Knowledge hub
Updated Aug 2026Shipping Knowledge Hub
Decision tools—not keyword farms. Use these guides to choose Incoterms, calculate chargeable weight, compare FCL/LCL or FTL/LTL, prepare documents, and avoid operational surprises when shipping from China.
Market guidance updated 2026 · Incoterms® 2020 (ICC)
Catalogue
Shipping From China
69 guides
Incoterms 2020 Explained
EXW, FOB, CIF, DAP, DDP and more—risk, cost, and who books freight when buying from China.
Open guide →How to Calculate Chargeable Weight
Actual vs volumetric weight, air ÷6000, express divisors, and sea CBM logic with examples.
Open guide →FCL vs LCL Shipping
Full container vs less than container load, break-even around 12–15 CBM, handling risk.
Open guide →FTL vs LTL Shipping
Full truckload vs less than truckload for road freight—cost, speed, and handling.
Open guide →Major Ports, Airports and Rail Hubs
When to prefer which gateway for ocean, air and China–Europe rail patterns.
Open guide →Metric Ton (MT) in Shipping
MT vs Short/Long Ton conversions, W/M freight billing, container payload limits and SOLAS VGM compliance.
Open guide →FOB Shipping Point vs Destination
Title transfer, transit risk, and freight cost allocation—plus UCC vs Incoterms 2020, freight billing modifiers, and ASC 606 accounting.
Open guide →Top 10 US Freight Forwarders
DHL, Kuehne + Nagel, Expeditors, C.H. Robinson and more—services, global presence, and how to choose for China imports.
Open guide →CNF Shipping Explained
Cost and Freight Incoterms—seller freight to the port, buyer risk at origin, pricing, and FOB/CIF/EXW differences.
Open guide →Why Is Shipping from China So Cheap?
The 4 pillars of low-cost Chinese freight—port automation, VAT rebates, courier price wars, and UPU reforms—plus the 2026 customs shift.
Open guide →Blank Sailing in Ocean Freight
Void sailings explained: mechanical types, port omission vs rollover, root causes, the cost of delay, the 2026 alliance landscape, and a 5-step mitigation playbook.
Open guide →RoRo vs Container Shipping
China vehicle exports: comparison matrix, 40ft HC racking systems, cost & transit benchmarks, EV IMDG Class 9 rules, and a step-by-step decision framework.
Open guide →Biggest Ports in the UK
Felixstowe, London Gateway, Southampton, Liverpool and Immingham ranked by TEU, tonnage and rail—plus a port selection framework and UK CDS compliance.
Open guide →Freight Broker vs Freight Forwarder
4-party matrix (forwarder, NVOCC, broker, customs broker), COGSA/FMC liability rules, the DDP supply chain flow, and how a hybrid model saves 15–18%.
Open guide →Just in Time Delivery (JIT)
Lean inventory strategy for China imports: bonded-zone duty pull, digital Kanban, JIT vs traditional comparison, risks, and hybrid China-Europe rail backups.
Open guide →Co-Loader in Shipping
LCL consolidation explained: co-loader vs NVOCC vs forwarder, wholesale vs retail rates, the LCL-to-FCL break-even, and avoiding hidden destination CFS fees.
Open guide →Peak Season 2026 Shipping Guide
Complete 2026 peak season calendar, Amazon FBA inbound deadlines, ocean/air freight cutoffs from China, landed cost math, and 5 operational tactics to avoid stockouts.
Open guide →Chinese New Year Shutdown 2026
CNY 2026 factory shutdown timeline, ocean rate surges, blank sailings, LCL cutoffs, safety stock math, and post-CNY quality control strategies.
Open guide →What Is PVG in Shipping
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) terminals, PACTL, Eastern Air Logistics, congestion fixes, and alternative gateway routing for air freight from China.
Open guide →Volume of a Pallet (CBM)
Pallet CBM calculation formulas, Euro vs ISO dimensions, chargeable volumetric weight, container stowage efficiency, and SOLAS VGM compliance.
Open guide →How to Track Ocean Containers
ISO 6346 check digit verification, DCSA event codes, AIS vs IoT tracking, demurrage calculation formulas, and major carrier API integrations.
Open guide →FEU (Forty-Foot Equivalent Unit)
40ft container dimensions and payload specs, FEU vs TEU cost comparison, CBM stowage efficiency math, High Cube/Reefer/Open Top/Flat Rack variants, and a booking decision playbook.
Open guide →Port of Discharge (POD) vs. Port of Loading (POL)
POL vs POD vs Place of Delivery disambiguation, Incoterms 2020 risk transfer points, EDIFACT COARRI/CODECO tracking, and POD demurrage/detention math with a worked LA case study.
