“What is CIF: The Definitive Guide
What is CIF?
CIF, or Cost, Insurance, Freight, is an Incoterm that describes a contract in which the seller is responsible for covering transportation to the port of origin, primary transportation, and minimum insurance.

What are the responsibilities of the buyer and seller of a CIF agreement?
Let’s explore the personal responsibilities of sellers and buyers when agreeing to sell under the CIF incoterm.
Seller’s responsibility
When sellers use CIF as their shipping Incoterms, they agree to take full responsibility for exporting and shipping the goods until they arrive on board. Once the goods are safely loaded onto the ship, the buyer takes over responsibility for the shipment and assumes responsibility for importing and shipping the product to its final destination.

The seller’s responsibilities go well beyond ensuring that the goods are placed on the container ship. Their full responsibilities include:
Export Packing: Make sure the goods are adequately packed and ready for export. In some cases, exporting countries require specific markings on their products or packaging. This party is responsible for ensuring that the goods can be properly exported.
Loading Charges: Any charges associated with loading the goods from the seller’s warehouse to the first carrier.
Shipping to Port/Location: All shipping costs associated with shipping the goods from the seller’s warehouse to the port.

Export duties, taxes and customs clearance: Any customs charges associated with exporting goods. In the event of customs inspections and additional charges, the responsibility rests with that party.
Origin Station Charges: These are the handling charges at the port of loading.
Loading on Carriage: Costs associated with loading cargo onto a ship.
Shipping Charges: Shipping charges to transport the goods from the port of loading to the port of destination.
Insurance: According to CIF Incoterms, it is the seller’s responsibility to purchase an insurance policy for the goods up to the port of destination.
Buyer’s responsibility
As soon as the goods are loaded onto the ship, the seller transfers the goods and all risk to the buyer. When the buyer controls the goods, their responsibilities are as follows:
Destination Terminal Charges: Also known as Destination Handling Charges or DTHC, these are charges associated with unloading and transshipping cargo within a terminal.
Delivery Destination: Organize logistics to transport the goods from the port to the final delivery destination.
Destination Unloading: Any charges associated with unloading the truck after the shipment has reached the delivery destination.
Import duties, taxes and customs clearance: All import requirements, including customs clearance, duties and taxes. If there is a problem with customs inspection or importation, this party is responsible for correcting the problem.

Significance of choosing a CIF
Under CIF, the buyer takes ownership of the goods only at the port of destination. The seller is responsible for cost and shipping, and the transfer of title takes place at the port of destination. This is usually subject to a third person, usually a customs agent whose consignee is listed on the bill of lading.
This means that the agent, not the buyer, has the legal right to claim against the goods. The agent will then ask the buyer to pay for the destination, including customs clearance, taxes, etc.
Many novice buyers find this option particularly advantageous because they are relatively not responsible for the goods – logistically and financially. Also, Chinese suppliers often offer lower prices if buyers agree to CIF Incoterms.

Why are you so obsessed with CIF?
As you can imagine, there is a problem with choosing a CIF. This is a pretty bad practice for imports from China. Here are some features of CIF incoterm:
Prices for purchasing items under CIF are very low and competitive – often much lower than under FOB incoterms.
You usually don’t know about item management as this is handled by the seller.
You are also often unaware that the consignee on the bill of lading is listed as the clearing agent (at destination), not yourself. (This applies to MBL or Carrier B/L)
After the goods arrive at the port of destination, certain decisions made by the agent may result in you having to pay five times the actual required fee. In addition to the arrival fee that every importer should pay above, you run the risk of ending up having to pay more. These include handling fees, exit fees, entry fees, etc. – basically the agent’s concept of “”owning”” to drive up prices, or unexpected surcharges on standard fees such as terminal fees.
Plus, having control over merchandise means they have better control over time. This means they may be in their favor – waiting for your item to arrive before notifying you. This will incur additional charges because you do not have enough time to schedule the delivery. This results in delays and additional charges that you must pay and settle before picking up your shipment.
How do you calculate CIF fees?
To calculate the CIF fee, you need to use the following formula;
Invoice of goods + insurance + freight + ex-factory fee.
In other words, the CIF cost is the sum of all the elements above.
Ideally, the goods invoice refers to the value of the item listed on the commercial invoice.
Insurance is the value charged by the respective insurance company for a specific product you ship.
In many cases, the cost of insurance is usually based on a percentage of the consignment value.
Shipping is the amount you pay the shipper to transport the goods from the port of origin to the port of destination.
Factory charges are the cost of shipping the product from the seller’s premises to a specific location.
Essentially, when calculating this cost, you have to make sure you get it right, as the duty payable is tied to value.
in conclusion
Whether you choose CIF, FOB or any other Incoterm, a better option to go through the import process is to hire the services of a competent freight forwarder.
These agents will complete the rigorous customs clearance process on your behalf.
They deliver goods to your door at affordable rates.
The freight forwarder will only invoice you after the goods have been delivered to you.
The invoice contains a list of all customs, taxes and port duties.
I highly recommend that you consider tj-chinafreight at least for your first few overseas purchases.
Freight forwarders are relatively affordable considering the hassle of customs clearance you will go through if you decide to do everything yourself.
Now it is your turn…”

“What is FOB Shipping: A Simple Guide
What does FOB mean?
FOB is the abbreviation of Free On Board, which means that when the goods are ready for delivery at the supplier’s shipping terminal, it is the responsibility of the importer, who then insures and packs the goods and incurs shipping costs until it reaches the port. The importer, as the importer, assumes all risks of loss of the goods or any damage that may occur to the goods.
How the FOB process works

