What's the difference between EXW, FOB, CIF and DDP?
Incoterms define where the supplier's responsibility ends and yours begins. EXW: you collect at the factory (we handle pickup and export). FOB: supplier delivers cleared cargo to the port, you pay from there. CIF: supplier also pays freight and insurance to your port, but you handle arrival. DAP/DDP: delivered to your door, duties unpaid (DAP) or paid (DDP). Buying FOB and controlling your own freight is usually cheaper and more transparent than letting the supplier quote CIF.
How do I choose between express, air, sea and rail?
Rule of thumb: under ~300 kg, express; 300 kg to ~2 cbm urgent, air; over 2 cbm and time-flexible, sea LCL; over ~13 cbm, your own container; Europe-bound mid-value cargo, compare rail. Our quote simulator runs all applicable modes on your exact cargo in one click.
What is volumetric (chargeable) weight?
Carriers bill the greater of actual weight and volume-converted weight. Express divides cm³ by 5,000; air freight by 6,000; ocean LCL bills per cbm with a 1 tonne = 1 cbm floor. Light, bulky cargo (pillows, plastic housings) gets billed on volume; dense cargo (metal parts) on weight.
Can you pick up from my supplier anywhere in China?
Yes โ same-day in the Pearl River Delta, 24โ72 h nationwide. Under EXW we also handle export declaration. If you buy from several suppliers, we consolidate everything in Shenzhen into one shipment.
Do you handle products with lithium batteries?
Yes, on compliant declared channels: PI966/PI967 by air and express, and unrestricted ocean routings for battery-heavy stock. We review your UN38.3 and MSDS before the first shipment and tell you exactly what's missing.
Who pays import duties and taxes?
Under every Incoterm except DDP, the importer does โ your broker or ours (under DAP) clears customs and bills you the duties. Under DDP we advance and include them, fixed in advance per HS code, so your landed cost is known before the cargo ships.
How do I get a firm quote?
Run the simulator for an instant range, then send the generated reference with your packing list via the contact form or email. A named operator confirms a firm, written quote โ typically within the hour during CN/EU business hours, four hours otherwise.
What if something goes wrong in transit?
You hear it from us first โ rolled sailing, customs inspection, weather delay โ with a recovery plan attached: alternate sailing, partial air uplift, or pre-cleared replacement documents. Cargo insurance (0.3% of value, ICC-A all risks) is available on every shipment and automatic under CIF.