“Factors to consider when choosing the most suitable shipping method
There are many aspects to consider when choosing a shipping method for your import or export shipments. Depending on the destination, goods destined for foreign markets can be transported by road, rail, air, sea, inland, water, or a combination of any of these.

A little thought about contracted shipping equipment and shipping methods can reduce shipping and logistics costs. However, import and export planning is not always as simple as choosing the most cost-effective option. When choosing which shipping method to use, the following factors should be considered:
1. Service cost:
Shipping costs add to the cost of the goods, so this should always be kept in mind. Rail transport is a relatively inexpensive mode of transport for transporting heavy and bulky traffic over long distances. Car transport is best for transporting small traffic over short distances and is the most economical. Auto shipping saves on packaging and handling costs.

Water transportation is the cheapest mode of transportation. It is suitable for transporting heavy and bulky goods over long distances only when time is not an important factor. Air freight is the most expensive shipping method, but is especially suitable for transporting perishable, light and valuable goods that require fast delivery.
2. Shipping speed:
Air shipping is the fastest shipping method, but also the most expensive. Short-distance car transport is faster than rail. However, rail is faster for long distances than other modes of transport than air and is best for long distances. Water transport is very slow, so it is not suitable where time is an important factor.

3. The possibility of damage to the goods
Key factors affecting the likelihood of cargo damage include motion and acceleration forces. Freight containers are subject to the greatest acceleration forces during loading and unloading at terminals or warehouses and during transshipment at rail yards.
At sea, roll and pitch tend to produce steady acceleration forces. In contrast, rail and road modes tend to generate irregular acceleration forces, such as when braking, cornering, starting the engine, lifting and lowering, and when trains pass railroad switches.
A New Zealand study calculated that vertical acceleration levels in excess of 10m/s2 would generate enough force to lift a container off the ground, potentially causing significant damage to the cargo inside upon landing.
4. Product Features
The size and weight of the cargo also play a role in deciding which shipping method to use. Land and air freight are mainly suitable for light and small cargo, while rail and sea freight are suitable for heavy cargo. The shipping method chosen to use will also depend on the hazard, fragility or high value of the product. Air and ground shipments are often the best options for high-value fragile products.
5. Safety
The safety and security of goods in transit also affects which mode of transport is used. Trucking overland may be more popular than rail because your losses are usually smaller. Shipping by water exposes cargo to dangers at sea; therefore, from a safety point of view, sea transport is the most dangerous. Additionally, to protect the goods in transit, certain types of packaging are recommended, which may affect costs. The cargo may also require special facilities, such as refrigeration or special security measures that need to be considered.

6. Reliability and regularity of services
The reliability and regularity of the modes of transport vary. Your decision on which shipping method to use will be influenced by the urgency and speed with which you want your shipment to be delivered. Land, sea and air shipments are often affected by severe weather such as heavy rain, snow, fog and storms, which can cause delays.
7. Other notes:
Many special services such as warehousing, packing, loading and unloading are also taken into consideration when deciding on the mode of transport. It is clear from the above discussion that each mode of transportation is suitable for a specific type of traffic.
Rail transport is particularly suitable for transporting heavy and bulky goods over long distances. Auto transport is suitable for transporting small items over short distances. Air freight is suitable for lightweight valuables that require fast delivery. Ocean freight is suitable for transporting bulky goods over long distances at the cheapest possible cost.
In addition to the above factors, the type of goods that need to be transported will also affect the choice of shipping method. When trying to solve the problem of frequently damaged goods in transit, it may be time to consider another shipping method. Another manageable factor in reducing product damage, costs and personal injury is inspection and possible changes to the way cargo is handled and loaded into containers.”

“Which shipping method is suitable for import and export business?
As you know, the mode of transportation is an integral part of your business, whether in domestic or international trade, without it, you cannot ship your goods anywhere in the world. So it plans how to import and export your product across national or international borders before shipping it is much needed.

If you are considering the shipping method for shipping the goods by:
Rail transport,
Road transport,
Air freight,
Sea freight
In particular, the mode of transportation depends on the contract specified between the exporter and the importer. The best way to ship for export and import depends on a number of factors, such as weight, value, size and the various types of goods to be transported. Shipping always determines the source and destination, and according to the country’s rules and regulations, the law also matters. The type of cargo is also important, if you have complex cargo to export, in this case you need to pay attention to the type of transport you choose. Otherwise your shipments may be damaged, which could cause huge losses to your business.
Shipping method
Rail Transport

Rail transport is a cost-effective way to transport goods. It plays an important role in the country’s regional trade and commercial activities. It can transport relatively large quantities of goods from medium to long distances, and other advantages include low transport costs, environmental friendliness and more reliability than road transport. Most of the goods transported by rail include bulk goods such as coal, iron ore, cement, fertilizers, raw materials for steel mills, finished steel and oil. In remote areas, routes and times are inflexible. There are parts of the globe that have proper rail systems, which is a huge setback for remote areas.
Road Transport
Road transport is more flexible than any other mode of transport. Tracking shipments is easy, shipments are safe and private, shipping is arranged and associated costs are paid. It includes the ability to deliver goods from door to door with a high degree of flexibility without further transshipment. Connecting vehicles and crossing borders is fast and efficient.
There are also many risks associated with road transport, such as long-distance cargo deliveries taking more time due to traffic delays and breakdowns. In some countries, there is a risk of damage to the goods and tolls are high.
Air freight
Air shipping is one of the safest and fastest of all other shipping methods, and the goods can be delivered in a very short time compared to other shipping methods. Markets and retail are mainly used to transport goods by air transport.
Air transportation is a bit expensive compared to other modes of transportation due to airport taxes involved and high airfare and other fees. Most complex commodities are transported by air, such as flowers, food, medicines and other medicines, official documents and stationery. This is not suitable for shipping heavy goods and goods to other countries. What’s more, you need other means of transportation to get your goods from the airport to your doorstep.

