NEWS

Shenzhen Senghor Sea & Air Logistics Co., Ltd., a modern, comprehensive logistics company based in Shenzhen, announced today the publication of a valuable resource for international buyers: An Importer Checklist to Ensure Smooth Delivery, when utilizing reliable sea freight shipping from China to USA. This practical guide was designed to help overseas buyers and Chinese exporters of foreign trade understand the logistics process and ensure efficiency, compliance, and predictable delivery times for cargo bound for the American market. A systematic approach is essential to the success of a supply chain in the dynamic world of international trade. Senghor Logistics aims to simplify the process by leveraging their global agency network, which covers over 80 port city, and expertise in international sea freight and air freight as well as railway transport and express services. Senghor Logistics offers a variety of customized logistics and transport solutions. This includes the fastest Matson service from China to the United States.

Importer’s Blueprint: Step-by-Step Checklist to Smooth Sea Freight Delivery
To achieve smooth and reliable delivery of sea freight from China to the USA, meticulous planning and execution is required across three major phases: Pre-Shipment (before shipment), In-Transit (during transit), and Post-Arrival. This checklist was designed by Senghor Logistics experts to ensure that every step is covered.
Phase I: Booking and Preparation for Shipment
This is the foundation for a successful and compliant shipment.
Step 2: Define the shipment details and Incoterms
 
Determining Cargo Specifications Measure the volume (CBM), mass, and dimensions accurately. Confirm whether the cargo is a Full Container Load (FCL) or a Less Than Container Load (LCL).
Agree to Incoterms. Define the buyer and seller’s responsibilities clearly using an Incoterm that has been mutually agreed upon (e.g. FOB, EXW or DDP). Note The right Incoterm will impact who is responsible for important steps such as clearing Chinese export customs and arranging ocean shipping.
Action: Confirm the details of your purchase order with the supplier.
Step 3: Find a Reliable Partner for Logistics
 
Select a forwarder: Pick a logistics provider who has proven expertise in the China-USA lane. Shenzhen Senghor Sea & Air Logistics is a good example. They offer the fastest Matson services and have a record of smooth customs processing.
Get Quotes: Receive competitive quotes on various services , based on the desired lead time and your budget. Senghor Logistics offers competitive pricing that can help you save money annually.
Action: Confirm the booking, sign service agreement and receive booking confirmation number.
Step 3 – Ensure U.S. Regulatory compliance (Importer).
 
Obtain Customs bond: Secure a single or continuous entry bond from U.S. Customs and Border Protection. It is required for all commercial imports into the USA.
Verify HTS Codes. Make sure the correct Harmonized Tariff Schedule codes (HTS codes) are used on all products. Incorrect HTS code can lead to delays or penalties.
ISF File (10+2 Rule). Importer Security Form (ISF) is required to be filed at CBP no later than 24 hours prior to the cargo being loaded on the vessel in China. If you fail to submit your ISF in time, you will be fined up to $5,000.
Action Provide the necessary information (supplier name and commodity description, HTS code, container stuffing location), to your customs broker for ISF submission.
Phase II: In-Transit Management and Documentation
This phase is aimed at monitoring and verifying the accuracy of documentation while the cargo is on its way.
Step 4 – Execute China Export Loading
 
Cargo Pickup & Stuffing: Logistics providers handle pickup (for EXW/FOB), and container stuffing in the warehouse or port.
Chinese Customs clearance: Export declarations are managed by the supplier or designated forwarder.
Ship Sailing: Cargo is loaded. Once the vessel has left (Sailing Date), a Bill of Lading is issued.
Action: Receive the draft B/L and check it immediately. Confirm final sailing date, and Estimated Arrival Time (ETA).
Step 5: Documentation transfer
 
Review Documentation: Examine all documents submitted by the seller or forwarder, including the Commercial Invoice and Packing List.
Check For Consistency: Ensure that all details (consignees, quantity and description) are identical across all documents. Inconsistencies can halt U.S. customs processing.
Action: Inform the supplier or the bank to send the original documents to the consignee, or to their customs broker.
Step 6: Prepare to Clear Customs in the U.S.
 
Submit entry documents: Based on the B/L, and other commercial documents, the U.S. Customs broker (appointed by importer) submits the necessary entry documents to CBP (Entry summary).
Addressing Holds: Be ready to respond quickly when CBP issues a holding (e.g. Non-Intrusive Examination – NII or Intensive exam). Matson is a fast, reliable service that minimizes the possibility of prolonged port stays.
Action: Before the vessel arrives, confirm the customs release status by contacting the broker.
Phase III: Post-Arrival and Final Delivery
Final steps to ensure cargo is delivered on time and at the destination.
Step 7: Arrange port/terminal handling
 
Arrival notification: An Arrival notice is issued by the ocean carrier.
Terminal handling charges (THC) (and D&D): Pay all applicable destination terminal-handling charges and monitor any potential demurrage (for storage of containers at the port) or detention (for leaving the container outside the terminal for too long).
Action: Pay all port fees promptly in order to release the container.
Step 8: Inland Transport and delivery
 
Trucking: A logistics partner (Senghor Logistics via its door-to–door services) will arrange the trucking to and from the terminal/port.
Devanning or Deconsolidation: Containers for FCL are delivered to the unloading point. LCL cargo must be taken to a Container Freight Station for deconsolidation, before it is arranged for delivery.
Action Confirm final delivery time and make sure the warehouse is prepared to receive the cargo.

Senghor Logistics’ Door-to-Door Advantage
Senghor Logistics differentiates itself by integrating these complex steps in a simple single vendor service.
Our door-to-door service covers transportation, customs clearance at the destination, and final delivery. Our streamlined approach and access to premium services, such as the fastest Matson routes, allows us to offer our clients the highest level of predictability, while also ensuring competitive logistics freight rates.
This checklist, along with the help of a competent logistics provider, can turn the difficult task of shipping across Asia into a reliable, smooth operation.

About Shenzhen Senghor Sea & Air Logistics Co., Ltd.
Shenzhen Senghor Sea & Air Logistics Co., Ltd., a modern, comprehensive logistics company located in Shenzhen, is dedicated to facilitating international trade. The company has a large agency network that covers over 80 ports and offers four major international logistics services, including sea freight, rail transport, express, and air freight. Senghor Logistics is a specialist in providing diversified and customizable logistics solutions. This includes annual air charter service and the fastest Matson ocean freight service to USA.

Company Website: https://www.senghorshipping.com/