CH / EN

Home page

All categories >

News

Industry Encyclopedia

News

Core Business

For the first time, the foreign trade logistics process is explained so clearly!

Categories:

News Center

News

Time of issue：

2026-02-06 17:59

Views：

What exactly makes foreign trade logistics so challenging?

Many people think that foreign trade boils down to just three steps: “negotiating with customers, collecting payment, and shipping goods.”
In fact, what often really holds beginners back is... Logistics link — Customs declaration, booking space, bill of lading, customs clearance, delivery... Just hearing the names makes your head spin.

Don’t panic! In today’s article, we’ll explain it in the most down-to-earth way possible. The entire process of foreign trade logistics It’s been taken apart and laid out clearly.
Whether you’re a newly hired salesperson or a small business owner running your own cross-border venture, you’ll be able to get started and start operating right after watching this!

💡 Just a heads-up: 90% of logistics tasks can be outsourced to a freight forwarder—you only need to master the key milestones and risk points.

I. Panoramic View of Foreign Trade Logistics (Taking Exports as an Example)

Factory delivery → Inland transportation → Export customs clearance → Loading onto vessel/onto equipment → International transportation → Clearance at the destination port → Last-mile delivery

The entire process involves China segment + Overseas segment Interweaving document preparation, fees, and time coordination in between.
Next, let’s break it down step by step.

II. Step 1: Determine the trade terms (decide who will manage logistics)

Logistics responsibility was determined at the time of quoting!
The key is to see which contract is being used. Incoterms® Trade Terms ：

Terms	Who is responsible for logistics?	Common scenarios
EXW (Factory Delivery)	Buyer covers all costs.	The buyer has an overseas agent.
FOB (Ex-works price)	The buyer is responsible for the international leg, and the seller is responsible up to shipment.	Most commonly used! Especially the U.S. line.
CIF / CNF	The seller is responsible for ocean freight + insurance (CIF including insurance).	The seller wants to control the logistics experience.
Delivered Duty Paid Delivered Duty Paid (DDP)	Seller delivers to door (including customs duties)	High-end services, high risk.

✅ Newcomer’s recommendation: Use it as a priority. FOB Clear responsibilities and controllable risks.

III. Step 2: Find a freight forwarder (your logistics “strategist”)

Freight forwarder = Freight Forwarder
They can help you get it done:

•

Booking

•

Customs Clearance

•

Trucking

•

Buy insurance (Insurance)

•

Provide the Bill of Lading.

•

Assist with customs clearance at the destination port.

How do you choose a reliable freight forwarder?

•

Check whether they have primary agency qualifications (able to book space directly with the shipping company).

•

Clarify the fee structure (avoid hidden charges).

•

Prioritize those who are familiar with your products and shipping routes—for example, furniture makers versus electronics manufacturers; the requirements differ.

⚠️ Don’t be tempted by low prices! Low-cost freight forwarders may abandon containers, cause delays, or charge unreasonable fees.

4. Step 3: Arrange the trailer & enter the warehouse

Once the goods are produced, they need to be transported from the factory to the port or the designated warehouse.

Two methods of warehousing:

Direct delivery to the dock (Direct to Port)

•

Suitable for full container load (FCL)

•

The trucks drive directly into the port area, making loading onto ships quick.

Send to consolidated warehouse (CFS – Container Freight Station)

•

Suitable for Less-than-Container Load (LCL)

•

Multiple shipments are consolidated into one container, resulting in lower costs but slower delivery times.

📌 Key actions:

•

Confirm 3–5 days in advance. Cut-off time (CY Closing) and Goods interception time (Cargo Cutoff)

•

Missing the deadline = port detention fees + delayed vessel schedule!

V. Step 4: Export Customs Clearance (Release by Chinese Customs)

Customs clearance is a legal procedure—goods cannot be shipped until it’s completed!

Who will report it?

•

Usually handled by the freight forwarder on your behalf (you provide the information).

•

Enterprises with their own customs clearance authority can also file declarations themselves.

What materials are needed?

•

Commercial Invoice

•

Packing List

•

Contract or PO

•

Customs declaration form (to be completed by the customs broker)

•

Special goods require: a commercial inspection certificate and a license (e.g., for batteries, food, and medical devices).

✅ Tip: The invoice and packing list information must match exactly; otherwise, customs will return the documents!

6. Step 5: Load the goods onto the ship & obtain the Bill of Lading (B/L)

After the goods are loaded onto the ship, the shipping company will issue a ________. Bill of Lading (B/L) 。

What is a bill of lading?

•

The “ID card” of the goods + “collection voucher”

•

Divided into:

•

Original Bill of Lading (Original B/L): The original document must be mailed to pick up the goods (safe but slow).