Open guide →TEU (Twenty-Foot Equivalent Unit)
20ft container engineering specs, TEU vs FEU cost analysis, non-standard container conversion ratios (10ft/45ft/48ft/53ft), SOLAS VGM limits, and vessel capacity math.
Open guide →Should I Palletize My Cargo?
Palletized vs loose carton shipping, pallet dimensions and weight limits, container loading math, and a 5-step decision playbook.
Open guide →Packaging & Damage Prevention Tips
Carton strength, cushioning materials, moisture/condensation protection, pallet stabilization, container lashing, and export labeling.
Open guide →Cheapest Ways to Ship Large Boxes Across the US
USPS vs UPS vs FedEx vs LTL freight comparison, dimensional weight math, and a cost-cutting playbook for large-box shipping.
Open guide →The True Cost of Cargo Ships
Newbuild prices, daily opex, charter rates, cost per TEU economics, and how vessel costs become your ocean freight rate.
Open guide →Where to Buy Shipping Boxes in China
Carton factories, packaging wholesale markets, 1688/Alibaba sourcing, custom printing, and export-grade carton specs.
Open guide →Shipping Order (SO) in Logistics
SO meaning, the booking-to-loading process, SO vs Bill of Lading differences, and the SO's role in LC transactions.
Open guide →Wide Berth: Meaning & Maritime Origin
The nautical origin of 'wide berth', COLREGs Rule 8, Closest Point of Approach math, swing radius, and port operations.
Open guide →Top 10 Freight Forwarders in Australia
2025 market context, selection criteria, the top 10 forwarders, pricing structures, and how to choose the right partner.
Open guide →Top 10 Freight Forwarders in Sweden
2025 market context, selection criteria, the top 10 forwarders, pricing structures, and how to choose the right partner.
Open guide →How to Find a Trusted Shipping Agent in China
Verify licenses, find reliable agents, spot scams and red flags, and run due diligence before signing.
Open guide →What Is Domestic Shipping?
Domestic vs international shipping, modes, cost factors, and how last-mile delivery completes the import chain.
Open guide →Box Truck Dimensions Guide
10ft to 26ft truck sizes, cargo volume, payload limits, 48x40 pallet stowage, GVWR weight classes, and CDL rules.
Open guide →Hong Kong Freight Forwarders Directory
2026 directory of verified forwarders, HAFFA accreditation standards, districts, and cross-border TDEC compliance.
Open guide →What Is CY Shipping?
CY/CY vs CY/CFS handoff terms, container yard cutoffs, dwell fees, and FCL/LCL break-even math.
Open guide →Currency Adjustment Factor (CAF) Guide
CAF vs BAF vs GRI, weighted currency baskets, exchange-rate math, and financial risk mitigation strategies.
Open guide →Port Side vs. Starboard
Origins, COLREGs light rules, ISO 9711 container row indexing, and vessel list math.
Open guide →FOB Price Meaning & Calculation
Incoterms 2020 FOB rules, FOB vs CIF vs FCA math, B/L release risks, and US customs valuation.
Open guide →Ship a Capsule House to the USA
40HQ vs flat rack, OOG lashing, HTS 9406 customs, state DOT permits, and landed cost case studies.
Open guide →How Long Does Express Shipping Take from China?
2026 DHL, FedEx, UPS and China Post EMS transit timelines, volumetric math, and speed playbook.
Open guide →How to Calculate Carton Box Size
CBM formulas, DIM divisors 139/166/5000, GMA pallet stacking, ECT limits, and worked case studies.
Open guide →How to Calculate Volumetric Weight
Air (6000), express (5000), and sea (1000) divisors with independent step-by-step verification math.
Open guide →Pallet Shipping Cost Calculator
NMFC density classes, GMA vs Euro pallets, pallet density math, and LTL vs FTL optimization.
Open guide →Door to Door Shipping from China
DDP vs. DDU Incoterms, 2026 air/sea/express rates, ACE customs entry, and Amazon FBA injection.
Open guide →Consolidated Freight Shipping Services
Ocean LCL, air & LTL consolidation, CBM savings math, and 3PL logistics.
Open guide →How to Safely Pack a Shipping Container
C-TPAT 7-point inspection, SOLAS VGM, ISO 17712 seals & 3PL loading supervision.
Open guide →Shipping Mini Excavators to Houston
EPA Tier 4 compliance, HTS 8429.52 tariffs, and 40HC nesting vs RoRo freight math.
Open guide →FCA vs FOB Incoterms
Risk transfer points, container terminal rules, and landed cost math.
