of shipping your LTL consignment.
· Accreditation
If possible, ensure you pick an LTL freight forwarder with relevant certifications from respective bodies overseeing operations of this trade.
It is important since it demonstrates the reliability of such an entity or individual discharging these tasks.
· Good Reputation
Forwarders depend on their reputation and connections to drive their business.
You can always check from the relevant bodies and associations to determine whether they are suitable for your needs.
You can find details of a reputable LTL freight forwarder by doing background research.
Moreover, you may choose to review their financial statements to determine their capacity.
· Cost-effective and Understandable
An ideal LTL freight forwarder will offer their services at affordable rates.
At the same time, they help you to understand and strategize with you on means to decrease the shipping costs.
Can you Consolidate Packages for LTL Shipping?
Yes.
Consolidation is one of the core elements of LTL shipping.
Ideally, whenever the volume goes up, it means shipping unit cost per unit goes down.
Practically, it thus implies consolidation of the shipments whenever possible as a way of obtaining a higher total volume.
Packaging consolidation for LTL shipping is advantageous; it enhances higher service levels, faster transit times, and pricing simplicity.
However, you always need to figure out if and where the shippers have enough quantity to take advantage of freight consolidation.
What are the Limitations of LTL Freight?
Some of the shortcomings of LTL freight include the following;
· Higher Risk of Damage
Since LTL shipment rarely stays on one truck throughout the shipping period, consignments become prone to damage.
In essence, the shipments are often loaded and unloaded at every terminal along the way.
Thus, you need to follow the industry-standard guidelines for packaging the shipment securely.
· Longer Transit Time
LTL shipments often take more time to get to the respective delivery destinations.
This is always a result of freight taken back to the carrier terminals for consolidation with other goods going the same route.
As a result, the transit time is always estimated hence not assured.
· Unsuitable for many Pallets
The cost of shipping LTL shipments may be unfavorable for consignments with more than eight pallets or weighs over 10,000 pounds.
In such instances, it may be relatively cost-effective to use FTL or partial shipping.
What Information do LTL Carriers require to Provide a Freight Quote?
In most instances, you’ll need to provide some basic details to obtain an LTL shipping quote from your preferred carrier.
Remember LTL freight quote is only accurate as of the information you provide to acquire it.
The information you’d need to provide include the following;
· Origin and Destination
The pick-up point and drop-off location are the fundamental elements in getting an LTL freight quote from your preferred carrier.
In the freight business, they are referred to us as the shipper and consignee.
Therefore, you need to provide the state, city, and zip codes for both the shipper and consignee.
· Cargo Details
Cargo details consist of three essential components, which you ought to understand, and they include the following;
Unit count – It refers to the number of handling units you are transporting
Dimensions – This is the length, width, and height of the handling unit from the exterior points.
Piece count – This refers to the quantity of items on every handling unit.
· Weight
Weight is a vital element, especially when it comes to developing your freight rate.
Typically, all LTL freight rates are dependent on the weight of the shipment.
You shouldn’t estimate the weight of you your shipment because if you do, you must be ready for charges to change after pick-up.
· Freight Class
You’ll need your freight class if, at all, you are obtaining an LTL rate from a common carrier.
Of course, it can be a bit challenging to determine your freight class.
In case you’re uncertain, ensure to inquire from an expert, especially your LTL freight forwarder.
· Ancillary Services
In some instances, you’ll require special services from the carrier, which don’t come easily with the ordinary business.
Therefore, you need to outline the specific special services to make it possible for the carrier to generate a comprehensive quote.
Do carriers offer LTL Freight Pick-up Goods?
Yes.
Most of the LTL freight carriers provide pick-up goods.
They have structures in place to ensure the coordination of pick-up of shipments from different destinations is effective.
This is vital since it helps in facilitating the shipping process of the different consignments.
It also helps in reducing delivery time, which is critical as far perishable shipments are concerned.
What is the Ideal Load Weight for LTL Freight?
Typically, the ideal load weight for LTL freight often varies from one carrier to another.
However, the suitable LTL shipment would weigh between 151 and 20 000 pounds.
Some carriers enlist the minimum weight as 100 and maximum weight as 10,000.
While at it, the load should never contain more than six pallets in size.
But in some instances, some carriers carry up to eight pallets.