The seller is required to prepare the goods, final invoice, export formalities and documents, but the goods are in the ship at the designated port and date designated by the buyer and bear all costs and risks until the goods are loaded on the designated port. The buyer must be fully informed of the place and time of delivery of the goods and bear the cost of pre-check shipping.
In fact, the buyer shall bear all import-related formalities and costs from the date the goods are on board, and bear all the risks of the goods from the date of boarding and the contract to transport the goods from the designated port, and bear the responsibility for delays in transportation. adaptations and risks posed by the cargo. Pay for all customs clearance.
Seller’s obligations under FOB Incoterm
The seller performs all its obligations until the goods are loaded on board at the port of loading. Sellers must pass various obligations, including:
export packing
loading fee
Ship to port
Export duties, taxes and customs clearance
loading

Buyer’s obligations under FOB Incoterm
It is the buyer’s responsibility to take care of the goods when they are loaded on board. This means that the buyer must bear all costs and risk of loss after the goods are shipped. Buyer must comply with the following obligations:
International Shipping Fees
destination terminal fee
delivery to destination
unloading at destination
Import duties, taxes and customs clearance
Why FOB is important:
FOB incoterm determines the point at which the risk of damage or loss passes from the seller to the buyer.
Incoterms are essential for parties engaged in international trade, especially for contracts involving vulnerable or easily stolen items.
Our example demonstrates the concept of FOB destination, as it is the standard and most popular FOB term.
However, other agreements such as FOB origin also apply.
This is where the buyer takes responsibility and ownership of the goods at the time and place where they came from.
For example, the Chinese factory in our case.
Buyers can choose FOB origin when they know they can get a better contract in shipping than suppliers.
However, it must be noted that the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) generally assumes that the terms of trade agreements are FOB origin.

That is, when there is no unique FOB language in the purchase contract.
Applying FOB shipping terms means that liability, risk and costs are shared equally between the seller and buyer of the goods.
FOB incoterm makes the seller responsible for all charges associated with your goods until they are loaded onto the carrier at their port of origin.
For example, FOB Shanghai would indicate that the seller assumes all responsibility for the goods until they are loaded onto the ship in Shanghai.
Then, after this, the responsibility will pass to you as the buyer.
FOB terms often include a phrase referring to a port.
The referenced port is the terminal from which the supplier will ship the goods.
For example, if your seller offers “”FOB Shanghai”” terms, then your responsibility for shipping costs begins in Shanghai to your final destination.
However, it should be noted that the port of origin must not be the port closest to the supplier’s location.
This is because fees and export licenses may vary from port to port.
The cost varies from one port to another, which are more expensive compared to other ports.
What does CIF mean?
incoterm CIF (CIF) refers to the price of the goods, plus insurance, and shipping costs. In Incoterms, title to the goods passes from the time of shipment to the buyer.
This means that the person who will deliver the goods will bear all costs of the goods, insurance and shipping until the goods are ready for delivery at the importer’s port.
The seller is obliged to enter into a contract for the carriage and insurance of the goods and to choose the vessel on which it will be transported, in which case the seller is not an agent here, but the seller does so itself in the execution of the contract of sale.
What is the difference between FOB and CIF
The main difference between them is the point in time when responsibility and responsibility is transferred from the seller to the buyer. This occurs in a FOB shipment when the cargo passes over the ship’s rail at the agreed port of loading. In a CIF agreement, the seller pays all costs and is liable until the goods arrive at the port of destination chosen by the buyer.
As a buyer, when should you choose FOB over CIF?
If you have experience in importing goods, you can choose FOB. But new buyers have very little experience and knowledge of the transaction, and they may end up with issues that could result in them being penalized and charged.
As a buyer, when should you choose CIF over FOB?
Some importers also use CIF to import a small amount of products because the cost of insuring the goods is higher than what the seller charges. Unlike FOB, you don’t have to worry about dealing with claims, risks or shipping costs when importing. This method is also best for new importers with little knowledge of the trade.
in conclusion
The use of FOB shipping terms may seem complicated, but I recommend it to avoid cultural differences and language barriers.
That is, creating hassle and legal issues when it comes to taking title and paying for shipping costs for international shipping.
Also, I know that choosing the correct Incoterms when importing from China can be a daunting task.
That’s why tj-chinafreight. is here for you.
We will help you choose the best Incoterms when importing from China.
Contact us today and we will make your shipping from China simple and easy.”

“EXW Incoterms Shipping from China: The Complete Guide
What is EXW?
EXW is an Incoterm that describes when the seller provides the product at a specified location and the buyer of the product must bear the shipping costs.
What are the responsibilities of the buyer and seller of an EXW agreement?
Below, we will discuss the responsibilities of buyers and sellers under the EXW Agreement.
Seller’s responsibility

According to EXW Incoterms, the seller’s liability is very low. Essentially, their only requirement is to ensure that the goods are packaged for export and that they can be collected from their location. For most shipments, this means that the product is already packed in export cartons. When the goods are ready, they must be in an area where the buyer can pick it up from the seller.
These are the sole responsibility of the seller.
Buyer’s responsibility

The buyer assumes all risk and responsibility after picking up the goods from the seller. These responsibilities include:
Loading Charges: Loading the goods at the pick-up location so that the goods can be transported to the port for export.
Ship to Port/Location: Ship the goods to the port of origin to begin the export process.
Export Duties, Taxes, and Clearance: All export documents, and pay duties on any exported goods. Buyers have to rely on their own way of exporting.

