How to Get an Accurate Freight Quote from China

Getting a freight quote from China should be simple, but the accuracy of the quote depends heavily on the information you provide at the beginning.

For importers, Amazon sellers and purchasing teams, a vague enquiry often leads to a vague price. A clear enquiry helps a freight forwarder compare the right options, avoid hidden charges and recommend a route that fits your delivery plan.

Below are the key details to prepare before requesting a shipping quote from China.

1. Origin and Destination

Start with the pickup city in China and the final destination.

For example:

• Shenzhen to Hamburg warehouse
• Ningbo port to Los Angeles port
• Yiwu supplier to Amazon FBA in Germany
• Guangzhou to a business address in the United Kingdom

If you only know the supplier city, that is still useful. The freight forwarder can estimate pickup cost and suggest the nearest port, airport or rail terminal.

For the destination, try to provide a full address when possible. Door delivery, DDP shipping and Amazon FBA delivery depend on the final address, postcode and delivery requirements.

2. Cargo Description

A freight quote needs more than the product name. The forwarder should understand what type of goods are being shipped.

Useful details include:

• Product name
• Material
• Whether the goods contain battery, liquid, powder or magnet
• Whether the goods are fragile, oversized or high value
• Whether any certificates or special documents are required

Some products require extra checks before export or import. Providing this information early helps avoid delays later.

3. Carton Count, Weight and Dimensions

Freight cost is usually calculated based on weight, volume or chargeable weight.

Prepare:

• Number of cartons or pallets
• Gross weight
• Carton dimensions
• Total cubic meters if available
• Whether the cargo is stackable

For air freight and express, chargeable weight is especially important. A shipment that is light but large may cost more than expected because airlines calculate by volume weight.

4. Preferred Shipping Method

If you already know the service you want, mention it clearly.

Common options include:

• Ocean freight
• Air freight
• Rail freight to Europe
• DDP door delivery
• Port-to-port shipping
• Door-to-door delivery
• Amazon FBA delivery

If you are not sure, ask the forwarder to compare options. For many importers, the best solution is not the fastest or cheapest option, but the route that balances cost, timing and risk.

5. Incoterms

Incoterms affect who pays for which part of the shipment.

Common terms include:

• EXW: buyer arranges pickup from the supplier
• FOB: supplier delivers goods to the port in China
• CIF: supplier covers ocean freight to destination port
• DDP: duties, taxes and door delivery are included in the quote

If your supplier has already quoted FOB or EXW, share that with your forwarder. It helps avoid double-counting costs.

6. Cargo Ready Date

The cargo ready date helps the forwarder plan booking and timing.

Ocean freight, air freight and rail freight all depend on space availability. During busy periods, late booking can mean higher costs or longer waiting time.

If your cargo is not ready yet, provide the estimated ready date. The forwarder can still give a planning quote and update it when the cargo is confirmed.

7. Required Delivery Timing

Instead of saying “as soon as possible,” explain your target.

For example:

• Need arrival before a product launch
• Need Amazon FBA delivery before restock deadline
• Flexible timing, cost is more important
• Urgent samples needed by air

This helps the forwarder recommend the correct service level.

8. Documents and Import Requirements

Depending on the destination country and product type, you may need:

• Commercial invoice
• Packing list
• HS code
• Importer number or tax ID
• Product certificates
• Battery documents
• Amazon FBA labels

Clean documentation is one of the easiest ways to reduce customs problems.

Final Checklist Before Asking for a Quote

Before sending your enquiry, prepare:

• Origin city in China
• Destination address or port
• Product name and cargo type
• Carton count, weight and dimensions
• Preferred service
• Incoterms
• Cargo ready date
• Target delivery time
• Special handling or customs requirements

With these details, Hamjing Logistics can review your shipment and provide a clearer freight option from China to your destination.

Need a shipping quote from China? Send your shipment details through the quote form and Sally will review the next steps.