How many steps does it take from the factory to the final consignee?
When importing goods from China, understanding shipping logistics is essential to a smooth transaction. The entire process from factory to final consignee can be daunting, especially for those new to international trade. Senghor Logistics will break down the entire process into easy-to-follow steps, taking shipping from China as an example, focusing on key terms such as shipping methods, incoterms such as FOB (Free on Board) and EXW (Ex Works), and the role of freight forwarders in door-to-door services.
Step 1: Order confirmation and payment
The first step in the shipping process is order confirmation. After negotiating terms with the supplier, such as price, quantity and delivery time, you are usually required to pay a deposit or full payment. This step is crucial because the freight forwarder will provide you with a logistics solution based on the cargo information or packing list.
Step 2: Production and Quality Control
Once payment is made, the factory will begin production of your product. Depending on the complexity and quantity of your order, production can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. During this time, it is recommended that you conduct a quality control check. If you have a professional QC team responsible for inspection, you can ask your QC team to inspect the goods, or hire a third-party inspection service to ensure that the product meets your specifications before shipping.
For example, Senghor Logistics has a VIP customer in the United States who imports cosmetic packaging materials from China to the United States for product filling all year round. And every time the goods are ready, they will send their QC team to inspect the products in the factory, and only after the inspection report is out and passed, the products are allowed to ship.
For today's Chinese export-oriented enterprises, in the current international trade situation (May 2025), if they want to retain old customers and attract new customers, good quality is the first step. Most companies will not only do one-time business, so they will ensure product quality and supply chain stability in an uncertain environment. We believe this is also the reason why you choose this supplier.
Step 3: Packaging and labeling
After production is completed (and quality inspection is completed), the factory will package and label the goods. Proper packaging is essential to protect the product during transportation. Additionally, packing and labeling accurately according to shipping requirements is critical to clear customs and ensure that goods reach the correct destination.
In terms of packaging, the freight forwarder's warehouse can also provide corresponding services. For example, the value-added services that Senghor Logistics’ warehouse can provide include: packaging services such as palletizing, repackaging, labeling, and space utilization services such as cargo collection and consolidation.
Step 4: Select your shipping method and contact a freight forwarder
You can contact the freight forwarder when placing a product order, or contact after understanding the approximate ready time. You can inform the freight forwarder in advance which shipping method you want to use, air freight, sea freight, rail freight, or land transportation, and the freight forwarder will quote you based on your cargo information, cargo urgency, and other needs. But if you are still unsure, you can ask the freight forwarder to help you find a solution about shipping method suitable for your goods.
Then, two common terms you’ll come across are FOB (Free On Board) and EXW (Ex Works):
FOB (Free on Board): In this arrangement, the seller is responsible for the goods until they are loaded on the ship. Once the goods are loaded on the ship, the buyer assumes responsibility. This method is often preferred by importers because it provides greater control over the shipping process.
EXW (Ex Works): In this case, the seller provides the goods at its location and the buyer bears all transportation costs and risks thereafter. This method can be more challenging for importers, especially those who are not familiar with logistics.
Step 5: Freight Forwarder Involvement
After you confirm the freight forwarder's quotation, you can ask the freight forwarder to arrange your shipment. Please note that the freight forwarder's quotation is time-limited. The price of sea freight will be different in the first half of the month and the second half of the month, and air freight price generally fluctuates every week.
A freight forwarder is a professional logistics service provider who can help you navigate the complexities of international shipping. We will handle a variety of tasks, including:
- Book cargo space with shipping companies
- Prepare shipping documents
- Pick up goods from the factory
- Consolidate goods
- Loading and unloading goods
- Arrange customs clearance
- Door-to-door delivery if needed
Step 6: Customs declaration
Before your goods can be shipped, they must be declared to customs in both the exporting and importing countries. A freight forwarder will usually handle this process and ensure that all necessary documentation is in place, including commercial invoices, packing lists, and any necessary licenses or certificates. It's important to understand your country's customs regulations to avoid delays or additional costs.
Step 7: Shipping and Transport
Once the customs declaration is complete, your shipment will be loaded onto a ship or an aircraft. Shipping times will vary depending on the mode of shipping chosen (air freight is usually faster but more expensive than ocean freight) and the distance to the final destination. During this time, your freight forwarder will keep you updated on the status of your shipment.
Step 8: Arrival and final customs clearance
Once your shipment arrives at the destination port or airport, it will go through another round of customs clearance. Your freight forwarder will assist you with this process, ensuring that all duties and taxes are paid. Once customs clearance is complete, the shipment can be delivered.
Step 9: Delivery to the final address
The final step in the shipping process is the delivery of the goods to the consignee. If you choose a door-to-door service, the freight forwarder will arrange for the goods to be delivered directly to the designated address. This service saves you time and effort as it does not require you to coordinate with multiple shipping providers.
At this point, the transportation of your goods from the factory to the final delivery address has been completed.
As a reliable freight forwarder, Senghor Logistics has been adhering to the principle of sincere service for more than ten years and has won a good reputation from customers and suppliers.
In the past ten years of industry experience, we are good at providing customers with suitable shipping solutions. Whether it is door-to-door or port-to-port, we have mature experience. In particular, some customers sometimes need to ship from different suppliers, and we can also match the corresponding logistics solutions. (Check the story of our company shipping for Australian customers for details.) Overseas, we also have local powerful agents to cooperate with us to do customs clearance and door-to-door delivery. No matter when, please contact us to consult your shipping matters. We hope to serve you with our professional channels and experience.
Post time: May-09-2025