Origin Terminal Fees: Buyer is responsible for paying all fees at the terminal.
Loading on Carriage: Responsibilities associated with loading cargo into the carriage.
Shipping Charges: All shipping costs associated with shipping goods from one port to another.
Insurance: While not required, insure your shipment against damage, theft or loss.
Destination Terminal Charges: All charges related to charges charged by destination ports and terminals. When the cargo arrives at the port of destination, the terminal charges a fee to unload the cargo from the ship and transfer it throughout the port.
Shipping to Destination: The cost associated with shipping the goods from the port of destination to the final destination.
Unloading at Destination: Charges associated with unloading the cargo from the final carrier after the cargo has reached its destination.
Import duties, taxes and customs clearance: All duties and taxes associated with importing goods into the country of destination.
Advantages and disadvantages of EXW
In Ex Works, importers are responsible for all risks and costs from the time the goods are delivered to them.
Therefore, diligent and comprehensive planning is necessary.
EXW can be complicated and tricky for buyers shipping from China.
This is because they still require authorization or communication from suppliers to clear goods through customs.

Alternatively, provide the documentation to the shipping partner during shipping.
For sellers with little knowledge of logistics and overseas shipping in China, shipping on ex-factory terms may be the best option.
Consider that the seller’s sole responsibility is to ensure that the goods are properly packaged for delivery to the buyer’s disposal.
The impact on suppliers is minimal.
But regardless of risk reduction, EXW terms may not be the most economical option for sellers.
When you decide to use EXW Incoterm alone as a supplier, buyers may choose another seller that is more attractive and easier to deal with.
EXW Agreement FAQ
How is EXWorks pricing calculated?
Shipping via EXWorks requires the buyer to bear all shipping costs, including pickup from the factory, inland shipping, exporting, importing, and shipping to final destination. To calculate the cost of this type of transportation, each segment of the journey must be considered. If you ship from China, Guided Imports can provide a detailed quote for your unique shipment.
What is the difference between EXW and FOB?
In EXW shipments, the buyer is responsible for all shipping costs and must pick up the goods from the seller. In a FOB shipment, the seller is responsible for exporting and paying for loading the goods onto the ship. Once the goods are loaded, all transportation costs after the goods are loaded shall be borne by the buyer.
Do EXW Incoterms include duties and taxes?
Buyer is responsible for all import duties, taxes and customs clearance when shipping under EXW Incoterms. EXW requires the buyer to handle all aspects of the export, freight and import process. The seller is only responsible for export packaging.
What is Alibaba’s EXW?
When Alibaba sellers quote EXW prices, they say that buyers must pick up the goods from the seller’s loading dock. EXW puts all shipping responsibility on the buyer, which means they have to organize aspects such as export, shipping, import duties, taxes and customs clearance. EXW is rarely recommended for new Alibaba buyers unless shipping by air from China.”

“FCL and LCL Shipping from China – The Ultimate Guide
If you are shipping from China, you need to know about FCL and LCL shipping.
Sometimes you can save a lot of money if you find the best shipping solution between FCL and LCL shipping.

Not every time, when your cargo is not enough for a whole box, you have to choose LCL shipping.
Sometimes, FCL shipping costs even less than LCL shipping. So check out our FAQ guide and become an expert on it.
What is FCL and LCL shipping from China?
definition:
FCL: Full Cabinet Loading
LCL: smaller than container load
What is a FCL

Choose the FCL option if you only want your cargo to be in the container.
In other words, when you pre-order a full case, it’s entirely yours.
You can use it any way you want, maybe stuff the container until it’s full or half empty, it’s totally up to you.
FCL uses three standard sizes of containers:
20-foot container, volume 26 cubic meters
40-foot container with a volume of 54 cubic meters
40-foot-tall cube with a volume of 68 cubic meters
What is LCL

If your shipment does not fill the entire 20ft or 40ft container, you can ship it in a shared container with other shipments. This is what “”less than the container load”” means. It is also called LCL because it is combined with other cargo. Therefore, LCL shipping is suitable for small or medium volume shipments.
Advantages of the whole box:
reduce risk. There is less risk of damaged goods, packaging costs are saved due to less handling, and it is your own private space.
Consolidation time. Using FCL can save more freight consolidation time.
A container is opened once, loaded and sent to the port immediately.
Easier use of space. When you have a lot of cargo to ship from China, it is easier to take advantage of the space available in the FCL, if your container is not full, you can buy some volume products to fill the container.
tracking service. Tracking is available for shipments from China using FCL shipping.
You can check the current location and estimated delivery date by the container number.
Disadvantages of FCL
Not worth it. It is not cost effective enough when transporting lower CBMs such as 10CBM.
However, when transporting more than 15m3 (in a 20ft GP container) it is more cost effective to order a full container.
You need to use at least 50-70% of the container volume
The benefits of LCL
It is cost effective. In the FCL, you pay a flat rate for the container, known as the commodity box rate. But in LCL, you only pay for the amount you need. It is also cheaper than air freight
Frequently shipping smaller quantities can help you save inventory space. Therefore, LCL is the preferred shipping method for small businesses
LCL is easier to get than FCL during peak season
Disadvantages of LCL
For bulk shipments, LCL may not be cheap because its cost per cubic meter (CBM) is higher than a full container, usually two to three times higher. why? Because LCL shipping involves a lot of work – freight forwarders make multiple LCL bookings, then book a FCL container and fill it with LCL cargo (a process called consolidation).
Sometimes, LCL shipments stop at multiple ports and go through several rounds of loading and unloading. In this case, the shipping time may be longer or even cause delays. Frequent handling of items increases the chance of damage or loss of items.
How do I find the best FCL and LCL shipping prices?
For LCL shipping, only work with forwarders who have their own LCL containers.
It would be cheaper because he would not have to pay commissions for the container.
To get the best FCL shipping prices, contact many suppliers and compare their prices with each other.
Go to the cheapest provider.
What is a palletized LCL shipment?
Palletized shipments are goods placed on wooden platforms called pallets.
Goods are placed on pallets and wrapped with tape and foil to keep them together.
This is the best way to transport the goods because the goods will be protected.
How to track goods in FCL shipping?
The movement of goods in FCL shipments can be tracked by checking the shipping company’s website or by contacting a shipping agent.
Is it possible to track shipments in LCL shipments?
Goods can be tracked in LCL by container number/bill/booking number.
What types of tracking systems are there?
There are standard container tracking systems and GPS container tracking systems.
Standard container tracking systems observe the movement of cargo as it passes through important ports and stops.
GPS container tracking system shows the exact location of the container anywhere in the world.”

