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FAQs

Shipping & Inquiry FAQ

For: International Wholesale Buyers

Shipping Methods

Q1: What international shipping methods do you support?

We support four main shipping options, chosen based on cargo volume, timeline, and destination:

Q2: What's the difference between FCL and LCL? Which should I choose?

FCL: You occupy an entire container (20GP / 40GP / 40HQ). Charged per container, the more you ship, the better the unit cost. Typically faster and lower risk of damage.

LCL: Charged by actual volume (CBM) or weight, ideal for orders that don't fill a full container. However, it involves more handling, so transit time is slightly longer.

Recommendation: When your shipment exceeds 12–15 CBM, FCL is usually more cost-effective than LCL. Contact us for an assessment.

Q3: What delivery terms are available? What do "port-to-port" and "door-to-door" mean?

We support the following delivery terms:

表格

TermMeaningPort to Port (CFR/CIF)Cargo delivered to destination port; customs clearance and inland delivery are buyer's responsibility.Airport PickupCargo arrives at destination airport; buyer arranges pickup.Door to Door (DAP/DDP)Cargo delivered to buyer's address, including partial or full customs clearance.

DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) means we handle both export and import clearance plus duties, all included in the quoted price, no extra action needed from the buyer.

Customs & Duties

Q4: Does the shipping cost include customs clearance and import duties?

It depends on the delivery terms:

EXW / FOB: Shipping does not include customs. Buyer arranges destination clearance and pays import duties.
CFR / CIF: Includes sea freight, excludes destination customs clearance and duties.
DAP: Delivered to your door, but import clearance and duties remain the buyer's responsibility.
DDP: All-inclusive, export + import clearance and duties are covered in our quote.

Always check the Incoterms stated on your quotation.

Q5: Why does the shipping rate change between quotes?

International freight rates fluctuate due to several factors:

Market fluctuations on shipping lanes (especially sea freight capacity)
Bunker/fuel surcharge (BAF/FAF) adjustments
Seasonal peaks (e.g., pre-Chinese New Year, Christmas season)
Changes in destination port handling fees
Currency exchange rate shifts

Tip: Please confirm your order within 7 business days of receiving a quote, as rates may expire and require re-confirmation.

Inquiry Process

Q6: How do I request a shipping quote? What information do I need to provide?

Please provide the following details so we can give you an accurate quote:

Required Information

Product name / HS code (if known)
Estimated quantity, weight (KGS), volume (CBM)
Destination (country, city, or port)
Preferred delivery term (port-to-port / door-to-door)
Expected shipment date
Whether customs clearance service is required

Optional but Helpful

Import license status (if applicable)
Any special handling requirements at destination

Q7: How are large orders handled differently from small orders?

表格

Small OrdersLarge OrdersGeneral Definition< 50 KG or < 0.5 CBM≥ 1 CBM or full containerRecommended MethodInternational Express (DHL/FedEx/UPS)LCL or FCLQuote TurnaroundInstant quote, within 1 business daySubject to space availability and handling fees, 1–3 business daysCustoms ClearanceUsually handled by the courierRecommend buyer has a broker or we arrange DDPPackaging RequirementsStandard export packaging is sufficientDetailed packing list and dimensions required for booking

Q8: What threshold qualifies for a full container shipment?

As a general guide:

When your cargo reaches 15 CBM, we recommend evaluating a 20GP FCL (capacity ~25–28 CBM).
At 50 CBM+, a 40HQ FCL (capacity ~67–68 CBM) is typically the most cost-effective option.
FCL is charged at a flat container rate; the per-CBM cost is usually 20–35% lower than LCL at scale.

General Notes

Q9: Do you ship samples?

Yes. Samples are typically shipped via DHL / FedEx / UPS at the buyer's cost, or offset against the first bulk order (subject to agreement). Please indicate "Sample" when inquiring so we can route it through the correct channel.