Open guide →Cheapest Way to Ship Framed Art
USPS/UPS/FedEx vs 3PL ocean/air rates, archival packaging, and HTS tariffs.
Open guide →How to Import & Ship Container Houses from China
Flat-pack vs expandable types, HTS 9406.90 tariffs, SOC shipping & DDP costs.
Open guide →How to Reduce Air Freight Costs
Density math, Sea-Air hybrids, and 3PL tactics.
Open guide →Terminal Handling Charges (THC) in Shipping
OTHC vs DTHC, Incoterms 2020 allocation, and 3PL tactics.
Open guide →What is International Shipping? How It Works
7 steps, customs clearance, ACE entries & 3PL costs.
Open guide →Cheapest Way to Ship from China
Rates, shipping modes & 3PL savings.
Open guide →Top 10 China International Shipping Companies
Rankings, alliances & freight math.
Open guide →Top 10 Freight Forwarders in Singapore
Rankings, rates & DDP logistics.
Open guide →How to Find a Freight Forwarder from China to USA
FMC rules, rates & 3PL math.
Open guide →What Is a Barge Used For?
Feeder logistics, rates & workflows.
Open guide →What Is Blind Shipping?
BOL mechanics & 3PL math.
Open guide →Why Use Pallets for Container Shipments?
Benefits, ISPM 15 & best practices.
Open guide →Unloading Floor Loaded vs. Palletized Containers
Time, cost & 3PL math.
Open guide →Global Port Congestion
Causes, impact, rates & 3PL solutions.
Open guide →What Is Landed Cost?
Formula, calculation & 3PL accounting.
Open guide →International Ocean Shipping from China
FCL vs. LCL, rates & customs.
Open guide →Shipping Generators from China
Dangerous goods, HTS 8502 & freight costs.
Open guide →Loading and Unloading in Shipping
Stuffing, devanning & rules.
Open guide →Catalogue
Sourcing From China
29 guides
How Much Do Skis Cost
Retail MSRP vs China factory FOB prices, HTS 9506.11 duties, oversized freight rates, and landed cost formulas for ski equipment sourcing.
Open guide →Smart Gadget Parts from China
Sourcing displays, batteries, chips, and PCBAs in 2026: channels, quality control, certification, and shipping electronics.
Open guide →Most Profitable Items from China
2026 margin ranking of import categories, landed-cost math, and the categories importers should avoid.
Open guide →How to Negotiate with Alibaba Suppliers
MOQ reduction scripts, Trade Assurance drafting with AQL specs, FOB vs EXW, and target landed-cost math.
Open guide →Low Cost Country Sourcing (LCCS)
LCCS vs BCCS strategy, China/India/Vietnam/Mexico/Turkey matrix, Total Cost of Ownership math, and compliance.
Open guide →Business Etiquette in China
Guanxi, Mianzi, business card protocols, WeChat norms, banquet rules, and relationship ROI math.
Open guide →Top Products Made in China
Leading export categories, provincial sourcing hubs, HTS codes, Section 301 tariffs, and landed cost math.
Open guide →Shenzhen Wholesale Markets
Huaqiangbei, Nanyou, Shuibei, Sungang sourcing, HTS tariff risk, AQL 2.5, and landed cost math.
Open guide →How to Buy From Alibaba Safely
Six common scams, supplier verification tiers, Trade Assurance clauses, AQL 2.5, and target FOB math.
Open guide →Unique Promotional Products Sourcing
Top 10 swag items, Yiwu/Shenzhen hubs, HTS codes, CBM consolidation, and landed cost math.
Open guide →Trending Promotional Products
2026 corporate swag categories, HTS duty stacks, CBM consolidation, and worked case studies.
Open guide →Product Sourcing
Top 5 sourcing methods, best sourcing countries, popular platforms, and working with sourcing companies.
Open guide →ODM vs. OEM vs. Contract Manufacturing
IP ownership, custom tooling costs, regional hubs (China/Vietnam/Mexico), TCO math, and NNN agreements.
Open guide →Strategic Sourcing
12 real-world examples (Amazon, Toyota, Apple), TCO and weighted supplier scoring math, and 7-phase methodology.
Open guide →Sourcing Phone Cases from China
Shenzhen & Dongguan factory hubs, HTS tariff stacks, AQL 2.5 QC, and CBM consolidation landed math.
Open guide →Types of Manufacturing Processes
6 manufacturing systems, injection molding vs. CNC vs. 3D printing, break-even math, and DDP freight.