“Door to Door Shipping to China: The Complete Guide
What is door to door shipping from China?
The best place to start for this guide is to define what is door-to-door shipping from China. Door-to-door shipping is a service. All freight forwarders guarantee that the goods will be picked up from a specific location. And finally reach a specific location through the cities covered by the shipping area. The best way to choose yours from tj-chinafreight.com depends on what you need to ship, where, charges and shipping times.

Before choosing door-to-door shipping, you need to understand its shipping process.
Familiarity with the shipping process will help you identify your shipping stages. Throughout the process, determine what you have to do.
Step 1: Confirm the freight and delivery method with the forwarder
Step 2: Pick up from factory or supplier and ship it to china WAREHOUSE
Step 3: Our warehouse team will check the packaging and labels for compliance with shipping requirements Step 4: China customs clearance and export declaration
Step 5: Origin Processing Fees and Services

Step 6: Handling at the port of loading/airport
Step7: By sea or by air?
Step 8: Clear customs upon arrival
Step 9: Home Delivery
The benefits of door-to-door shipping in China
There are several advantages to using door-to-door shipping from China.
Some of these advantages include the following.
respect your time
All kinds of transportation companies can provide door-to-door transportation, which effectively saves the consignee’s time. What if your package or delivery takes a specific time? Carriers offer more flexibility in delivery times and can give you a fixed time when you will come to pick up your package.
There are two ways for home delivery, random home delivery and provisionally agreed home delivery. Even on Saturdays and off-peak hours, logistics companies can offer a range of guaranteed time options. Of course, depending on your schedule, you may add additional surcharges to these holidays.
Enhance your service advantage

If you are a merchant, home delivery is an important measure to improve service quality.
There are two main delivery orders:
1. Fulfill the order yourself. That is, the supplier hires a delivery person to complete the shipment to the user.
2. Use third-party logistics. Many companies choose to outsource some or all of their order fulfillment to third-party vendors.
It will help you streamline processes to reduce costs and improve order fulfillment.
No customs clearance required

When it comes to importing international goods? Are you considering customs services provided by door-to-door shipping? In other words, does your shipment need customs clearance? They collect shipments, check shipping documents and assist with customs clearance. The carrier will choose to pay duties on your behalf, such as upfront fees and taxes, and then bill you after the fact.
Are you an Amazon FBA seller? When you send products to Amazon FBA, Amazon will not be the direct recipient of your shipment for customs clearance. You need home delivery.
The forwarding company will provide a one-stop service covering customs clearance in both exporting and importing countries. In most cases, the freight forwarding company will also pay the customs duties, and the goods will be sent to the FBA warehouse designated by the shipper.

International express
Courier service is a mail and package service that delivers packages and letters from one place to another with greater speed and security. This is a door-to-door air freight, which is very convenient for businesses and individuals.
Courier companies have offices and connections between many countries in the world. International courier services deliver documents and packages from origin to destination quickly and safely. They just need to pick up the package from your home or office and send it directly to any recipient in the world. Whether you want urgent delivery or regular delivery, you can get the service.
They are sufficient to provide you with fast delivery times, even with large, heavy or bulky packages. No issues with customs clearance and other delivery arrangements. A courier service can manage the complete process for you, including tedious paperwork and customs clearance.
in conclusion
I hope you can get clarification from every aspect of China door to door shipping.
Since your freight forwarder will handle most of your shipping, you need a freight forwarder you can trust.
At tj-chinafreight, we are your trusted partner for door-to-door shipping from China.
Contact us today and let us handle your door-to-door shipping from China to your destination in a professional manner”

