Before cargo leaves the supplier
Confirm the accepted cargo details, packaging, receiving instructions and who is arranging delivery to origin receiving.
CHINA TO US · OCEAN FREIGHT
China-US LCL Shipping Guide
A practical guide to preparing your China-to-US LCL shipment.
ONE CONNECTED PROCESS
Four stages. One clear journey.
From shipment details to the final handoff.
-
1
↗
Share your
shipment detailsTell us what you are shipping, where it is going and when it will be ready.
-
2
✓
Confirm the
freight arrangementAgree the service scope, applicable charges and cargo acceptance before booking.
-
3
≋
Consolidate
and sailFollow the receiving instructions, verify documents and coordinate the ocean leg.
-
4
⌁
Connect to
US deliveryCoordinate destination handling and collection or onward delivery as agreed.
Have these details ready.
Your cargo
Commodity, packaging, package count, gross weight and total volume.
Your shipment
Origin, destination and the date the cargo will be ready.
Your delivery
Port collection or door delivery. For delivery, include the address and ZIP code.
Special requirements
Disclose batteries, liquids, powders or other special attributes before arranging delivery to the receiving location.
SCENARIO · SUPPLIER-READY CARGO
The cartons are ready.
The cartons are ready.
Is the shipment ready?
Before the supplier sends the goods, connect the physical cargo to the confirmed receiving instructions.
- Measure the final packagingUse the packed dimensions, including pallets and overhang.
- Match the recordsAlign package count, references and weight with the packing list.
- Confirm the handoffUse the accepted receiving address, reference and cutoff.
Common shipping questions
How should I calculate the cargo volume?
Measure the outside of each package. Length × width × height in metres gives the volume in cubic metres. Calculate different package sizes separately, then add them together.
What is the difference between port and door delivery?
Port collection and door delivery cover different activities. Confirm destination handling, customs responsibilities, collection and final delivery separately in the quotation.
Are estimated departure and arrival dates guaranteed?
Estimated milestones depend on the confirmed booking and may change with operating conditions. Check the latest information before planning dependent activities.
SHIPMENT PLANNING
Measure the shipment as it will travel.
Outer dimensions, including the pallet
Measure the finished transport package, not the product inside it. Include pallet height and any overhang. For mixed carton sizes, list each size and quantity separately instead of using an approximate average.
Give total gross weight, including cartons, pallets and protective materials. Identify packages that cannot be stacked, must stay upright or need special lifting equipment.
ILLUSTRATIVE VOLUME CALCULATION
10 cartons × 0.12 m³ = 1.20 m³
Each carton: 0.60 m × 0.40 m × 0.50 m.
This example calculates physical volume only. It is not a quotation or a billable-volume rule; the applicable tariff and minimums must be confirmed.
SHIPMENT PLANNING
Keep the cargo and its paperwork in agreement.
| Record | What to check | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial invoice | Product description, seller and buyer details, quantities, values and agreed transaction information. | A vague description or inconsistent quantity creates questions during document review. |
| Packing list | Package count, packaging type, dimensions, gross weight and package references. | The receiving and delivery teams need to match the record to the physical cargo. |
| Shipping instructions | Shipper, consignee, notify party and shipment references, as requested. | These details must be reviewed before transport documents are finalized. |
| Receiving instructions | The confirmed location, receiving reference, cutoff and appointment requirements. | A city name or website address is not authorization to send cargo to a facility. |
This is a preparation checklist, not a complete customs-document list. Commodity-specific import requirements should be confirmed with the responsible customs professional.
READY TO SHIP
A practical pre-dispatch check
Before the shipping instructions close
Review the shipper, consignee and notification details. Report changes promptly rather than waiting for draft documents to be issued.
Before destination collection
Confirm release status, pickup authorization and the actual collection point. Vessel arrival alone does not mean loose cargo is ready to collect.
Your cargo. Your destination.
Let’s connect the journey.
Start with your cargo details and delivery requirements.
China → US focus
LCL forwarding
Port or door requirements