Open guide →Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ)
Supplier break-even MOQ math, 6 negotiation strategies, EOQ vs. MOQ, and origin CBM consolidation.
Open guide →Direct vs. Indirect Procurement
COGS vs. OPEX, landed cost math, tail-spend consolidation, and 2026 trade compliance (ACE, UFLPA, Section 301).
Open guide →Custom Hats Wholesale from China
Qingdao/Yiwu/Dongguan factory hubs, HTS 6505 tariffs, UFLPA compliance, and CBM consolidation landed math.
Open guide →Top 15 Alibaba Alternatives
1688, Global Sources, IndiaMART, Made-in-China, and regional sourcing hubs with landed cost math.
Open guide →How to Find a Manufacturer
9-step sourcing framework, forensic factory audits, private vs. white label, and TCO math.
Open guide →Top 15 Yiwu Sourcing Agents
Futian Market layout, agent commission fees, AQL 2.5 QC, and CBM consolidation landed math.
Open guide →China Sourcing Agent
Top 10 China sourcing agents, fee structures, AQL 2.5 QC, and DDP freight math.
Open guide →Alibaba Trade Assurance Guide
Escrow mechanics, fee structures, dispute timelines, and 3PL inspection math.
Open guide →Is Alipay Safe for Foreigners?
2026 transaction limits, 1688 B2B sourcing, and off-platform payment risk math.
Open guide →Import Dog Toys from China
Top manufacturers, ASTM F963/EN71 compliance, HTS codes, and CBM freight math.
Open guide →Wedding Dress Manufacturers in China
Suzhou & Chaozhou hubs, HTS 6204 duties, Section 301 tariffs, and DDP freight math.
Open guide →How to Import and Ship Beauty Equipment from China
FDA 2877 laser compliance, HTS 8543.70 tariffs, and flight case DDP freight math.
Open guide →Importing Bluetooth Speakers from China
UN 3481 battery rules, tariffs & costs.
Open guide →Catalogue
Dropshipping From China
25 guides
Taobao Shipping to the USA
GCS vs buying agent vs 3PL forwarder, cargo restrictions, volumetric weight, transit times and US customs compliance.
Open guide →Hong Kong Postal Code Guide
Why HK has no zip codes, correct placeholders (0000/000000/HKG) for Amazon, Taobao & couriers, and proper address formatting.
Open guide →Amazon International Shipping
Amazon Global retail rates, air freight volumetric math, AGL vs independent 3PL, and the 6-step path into an FBA warehouse.
Open guide →China Post Shipping & Tracking
UPU S10 tracking formats, EMSEVT status codes, transit times, common delays, and when to upgrade to commercial freight.
Open guide →AliExpress Shipping Guide
AliExpress Standard vs Premium shipping, delivery time estimates, tracking procedures, and why packages get delayed.
Open guide →UPS Tracking Guide
18-digit tracking numbers, four ways to track, status meanings, and troubleshooting when tracking won't update.
Open guide →Taobao Shipping Fees Calculation
Volumetric weight formulas, Cainiao vs 3PL forwarder comparison, DDP customs compliance, and 5 repacking hacks to cut costs by 30%.
Open guide →USPS Shipping for E-Commerce
USPS Ground Advantage vs Priority Mail, Cubic pricing tiers, DIM weight formulas, and China-to-US last-mile integration strategies.
Open guide →International Courier Comparison
DHL vs FedEx vs UPS vs SIS Direct Express comparison matrix, volumetric weight formulas, remote area surcharges, and 3-minute sourcing protocol.
Open guide →How to Contact AliExpress Sellers
Message center and in-app chat, dispute and refund processes, language tips, and seller red flags to watch for.
Open guide →E-Commerce Trends for Peak Season 2026
De minimis suspension, Section 301 tariffs, capacity planning, faster freight options, and a peak-season action playbook.
Open guide →Anker Shipping Guide
How Anker ships chargers, power banks, and audio products worldwide, plus reselling, battery rules, and import logistics.
Open guide →Why Is Amazon Shipping Taking Longer?
FBA inbound receiving delays, Carrier Central (CARP) bottlenecks, placement fees, and lead time & safety stock math.
Open guide →Out for Delivery Meaning
USPS, FedEx, UPS & Amazon cutoffs, why 'out for delivery but not delivered' happens, and last-mile math.
Open guide →USPS vs. UPS (2026 Comparison)
Ground Advantage vs UPS Ground rates, 139 DIM divisor, $6.50 residential surcharges, and 3PL injection.
Open guide →Amazon Product Sourcing
Business models, 2026 FBA placement fees, total landed cost math, and FNSKU origin prep.