Importing from China: A Step-by-Step Guide By many measures, China is the largest economy in the world. This makes it an undeniable force in international trade. Importing from China has proven to be a successful global sourcing strategy for many businesses. This presents you with great opportunities as a buyer and distributor. This is a step-by-step guide from the perspective of us, a local freight forwarder serving Chinese exporters and global importers for many years. Let’s take a look at how to import from China and what you can do to make the process smoother and more efficient.1. Know your rights The first step in becoming an importer of goods is to determine whether you have the legal right to import a particular commodity. The country of landing of your exported Chinese goods may impose guidance on certain items, and it is best to be aware of restrictions that may apply. China also has its own set of rules, such as restricting the export of imitation designer clothing or goods such as handbags and animal by-products. Familiarize yourself with the import and export laws of China and your own country to avoid any legal problems. The following are products that are generally prohibited from exporting from China and should be avoided: Meat, poultry and animal by-products seed fruits and vegetables Cosmetics, medical products and pharmaceuticals any flammable fabric tobacco products Dynamite precious metal Any brand product, true or false Alcohol (without proper license) Any type of boat or motor vehicle (without proper license) 2. Check the product When you find suppliers, ask them for product samples and information about manufacturing plants. They should be willing to provide this service so you can see the quality of the product. While price is important, you also want to ensure quality that allows you to support your product with confidence. 3. Classify your shipment and calculate landed cost. Determine the 10-digit tariff classification number for each item you want to import. These numbers are used along with the Certificate of Origin to determine the duty rate you must pay when importing. Then do the land cost calculation. Please pay attention to Incoterms and calculate the total landed cost before placing your order. For example, FOB means adding the following three together. Get product prices from suppliers Charge freight forwarder (if home delivery is enough) Get customs clearance, duties and taxes, land transportation fees from landing to your warehouse Getting landed costs early is critical; no one wants to lose customers (because estimated costs are too high) or benefits (estimated costs are too low). If it is higher than you expected, you can try to find ways to reduce the cost element. If it fits your budget, you can go ahead and start the process. You may not know the exact cost of something until your shipment arrives. In these cases, you need to estimate costs as accurately as possible. Get an estimate from the company you work with and see the cost of previous shipments to see how much you’ll be charged. Unexpected charges that may arise during shipping can sometimes cause your total landed cost to fluctuate, which is completely normal. While you should determine costs as much in advance as possible, an informed estimate can go a long way. Then, once you have the actual final costs, check them against the estimates you used 4. Decide on your product and find a supplier One of the most critical parts of your business is finding a great product for resale. Do some research and find out what’s selling well, even better if that’s something you know at least. In this way, you can feel comfortable and confident when marketing your products. Check the profitability of your favorite product and make sure it has a market. Calculate the cost of the purchase versus the price at which you can reasonably sell. Be sure to do your due diligence and find out what is legally imported. Remember that there are restrictions on many items; be careful to avoid these. Failure to do so may result in penalties and fines, as well as loss of product. (Illegal products will be detained or destroyed). Once the product is identified, list the Chinese suppliers who can supply you with the product. Exporters often look for foreign partners through trade websites and online forums. There are online purchasing directories available, or you can use a professional purchasing company. For beginners who have no experience dealing with Chinese exporters, a sourcing company may be a better option. This allows you to connect with trusted sources and gain access to suppliers you might not be able to find yourself. But keep in mind that this will cost you a finder fee of 3% to 15% of your purchase price. 5. Arrange your shipment. There are many costs associated with transporting goods, including container fees, packing fees, terminal handling fees, and broker fees. To get a complete picture of shipping costs, each of these factors should be taken into account. Once you are satisfied with the shipping quote, you will need to send us or forward your supplier’s contact details. We’ll take it from there. We will be in close contact with you and your suppliers to ensure fast and safe transportation of your goods. Check details: 1. Top 2 things to consider when shipping from China 2. Shipping 3. Air Freight 4. Express service we suggest: 1. Always take into account that there may be delays in the process, for example, the goods may not be produced on time, the ship may not sail on time, and the goods may be detained by customs. Prepare and plan accordingly. Don’t expect your cargo to leave the port as soon as the factory is finished. Because it takes at least 1~2 days for your goods to be transported from the factory to the port. The customs declaration process requires your goods to stay at the port for at least 1~2 days. Also, in some cases there is only one route frequency per week. Miss a day this week and you’ll have to wait until next week. 2. Choose a good freight forwarding partner. Logistics is a highly valued aspect of modern business. Shipping costs include direct and indirect costs of transporting a product from the origin to the destination market. If they do it right, choose a good logistics provider; they guarantee smooth operations, manageable costs and continuous cash flow. If they get it wrong, at least they may add cost and waste. At worst, they could face a failed business model that eventually has to shut down. If the logistics is not managed well, the company will continue to lose money. 6. Track your shipment and prepare it for arrival. Shipping goods internationally takes time. For example, it takes on average about 14 days for a shipment out of China to reach the US West Coast, or 30 days to reach the US East Coast. Typically, the destination agent listed on the bill of lading will notify the consignee with a notification of arrival within 5 days or less of arrival at the port. When the cargo arrives in the United States, the importer of record (i.e. the owner, buyer or a licensed customs broker designated by the owner, buyer or consignee) will present the cargo’s entry documents to the port supervisor at the port of the cargo. Entrance. 7. Get your goods. Once the goods arrive, arrange for your customs broker to clear them through customs (and quarantine if applicable). If all goes well, you are entitled to pickup. If you choose our home delivery service, you only need to wait for your goods to arrive at the address you specify. Once you’ve received your shipment and determined the quality, packaging, instructions, and labels, it’s a good idea to email your supplier to let them know that you’ve received the shipment but haven’t reviewed it yet. Tell them that you will be in touch after viewing the item and would like to place another order.