What are the Ideal Tips for Packaging LTL Freight?
In LTL shipping, lost or damaged shipments are the major causes of delays, additional charges, and other related issues.
To prevent or reduce such happenings, it is recommended to ensure the packaging of your LTL shipments correctly.
Some of the vital areas to focus on in packing LTL freight to ensure they arrive in good shape and condition include the following;
Understand the minimum packaging requirements – Make sure you follow all the rules and regulations guiding the packaging of LTL freight.
Figure out the items’ weight, dimension, handling, and liability as outlined in the regulations.
Keep the loading options in mind – Loading options are essential when it comes to cost-effectiveness.
For instance, you can package freight to load vertically rather than horizontally.
This latter is likely to ship for less since the volume of space is reduced.
Select the right pallet, box, or crate – This is an important measure for preventing everything from misplaced items to crushed boxes.
Of course, there are stipulated maximum loading weights for such packaging materials.
Therefore, it’s vital to ascertain you’re following the right guidelines.
Use protective materials – once you choose the right external packaging material, use other substances to cushion freight, and provide stability.
Some of the available options include paper padding, bubble wrap, loose-fill, and foam cushioning, among others.
Correct labeling – All LTL freight shipments must be labeled before pick-up.
Ensure you clearly indicate the shipper’s and consignee’s details.
Where applicable, make sure the precautionary labels are applied accordingly and secured with adhesive, tapes, or staples.
You can always use a tag in case the labels don’t adhere.
Is it Necessary to use a Third-party LTL Freight Shipping Company?
Yes.
You may consider using a third-party agent to facilitate shipping your LTL shipment.
There is no regulation, which restricts the use of 3rd party LTL freight shipping companies.
The most important thing is making sure that the specific 3rd party LTL freight company complies with all the stipulated shipping policies.
Who Bears the Liability in LTL Freight Shipping?
It is the responsibility of the LTL freight company to bear the liability when shipping a consignment.
The shipper takes control of the shipment immediately; it is issued from the seller.
The buyer only takes responsibility when the shipment is signed off after delivery by the shipper and declaring it is in good condition.
However, the degree to which the carriers accept liability in LTL freight is dependent on different qualifiers.
If the incoterm is on the FOB contract, the seller loads the shipment at their own risk and can be held accountable for negligence in loading.
Once the cargo is loaded, the career accepts liability for damage.
However, under many standard contracts and regulations, the carrier is not liable for damage arising from the following aspects;
Inadequate packaging
Acts of nature
Acts of public enemies
Can you Track your Shipment in LTL Freight?
Absolutely correct.
One of the main advantages of using LTL freight is that it is relatively easy to track your shipments in transit.
You can use several measures to track your LTL consignment.
Most of the LTL freight carriers have integrated their systems with different effective tracking platforms.
Therefore, you can choose to track the shipment directly from the carrier’s website as long as you obtain the tracking number for the same.
Another option would be to seek the services of a third-party tracking company.
In this case, you need to have an online tracking application for tracking your LTL consignments.
It is often regarded as the best alternative for tracking LTL freight shipments due to reliability.
The only issue with using 3rd party tracking company is that it can be somewhat expensive.
What Paperwork is required for LTL Freight?
The documentation needs for LTL freight depend on many things, such as the type of products you are shipping.
Even so, the most fundamental document for this type of freight is arguably the Bill of Lading.
In principle, this document must always be completed in the hands of the carrier during pick-up.
Bill of lading contains useful information such as consignee’s information, shipment date, type of packaging, freight class, types of goods, and dimension.
Other paperwork, which you might require for LTL freight include;
Commercial invoice
Insurance certificate
Test report where applicable
Packing list
Who Benefits most with LTL Shipping?
If you’re a small business owner, you stand a chance of being the greatest beneficiary of LTL shipping.
Principally, you’ll be saving considerable costs when using this mode of shipping for your consignments.
And this is also beneficial, especially if you are not a frequent buyer.
What are the Best Practices when using LTL Freight?
When preparing LTL shipments, there are essential things you need to keep in mind.
Notably, these may include dimensions, paperwork, labeling, and packaging.
In terms of dimension, when measuring the length, width, and height of shipments, round up to the next inch or a couple of inches.
For your carrier to make the most use of trailer capacity, you need to get accurate measurements.