Sea freight
The waterway of choice for shipping goods internationally basically refers to one country to another. It is one of the oldest modes of transport and is considered ideal for transporting large quantities of goods over long distances. Why do I say that there may be some delay in shipping the goods by water, usually it may take about 3 to 7 days for shipping by air, but shipping by water may take more days than air.
Water transportation is the best way to easily transport large quantities of goods from one country to other countries. As you can imagine, nearly 90% of the world’s goods are transported by water every day, such as steel, oil, crude oil, heavy machinery, auto parts, agricultural products, metals and minerals, to name a few. Ocean or ocean shipping with a wide range of carrier options, a vast global network and affordable shipping rates.
Factors Affecting the Choice of Transportation Mode
Safety
It is very important to protect the cargo from partial and total damage. In terms of product safety, shipping by sea is more risky than other shipping methods. To protect the goods in transit, some specific types of packaging are recommended.
Transportation cost
Your budget should be the most important factor in your decision when choosing how to best transport your export products. Shipping costs will affect the cost of goods. Water and rail transport are suitable for bulky and heavy cargo, while ground transport is suitable for small cargoes. Air freight is suitable for expensive and perishable goods.
Availability
Availability should be considered in terms of door-to-door shipping. It depends on the level and extent of the transportation system infrastructure.
Reliability and service regularity
The regularity and reliability of modes of transport vary. Shipping method decisions will be influenced by the speed and urgency of the product. Land, air and sea shipments are often subject to severe weather such as snow, heavy rain, storms and fog, which can lead to delays.”

“Intermodal vs. Multimodal
When talking about transportation of goods, two terms are commonly used to describe the method of moving them: Intermodal and Multimodal. At Containerships, we’re experts in multimodal, but we think you should be clear on what that means. So what exactly is the difference?
Multimodal Shipping

Multimodal is defined as the movement of cargo from origin to destination using several modes of transportation. In this instance, however, each mode is operated by a single carrier or multiple carriers, but under a single contract or Bill of Lading. A single carrier for a single journey. The same transport carrier is responsible for moving the shipment across all legs, in all modes.
The difference between multimodal and intermodal lies in the contract / bill of lading and transport carrier responsibility / liability of the movement.

If we look back to our example above, multimodal shipping would be where one company or one contract would handle all legs of the journey. This means that the same company is going to be responsible for moving your shipment in all legs, in all modes.
This can be set up in a couple of ways. You could go with a company that has all of these modes of transport available to them. Another way to set up a single contract for yourself is to use an agent. An agent would do all the negotiation on the back end for you while you only have one contract to keep track of. The agent would also be responsible for coordinating loading, unloading, and delays.
Advantages

This method holds several advantages, the first being less overheads for you. Companies that handle multimodal shipping will be able to handle delays in one leg of the shipment in relation to the other legs without you needing to be involved. This method provides a one stop shop service, so every single aspect is handled by one provider, giving you ease and peace of mind.
Advantages of multimodal transportation are:
a) Shipment tracking efficiency: Being able to monitor with one transport carrier from door-to-door;
b) Access to remote parts of the world with responsibility and liability of the movement with one transport carrier;
c) Efficiency in delivery time; and
d) Minimization of logistics coordination expenses of a shipper
Intermodal Shipping
Simply put, intermodal shipping is when your shipments are handled by several different shipping companies.

Intermodal is defined as the movement of cargo from origin to destination by several modes of transport where each of these modes have a different transport carrier responsible, each with its own independent contract. Multiple carriers during a single journey. Each leg of the shipment is be handled by a separate transport carrier. The Shipper will have several contracts, one with each transport carrier to handle their specific leg of the shipment.
To obtain the best routing is not the same as getting the best total shipping cost. Using a combination of different transport carriers is sometimes better to achieve the best total shipping cost for door to door movements. However, it requires more logistics coordination and hands-on involvement. Using a single transport carrier to provide a door to door movement, may achieve the best routing. It requires less logistics coordination and paperwork.
Let us say that you need to move a large amount of cargo to another site. Both of these sites are land locked and on different continents. This could mean in order to move your cargo, you will contact a trucking company to transport your shipment to a rail yard. Once at the rail yard, you will move your cargo to a shipping port. The cargo will be loaded on to a ship and moved overseas to another port- where it will be unloaded and moved to another rail carrier. Finally the shipment will be trucked from the rail yard to your destination location.
When using intermodal shipping, each leg of that shipment will be handled by a separate company. This means that you will have to have several contracts, one with each carrier to handle their specific leg of the shipment.
There are some advantages to doing this. You can negotiate terms separately with each company. This also means more overhead for you, as you will need to keep track of several contracts with different providers. You may also be responsible for handling coordination of delays, as one company will not be aware of the delays that another company might be having.
Advantages
a) Shippers can choose carriers to take advantage of lower rates for each transport leg;
b) gain flexibility and specialized handing of loading and unloading goods at different ports;
c) reduce their carbon footprint by choosing environmentally friendly carriers;
d) increased security of the products being transported; and
e) Shippers have more access to equipment and can better control capacity and selection of transit schedules.”