A Simple Guide to Shipping from China China is fast becoming a production superpower, making a large portion of the world’s consumer goods. Importing from China has proven to be a successful global sourcing strategy for many businesses. This presents you with great opportunities as a buyer and distributor. However, this is not an easy task, especially for newbies. The import process can be complex, confusing, and expensive. Expected gains are often wiped out by excessive shipping times, rising or fluctuating delivery costs, regulatory fees and unexpected delays. In this guide, we’ll give you a simple walkthrough of shipping from China. We’ll unpack these terms in plain English so you can navigate the world of shipping with confidence. Term 1: Incoterms Incoterms are international standard codes that indicate where goods should be shipped from the supplier to the importer. A common Incoterm is DAP (“Delivered At Place”). It just means that your goods will be shipped from suppliers in China to designated overseas locations. If you are in Wisconsin and have blue widgets shipped directly from the supplier to your warehouse, you will use the code DAP. Another common code is FOB, which stands for “Free On Board”. This means transportation from the supplier to the port of export. However, it is your responsibility to arrange transportation to its final destination. For example, you might ship whatchamacallits from your supplier to the port of Hong Kong. From there you need to determine how it gets to your warehouse in Wisconsin. can be found here A complete list of Incoterms. Always be sure to tell your supplier what incoterms you want to get a shipping quote for. Otherwise, you may end up paying more than you expected. To recap: Incoterms are codes that specify how goods are transferred from suppliers to you. Term 2: FCL and LCL shipping ① LCL (Less than Container Load) refers to goods with multiple owners in a container. If the quantity of your goods is small and the volume is less than 15CBM, the freight forwarder will help you with LCL transportation. This means that you have to share a container with other importers because your cargo is loaded with less than one container. LCL shipments are calculated in cubic meters. ② FCL (Full container load) refers to the situation where your cargo is large enough to fit one or more containers. In this case, the freight is calculated based on the entire container. Usually, it will be cheaper than LCL shipping. Term 3: Shipping Container Volume Generally, there are 4 options when it comes to shipping containers. FCL 20 feet FCL 40 feet FCL 40ft HQ FCL 45ft HQ Term 4: Cargo Insurance Cargo insurance is exactly what it sounds like: insurance for shipping cargo. If something goes wrong and your cargo is hijacked by ferocious pirates, cargo insurance will cover your losses. Incoterms specify who is responsible for insuring the goods. Insurance is automatically included in the Incoterm CIF (Cost Freight and Insurance). If you use the Incoterms DAF or DAT, you must tell the shipping company that you need to insure your shipment. Thankfully, insurance is usually not expensive, usually between $50 and $100. Term 5: Amazon FBA warehouse Today, it is common for importers to ship directly from China to Amazon FBA warehouses. Amazon handles all distribution of products from these warehouses. So, for example, if you sell essential oils from China on Amazon, you can ship them directly to an FBA warehouse, and Amazon will handle the shipping for all your sales. This saves you time and shipping costs. But here’s the deal: Amazon has very strict rules about receiving packages at its warehouses. Everything must be labeled according to Amazon’s standards. Everything has to be on the tray. Everything has to be forwarded to an Amazon address using DAP and DDP incoterms. If you don’t meet these specs, you will have problems. Term 6: Export Packaging The last thing you want is for your cargo to be damaged in transit. Damaged goods lead to lost sales and plummeting revenue. Knowing how to pack your goods is critical for you. It’s also important to be clear with your suppliers, as they may not adhere to your standards. It is not uncommon for suppliers to use cheap packaging materials, which can lead to breakage. China Import provides a useful shipping checklist: Inner box: 5 layers Outer box: 5 layers Plastic Packaging: Yes (on the outer carton) Tray: Yes (ISPM 15 EU standard) Shipping Note: Yes (printed on the outer box) Again, be clear with your supplier. Don’t let things be ambiguous. If possible, please provide instructions on how the item should be packaged. Also, if any other regulations need to be considered (such as lithium batteries), be sure to state those regulations as well. Failure to comply with these regulations may result in penalties and delays. Term 7: Container Tracking A container tracking system lets you know where your ocean cargo is in the world and provides you with port details. You can keep track of the container’s current location at any time. To track container location, you need to specify container number/bill/booking number and shipping company. Using any of these three references, you can track the container and see where the container is. Term 8: Bill of Lading A bill of lading is a required document for shipping the goods. Bills of Lading (BOL) are used as freight service receipts, contracts between freight carriers and shippers, and documents of title. A bill of lading is a legally binding document that provides drivers and carriers with all the details needed to process the shipment and properly invoice it. Term 9: Amazon FBA warehouse Today, it is common for importers to ship directly from China to Amazon FBA warehouses. Amazon handles all distribution of products from these warehouses. So, for example, if you sell essential oils from China on Amazon, you can ship them directly to an FBA warehouse, and Amazon will handle the shipping for all your sales. This saves you time and shipping costs. But here’s the deal: Amazon has very strict rules about receiving packages at its warehouses. Everything must be labeled according to Amazon’s standards. Everything has to be on the tray. Everything has to be forwarded to an Amazon address using DAP and DDP incoterms. If you don’t meet these specs, you will have problems.