It also allows you to avoid paying excess fees.
When it comes to documentation, always make sure you complete the Bill of Lading to complete shipping transactions.
This document works as a receipt for your products, and it should be as detailed and precise as possible.
In regards to packaging and labeling, they need to be in good standing.
Always load your shipments on pallets to help in condensing the space they’ll cover in the truck.
Set heavier items on the bottom of the pallets to prevent them from damaging the light ones.
Additionally, always purpose to make your labels entirely visible from the outside of the pallet.
In LTL freight, always take advantage of the tracking services the carrier offers.
In case your preferred shipper hardly provides tracking services, seek a third party, or implement your tracking technology.
And now, we would like to hear from you.
Maybe you can tell us your experience with LTL freight.
Or, ask us anything you need to know about LTL freight.
Tj chinafreight offers a perfect solution for all your LTL freight needs – contact us now.
Import license refers to an official document issued by a nation’s government.
This document authorizes the importation of particular goods into a territory of a specific country.
An import license specifies the number of goods you need to transport.
In principle, carriers ensure they hardly exceed the already determined quota.
Why is Import License Important in International Shipping?
Primarily, different countries have varied policies guiding the importation of commodities from numerous destinations.
Therefore, the essence of import license becomes apparent in international shipping.
One of the importance of this document is it helps in regulating the commodities allowed in a country.
Certain commodities may be restricted in a particular territory or country, subject to a specific quota or monitoring.
For instance, HAZMAT shipments must meet certain conditions before they are allowed inside a country. Hence an ideal way of enforcing such regulations is by using import licenses.
Another significance of import license is it helps in protecting domestic manufacturing from foreign competition.
Ideally, an import license specifies the quantity or volume of imports permissible in a particular country.
Moreover, the total volume acceptable should never exceed the quota.
Considerably, this helps in regulating the number of imports.
This safeguards the local industries from foreign competition, which would otherwise dilute the market.
Who Provides an Import License?
The national government of the destination country is responsible for issuing import licenses.
There’s a specific agency in every country mandated by the government to issue this official document.
It provides this document after careful assessment of your application.
In essence, the national government ensures your application meets the required standards before issuing this document.
When do you need an Import License?
Different circumstances define the elements under which an import license becomes a necessity.
These factors may vary from one country to another.
However, the common instances when this document becomes essential include the following;
1. When you’re importing commodities for purposes of reselling and not necessarily for personal use.
In this instance, it implies you are importing the goods for commercial purposes and not essentially for domestic use.
Thus there’s a need to obtain approval from the government to allow you to import the commodities.
2. When value of the consignment, you’re importing exceeds the stipulated limit.
In most countries, there is a limit under which you can import items from a foreign land without the need for this document.
The value often varies from country to country.
Thus in case, your shipment exceeds the limit, you’ll require to obtain the import license.
3. When you want to receive or make international payments for imported goods
Several financial institutions often request for an import license before you make or receive international payments for the commodities.
It is a way to ascertain the authenticity of the transaction.
4. When you have more than three imports in a calendar year.
It also varies from country to country.
Some will always request you to obtain an import license when you surpass three imports in a year.
What are the Contents of an Import License?
The contents of an import license often vary from one issuing country to another.
However, there are basic information, which the document must capture across the board, including the following;
Name and the address of both the consignor and importer
Details of the responsible official agency
Country of origin
Declared point of entry for the consignment
Quantity of the consignment
Name of the commodities (Scientific name where applicable)
Type of material
Any additional information if applicable
Official stamp of the responsible issuing body
Are Import Licenses the same for Different Countries?
No.
Import licenses vary from country to country.
Each country has specifics regarding the commodities you need to import.
Therefore, it makes it apparent for every country to design a unique import document.
Nonetheless, there could be a few elements, which can be similar in import documents issued in different countries.
Is there a Cost for Obtaining an Import License?
It depends on the specific country you are applying to this official document from.
In some countries, you do not need to pay any amount of money to obtain it.
All you need is to ensure you provide the correct details regarding the consignment you’re importing.
However, in other countries, you can be required to pay a facilitation fee to obtain an import license.
Thus the essence of inquiring from the respective destination country for certainty regarding cost.
Is Import License Mandatory in International Shipping?
