China-to-USA shipping quote checklist

1. Describe the product clearly

Send the product name, intended use and main materials, with a photo or product link if available. “General cargo” or “accessories” is too broad for a useful review. Include the quantity and declared value, and identify batteries, liquids, powders, magnets or other features that may need additional checks.

Tell us if the goods are branded or need special handling. Do not guess a customs classification or leave a product feature out to obtain a lower initial price. The shipment must be reviewed against the actual goods, and documents may be needed before a route can be confirmed.

2. Measure the packed shipment

Provide the number of cartons, each carton’s outer length × width × height, and its gross weight. State the units. Product dimensions and net product weight are not the same as the dimensions and weight of a sealed shipping carton. If cartons differ, list each size and the quantity of that size.

For palletized cargo, send the overall pallet dimensions, total height and gross weight, and say whether it can be stacked. Ask the supplier whether the figures are estimates or final warehouse measurements. Flag estimates clearly and update them before booking.

Space can matter as well as scale weight. For example, FedEx explains dimensional weight as a way to account for a package’s size. The applicable calculation and final charge depend on the service and quotation; one formula should not be assumed for every transport option. For an express shipment, see our dimensional-weight example and quotation checks before comparing offers.

3. List pickup cities and supplier ready dates

Give the pickup city in China and the goods-ready date. For a firm pickup arrangement, the full collection address, contact and any loading restrictions will also be needed. Explain whether the supplier will deliver to an agreed receiving location or whether collection is required.

For multiple suppliers, send one line per supplier: city, cargo details, carton count and ready date. Ask which goods should be combined and whether any urgent cartons should travel separately. Warehouse receiving and consolidation can then be planned around the actual arrivals. Use the wait-or-split comparison if supplier ready dates differ. Tell us about any requested checking, relabeling, repacking or storage so its scope and charges can be confirmed.

4. Describe the U.S. delivery location

Send the U.S. ZIP code and say whether delivery is to a business, residence, warehouse or fulfillment center. Provide the complete address before the final delivery plan is confirmed. A ZIP code helps start the review, but it does not describe every access requirement.

Does the location have a loading dock or forklift? Is an appointment, liftgate or residential delivery needed? Are there receiving hours, labeling rules or booking references? Tell us before comparing prices. Include your required delivery date and whether it is a firm deadline or a preference.

5. Compare the same written scope

Ask about pickup, warehouse handling, main transport, customs clearance arrangements, duties and taxes, destination handling and final delivery. Confirm inclusions, exclusions, estimate assumptions, quote validity and how changes to cargo measurements will be handled.

If requesting a DDP option, have the duties, clearance responsibilities and named delivery destination explained in writing for your shipment. Do not assume an informal “all-in” price confirms every service or possible charge. Compare express, air and ocean options using the same cargo details and delivery scope.

What happens after you send your details?

1. Check the shipment brief. We review your product, China pickup and U.S. delivery requirements, and ask for missing cargo information.
2. Review suitable options. Discuss the transport mode, any supplier consolidation and your required delivery date.
3. Confirm the written scope. Review the quoted charges, DDP responsibilities where applicable, estimated timing and exclusions before deciding whether to book.

Keep provisional measurements marked as estimates. Final cargo information may change the available service or quotation. Prefer email? Send your shipment details to our team.