“What is multimodal transport?
Multimodal transport is the combination of different modes of transport to facilitate the movement of goods, even if it is faster and more efficient.

When it comes to this mode of transportation, more than one vehicle is required to deliver the goods to their final destination by using trucks, trains, ships, planes or other modes of transportation.
The advantage of intermodal transportation is to combine multiple modes of transportation most efficiently, while optimizing lead times, reducing inventory costs, and thus controlling commodity costs. The combination of these factors also results in a high degree of environmental sustainability, as intermodal transport reduces the environmental impact of transport.

Although supported by environmentalists and freight transport experts, multimodal transport may incur certain costs through the use of modal interfaces such as transshipment, loading and unloading, etc. However, you can hire a freight forwarding company to provide the interface between the various shipping types, without involving the importer or exporter in this exchange.
For more complex shipments, or a more thorough exploration of the quality/price ratio of each part of the shipment, multimodal shipping is a good and often the only option, especially to and from countries that are not close to the sea.
The advantages of multimodal transport are:
a) Ability to monitor the efficiency of cargo tracking for door-to-door deliveries through a single shipping carrier;

b) a transport carrier under the responsibility and obligation of transport into remote areas of the world;
c) delivery time efficiency; d) maximum
Reduced logistics coordination costs for shippers
All in all, in terms of transportation, multimodal transport is related to an operation in which goods are transported from origin to destination by multiple means, with a different contract per segment (meaning that each transport provider part of the responsibility).
Intermodal (by MacAndrews) is a transportation business where one supplier (and one contract) takes full responsibility from the origin of the goods to its final destination, although multiple modes are used.
The advantages of intermodal and multimodal transport lie in the most efficient combination of multiple modes of transport, optimizing delivery times, reducing inventory costs and controlling freight cost levels. This combination increases environmental sustainability and reduces transportation carbon footprint.

Intermodal challenges and solutions
Now that we’ve seen the benefits of multimodal shipping, let’s take a look at what challenges multimodal and multimodal shipping can present, and what solutions shippers and carriers will employ.
excessive paperwork
Although multimodal and multimodal differ in the number of contracts you have to deal with, multimodal can still be cumbersome when it comes to paperwork. For example, you have selected a carrier that handles multimodal shipments for you. Your job as a shipper is already done here, right?
Band news is that the company can still invoice you for different services, i.e. each shipment. As you spend more and more time processing each paper invoice, the overall shipping cost keeps growing. This is the hallmark of the paperless transport and logistics industry.
Challenge: Separate paper invoices for different services.
Solution: A paperless delivery management system that supports electronic signatures and photo proof of delivery.
Poor tracking and coordination
In long-haul freight, tracking a single shipment can require multiple resources, even when shipping boils down to one shipper and one carrier. Even inland shipments are difficult to monitor, let alone air and port-to-port sea freight.
Challenges: poor tracking and the need for constant updates.
The solution: track and trace and automated shipping notifications.
supply chain disruption
The year is 2021, and no shipper is immune to supply chain disruptions. The pandemic has presented many challenges to both intermodal and intermodal systems, and the logistics industry is still suffering to this day.
Especially when it comes to different modes of transport, shippers need to have security, which actually means being prepared for supply chain disruptions and having different intermodal and intermodal solutions as alternatives.
Challenges: Safety concerns, service disruptions, and rising transportation costs.
Solution: Increase safety measures such as contactless delivery.”

“Shipping from China to Amazon FBA: The Ultimate Guide
Shipping from China to Amazon FBA is a very common and profitable Amazon business strategy.
It’s not as complicated as it sounds. However, it does get a little more complicated than simply asking the supplier to put a UPS label on it.

In this blog post, we will cover options for shipping from China to Amazon FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon)
Shipping Method
You need to determine the most suitable shipping method to ship your goods from China to the United States, depending on the method you choose; shipping can take anywhere from a few days to over a month. The ideal method depends on several factors, such as the weight, size and quantity of the products, shipping time, whether they are perishable and whether they contain hazardous or hazardous materials.

Three main shipping methods are offered: express, air and sea.
air transport
Air freight arrives faster than sea freight. If your total cargo weight is less than 200kg (about 440lbs) and two cubic meters (CM), air freight is one of the most cost-effective shipping methods. By contracting with a freight forwarder to organize your air freight, you can benefit from high freight rates, which will lower your shipping costs.
Air freight is a more complicated shipping process than air express; it usually takes 5 to 10 days to ship from China to the US using this method. Air freight may be cheaper than air express on a per kilogram basis.