Not in entirety.
The need for import license in international shipping is based on various factors.
These may include the value of the shipment, purpose (commercial or domestic), types of goods, and destination country.
Ideally, there are some countries, which do not necessarily require you to present this document when importing goods.
Do you Apply for an Import License in your Business or Personal Name?
The choice, in this case, is entirely dependent on your preference.
You need to figure out whether you are importing goods for commercial or domestic purposes.
If you’re importing goods to resell, generate income, and pay taxes, it would be ideal for applying for the license in your business name.
Nevertheless, the name on the commercial invoice must always match the name on your import license.
How do you Apply for an Import License?
The application for this document in most countries is made electronically.
The agency issuing import license have platforms, which you need to access, fill the details, and submit your application.
Notably, the specific type of goods you are importing determines the license requirements.
Here are some insights surrounding the application of import license in the USA;
If you plan to import commodities under your business name, obtain the Employer Identification Number from the IRS.
If you’re importing as an individual, you only need to use your Social Security number.
Alternatively, fill out the US Customs and Border Protection Form 5106 if you lack either of these numbers.
If you are importing high-value goods, buy a surety bond to ensure the commodities during transit.
Confirm with the country’s consulate whether it’s in good standing with the US as far as trade is concerned.
Otherwise, you’ll need to await the resolution of the pending issues between the countries.
Nevertheless, the shipping country may have its requirements regarding exporting commodities out of the country.
Determine the ideal port of entry. You also need to understand that tariffs often vary between different ports of entry.
Determine the regulatory agency dealing with the type of commodities you are importing and apply for the import license.
What are the Types of Import Licenses available?
Import licenses generally come in two main categories;
a) General Import License
This refers to the type of import license that you can use to import various commodities from all countries.
The exception is countries, which the particular commodities are prohibited.
b) Special Import License
This is a type of import license, which can be used to import commodities from specific countries.
It outlines the goods that you need to import from a particular country.
How Long does it take to Process Import upon Application?
It varies from one country to another.
In most countries, the official turnaround for obtaining this document upon application is between 5-10 days.
You, however, must ensure to submit all the necessary documents to receive these licenses within the stipulated timeframe.
One of the reasons this document may delay is from customs departments changing their computer systems.
It is also bound to delay due to staff shortage at the customs, public holidays in between, and authentication taking longer.
Can you Change your Existing Import License from a Personal to a Business Name?
Not necessarily.
Technically, your import license is always linked to a particular business registration or ID number.
These numbers are, of course, unique hence making it difficult to change the license from personal to business name.
Nonetheless, you can change the business name or registered address to reflect on the current import license you are using.
Which Products Require an Import License in International Shipping?
This is dependent on a specific government, which has the mandate to put a restriction on certain commodities.
In principle, an import license outlines the number of the specific commodities hence the reason for issuing it.
Nevertheless, most of the products often regulated by import license fall under the following categories;
Technology
Agricultural products
Wood products
Chemicals
Pharmaceutical products
Military weapons
Food products
Is there a Difference Between Import License and Import Certificate?
Import certificate refers to an end-user assurance document recognizing the government’s awareness to the proposed import of specific goods.
It exhibits the government has no immediate objections to the proposed importation of goods by the particular importer.
Moreover, it recognizes the purpose of the stated end-use and end-user.
On the other hand, import license is an official document issued by the government approving the movement of goods into a country.
It outlines the volume of commodities you need to import and it is usually a requirement at the customs clearance department.
What are the Benefits of an Import License?
Obtaining an import license for international shipping is beneficial in a variety of ways.
Some of these advantages include the following;
It enables you to expand the overall scope of your business.
You can import outside your country and increase the possibility of gaining more profits.
There is no annual subscription for an import license.
Most countries offer a longer validity for this document at times up to 10 years.
In some countries, it is permanent for as long as your business exists.
It is easy to obtain an import license as long as you have the correct details.
Most applications are made electronically, thus making it more convenient.
It takes a few working days to have your import license upon application.
This is advantageous since it prevents any inconveniences, which may arise due to delays.
Do all Countries Require Import License for International Shipments?
No.
There are some countries, which hardly require an import licenses for international shipments.
However, they have put stringent measures in regulating the types of products getting into the country.
This is essential because it makes it easy to determine the prohibited goods from acceptable commodities.
