Tips and Tricks to Ship Smarter

Shipping freight by air to China can be a daunting task. But with the proper planning and execution, it can be a breeze. Here are some tips and tricks to help you ship smarter and get your goods to their destination on time and in one piece.

Why Should You Ship Smarter?

To make sure the entire process goes smoothly, use these tips and tricks to ship smarter:

Make contact with your air freight forwarder early on in the process. They will keep you posted on any updates or last-minute instructions that may affect your shipment.

Have all necessary paperwork for export clearance at customs before leaving port, and be sure that you have an agent in China who can pick up the goods at the airport and arrange customs clearance.

If you’re shipping by air freight and dealing with temperature-sensitive items, keep items cool with gel packs or insulated containers until they reach airport loading docks, where refrigeration units will ensure the safe delivery of perishables like fresh fruit and seafood.

Last-minute changes may affect your shipment, so make contact with your air freight forwarder early on. They will keep you posted on any updates or last-minute instructions that might affect it.

Where to start?

To start, make sure that you have all of the necessary paperwork for export clearance at customs before leaving port. If you’re shipping via ocean container, ensure adequate ventilation for perishable cargo or that it is correctly packed in ice or dry ice if needed.

Finally, as mentioned above, make sure you have pre-arranged collection of the shipment in China. This is particularly important for shipments whose weight, dimensions or commodity code isn’t clear. If your shipment doesn’t meet these requirements, it will be sent back to port until confirmed or checked against your order.

Common problems with air freight to China

A few common problems can occur when shipping freight by air to China. These include:

Goods arriving late – communicate with the freight forwarder about arrival times. If time is tight, use a smaller shipper to handle urgent shipments.
Damage to goods during transit – review your insurance policies for coverage of this problem. Ensure that you have some recourse should damage occur. Ask for FOB pricing so that you are not responsible for damages once the goods have been handed over to the freight forwarder.
Improper documentation or customs clearance – make sure your paperwork is in order. A good freight forwarder will go through every piece of paper with a fine-toothed comb and make sure everything is correct and accounted for. In addition, they should know all the freight regulations for every nation that your goods will pass through.
Poor communication between shipper and freight forwarder – make sure there is an open dialogue between you and the person handling your shipment. A good freight forwarder has tonnes of experience in this area, don’t be afraid to ask questions!

Freight forwarders to use when shipping goods to China

When choosing a freight forwarder for your shipment, there are several criteria you should look for. These include:

A good reputation in the industry
Has experience dealing with shipments to China or at least several other countries besides their local area of operations
It has an English website, as most communication will be in this language.
Provides a range of services from air freight to sea freight
Provides tariff cost estimation on their websites, those that do not may charge more for those services.
Ensure the quoted price includes all fees and does not have any hidden costs.
A good freight forwarder will provide you with a detailed breakdown of costs before signing any contracts.
Be wary of any company that tries to lock you into a contract

A good freight forwarder will also answer your questions promptly and courteously. If they are difficult to reach or don’t return messages in a timely manner, they may not be the right fit for you.

Compare prices to make sure you don’t get ripped off! Freight companies are often cheaper than they initially appear.

Are You Ready To Start Shipping Smarter?

Shipping freight to China by air can be challenging, but it can be a simple and successful experience with proper planning and preparations. By following these tips and tricks, you can ensure that your goods arrive at their destination on time and in one piece. Ensure to communicate with your freight forwarder regularly, and review your insurance policies to cover any potential damages. When choosing a freight forwarder, make sure to look for one with a good reputation who has experience dealing with shipments to China. Comparison shop to make sure you’re getting the best price possible! Power Forwarding has a team of experts to help ensure you have the best experience possible when shipping internationally. Contact us today!