Air Freight vs. Sea Freight: Which is Right for Your Cargo? The difference between air and sea freight may seem obvious, but for importers and exporters, there is more than meets the eye. Our ocean and air shipping guide will help you understand the pros and cons of each and guide you in the direction that is best for your next shipment. Advantages and disadvantages of sea freight Shipping is all about economies of scale. Higher capacity, lower cost per kilo. However, what you gain in cost-effectiveness slows you down. cost and speed In terms of shipping cost calculations, the calculation of shipping costs depends on whether you are shipping by LCL (LCL) or FCL (FCL). LCL shipments are usually charged by dimensional weight unless the actual weight is heavier. As mentioned above, if your order is larger than 2 cubic meters, sea freight will save you money than air freight. FCL shipping involves renting the entire container and tends to be a flat fee regardless of how much space the container takes up. Beyond a certain weight and size, it’s no longer worth paying for large LCL shipments, and FCL can save you even more per unit shipping cost. Shipping rates tend to change, and if you work with a shipping partner, they will let you know if your shipment can be cost-optimized via LCL or FCL. As for speed, compared to air freight, sailing from one country to another takes days, not including pickup, last-mile delivery and customs clearance. LCL shipments need to share a container with other shipments, and the time required to consolidate these shipments should also be considered. FCL shipments do not require consolidation and may therefore be slightly faster than LCL shipments. Advantages and disadvantages of air freight Air shipping is fast, but can be more difficult to use for items that are easy to ship and have higher shipping costs than ocean shipping. cost and speed The first reason to use air freight is its speed, especially for transoceanic shipments within Southeast Asia. Based on information about the distances between South East Asia (SEA) countries not being too far apart, the actual flight between most Southeast Asian countries takes a maximum of a day or so. However, this does not take into account other parts of the journey, such as vans or trucks used for pickup and last mile or customs clearance. But for all these speeds, you need to be prepared to pay higher rates relative to ocean freight. Air freight is usually calculated using the higher of actual weight or dimensional weight. Dimensional weight refers to the space occupied by the cargo, also known as dimensional weight. If you ship with Janio, use the following calculation to find the billable weight: Length (cm) x Height (cm) x Width (cm)/ 5000 = Volumetric Weight (kgs) rounded to the nearest 0.5kg If your order is larger than 2 cubic meters, sea freight can save you money. However, for items that are not that large (such as small cartons that take up 0.5 to 0.9 cubic meters), you won’t gain economies of scale because you’ll end up paying for unused space. This is where air freight is more economical than ocean freight. For larger shipments that can withstand longer lead times, ocean shipping would be a better option. Air freight is best for small shipments that need to get there quickly and have a high enough value to cover the cost of shipping. Air and sea cost comparison air transport Air freight is preferred when the shipping cost is less than 15-20% of the value of the goods. For light shipments, use this billable weight calculator to calculate whether your shipment is billed by actual or dimensional weight. Air freight is faster, safer, and more reliable than ocean freight, but it’s also more expensive—$195 ocean freight can cost $1,000 air freight. Learn more about air freight pricing here. Airlines also have stricter regulations on transporting hazardous materials. See below and discuss with your freight forwarder. sea ​​freight Ocean freight offers more capacity and value – one container can hold 10,000 beer bottles! Ocean freight is generally much slower than air freight, and customs issues and port delays can cause additional delays. Express LCL is increasingly present on more routes and with more freight forwarders, often with guaranteed delivery dates and faster than regular ocean freight. The carbon footprint of ocean freight is much better than air freight. Should you use air or sea freight? Often, the number one reason for choosing an air freight service is the speed of delivery. Transporting your cargo by air can shorten the timetable compared to sea freight services. This is especially useful when shipping items with a short shelf life. However, the price of faster service is often higher shipping costs. It’s up to you to decide what makes sense for your shipping strategy. So, which should you choose? Assess when your shipments need to reach their destination, what your budget is, and how each mode will affect your business’s highest demands. If your shipment has a tough, fast approaching arrival deadline and your budget allows, please ship by air. If you have more arrival date flexibility or want to save money, ship by sea. final thoughts If you’re having trouble making the best shipping decision, trust a third-party logistics provider (3PL) like CH Robinson to help. Choose a 3PL with scale to combine your air and ocean freight with others for cost-effectiveness. The best global suppliers bring their experience working with the world’s largest and most established shippers and apply it to your success.

Shipping Guide
What is the definition of sea freight?
Ocean freight, also known as ocean freight, is a way of transporting large quantities of products by cargo ship. Goods are loaded into containers, which are loaded onto a ship, which then transports them to the country of destination.

As a general rule, shipments weighing more than 100 kg or containing multiple containers will be sent by sea. A typical cargo ship can carry around 18,000 containers. This is a cost-effective way to transport large quantities of goods over long distances.
Different types of ocean shipping services
1) FCL
FCL stands for Full Container Load and refers to a 20-foot, 40-foot or 45-foot container full of cargo as well as pallets and open top containers. FCLs are perfect when you have enough to fill a container, and can also be used to transport larger items like cars, furniture and machinery. There are various types of containers, which means you can ship almost anything, including perishable goods, to almost anywhere in the world.
2) LCL
LCL stands for Less than Container Load, which refers to goods that are not full of standard containers. Instead, containers are loaded with goods from multiple consignees sharing container space. After arriving at the port of destination, the cargo is separated at the container freight station. LCL may have higher shipping costs per unit of freight than FCL, but it may be a cheaper option for small shipments.
Since the total cost of shipping is split among multiple customers, LCL allows you to make smaller shipments in a more cost-effective manner than using air freight or paying for a full case. LCL also means that you can send your shipments when you need them, rather than waiting until you have enough product to fill a container (full case load).
3) Ro-Ro
RORO stands for Roll On, Roll Off and is the easiest and cheapest option for car transport or transporting any vehicle. The vehicle is driven directly onto the ro-ro vessel and is securely blocked, supported and tied up inside the vessel, where it is wind and water resistant for complete safety. You can also use container shipping for car shipping, check out our recent post ‘Car Shipping: Which is Better? Ro-Ro or Container Shipping?’ which discusses the pros and cons of each method.
4) Dry bulk shipping
Dry bulk shipping describes the transport of dry bulk cargoes that are unpackaged and homogeneous, meaning they can be discarded or poured into the hold of a bulk carrier. Dry bulk includes a range of agricultural products and raw materials, including coal, biomass, metals and aggregates, as well as grains and sugar. Dry bulk must be kept dry at all times as any moisture can destroy the entire load.
No matter what you need to ship, a reputable forwarder will help you find the service that meets your requirements – they will also handle your documentation and customs clearance. Some freight forwarders, such as John Goode, can also provide warehousing, transshipment and port-centric logistics, making the freight forwarding process as simple and seamless as possible.

