China Shipping & Freight Tutorials
Practical, step-by-step calculation rules, trade term comparisons, and packing standards to help you ship safely and affordably from China factories.
FOB vs CIF vs DDP: Complete Cost & Risk Breakdown
Choosing the wrong shipping term with your Chinese supplier is the leading cause of unexpected port demurrage and high local destination charges. Here is how responsibilities divide between buyer and seller:
| Incoterm | Seller (Supplier) Pays | Buyer (Importer) Pays | Customs Clearance & Duty | Best Used For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FOB (Free on Board) | Inland trucking to China port & export clearance | International freight, insurance, import duties & local delivery | Buyer handles import customs | Experienced importers with their own forwarder (CINA) |
| CIF (Cost, Insurance & Freight) | Freight to destination port + basic insurance | Destination port terminal charges, duties, destination delivery | Buyer handles import customs | Port-to-port buyers (High risk of hidden destination fees) |
| DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) | All shipping costs, freight, duties, taxes & door delivery | Single all-inclusive payment to forwarder/seller | CINA Logistics handles all customs & duties | E-commerce, Amazon FBA, hassle-free door-to-door delivery |
CINA Logistics Pro Tip: For small and medium businesses or Amazon FBA sellers, shipping under DDP terms eliminates unexpected bills of lading, terminal handling fees (THC), and customs penalties.
How to Calculate CBM & Chargeable Weight (Air vs Sea)
Carriers charge based on either the **actual gross weight** or the **volumetric (dimensional) weight**—whichever is greater. Understanding these ratios prevents shipping surprises:
CBM = (Length in cm × Width in cm × Height in cm) / 1,000,000 × Total Cartons
2. Air Freight Volumetric Ratio:
Volumetric Weight (KG) = (Length × Width × Height in cm) / 6,000
3. Express Courier Ratio (DHL/FedEx/UPS):
Volumetric Weight (KG) = (Length × Width × Height in cm) / 5,000
Measure Your Outer Cartons
Always measure the outer dimensions of packed export boxes after taping and strapping, including any bulge.
Compare Gross Weight vs Volumetric Weight
If your cargo weighs 100 KG on a scale but measures 180 KG in dimensional volume, the airline will bill you for 180 KG.
Optimize Packaging to Reduce Dead Air
Ask your Chinese factory to pack tightly or vacuum seal bulky items (such as textiles or foam) to reduce chargeable CBM.
Amazon FBA Packaging, Labeling & Palletizing Rules
Non-compliant cartons sent to Amazon fulfillment centers are subject to rejection or prep penalty fees. Follow these standard guidelines:
Carton Weight & Dimension Limits
Standard boxes must not exceed 23 KG (50 lbs in USA) unless containing a single oversized unit. Max box side should not exceed 63.5 cm (25 in).
Barcode Placement (FNSKU & FBA Box Labels)
Every individual unit needs a scannable FNSKU or UPC barcode. Every master carton must have two FBA shipping labels placed on different flat sides.
Pallet Specifications
Use standard 40″ x 48″ GMA standard pallets for US fulfillment centers, or 1200 x 800 mm Euro pallets for European centers, shrink-wrapped in clear plastic.
Have a shipment ready in China?
Send us your packing list or carton dimensions for an instant, all-inclusive DDP quote.