•

Electronic Release Bill of Lading (Telex Release): Email notification for cargo release (fast, suitable for trusted customers)

💡 Most U.S. customers require Electronic release Avoid delays in customs clearance due to waiting for the courier.

7. Step 6: International Transportation (Sea or Air?)

How do you choose between sea freight and air freight?

Comparison item	Sea freight	Air freight
Cost	Low ($1000+/container starting)	High ($5/kg or more)
Statute of limitations	Slow (15 days to West Coast, 30 days to East Coast)	Fast (3–7 days)
Suitable	Bulk goods, heavy goods, non-urgent orders	Small-sized, high-value, urgent orders

🔹 Supplement: There is also Railway (China-Europe freight trains) and Express delivery (DHL/FedEx), but ocean freight remains the mainstream for U.S. routes.

8. Step 7: Customs Clearance at the Port of Destination (U.S. Segment)

After the goods arrive at the port, they’ll also need to “clear customs” on the U.S. side.

Who's in charge?

•

FOB/CIF: Usually by U.S. consignee or handled by its customs clearance agent

•

DDP: You (the seller) arrange the U.S. customs clearance agent in advance.

What is required for customs clearance?

•

Commercial Invoice

•

Packing List

•

Bill of Lading

•

ISF Filing (10+2, specific to the U.S., submit 24 hours prior to shipment)

•

EIN / IRS Number (U.S. Tax ID)

•

If FDA or FCC certification is available, it must also be provided.

⚠️ U.S. customs is very strict!

•

The declared value cannot be too low (or it will be audited).

•

The product name cannot be vague (listing “gift” or “sample” will likely result in the goods being detained).

9. Step 8: Last-mile delivery

After customs clearance is completed, the drayage company will transport the goods from the port to the warehouse or the customer’s doorstep.

Common delivery methods:

•

UPS/FedEx Ground Small package, delivered directly to your door.

•

LTL (LTL): Medium-sized shipments, consolidated delivery

•

Faster-than-light (Vehicle): Full container direct delivery to warehouse

💡 If it’s Amazon FBA, you’ll also need to schedule an appointment. Delivery Appointment Otherwise, reject it!

10. Expense Breakdown: How Much Does Foreign Trade Logistics Actually Cost?

With one 40-foot container (40HQ) to Los Angeles, USA For example (FOB Shanghai):

Project	Fee (RMB)	Instructions
Towing fee	¥2,000–3,000	From the factory to the port
Customs clearance fee	¥300–500	General freight forwarder packing and collection
Freight charges	¥8,000–20,000	High volatility—don't overemphasize peak seasons.
Document fees/THC, etc.	¥1,000–2,000	Hong Kong miscellaneous charges
Total Cost (China Section)	Approximately ¥12,000 to ¥25,000	Does not include the U.S. segment

U.S. segment fee (to be paid by the consignee):

•

Customs clearance fee: $100–300

•

Port Demurrage: Free for 5 days; $100+ per day for any time beyond that!

•

Inland freight: $800–$2,000 (depending on distance)

Summary: The Three Key Factors in Foreign Trade Logistics

Clarify responsibilities Use the correct trade terms and know who’s responsible for each segment.

Keep a close eye on the time. No delays allowed—no late submissions for customs clearance, cargo interception, or ISF filings.

Choose the right partner. Reliable freight forwarder + U.S. customs clearance specialist = Smooth delivery

Final reminder ：
Logistics isn't just about "sending it out and being done with it"—rather, it's... The final touchpoint of customer experience 。
Even if your product is excellent, if it arrives late, is damaged, or gets taxed, your customer won’t come back to you next time.

So, even if it means spending a bit more, make sure to stabilize and professionalize your logistics!

I wish every shipment of yours goes smoothly, arrives at the port on time, and leaves your customers thoroughly satisfied! 🚢📦🇺🇸

Shenzhen Huijetong International Freight Forwarding Co., Ltd. – Professional U.S. West Coast Shipping Services

In the U.S.-bound shipping sector, Shenzhen Huijetong International Freight Forwarding Co., Ltd. has become a trusted choice for numerous clients thanks to its professional services and extensive experience. Specializing in U.S.-bound transportation, Huijetong International Freight Forwarding Co., Ltd. offers comprehensive logistics solutions, including ocean freight, air freight, land transportation, and warehousing services. The company maintains close cooperation with major shipping alliances, enabling it to provide flexible space arrangements and highly efficient transportation services tailored to customer needs.

Choosing Huijietong International Freight Forwarding Co., Ltd. means choosing professional, efficient, and reliable logistics services. For more details, please visit [Huijietong’s official website www.szvif.com].

If you're heading to the U.S., choose Hui Jietong!

Shenzhen Huijetong International Freight Forwarding Co., Ltd.—your professional partner for U.S. West Coast shipping.

Service hotline: 13560787209