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In the context of deepening globalization, transnational commodity circulation forms the backbone of global economic activities. China, as a giant in the global manufacturing industry, its role on the global trade stage cannot be underestimated. Companies that want to introduce goods from China to the U.S. market often rely on the professional services of freight forwarders to navigate the many challenges of international logistics.
When transporting goods from China to the United States, it is particularly critical to be familiar with the operating mechanism of the entire logistics chain. This includes carefully selecting the right carrier—a freight forwarder with expertise in China-U.S. routes and familiarity with the customs policies and regulations of both countries. This article aims to explore some practical guidelines on freight forwarder selection and additional services when shipping from China to the United States.
What is a freight forwarder
What is a freight forwarder? A freight forwarder acts as an intermediary between the shipping company and the final destination of the goods. Although they do not transport themselves, they offer different modes of transport such as sea, rail, road and air transport.
Freight forwarders leverage their trusted connections with carriers and partners, from air transport experts and freight companies to transoceanic routes, to negotiate the best prices. This could be using established commercial routes with regular, frequent departures, or via charter flights, evaluating different offers and choosing the better route that optimizes speed, cost and reliability, taking into account all the variables required to analyze each situation.
Typically, freight forwarders handle large volumes of cargo, even from one international destination to another, so they are a key part of triangular operations. At least three companies are involved in the triangular operation (manufacturer, intermediary and final customer), each located in a different country, although there is only one delivery and one shipment of goods. This operation is complex from a documentation point of view and, most importantly, from a VAT settlement point of view.
Important considerations for shipping from China to the United States
Shipping goods from China to the United States involves complex logistics, regulations, and considerations. Whether you are a business or an individual, here are some important considerations to keep in mind:
Importers can use express, air or sea shipping from China to the United States.
Which method you use depends on the type of cargo and load, your time requirements and your budget.
There are dozens of airports and ports in the United States offering service from China, so U.S. importers have a lot of flexibility. Be sure to contact a freight forwarder to understand all of your options and maximize your savings.
Chinese freight forwarders like NEW SPEED can offer negotiated rates that US or international freight forwarders cannot, and we pass these savings on to you.
It’s important to know your supplier’s Incoterms as this will affect the final cost and any logistics you may be responsible for. If you’re not sure, get a quote and we can help you figure it out.
Don’t forget to protect your investment with freight insurance and work with a customs broker to ensure your shipments leave China and enter the United States smoothly. NEW SPEED can provide these services if you need them.
Many freight forwarders are taking advantage of the supply chain crisis to jack up prices for their customers.
In 2022, when freight rates cooled and slots became readily available, freight forwarders that took advantage began to experience massive customer churn. This has caused some freight forwarders to go bankrupt, leaving customers’ goods stranded.
As questions remain about the economy, it’s important to realize that if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. If a freight forwarder is offering rates that are significantly lower than their competitors, and they can’t provide a valid reason, there’s a good chance they’re trying to defraud you.
With ocean freight rates remaining at record lows, shipping companies will continue to cancel sailings with little warning in an effort to keep up with demand. This will increase the chance of delays.
With ocean freight rates remaining at record lows, shipping companies will continue to cancel sailings with little warning in an effort to keep up with demand. This will increase the chance of delays.
What is the best way to ship from China to the United States?
While this is a good question, there is no universal “best way” to ship from China to the United States.
When planning your shipment, you need to carefully consider the following variables:
· Products and loads – What is being transported, what are its dimensions, and what is its weight?
· Destination – Which country am I shipping to and what routing options are available?
· Time requirements – Do you need your items yesterday, in a few days, or can you wait a few weeks?
Depending on your answers to these questions, one or more of the following shipping methods should be considered, including
· Air express
· Air freight
· Ocean freight
No matter which method you ultimately choose, the best way to ship from China to the United States is always to contact a Chinese freight forwarder, and there are several reasons for this.
First and foremost, the rates from a Chinese freight forwarder like NEW SPEED will be much lower than what US or international freight forwarders typically offer. This is because our rates are negotiated for the Chinese market, not the U.S. market.
Likewise, since leading freight forwarders book large volumes through their respective carriers, their rates are also higher compared to if you contact the carrier directly to manage your shipment. All of these savings are passed on to you.
NEW SPEED Freight Forwarding Recommended Method from China to the United States: Sea Shipping from China to the United States
China Shipping ships goods from China to the United States via container ships.
When choosing to ship to the United States this way, buyers have the flexibility to customize their shipping to meet their unique needs. The main considerations are the container load size, and whether your shipment is a “Less Container Load” (or LCL) or a “Full Container Load” (or FCL).
LCL shipping from China to the United States
When there is not enough cargo shipped by sea to fill an entire container, buyers often choose to share the container space with other shippers. This method of transportation is called “LCL”, or LCL for short.
Generally speaking, LCL is a good choice when sending goods larger than 1 cubic meter and smaller than 15 cubic meters.
When buyers choose to ship goods via LCL, freight forwarders often assist them in collecting and transporting the goods to a local warehouse. At the warehouse, the goods are combined with those of other buyers and loaded into the same container.
Once all goods arrive at the warehouse, they are loaded into containers. The logistics company is then responsible for trucking the goods to the port and starting the freight process.