Open guide →Dropshipping from China
2026 3PL logistics blueprint, fulfillment channel matrix, post-de minimis customs compliance, and landed cost math.
Open guide →Websites Like DHgate
Top 15 DHgate alternatives compared, platform arbitrage math, and 2026 trade compliance mandates.
Open guide →Amazon FBA Barcode Requirements
FNSKU vs. GS1 UPC, Amazon's 2026 prep policy changes, printing specs, and origin 3PL prep arbitrage math.
Open guide →Is DHgate Safe?
Escrow security, scam red flags, DHgate vs Alibaba comparison, and landed cost math.
Open guide →UPS Shipping Rates Guide
DIM 139/166 formulas, 2026 GRI surcharges, and 3PL injection cost math.
Open guide →Amazon FBA Packaging, Labeling & Pallet Requirements
Box limits (36x25x25), FNSKU placement, and 3PL prep cost math.
Open guide →What Is a Dropshipping Agent?
Sourcing, de minimis rules & 3PL math.
Open guide →Why Is AliExpress So Cheap?
13 reasons, UPU logistics & 3PL math.
Open guide →Is Temu Legit?
Supply chain, de minimis rules & shipping math.
Open guide →Catalogue
Regulation
19 guides
ATA Carnet Explained
Temporary admission for exhibitions and samples—what qualifies, process, and risks.
Open guide →Shipping Documents from China
Invoice, packing list, B/L, AWB, certificate of origin, insurance and consistency rules.
Open guide →HS Code and HTS Code Explained
Harmonized System basics, destination extensions, misclassification risk, and invoices.
Open guide →Customs Clearance for Sea, Air and Rail
China export vs destination import, inspection triggers, and link to Incoterms/DDP.
Open guide →Switch Bill of Lading
What a switch B/L is, triangle trade, the step-by-step issuance process, what CAN and CANNOT change, risks, and transferable LC alternatives.
Open guide →ISPS Code Guide
MARSEC levels 1–3, Part A vs Part B, CSO/SSO/PFSO roles, SSP & PFSP plans, 2026 cyber and drone threats, and ISSC enforcement.
Open guide →Air Freight Prohibited & Restricted Items
IATA DGR 67th Edition, top 10 banned goods, DG classes 1–9, lithium battery SoC limits, CAAC/CIPS filing, penalties, and UN 4G packaging standards.
Open guide →China to Mexico Import Documents
Padrón de Importadores prerequisites, Article 36-A document set, VUCEM e-filing, NOM/COFEPRIS permits, USMCA reality check, and Carta Porte inland compliance.
Open guide →Letter of Credit in Shipping
LC types (Irrevocable, Confirmed, UPAS, digital eUCP), UCP 600 compliance, fee benchmarks, discrepancy avoidance, and LC vs open account comparison.
Open guide →US Tariff Code Lookup (HTS)
10-digit HTS structure, General Rules of Interpretation (GRIs), CBP CROSS binding rulings, Section 301 tariff stacks, and landed duty calculation with MPF/HMF.
Open guide →Container Fumigation & ISPM 15
ISPM 15 vs BMSB explained, 2026–2027 season deadlines, HT vs MB vs SF treatment comparison, and how to bypass fumigation using plastic pallets.
Open guide →Electronic Customs Declaration Hong Kong
TDEC/EDI filing rules under Cap. 60E, GETS providers (Tradelink/Ge-TS), 14-day retrospective deadlines, HKHS codes, and late lodgement penalties.
Open guide →What Is a TARIC Code
10-digit TARIC structure, CN vs HS codes, Anti-Dumping duties, CBAM integration, BTI rulings, and landed duty calculation formulas.
Open guide →US Import Tax & Duties from China
FOB vs CIF customs valuation, the US duty stacking matrix (base HTS + Section 301 + MPF/HMF), full Section 321 de minimis suspension, and worked landed-cost case studies.
Open guide →US Tariff on China
Section 301 rate stacks, customs FOB valuation, commodity impact matrix, and China Plus One mitigation.
Open guide →Made in PRC vs Made in China
CBP marking rules, 10% ad valorem penalties, and port relabeling landed math.
Open guide →Shipping Mark Guide
ISO 780 symbols, Amazon FBA carton labels, and LCL mis-sorting math.
Open guide →What is an EORI Number?
UK (GB), EU & XI formats, ICS2/CDS compliance, and customs delay risk math.
Open guide →Power of Attorney (POA) in Shipping
19 CFR rules, CBP 5106 & costs.
Open guide →Service deep-dives: Air freight from China · Sea freight from China · DDP shipping from China · Worldwide destinations