Plan the collection
List each supplier, SKU, quantity, carton count and cargo-ready date. Agree whether goods stay in sealed factory cartons or need repacking. Storage, collection and handling costs should be included in the quote when applicable.
Get the final carton data
Use finished dimensions and gross weights after retail packaging and any repacking. Mixed-SKU cartons need an accurate contents record. A combined shipment does not remove the MOQ or case pack of each product.
Choose a handover that fits your team
Discuss FOB, a quoted door-to-door option or your own forwarder. Compare the complete route and identify exclusions. Importer arrangements, customs clearance, duties, insurance and destination charges need an agreed owner.
Release with the right records
Confirm inspection decisions, final quantities, commercial invoice information and packing list before dispatch. Transit times are estimates that depend on the route and carrier; shipment-specific terms take precedence.
LCL or FCL, and which Incoterm
LCL consolidation suits small, fast-turnover buyers mixing several SKUs from several factories; FCL suits distributors and promotional programs running recurring container loads. The chosen Incoterm decides who pays for each leg:
| EXW | Goods available at the factory; buyer arranges everything onward |
|---|---|
| FOB | Seller handles export clearance and loading onto the named vessel |
| CIF | FOB plus ocean freight and insurance to the destination port |
| Door-to-door / DDP-style | A quoted route through to your warehouse; duties and clearance agreed in writing |
Ocean transit from South China typically runs around 18–30 days to the US West Coast, 28–40 days to the US East Coast and North Europe, and 12–20 days to the Middle East and Southeast Asia. Build buffer around the Q3 holiday build and the Chinese New Year window, when both production slots and container space tighten.