Moreover, countries that do not require an import licenses for international shipping have a clear stipulation on products allowed in their territories.
Can you use One Import License for Different Types of Products?
Yes.
In many cases, a single import license covers all types of products you’re importing to the country.
Notably, all the prohibited and regulated commodities indicated in a particular country may need an additional permit.
Does an Import License Expire?
It depends on the specific country you’re obtaining this document from.
In some countries, the validity of an import license is ten years from the approval date.
After which you’ll need to re-apply for another one.
In such instances, however, your import license is never subject to annual subscriptions or fees as long as it is valid.
But this is also dependent on the changes if the customs department decides to alter the prevailing practices.
In some other countries, however, import license tends to be valid for a lifetime as long as your business continues to exist.
It thus implies you do not need to re-fill or renew the document ever once you receive it.
Even so, you may choose to close the business or stop using the document.
Thus you’ll need to surrender the same by informing the relevant issuing body through a written application.
Who do you Present the Import License to in International Trade?
You will need to issue the import license document to the customs if you choose to clear the goods yourself.
However, if you choose to work with a clearing agent, you will present it to the agent, who’ll then issue it to the customs.
Also, you may need to present the import license to your financial institution or foreign exchange broker.
This is specific when you need clearing international payments.
Is Import License Document Transferrable?
Not at all.
It is impossible to transfer the details of an import license from one party to another.
Therefore, you can hardly use someone else’s import document to clear your items.
In essence, the details on the commercial invoice must match the information on the import license.
If not, it will be difficult for customs department to clear your shipment.
Can you use One Import License for Different Countries?
Yes.
You can use a single import license document to import a variety of products from different countries.
However, there are some countries of economic blocs, which may require additional certificates or permits.
Moreover, some countries also require you to register with relevant bodies to benefit from import duty tax reduction.
Notably, you need to understand that your import license is only valid with the borders of your destination country.
For instance, you cannot use a USA import license to import commodities to other countries outside the USA terrain.
Can a Foreigner Apply for Import License?
Yes.
If you’re a foreigner, you can apply for an import license document in a particular country you’re importing the items to.
Two scenarios are guiding this circumstance and include the following;
If you’re a foreigner with a valid bank account and address in a foreign country, you can apply for this document under normal procedure.
In case you’re a foreigner without a valid bank account and address in a foreign country, you’ll need to have a nominated native agent. The nominated native agent will then apply for the import license on your behalf.
What is the Difference Between Import License and a Permit?
An import license is essentially a customs code, which authenticates that you’re a registered importer of different commodities.
The customs code comes in the eight-digit number assigned to you as the importer.
And it is this code that you use when clearing your imports at the customs department.
You can also use the code to pay or receive payment for the particular commodities you’re importing.
On the other hand, a customs permit refers to an additional certification document ascertaining the importation of the particular commodities.
Principally, certain items are often regulated by customs. In essence, it means you’ll require to obtain additional certification for such items before they are allowed in the country.
Nonetheless, the specific type of import permit you need is dependent on the regulation of the commodity imported under customs laws.
Are there Any Exemptions for Import License?
Yes.
Typically, every country has its restrictions regarding goods or particular commodities imported to its terrain.
It is also the same way each country has exemptions on particular items you can import within its borders.
Therefore, if your business is considering importing items to a particular country, you’ll need to confirm if you require a license.
To stay on the right side of the law, you need to be aware of all the responsibilities of your import license.
You also need to know the relevant authorities issuing respective import license to guide the specific exemptions available.
So, in case you’re importing from China, Tj chinafreight will handle all your shipping and import documentation needs.
Contact us today for free warehousing, shipping container and affordable freight forwarding needs.
Customs clearance is a significant part of the international shipping process for both importers and exporters. It ensures hassle-free approval from the origin and destination governments to move goods across the borders.
This process involves inspecting the imported or exported goods and calculating their taxes, duties, and excises.
Below is how the customs clearance process works step by step.
First, the goods arrive at the importing country following the specifications outlined in the arrival notice.
The custodian (appointed by the commissioner of customs) will hold the shipment until it clears with customs.
Step 2: Filing Bill Of Entry (BOE)
Customs requires that shippers make a bill of entry application before continuing with the customs clearance process.