What are the pros and cons of shipping by sea?
There are pros and cons to shipping by sea. Here we list some of them:
benefit:
Cost-effective shipping method compared to other methods such as air freight
Cheaper than other long-haul freight methods such as air freight
The most carbon efficient solution
shortcoming:
Transit time: Compared to air freight, ocean freight requires more transit time, which means that when you ship your goods around the world, you have to wait longer for them to arrive.
When shipping small quantities, prices are not sustainable.
Therefore, we recommend ocean freight as an economical and environmentally superior solution for transporting large quantities of goods. The same is true for destination countries far from the origin. So, in particular, if you want to ship containers worldwide, sea freight is one of your best options.

A Beginner’s Guide to Air Freight what is air freight Air freight refers to products that are transported by charter or commercial air carriers. These products are usually imported through freight forwarders or logistics companies. In order to import large quantities of products for individuals or organizations, freight forwarders arrange and assemble the shipment of these products locally and globally. Freight forwarding companies can be key players and can take on the role of the carrier importing these products. How does air freight work? anything! Literally anything can be delivered as air freight. Everything from lightweight items like letters to military equipment can be airlifted. The types of air carriers vary according to the services they offer. In terms of classification, air freight can be divided into three categories. via passenger airline Delivered on a cargo-only aircraft Delivery Delivered on a super cargo plane with heavy equipment. By commercial aircraft: Commercial airlines earn a lot of revenue by providing air freight. The package to be airlifted is placed in the belly of a commercial aircraft along with other cargo. capacity: The belly is the storage area under the passenger compartment. The largest of them can transport around 150 cubic meters of product, and the combined-mode aircraft can transport around 283 cubic meters of packages. Items to be transported are placed in the hold, and if items are left behind, they are placed in the remaining space. Cargo plane: Cargo planes carry more stuff than commercial planes. Large package integrators like FedEx, UPS, DHL, etc. have different types of freighters. capacity: The Boeing 747 is one of the largest aircraft when used as a freighter, with a cargo capacity of 736 cubic meters. The plane can also support about 30 pallets of cargo. To transport animals such as horses, air stabilizers, special containers on the cargo deck attached to pallets, can be installed. For loading and unloading large or special-shaped products, some aircraft can also open the nose. Electric drum: Due to lack of space, the cargo floor of the cargo plane is equipped with electric rollers, and forklifts cannot drive into the plane. After the pallets are pushed into the plane, motorized rollers help them move in the front or rear of the cargo hold. Super Transporter: As the name suggests, these carriers can transport oversized or overweight shipments. Cargo can include trucks, helicopters, and even airplanes. Yes, you read that right. Today, aircraft, including military aircraft, are also transported by cargo planes. The super transporter is specially designed for transporting huge things. Full length capacity: The plane has a huge cargo deck area above the cockpit. This way the load can fill the entire length of the aircraft. These planes are also equipped with huge doors through which anything that can be placed inside the plane can pass. These aircraft can transport up to forty-seven tons of cargo. The largest capacity aircraft can transport a weight of about 250 tons. process: From pickup to shipping, the procedure is straightforward. Your logistics operator will settle with a nearby hauler to get up at your warehouse or office. Once the cargo is stacked, the carrier carefully delivers the cargo to the terminal and loads it onto the plane. Your carrier will take care of all pickup and shipping when the shipment arrives at the destination airport. Advantages of Air Freight Speed: If you need fast shipping of goods, please send by air. A rough estimate of shipping time is 1-3 days for express air service or air service, 5-10 days for any other air service, and 20-45 days for container ship. The time for customs clearance and cargo inspection at airports is also shorter than at seaports. Reliability: Airlines operate on a strict schedule, which means that cargo arrives and departs very reliably. Security: Airlines and airports have strict controls on cargo, greatly reducing the risk of theft and damage. Coverage: The airline offers a wide range of flights to and from most destinations around the world. Additionally, air freight may be the only option available to and from landlocked countries. Disadvantages of Air Freight Cost: Air freight costs more than ocean or land freight. According to a World Bank study, air freight costs 12-16 times more than ocean freight. Also, air freight is charged based on the volume and weight of the cargo. This is not a cost-effective shipment. Environment: Air freight has a much larger carbon footprint than ocean freight. A UK government study says that a container ship carrying 2 tonnes of cargo across 5,000km creates 150kg of carbon dioxide equivalent (measured relative to GWP), while if the same cargo is transported by air the same distance creates 6,605kg carbon dioxide equivalent. Emissions from takeoff, landing and flying contribute to air pollution and global warming. Air cargo also contributes to noise pollution and congestion inside and outside the airport. Note: Sometimes it makes more sense to ship by sea than by air. This blog guides shippers in deciding between the two modes. If you’ve decided to ship by sea, check out our guides for FCL shipping here and LCL shipping here. How is air freight calculated? Rates are affected by the product being shipped, the carrier and aircraft you use, and the charged weight of the shipment. Billable weight is gross weight or volumetric weight, whichever is greater. The dimensional weight is determined by using an equation that separates the estimated length x width x height of the load by the dimensional weight factor. Generally, larger items that weigh less take up more space than smaller items, which is why air carriers choose to charge the weight option. Air freight is usually determined by billable weight. The chargeable weight applicable to the shipment will be the original weight or the dimensional weight, whichever is greater. The volumetric weight is 6000 cubic centimeters per kilogram. Hence, the cubic centimeter volume i of the isolated cargo. For example, let’s say you have a 60 x 110 x 110 cm cargo with an original load of 400 kg. The following is the calculation of the volumetric weight: Volume: 60 x 110 x 110 cm = 726000 cm3 Volumetric weight: 1,152,000 cm3/6000 = 121 kg Factors Affecting Cost The multifaceted nature of the air freight business requires flexible pricing policies that allow carriers to change their rates quickly and efficiently in response to fluctuating economic conditions. Companies that figure out how to do this will surely have a competitive advantage in the market.