While faster than sea freight, air freight is also more restricted.
sea ​​​​freight
If you’re shipping 400kg or more (approximately 880lbs) and 2 cubic meters or more in volume, sea freight is the best option. However, shipping is also relatively slow.
Depending on what you need to ship, ocean shipping can take up to a month to reach U.S. ports.
The main advantage of ocean freight compared to express and air freight is that it allows you to transport bulky goods cheaply and with fewer restrictions.
There are two common shipping methods to choose from: Less than Container Load (LCL) and Full Container Load (FCL). The bulk or quantity of inventory you are shipping will determine the appropriate option.
If you do not have enough inventory to fill a full container (FCL), LCL is usually more suitable. However, FCL allows easier tracking and is less susceptible to damage or tampering.
Express shipping
Express is the fastest shipping option available when using shipping companies like FedEx, UPS, and DHL. Express shipping can be very cost-effective if you are shipping a shipment with a gross weight of less than 200 kg and a volume of less than or equal to 1 cubic meter. Courier services will usually charge you based on weight or volume, whichever is higher.
Depending on the value of the goods you intend to import, US Customs may still apply; however, the process is less complicated than air freight. You can also avoid asking for a quote. Express shipping is also useful for small shipments that you may order to determine the viability of a product or its needs before placing a bulk order with a supplier.

normal mail
While not suitable for bulk or heavy cargo, regular mail can send light, compact packages. For example, if you need to request a product sample, regular mail is a relatively inexpensive option.
For valuable prototypes, you may consider opting for express shipping, with appropriate insurance. When you’re just starting out, regular mail can be a practical way to deliver goods directly to end users.
When to go for direct shipping from China to Amazon FBA
If there is a lack of time and you want products to reach the Amazon FBA as soon as possible
Good sync up or a longer experience with the supplier. Such that direct shipping is considerably less expensive than the middleman way.
Shipping directly from China to Amazon FBA – The Pros and Cons
Pros – China to Amazon FBA
Quicker transit times. There is a huge reduction in the time for the product to reach the warehouse. The easier the product reaches the warehouse, the start quicker you can start selling on Amazon.
Middleman cost is saved. You save the money and the hassle of paying someone to inspect your products.
Cons – The Challenges
Amazon requests to ship the products to different warehouses and not to one centralized location.
The freight and duties have to be paid before arriving to Amazon.
The product must meet the shipping and packaging and shipping requirements and standards set by Amazon.
Customs and Amazon Certification
Usually, shipping products from China to Amazon requires two certifications. One is the product certification of customs, and the other is the product certification of Amazon. When buying products from China, it is a good idea to check what certifications the supplier has. If the product does not have any certification, you must consider switching to another supplier. If the supplier’s product does not have any certification, it means that his product is not qualified. Product certification is also very important for us to sell on Amazon. Finally, product certification cannot be ignored.
1.) Proof of customs requirements
When the goods are cleared through customs, the customs has the right to require your products to provide relevant product certificates. If you are unable to provide it, customs may fine, detain or destroy your product. So you need to know what kind of product certification you need to provide to pass customs smoothly (this is very important). Because this is not a joke. We must minimize risk.
2.) Certification required by Amazon
When selling products on Amazon, we must know if we need product certification to sell on Amazon. We must comply with Amazon’s product regulations or the product will be closed.
in conclusion
I have shared what I know about Amazon, I hope this article can help you to buy products from China to Amazon.
Finally, after reading this article, if you need help with FBA, please contact us at tj-chinafreight.com and we will get back to you as soon as possible. For any information about shipping from China to Amazon FBA, please feel free to contact us.”

“China Shipping Guide
Shipping is the largest shipping method for international import and export business. Competitive prices and a variety of options make ocean shipping the first choice for global trade. When it comes to shipping from China, businesses need experienced freight forwarders like our team at TJ China freight who are familiar with shipping for companies of all sizes and to many countries. As a freight forwarder in China, we hope that you will benefit from the knowledge and experience shared in this article.
Shipping from China: The Process of International Logistics

International logistics involves planning and managing the flow of goods in a company’s supply chain from procurement to customer purchase. Part of the process involves crossing at least one international border.
The following figure is a graphical representation of the whole process: NO-1 (insert picture)
trade term
Incoterms – a term for general terms of trade. There are four Incoterms when applied to purchasing goods from China. Each incoterms is assigned a code that relates to how far the supplier ships the goods.
The codes for these Incoterms are as follows:
EXW – Shipping to Factory/Manufacturer
FOB – Shipping to ports near China
CIF – Shipping to a port near your country
DAP/DDU – Transfer to your location code can be further divided into two categories:
EXW/FOB Category – Buyers can use your own freight forwarder and contact them directly for payment.
Other categories – Buyers use their own shipping company, which is subsidized by your company.
FCL or LCL by sea to China

You must choose between Full Container Load (FCL) or Less than Container Load (LCL) – LCL before completing the procedure for shipping to China. FCL will allow you to use only one container to store your cargo without sharing it. This is especially true if the cargo volume allows you to fill a 20-foot container or a 40-foot container, as each container can hold 10 or 21 standard US pallets, respectively. Standard US pallets are 47.24″” long x 39.37″” wide.
This way, you will make more use of your shipping costs as full container shipping starts to be more profitable when you are more than half full; moreover, if you want to avoid any damage or damage if you share the container with other traders or contamination, you will also benefit from a full case load.
In other cases, “”LCL”” — sharing a container — allows you to save on shipping costs in case you don’t need enough volume to fill a container, or you’re not concerned about the risks associated with sharing containers. This approach involves sharing the container with other cargo belonging to other traders, but you only pay for the space your cargo uses, saving you significantly on shipping costs.
In order to determine which shipment type is best for your business, you need to consider the packaging your shipment will require in transit, and if you choose LCL, is it better for your shipment to use a courier or decide if you can use the whole package? box. Major Ports Each port charges differently for FCL and LCL containers. The distribution of Chinese ports is as follows:

SHANGHAI – This major city is the most economically developed. From where it stands, it serves the inland provinces through river ports along the waterways that extend from it.
Shenzhen – This port has access to Hong Kong and the Pearl River Delta, making it another important port in southern China.
Ningbo-Zhousan – This port serves both Ningbo, which has good links with central and western China, and Zhejiang, a wealthy manufacturing region.
HONG KONG – Hong Kong has rapidly expanded into a “”Far East International Shipping Services Hub””, with 340 weekly container liner services connecting around 470 destinations around the world.
Guangzhou – Historically an important trade center in China, the port is striving to become an international freight hub on the Maritime Silk Road. It is a port of choice for importers, exporters, 3PLs and ocean carriers with reduced port and berthing fees.
Qingdao – the most important port in northern China. It is adjacent to the Bohai Bay area it serves.
TIANJIN – The port’s capacity is second only to Qingdao Port in North China. The port’s container handling business is developing more domestic and international routes.
Xiamen – The port is located at the mouth of the Jiulong River, with more than 68 shipping routes, reaching more than 50 countries including Taiwan, Kaohsiung, etc.

Dalian – Located in the northernmost ice-free port in China, the port is the largest port in Northeast China, serving seaports in East Asia, North Asia and the Pacific coast.
Is ocean shipping always the cheapest option?
Which shipping method is suitable and choosing the right service often creates a lot of questions for customers.
Your package is equal to 1 cubic meter or even less? Would you like to know which shipping service is the most cost-effective option for your shipment?

In this case, it is important to note that the minimum weight/volume charged for LCL shipments is 1 cubic meter or 1 ton.
Many people tend to think that sea freight is always cheaper than air freight. But in practice, express freight tends to offer a more competitive solution for the smallest quantities.
In general, billable air shipments weighing less than 100kg are recommended, sometimes even 200kg for some destinations.
Sea packing
When choosing packaging materials, it is important to double-check the types of packaging available. You need to be aware of import restrictions, such as quarantine requirements in the destination country.
When you package your product for export, you need to consider the following factors:
damaged
weight
moisture and theft

How the product is packaged depends on the destination and shipping method. Your packaging needs to be designed in a way that it can withstand pressure and repeated handling. When packing by air, lighter packing materials must be used. Regular boxes with no logo or brand name must be used to avoid theft.
in conclusion
I hope I can clear the shipping issue from China. Please feel free to contact us and we will deal with it as soon as possible.”

“China Air Freight Guide
TJ Chinafreight provides air freight services from China to any other country and vice versa. Taking air freight to Europe as an example, the air freight delivery delay can be up to 7 days, which is faster than the usual 35/40 days for sea freight.

Air freight is available for products ranging from the most fragile to the heaviest.
Aviation regulations are very strict, which is why we go all out to check your requirements perfectly. After an accurate analysis of your needs, our team will provide you with a freight service that exactly matches your expectations, needs and the nature of your cargo.
Air Cargo Type
According to the nature of the goods can be divided into
Total cost
special cargo
1. Total Charges
For example, electronics, jewelry, medicines, watches, etc. are all of high value. The electronics industry accounts for approximately 40% of the value of the entire international air cargo industry.
They need to be shipped in very good condition. The cost of air freight is higher than that of sea freight, but compared to the value of the product, it is meaningless.
2. Special goods
Including live animals, hazardous materials, or items requiring temperature control. For example, some chemicals are dangerous goods, and seafood needs to be refrigerated and frozen during the whole cold chain transportation.

Perishable or dangerous goods are subject to different regulations than general cargo. They go through various inspections and have to meet many requirements, and not every airline can accept these items.
Make sure you detail the special shipment you are shipping. Because omission of any details may result in fines/additional charges and refusal to ship.
Most of the special goods can be classified as general goods after being tested by authoritative institutions. And a report – Identification and Classification of Cargo Carriage by Air – should be presented to the carrier prior to loading.
2.1 Powder
2.2 Chemicals
2.3 With oil or liquid
2.4 With battery
2.5 With magnet (magnet test required)
2.5.1 Audio Accessories and Equipment
2.5.2 With motor
Due to specific airline country laws and regulations, other restrictions will apply.
Note that most airlines say “”no”” to the following product names or descriptions: Lithium Battery Toys, Scooters, Hoverboards, Power Supplies, Power Banks, Airbags, Electronic Boards, Electronic Boards.
How to understand quotes and calculate prices?
Air freight prices can be calculated using two different methods. The first is: the cost per kilo is multiplied by the weight of the cargo.