The advantage of LCL is that it allows the shipment of smaller sized shipments that would otherwise not be shipped by sea, thereby taking advantage of the low-cost option of sea freight. But the disadvantage is that the cost per cubic meter of LCL is always higher than that of FCL.
Full container shipping from China to the United States
“Full container load” shipping refers to shipping that uses the entire container and the cargo is not shared with other shippers.
FCL does not require the container to be full, but rather specifies that container space is not shared between goods from multiple buyers.
When the cargo volume is around 15 cubic meters or more, FCL transportation can be considered, and its cost can be compared with the cost of LCL transportation.
Because FCL shipping only contains shipments for a single consignee, there is greater flexibility in how products are loaded into the container.
In most cases, when a buyer purchases a product from a Chinese supplier, the container is trucked to the supplier’s warehouse and loaded on site.
If buyers wish to consolidate multiple products, they can choose to have all products shipped to a centralized warehouse and then load the goods into containers, or they can ask a single supplier to collect all goods and load the containers at their warehouse.
FCL shipments can also be shipped directly to the buyer’s warehouse upon arrival in the United States, or shipped to a warehouse before being unpacked.
When using FCL, it is best to work with a freight forwarder who has experience shipping goods from factories in China to the United States.
Professional trucking companies like NEW SPEED can provide the following benefits:
· Deliver high capacity rates
· Organize the collection of goods and communicate directly with your suppliers
· Identify any potentially missing documentation or compliance requirements required for importing and exporting goods
· Customize shipping processes to meet the needs of each shipment. Other services include quality inspection, repackaging, relabeling, consolidation, deboxing and warehousing.
· Manage customs declaration process
· Ship to anywhere in the United States, whether it’s a warehouse, Amazon fulfillment center, business address, or even a residential address.
How do I get a freight forwarder in China when shipping to the United States?
So you found the right supplier and the product has been shipped. How is this going? Let’s talk about this. There’s a lot to do along the way. You must find some good freight forwarders to assist you with the shipping process. Like manufacturers, transportation companies that don’t deliver goods to your customer base can have a significant impact on your business. You must find an honest supplier to meet the needs of your supply chain.
Here are some tips for finding a reliable China to US freight forwarder.
When looking for a freight forwarder to handle shipping from China to the United States, it is important to carefully vet potential companies. Here are some tips for finding a reliable freight forwarder:
– Recommendations from other businesses requesting shipments from China to the United States
– Check the company website
– Contact the company and ask questions about their services, such as shipping times and customs procedures
– Get quotes from multiple freight forwarders to compare prices and services
Do you have a freight forwarder in China?
The best China to USA freight forwarder
Freight forwarders play a vital role in managing the logistics and transportation of goods from China to the United States. They coordinate shipments, handle documentation, and ensure your shipment reaches its destination efficiently and in compliance with all relevant regulations. Here is an overview of the steps involved in shipping goods from China to the United States using a freight forwarder:
Choosing a Freight Forwarder: Start by researching and selecting a reputable freight forwarding company with experience handling freight between China and the United States. Look for a company that specializes in the type of cargo you want to transport and has a proven track record.
Reservation and Documentation: Please contact the freight forwarder to reserve your shipment. They will provide you with the necessary documents including bill of lading, commercial invoice, packing list and any other required documents.
Cargo Pickup: The freight forwarder will arrange to pick up your cargo from the supplier or manufacturer in China. They can also help with packaging and labeling to ensure compliance with shipping regulations.
Transportation to Port: Depending on the supplier’s location, the goods will be transported to the nearest port for export. In China, common departure ports for shipments to the United States include Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Qingdao.
China Customs Clearance: The freight forwarder will handle customs clearance in China to ensure that all export documents are complete and that your goods comply with Chinese export regulations.
Ocean Shipping: Your goods will be loaded onto a container and shipped to the United States via ocean freight. Shipping times may vary depending on destination port in the United States.
US Customs Clearance: Upon arrival in the United States, your shipment will go through customs clearance. The freight forwarder will handle the import documentation and customs clearance process, ensuring compliance with U.S. customs regulations.
Inland Shipping: Once cleared through customs, the shipment will be shipped to its final destination within the United States. This may involve trucking, rail or other forms of inland transportation, depending on the location.
Delivery: Your goods will be shipped to your designated location in the United States, whether it’s a warehouse, distribution center, or directly to a retail store.
Final Documents: The freight forwarder will provide you with all necessary documents, including bills of lading and customs clearance documents, for your records.
Payment Method: You will settle payment with the freight forwarder, which usually includes shipping charges, duties and taxes, and any additional charges for their services.
Tracking and Communications: Throughout the entire process, your freight forwarder should provide you with tracking information and keep you updated on the status of your shipment.
China to USA Freight Forwarding, Bassenton Freight Forwarding provides seamless and reliable solutions for shipping goods from China to the United States. With years of industry expertise, Bassenton specializes in simplifying the complexities of international logistics. They specialize in coordinating shipments, handling meticulous documentation, and adhering to customs regulations to ensure your shipment goes smoothly. Bassenton’s commitment to efficiency and cost-effectiveness, coupled with a dedication to customer satisfaction, makes them a trusted partner for businesses and individuals looking to import goods from China to the United States. Whether you’re dealing with large or small shipments, Bassenton Freight Forwarding is your reliable choice for streamlined, efficient international shipping.