Guides and notes on China-to-global logistics route research.
What a commercial invoice is, what customs requires on it, how it differs from a proforma invoice, who issues it, and how it sets your duty.
Read articleWhat a certificate of origin certifies, preferential vs non-preferential types, whether the US requires one, who issues it, and how it affects your duty.
Read articleThe US de minimis exemption was suspended for all countries on August 29, 2025 and is being repealed. What the $800 rule was and how to budget landed cost.
Read articleCIF Incoterms explained: who pays freight, duty, and customs clearance, where risk transfers, what minimum insurance covers, and CIF vs FOB vs CIP.
Read articleHow US import duty is calculated: the formula, HTS code and duty rate, customs value, MPF, HMF, and Section 301 tariffs, with a worked China-to-USA example and why a calculator gives an estimate.
Read articleDAP (Delivered at Place) Incoterms 2020 explained: who pays import duty and customs clearance, where risk transfers, insurance and title responsibility, DAP vs DDP, DAP vs FOB, and a worked China-to-USA example.
Read articleEstimate container shipping costs with 2026 reference bands: FCL vs LCL, 20ft and 40ft rates, the 12-15 CBM break-even, and what a container really costs door to door.
Read articleHow much it costs to ship a pallet: domestic LTL and international reference bands, the 5 cost factors, LTL vs parcel vs FBA inbound, a worked Shenzhen-to-FBA example, and how to get an accurate estimate.
Read articleHow a freight shipping cost calculator works, the 6 inputs that drive the price, freight class explained, domestic LTL vs international math, a worked China-to-USA example, and 2026 reference bands.
Read articleHow to calculate landed cost with the five-component formula (product, freight, duty, insurance, fees), a worked China-to-USA example, landed cost vs FOB vs COGS, and the mistakes that erode margin.
Read articleHow to calculate dimensional weight (DIM weight) with the L × W × H ÷ divisor formula, carrier factors for FedEx, UPS, USPS, DHL, and air freight, worked examples, and how to lower billable weight.
Read articleWhat a freight forwarder does, how they differ from carriers and brokers, what their services cost, and how to compare forwarders from China.
Read articleCalculate CBM with L×W×H, worked carton and container examples, chargeable weight, LCL and air freight billing, and reference freight price bands.
Read articleFCA (Free Carrier) explained for importers: who pays freight and import duty, where risk transfers, FCA vs FOB, EXW and DAP, and the on-board bill of lading trap for letters of credit.
Read articleCPT (Carriage Paid To) explained for importers: who pays freight and import duty, where risk really transfers, the CPT insurance gap, and CPT vs CIP, CIF, DAP, and DDP.
Read articleDDP (Delivered Duty Paid) explained for importers and sellers: who pays the duty, the seller's full obligation list, DDP vs DAP and DDU, what DDP shipping from China really costs, and when it is worth it.
Read articleCIP (Carriage and Insurance Paid To) explained for importers: the full cost and responsibility split, where risk really transfers, the Clauses (A) insurance obligation, and CIP vs CIF, CPT, FOB, DAP, and DDP.
Read articleWhat a bill of lading is, who issues it, every form field with an example, straight vs order vs seaway types, BOL vs waybill, and mistakes that delay cargo.
Read articleWhat a China-to-USA freight forwarder does, reference cost bands, a 7-point vetting checklist, shipping modes, and what Amazon FBA sellers should ask.
Read articleFOB vs. EXW explained: who pays for what, where risk transfers, the real cost difference, and which Incoterm to choose for a China shipment.
Read articleWhat a customs bonded warehouse is, how duty deferral works, bonded warehouse vs. FTZ, the 5-year limit, cost reference bands, and when it pays off.
Read articleWhat door-to-door international shipping really covers, how it differs from DDP, reference cost bands by mode, and how to compare providers.
Read articleWhat an ISF (10+2) filing is, the 24-hour-before-loading deadline, reference fee bands, ISF vs. AMS, and how to file for China-to-US ocean freight.
Read articleWhat a customs bond is, single entry vs. continuous, cost reference bands, how the bond amount is calculated, and how to apply before your China-to-US shipment clears CBP.
Read articleWhat is a harmonized tariff code? HS vs. HTS vs. Schedule B, how to find the right code, and how it sets your duty rate and landed cost.
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