Still, since Airbus or Boeing have limited load space, weight is not the only parameter to consider. For low-density shipments (i.e. low weight, high volume), you will be invoiced by volume rather than weight.
This is called “”volume weight””. Calculating it is very simple:
Dimensional Weight (Average Shipping) = Volume (CBM) x 167
How to calculate the billable weight of air cargo?
For air cargo weight, we use the higher of the actual weight (measured using a common weighing scale) or the dimensional weight calculated as shown below
Pack your items
Air freight companies know that most of the items they ship are urgent, high-value, time-sensitive or perishable and therefore require special care when packing. Some questions are-
Perishable items must be packaged for (at least) 24 hours without spoiling: Styrofoam boxes require outer packaging.
Anything longer or wider than 213cm will need special packaging to avoid bending – test it when you pick it up to make sure it doesn’t sag. Maximize the protection of the long end, where it is handled.
Check with your air freight service for the recommended maximum weights for each size corrugated fiberboard box (always use double-layer cartons). Wooden boxes are more popular than fiberboard.
Fill any gaps in the box with “”dunnage”” (excess paper, cardboard, packing material) or loose padding to avoid load movement and damage.
To prevent theft, use measures that may include a cargo bag wrapping your shipment, disposable strapping seals, opaque stretch wrap, and/or tamper-evident tape.
Top 10 International Airports in China
In international air transport, each airport has a standard abbreviation developed by IATA. The airport abbreviation consists of three capital letters for easy identification.
PEK – Beijing Capital International Airport
HKG – Hongkong International Airport
CAN – Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CA/QR/TK/EY/MS/NH to Middle East and Africa)
PVG – Shanghai Pudong International Airport
SHA – Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport
CTU – Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport
SZX – Shenzhen Baoan International Airport (CA/HU/CZ/MU to Europe and North America)
KMG – Kunming Changshui International Airport
XIY – Xi’an Xianyang International Airport
HGH – Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport
in conclusion

China needs special attention when you have items to import within its borders. It is very meticulous to make sure that you have all the required documents ready to avoid all issues related to China Customs.
So please contact us regarding all your shipments and we will verify that all the required conditions are met, that the documents are well made, that you have all the required import licenses etc. We are experts in the field and we will handle your paperwork for safe shipping without any problems.”

“CNF GUIDE
What is CNF?
If you put the three letters CNF together, in terms of shipping, the acronym stands for “”Cost Net Freight””. This is a shipping agreement where the seller pays to ship the item to the port closest to the buyer, excluding insurance. Therefore, the buyer must pay the insurance premium from the origin to the final destination. If you see CIF, it is similar to CNF but requires the seller to purchase insurance to ship the item to the port of destination. CNF is also known as C&F and CFR. All terms have the same meaning.

Responsibilities of Buyers and Sellers in CNF Incoterm
1. In CNF (Cost Plus Freight) shipping, what is the main responsibility of the seller?
Below is a list of Seller’s mutual responsibilities under the CNG Agreement.
Goods invoices and documents
An invoice is a commercial document that includes all charges and details for the account of the goods being shipped.
It can contain information about payment terms and methods. It is the seller’s responsibility to prepare the goods invoice and all other necessary documents in accordance with the terms of the CNF
Packaging and Marking
Goods are packed and marked prior to shipment to ensure their safety and protection. In CNF (Cost and Shipping), the seller is responsible for packaging and labeling the product before shipping.
Go through customs formalities
In CNF, the seller is also responsible for handling all customs formalities before shipping the goods. International shipments require clearance of all customs formalities.
Delivery and Pre-shipment

Pre-shipment is the inland transport of goods before the container is loaded or moved to a port or terminal. In CNF, the seller is responsible for delivery and pre-shipment activation, and the seller is also responsible for all delivery and pre-shipment fees or charges.
loading fee
Loading charges refer to the cost of loading a container onto an ocean-going vessel to deliver the goods. In CNF, the seller is responsible for paying the loading fee.
Delivery in port
port delivery

The seller’s ultimate activity is to deliver the goods to the port closest to the buyer. The seller’s responsibility ends here, the buyer is responsible for the activities that follow, such as transporting the goods from the port to the buyer’s location.
2. In CNF (Cost and Shipping) transportation, what is the buyer’s main responsibility?
The following are the buyer’s responsibilities in the CNF Conditions of Carriage.
Payment for goods
The buyer needs to pay for the goods received. All payments are due and payments are due in accordance with pre-determined terms and conditions.
cash on delivery
unloading and front car
According to CNF, once the seller has shipped the goods to the nearest port, the buyer needs to start unloading and forwarding the shipment from that point.
How to calculate CNF price in export?
Unfortunately, there is no stable formula for calculating export prices.
Prices may vary by different sellers, shipping agents, freight forwarders and their quotes.
As a buyer, you must keep in mind that the initial CNF price will be lower than the final price due to additional customs and delivery charges in your country.
Frequently Asked Questions about CNF
What is the difference between CNF and CIF?
If the seller/supplier of the goods organizes insurance during transportation, the term is CIF (Cost Insurance and Freight). The supplier assumes the risk and is responsible for arranging and paying for the insurance. For CNFs, the purchaser of the product is responsible for organizing and paying for insurance during shipping.
CNF vs FOB?
Free On Board (FOB) means that the seller delivers the goods on the ship designated by the buyer. The risk of damage and loss of the goods passes to the buyer once the product is loaded onto the ship. Therefore, the buyer is responsible for the insurance of the goods.
Is CNF relevant to all forms of transport?

CNF and three other Incoterms (FOB, CIF and FAS) relate to goods transported by sea or inland waterways. Another seven Incoterms rules cover any mode of transport.
Who chooses the freight forwarder of CNF Shipping?
Since sellers are responsible for 90% of the shipping process, they naturally choose to use a forwarder.
As a buyer, you can also hire a freight forwarder to help you receive and clear your goods at the port of destination.
The agent can also organize the transportation of goods from the origin port to the destination country gate or warehouse.
A good freight forwarder will also help you with the customs clearance process.
When choosing these agents, choose an agent with a good reputation and experience in the industry. tj-chinafreight is a good choice, they have a professional team, please contact us.”