This application is made before or on the arrival of goods, either manually or electronically. It is submitted to customs as part of the clearance procedure. The formats for the bill of entry tend to differ based on the rules prescribed by the destination country’s government.
But most importantly, it should indicate the following:
Port code
License number
Importers name and address
Vessels name
Origin port name
Country of shipment
Receiving country and its code
The issuance date for the bill of lading
Description of goods and assessable value
Basic rate/amount of duty levied (assed by the importer based on the applicable exchange and rate of import duty)
Here is a sample bill of entry document:
After applying, you will get a bill of entry number.
Step 3: Paperwork Review
The most crucial aspect of customs clearance is documentation. In this process, customs must first check and verify that your paperwork is in order. Otherwise, your shipment will get stuck at this stage leading to frustrations and costly delays.
Documentation Needed For Customs Clearance
The main freight forwarding documents you’ll need in international shipping and customs clearance will depend on several factors that include:
the type of goods you’re shipping
where you’re shipping from/to
The transportation system you use.
Based on these factors, the paperwork needed to clear your goods may differ.
Also, it is essential to stay on top of the import-export policies in the countries that you trade-in. It is because legislative changes could impact your shipping procedures, including customs clearance and documentation.
So make sure to confirm the customs requirements beforehand. It is easier to solve issues of missing or incorrect paperwork before shipping.
That said, these are the export documents you’ll need for clearance in the origin country:
Export declaration
Goods packing list
Certificate of origin (for materials or products)
Cargo insurance documents detailing the terms and conditions under which your shipment is insured
Transport document (bill of lading for sea shipments, airway bill for air shipments, and CMR for road shipments)
You may also need to provide export licenses and permits depending on the type and nature of goods you’re exporting.
As for the import documents, most countries’ requirements are the same as for export clearance. However, the following are the most critical:
Commercial invoice: Customs officials will use the details to determine the applicable taxes and duties for your shipment. So you’ll need to provide an additional copy of the commercial invoice import clearance.
Note that the seller is the one to generate the commercial invoice as a part of the sales contract. They will supply a copy of the invoice to accompany the goods during shipping and another copy for the buyer’s records.
Import Declaration: The requirements for this document vary from country to country. Generally, though, most countries allow shippers to submit the declaration electronically/manually before shipment arrival.
It helps speed up the shipment’s discharge, verification, and clearance process.
Transport document: Customs officials will want to see the bill of lading or airway bill for your shipment. This should be completed and signed by your freight forwarder or carrier.
Other documents: You may need to provide a detailed packing list describing the goods in your shipment. Depending on the importing country, you may also need to provide copies of import permits and the inspection, origin, and insurance certificate.
Remember that the origin certificates must always relate to the country from where your goods or materials originate.
These are not all the documents you may require for your export/import clearance. As such, you must research your specific requirements based on the factors we mentioned earlier.
Step 4: Processing The Bill Of Entry
Remember the bill of entry of application? Yes, it stays in ‘queue’ as customs officials examine your shipping documents and other details.
Suppose all formalities are in order and with proper documentation. In that case, the customs official will approve and pass over your cargo for assessment.
If additional documentation or further clarification is needed, the same will be queried before approving the BOE.
You, your forwarder, or customs broker can always view the bill of entry status online. You can see if your application has passed or failed and if there’s an additional ‘query’ to fill out.
But like I said, if everything is found to be in order, your shipment passes over to the next stage.
Step 5: Your Shipment Will Be Assessed For Applicable Tax And Duties
There is no fixed cost for this. Instead, customs determine the applicable charges based on various factors such as:
The declared value of goods: refers to a shipment’s worth as indicated in the commercial invoice. This value comprises all costs the load has incurred up to the point of clearance. It includes the buying price of goods, freight costs, and insurance costs, if any.
So shippers need to ensure that the value declared for goods is accurate. Inaccurate values can lead to customs disputes and lengthy clearance delays.
Most countries have a minimum threshold for dutiable goods.
For example, if the minimum threshold is $2500, goods under $2500 will not incur duties.
But beware; some restricted items may incur duties and taxes regardless of their economic value.
Description of goods: aside from the value of goods, customs officials also use the type of goods to determine duty and tax information.
