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Often, a lot of people would go into individual businesses with high hopes. Only to realize it didn’t quite go as planned.
The business of shipping products from one part of the world to another is no exception.
People delve into it without prior knowledge of what is involved and soon become stuck in the process, from delay in transit time to government regulations change.
Thus, we have put this step-by-step guide together to help businesses out there find their foot when it comes to importing from China.
1. International Express – Fast and Most Convenient Way
If you’re looking to ship no more than 200Kg worth of products, there couldn’t certainly be a better choice than the International Express option.
Sometimes the fee turns out to be a problem, buying more products and shipping together by freight will make for a better alternative.
When this still isn’t feasible, then you may have to buy from local suppliers.
International Express(FedEx, DHL, UPS, etc.) is most appropriate when considering high-value products. They are perfect for time-bound products, I.e., products that have to be delivered quickly, including electronics, fashion goods, jewelry, etc.Consider certain things must when using International Express.Calculate bulk cargo by dimension weight (I.e., length x width x height x 5000).Thus, if you aim to ship 200 cups to America by DHL, the weight will be 200g/cup, while the dimensional weight will turn out to be 300g/cup.Therefore, you will end up being charged at the subsequent rate. In general, products with bigger spaces will eventually cost more express fee.Notwithstanding, most importers still prefer International Express to air freight because of the cargo promotion price, which tends to make it cheaper considering when a cargo size greater than 1,000 Kg.For example, Chinese Amazon suppliers have consistently used FedEx for all their FBA (Fulfilment by Amazon) goods. With this choice, it would only take 5 – 6 days for 1,000Kg goods to arrive in the US and goes for a low fee of $2.8/Kg.
2. China Post Mail Package – Best for 20-200Kg cargo
If you’re considering a cargo size within the range of 20 to 200Kg, then another right choice to consider is the China Post mail.
This package goes for around 1/3 the international express price and is especially fitting for regions in the African continent as most freight companies charge relatively very high rates.
Therefore, this service does not make weight calculations based on the dimension and is most suited for lightweight products. The disadvantages associated with this option include that of the limitation placed on the weight of each parcel.This means that your cargo must, therefore, split into several cartons of not more than 20kg in weight.Also, this takes time. The estimated time of arrival of goods using this means of shipping usually falls within two months.
3. Air Freight
Calculate the dimension weight for air freight as length x width x height/6000.
This service is far less in cost than International Express but has the requirement that all cargo be more than 500Kg.This shipping method goes from one airport to the other.
This means that a supplier sends the products to the airport and takes care of every custom export procedure, while the importer takes over and completes the remaining customs import process.
Air shipment
Many domestic forwarding charges may also come into effect if the airport is quite far away from your intended destination.
One critical point to note is that all airlines have stringent laws regarding the shipment of hazardous products.
These include highly inflammable products, ones that may quickly burn, or those as seen to contain harmful or toxic chemical substances.
The balancing scooter is an example of a product that cannot be shipped through air freight.
This contains a lithium-based battery and is therefore considered toxic.
Thus, if you’re interested in importing a utility like this, then your best bet will be that of shipping.
4. Less Than Container Load Shipping (LCL)
When dealing with a container load of more than 2-3CBM, your most economical means of getting this shipped is the LCL.
This sea freight service involves a port-to-port movement. Therefore, if your base is a lot farther from the seaport, an extra cost may incur.
However, if you do not have a seaport close to your location, then it may be a good idea to inquire from a local shipping company about your chances of shipping from China. Another cost-saving means will involve the use of a 20GP container against the LCL.However, this is applicable in exceptional conditions where your gross cargo load is around 15 – 20CBM.Fill empty spaces with low-value goods; these are considered free shipping.Certain forwarding agencies specialize in clearing and handling customs processes; you only need to locate their warehouse to pick up your products.Some of them charge $280/CBM to Nairobi, which means you only get to pay $28 for 0.1CBM.
5. Full Container Load Sea Shipping
Most traders who engage in large product shipping have consistently relied on this means of shipping to get their products across. The basis for the capacity of three commonly used containers include:
- 20GP, 20 tons 26CBM
- 40GP, 26.5ton 54CBM
- 40HQ, 26.5 tons 68CBM
6. Full Container Railway Shipping – Yixin’ou Railway Shipping Line
This route, which connects to many European countries, was opened in November 2014.
It begins at Yiwu city and passes through Kazakhstan, Russia, Poland, Germany, France and climaxes in Madrid, Spain.
The only major trouble with this means of shipping is that it only accepts full container loads of shipping for every run.