“DDU GUIDE
What is Delivery Duty Paid (DDU Incoterm)?
DDU Incoterm is the abbreviation of “”Delivered duty unpaid””, which is an international trade term (incoterm), which means that the seller will deliver the goods for import immediately after the goods arrive at the agreed place in the destination country.
Seller’s Obligations in DDU Shipping
As I said, DDU shipping has a huge impact on the seller’s liability.

these are:
1. Provide goods according to the contract
The seller must provide a soft copy of the goods and a commercial invoice or equivalent in accordance with the contact terms.
He/she should also provide any other documents the contract may require to determine whether the goods conform to the contract.
2. Licenses and Permits
Seller must bear the risk and expense of obtaining rights licenses and other export documents.
He/she must also carry out all customs formalities required for the export of goods and transit through countries that require customs formalities.
3. Transportation
The seller must bear all risks and expenses of transporting the goods from the country of origin to the named destination.
If the buyer does not give a designated place, the seller is free to choose a suitable destination for delivery of the goods.
4. Delivery of goods
The seller must deliver the goods to the buyer or other person designated by the buyer at the selected location on the agreed date.
Please note that the seller still assumes all delivery risk.
5. Risk transfer
Unless otherwise stated, the seller must bear the risk of loss of or damage to the goods until the named point of delivery.

6. Cost division
The seller must bear all costs incurred for delivery at the agreed place and time, as well as customs charges before delivery at the designated place.
7. Notify buyers
The seller must give sufficient notice to the buyer of the goods.
He/she must also inform the buyer of any other information related to the delivery of the goods.
8. Proof of Delivery and Shipping Documents
The seller must provide the buyer with the bill of lading and required shipping documents at its own expense.
and any other relevant documents required to receive the goods upon delivery.
These other documents include;
negotiable bill of lading
non-negotiable sea waybill
air waybill
railway bill
road order
Please note:
If the parties agree to provide documents electronically, all of the above shall be replaced by their respective EDIs.
EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) also applies in this case.
9. Inspection, packing, marking
The seller must bear all costs of checking the quality and quantity of the goods, as they shall comply with the terms of the sales contract.
The seller must also provide the correct packaging of the goods at its own expense.
Please note, however, that some items may be delivered unpackaged according to industry practice.
If this is the case, the seller may waive this obligation.
other obligations

The seller can assist the buyer in obtaining any orders required for import clearance in the country of destination.
Seller must obtain and provide Buyer all relevant shipping documents at Seller’s expense and risk.
In the case of insurance, the seller must provide all documents required to obtain coverage.
Alternatively, it may be transmitted electronically if the buyer agrees.
Well, that’s about the seller’s obligations in DDU shipping.
Buyer’s Obligations in DDU Shipping
1. Pay the purchase price
The buyer must pay the agreed DDU payment in accordance with the contract.
2. Licenses and Permits
Buyer must obtain any import licenses and any other licenses required for customs clearance at its own risk and expense.
He/she should also handle all necessary customs formalities in the importing country.
3. Receipt
Once the seller has delivered the goods at the agreed place, the buyer must receive the goods.
He/she can receive the goods in person or designate someone else to do it.
The latter must be stated in the contract.
4. Risk transfer
After the goods have been delivered at the designated place, the buyer must bear all risks of damage or loss of the goods.
Please note that it is the buyer’s responsibility to notify the seller of the appropriate place and time of delivery.
Failure to do so will cause the buyer to assume all shipping risks and liabilities from the date of agreed delivery or expiration of the delivery period.
Furthermore, if the buyer does not obtain the necessary documents, he/she shall bear the consequences that follow.
5. Cost division
Buyer must pay all charges incurred from the date of delivery of the goods to the named destination.
He/she shall also bear all costs of customs clearance in the importing country and other costs related to the goods from the date of delivery.
6. Notify the seller
Buyer reserves the right to determine a suitable delivery time and place.
This is because DDU requires the buyer to give sufficient notice to the seller within the agreed period.
7. Proof of Delivery and Shipping Documents
The buyer must receive all shipping documents provided by the seller as long as they comply with the contract of sale.
And, if agreeing to use electronic transmission to provide the documents, the buyer is ready to receive them.
8. Cargo Inspection
If the buyer organizes any pre-shipment inspections, he/she must pay all fees.
However, the buyer is not obliged to bear any costs associated with inspections prescribed by the authorities of the exporting country.
other obligations
Like the seller, the buyer in a DDU contract must pay all costs incurred in obtaining import documents.
He/she must also reimburse the seller for assisting in obtaining the above documents.
Compare DDU vs DDP shipping. what’s the difference?
First, let’s define two Incoterms.
DDU – Unpaid Delivery Tax
Seller is responsible for all charges other than any unloading charges, import duties and/or duties levied by customs upon arrival of the goods. These fees must be paid by the recipient before they can be released and delivered.
It may be cheaper for suppliers to ship using DDU, but if they don’t make it clear that they will pay certain fees when the goods arrive, they risk angering customers. For example, if the customer refuses to pay the fee, the supplier will have to pay extra for the goods returned from customs.
Please note that the DDU shipping terms are the old incoterm and have been replaced by DAP (Delivered On Site) in the 2020 listing.
DDP – Delivery Duty Paid (Designated Destination)
Seller pays all costs involved in shipping the goods to Buyer, including import duties and taxes. Seller is not responsible for unloading. This clause places the greatest obligation on the seller and the least on the buyer.
As you can imagine, DDP fees are higher because they include all shipping, customs clearance, and freight at the port of load and destination, especially duties and taxes that are prepaid to the logistics provider and not included. DDU.
The benefit of DDP shipping is that buyers will know that they will not owe any additional customs charges when the goods arrive, so it is a more streamlined delivery method that is less likely to cause any confusion or dissatisfaction.”