Customs authorities worldwide list tariff (duty) rates by each product’s HS Code (harmonized system number). A HS code or harmonized system number is a 6-digit number used to classify physical goods in cross-border delivery.
So, customs officials must first classify your cargo based on the product/s HS Code before determining its applicable tariff.
There is a harmonized system number for every physical product, from toys to clothing. Most countries have a free online tool where shippers can search their product’s classification number. The number can also be found on the commercial invoice.
Free trade agreements: where possible, customs may consider the trade agreements between the origin and destination country before applying tariffs on goods. The existence of a free trade agreement between the export and import countries may mean that you pay little to no duties.
As you can see, your shipment paperwork is significant in calculating your tariff rates.
Therefore, you must ensure to supply truthful information in your documents. Erroneous data may result in you paying more than necessary in duties and taxes.
Step 6: Payment Of Duties
If your shipment incurs duties and taxes, customs will request payment.
So, if you are liable for tariff payment, customs will send you an invoice detailing the applicable charges.
You’ll need to pay these charges and provide proof of the same before customs can release your cargo for final delivery.
You can let your forwarder or customs broker pay the tariff on your behalf. It’ll help save you the hassle of paying and processing the payment by yourself.
In other cases, you (the importer) may not be liable for the payment of duties. It will depend on which incoterm you agreed on with your supplier.
For example, in DDU shipping, the importer is responsible for paying customs charges. In this case, customs will forward the invoice to you, your forwarder, or customs broker requesting payment.
On the other hand, if shipping on DDP incoterms, the supplier is responsible for paying duties and taxes. So the price you pay for the products covers any customs clearance charges.
If you cannot pay the requested duties, some countries like the UK allow you to apply for a duty deferment.
A duty deferment application allows you to delay payment of most customs charges to a later date.
Depending on the product and country of importation, customs may subject your cargo to quarantine inspection.
For instance, animals, some plants, human remains, and certain minerals must undergo inspection and/or treatment before being cleared for entry.
Step 8: Your Shipment Clears Custom
As soon as you clear all customs charges and your shipment is confirmed safe for entry, customs will clear it.
But for the shipment’s release, customs has to provide you with a copy of the processed bill of entry. Your assigned customs official will sign on the BOE, after which you will submit the signed copy to your carrier.
After paying any pending carrier charges, the carrier will issue delivery order to the custodian who will release your cargo.
Note that after the customs clearance process is done, it takes an average of 24hrs for shipments to get clear.
However, this can be delayed for several reasons that include:
Prohibited products
Faulty paperwork
Incorrect product code
Seasonal holidays such as Christmas and new year
Poor packaging of goods, especially if they are fragile or hazardous
War
Natural calamities such as flooding
Incorrect shipment value
Poor description of goods
If your shipment delays to clear, then try to find a solution as soon as possible. Issues with paperwork, incorrect valuing, or prohibited products can invoke a customs hold on your goods.
When this happens, customs will move the cargo to a holding facility. Here, it will incur demurrage, storage fees, and other surcharges.
The longer the shipment stays in holding, the more costs you incur. That is why it is essential to ensure that your cargo meets all import requirements, paperwork is in order, and timely payment of duties.
Step 9: Take Delivery Of Goods
Once your shipment is released, you are now ready to take over ownership and deliver it to the final destination.
It could be to your warehouse, distribution center, or direct delivery to the customers.
The delivery of goods from the destination to the final location is called last-mile delivery.
You will contract a trucking company/courier service to transport the goods from the clearance point to the end destination.
To summarize;
There are several things you must consider to ensure a quick and successful customs clearance process. For instance, custom rules vary from country to country.
So make sure you’re familiar with the requirements of your respective origin and destination countries.
You must know the type and number of documents needed and the items that are prohibited or legally banned for export/import.
Make sure you learn all about the customs regulations before beginning the shipping process.
Experts in international shipping, such as Tj chinafreight, can make things much easier for you.
They will ensure your shipments meet customs requirements and even assist in document preparation and tariff payments.
An expert will also help in many other aspects of the international shipping process, such as warehousing and pickup and delivery.
It’s in your favor if you work with an experienced and reputable custom brokerage service provider.
Tj chinafreight China has a vast knowledge of international shipping and the customs clearance process.
We can help with shipping from China and ensure your shipments’ safe, secure, and fast clearing.
