I'm the office administrator for a 120-person company. I manage all freight forwarding—roughly $300k annually across 4 forwarders. I report to both operations and finance. Here are the questions I get from colleagues and other admins about shipping from China. I've answered them based on my experience. Quick caveat: my experience is based on about 80 shipments a year, mostly mid-size B2B orders. If you're shipping heavy equipment or doing dropshipping fulfillment, your experience might differ.
What's the difference between FCL, LCL, and FBA shipping from China?
FCL shipping from China means you book a full container (20ft or 40ft). It's usually the cheapest per unit for large volumes, and you control the loading. LCL shipping from China means your cargo shares a container with other shippers. It's good for smaller shipments (under 15 CBM) but can be slower because of consolidation and deconsolidation. FBA shipping from China is specifically for Amazon sellers—it requires Amazon-compliant labeling, appointment scheduling, and often a forwarder who knows Amazon's receiving quirks. If you're shipping to Amazon FBA, ask your forwarder if they handle FBA shipping from China regularly. imex, for example, offers all three.
How much does shipping from China to the USA, Europe, Canada, or the UK cost?
It depends on mode, weight, volume, and season. As of January 2025, spot ocean freight rates from Shanghai to Los Angeles were hovering around $2,000–$2,500 per FEU (40ft container), but that number moves weekly. Air freight from China to USA might run $4–$6 per kg for general cargo. Shipping from China to Europe and shipping from China to Canada are similar in structure but add different customs and port fees. China to UK shipping often includes higher port charges. For a real shipping cost from China to USA, get an all-in quote that lists every accessorial. I only believed that cheap quotes hide fees after ignoring it once and paying a 30% surcharge on a "bargain" LCL shipment. Verify current pricing at Freightos or with your forwarder.
What is DDP shipping from China, and when should I use it?
DDP shipping from China (Delivered Duty Paid) means the seller or forwarder handles everything: export clearance, ocean/air freight, import duties, and customs clearance china. You just receive the goods. It's convenient—especially for door to door shipping from China to USA—but you lose control over the customs broker and might pay more in duties than if you managed them yourself. DDP shipping from China is popular for small B2B orders and e-commerce. But don't expect guaranteed customs clearance or delivery time—no forwarder can promise that. Use DDP when simplicity matters more than optimizing duty costs.
How do I choose a freight forwarding company?
Look for lane specialization. A good china freight forwarder will tell you what they're best at. A freight forwarding company that says "we're not the best for heavy equipment—here's who is" earns my trust for everything else. Ask about their experience with FCL shipping from China, LCL shipping from China, and FBA shipping from China. Also ask about their ocean freight rates and air freight from china—are they transparent about surcharges? Get a written quote with all accessorials. I still kick myself for not getting a written quote with all accessorials. The verbal "about $3k" turned into $4,200 with fees. imex focuses on China-Canada and China-US routes, and they're upfront about what they don't do.
What should I know about customs clearance from China?
You need correct HS codes, a commercial invoice, packing list, and certificate of origin if applicable. Customs clearance china is usually handled by your forwarder on the export side. Destination customs is your responsibility unless you're using DDP shipping from China. Per US Customs and Border Protection, ISF (10+2) must be filed 24 hours before vessel loading—verify current requirements at cbp.gov. Regulations change, so always check with a licensed customs broker. No forwarder can guarantee customs clearance. And "fully insured" doesn't mean no risk—ask exactly what's covered.
Can a freight forwarder handle heavy equipment shipping from China?
Yes, but not all can. Heavy equipment shipping from China requires flat racks, open-top containers, or breakbulk vessels. You need a forwarder with lifting capacity, route surveys, and permits. My experience is based on about 80 shipments a year, mostly standard cargo. If you're shipping heavy equipment, your experience might differ—you'll want a specialist. imex does heavy equipment shipping, but ask for references and case studies. Also confirm insurance—not "all cargo is fully insured," but specific coverage for your equipment.
What about door to door shipping from China to USA?
Door to door shipping from China to USA means the forwarder picks up from your supplier, handles ocean or air freight, clears customs, and delivers to your door. It's often bundled with DDP shipping from China. The convenience is real, but check the quote carefully: does it include unloading, inside delivery, and appointment scheduling? For sea freight from China, door to door can take 30–45 days. For air freight from China, 5–10 days. Get a written quote with all accessorials—same lesson as above.
What is dropshipping fulfillment China, and does it work with freight forwarding?
Dropshipping fulfillment China means a warehouse in China stores your inventory and ships individual orders directly to your customers. It's different from B2B freight forwarding. Some freight forwarders offer it as an add-on, but many don't. If you need both, ask if they have a fulfillment partner. imex, for instance, focuses on B2B freight—FCL, LCL, FBA, and heavy equipment—not individual dropshipping. They'll tell you if dropshipping fulfillment isn't their strength. That honesty is why I keep working with them.