“A Beginner’s Guide to Delivery Duty Paid (DDP)
Delivery Duty Paid (DDP) is a method of delivery where the seller assumes all shipping risks and costs until the goods reach their destination. Buyers can benefit from this system as they take on less risk, liability and costs. For sellers, DDP must be handled with care as it can quickly reduce profits. The only thing the seller does not do under the DDP arrangement is to unload the goods at the destination. Once the goods reach the buyer’s destination, they are responsible for the item. Delivery Duty Paid is a shipping system based on International Commercial Terms (Incoterms) for international shipping. This is an official method developed and endorsed by the International Chamber of Commerce, the body that regulates international shipping.

Seller’s Responsibilities
cargo handling
The DDP does include loading and unloading procedures, which are usually carried out by the seller – meaning the responsibility for the entire lawsuit rests with him.
Initial stage: load the cargo and deliver it to the port
Phase 2: Unload and prepare for shipment procedures
Stage 3: Shipping the Goods
Shipping and Delivery Conditions
According to Incoterm DDP, the seller is responsible for delivering the goods to the destination agreed upon by the contracting parties. Again, the seller pays shipping on DDP terms. Transportation-related activities involved in the process may include road transportation, ocean transportation, and transportation to designated locations.

cost
According to DDP incoterms, DDP fees are borne by the seller and include packaging and loading costs, shipping and delivery costs, freight forwarding fees, dock and loading fees to port, insurance and customs fees, and customs clearance fees (including import and export).
insurance
This is how DDP insurance works, the seller has no obligation to the buyer to insure the goods, but he/she must insure the goods as part of the customs clearance process.
Customs and customs clearance
In DDP export, the seller needs to pay customs duties and go through customs clearance procedures. He/she is not only responsible for the export customs formalities, but also has to be the import recorder, i.e. pay all duties and taxes of the destination country.
document
The seller provides the buyer with the following documents:
Bill of lading
commercial invoice
Certificate of Insurance
packing list
export permit
risk transfer
Passing of risk in DDP means that the seller assumes all risk and responsibility for the goods up to the point of delivery.

Notice
Seller must notify Buyer of any shipping and delivery terms during shipment.
Buyer’s responsibility
cargo handling
After the seller has delivered the goods, the buyer must unload the goods. If the agreed place of delivery is the buyer’s port, the responsibility for loading and unloading of the goods rests with the buyer.
Shipping and Delivery Conditions
Typically, in DDP incoterm – the buyer is not involved in shipping and delivery related activities. But if the named place is a port in the buyer’s country, then the buyer must load the goods and bear the cost of transportation from the port to the warehouse.
cost
Buyer is not required to pay DDP fees as all documentation is provided by seller. The only costs borne by the buyer are those after the seller has completed the delivery.
insurance
DDP does include insurance but as the goods are delivered at his/her place there is no risk to the buyer.
Customs and customs clearance
Buyer is not responsible for customs as import customs will also be enforced by seller. However, in some cases, the import clearance process is risky, so the process may be performed by a buyer who is more aware of local requirements and practices (such as GST and VAT).
document
The seller provides the buyer with the proof of documents, so there is basically no obligation to the buyer in terms of DDP documents. However, in critical situations, the seller may require the buyer to assist in the import procedures.
risk transfer
Once the goods are delivered by the seller, i.e. from port to door, the buyer must bear all risks and liabilities for the goods.
Notice
If the parties agree that the place of delivery is to be determined by the buyer, it is the buyer’s responsibility to notify the seller accordingly. In addition, the buyer must give the seller sufficient notice of time and delivery terms and destination. This procedure can be mentioned in the contract and can proceed accordingly.
Comparison of DDP and DAP
DAP (Delivered At Point) is different from DDP. Under DAP, the buyer is responsible for customs clearance, duties and taxes. Under the DPP, the seller is obliged to clear the goods and pay import duties and taxes. DAP is more suitable for cases where customs clearance at the border or customs is not required during the import process.
Notes for importers and exporters
DDP shipping agreements are more beneficial for buyers who know little about shipping and want a hassle-free experience. Experienced sellers can also benefit from this system because they have full control over costs, including factors that maximize profits.
Importers/buyers with more experience are more likely to avoid this type of shipping agreement as they are more likely to have a more cost-effective way to import their goods. These companies will have a network of responsible agents who can handle buyer needs.
In general, we do not recommend using DDP by the sea. However, DDP shipping from China is more common and meaningful for air express or package shipping. If you need DDP service shipped from China, please feel free to contact us.”