由 caicai8478 In global supply chain management, “door-to-door” international freight services have become the preferred solution for cross-border e-commerce, manufacturing, and trading companies due to their convenience and efficiency. This article systematically analyzes the entire process from Chinese factory to US warehouse, covering transportation method selection, cost optimization, key node control, and risk management, to help companies build an efficient and low-cost international logistics system.
- What is “door-to-door” international freight?
Definition: “Door-to-door” service refers to the entire transportation process from the time the logistics service provider picks up the goods from the Chinese factory until the goods are delivered to the designated warehouse in the United States (such as Amazon FBA warehouse, overseas warehouse or company-owned warehouse), including: Domestic transportation (factory → Chinese port/airport) International transportation (sea/air/rail) U.S. customs clearance Last-mile delivery (port/airport → U.S. warehouse) Core advantages: ✅ One-stop service: Reduce the communication costs of connecting with multiple logistics providers ✅ Controllable costs: Full package quotation, avoid hidden fees ✅ Stable timeliness: Professional team optimizes the transportation chain 2. Full-link process design (taking sea transportation as an example) 1. China-side operation (1) Pickup and packing
Factory stocking: Confirm that the packaging of goods meets international transportation standards (such as fumigated wooden boxes, shockproof packaging)
Freight forwarder arranges pick-up: Provide accurate cargo volume/weight data to avoid overloading of trucks
Packing method:
FCL: Suitable for large-volume goods (20GP/40HQ)
LCL: Suitable for small-volume goods (charged by CBM)
(2) Export customs declaration
Document preparation:
Commercial Invoice
Packing List
Customs Declaration
HS code classification: Ensure accuracy to avoid customs inspection delays - International transportation
Transportation method Time limit Applicable scenarios
Sea freight FCL 18-25 days to the US West Coast + 7 days for customs clearance Bulk goods, low time limit requirements
Sea freight LCL 3-5 days slower than FCL Small-volume goods (<15CBM)
Air freight 5-10 days Urgent replenishment, high-value goods
China-Europe Railway Express + Ocean Freight 35-45 days to avoid congestion at US West Coast ports - US-side operations
(1) Customs clearance (critical!)
Required documents:
Bond (deposit): Importers must purchase in advance (annual bond or single bond)
ISF declaration (Import Security Declaration): Ocean freight must submit 24 hours before loading
POA (Power of Attorney): Freight forwarder clears customs on behalf of the company
Common customs clearance issues:
HS code error → goods detained by customs
Under-declared → fines or goods seizure
(2) Last-mile delivery
Truck delivery:
Amazon FBA: make an appointment to deliver to the warehouse (avoid delays during peak periods such as Q4)
Overseas warehouse/self-operated warehouse: provide accurate warehouse address and contact person
Express delivery: suitable for small goods (UPS/FedEx)
III. Cost optimization strategy
- Transport Mode Combination
“Ocean Freight as a Primary Option + Air Freight as a Contingency Option”: 80% of inventory shipped by sea, 20% by air to prevent stockouts
“Dual Customs Clearance in the US West Coast and US East Coast”: Diversify port congestion risks (e.g., shipping to Los Angeles and New York simultaneously)
- Optimizing Container Utilization
Full Container Load (FCL): The most cost-effective option is when cargo occupies >80% of the container volume.
Less Than Container Load (LCL): Light cargo is charged by volume, heavy cargo by weight.
- Tariff Optimization
Utilize the China-US Trade Agreement: For example, using the Certificate of Origin (Form A) to reduce tariffs.
Reasonably Declared Value: Avoid penalties for under-declaring, but avoid excessively high taxes and fees.
IV. Key Points and Risk Management
Risk Points and Response Plans
Factory Delays: Sign contracts with clear delivery dates and allow for buffer time.
Customs Inspection: Complete documentation, accurate HS codes, and purchase inspection insurance.
Port Congestion: Avoid peak season (Q4) and choose alternative ports (e.g., Houston).
Amazon Warehouse Delays: Book in advance and use Amazon Global Logistics (AGL).
V. Recommended Solutions for Businesses of Different Sizes
Business Types Recommended Solutions
Small Sellers: Dedicated Air Freight (Fast In/Out) + Overseas Warehouse Transshipment
Medium Sellers: Less-Than-Container Load (LCL) + Air Freight for Emergency Restocking
Large Manufacturers: Full Container Load (FCL) + US Bonded Warehouse Stocking
VI. Future Trends
Digital Logistics: Blockchain Tracking of Shipments (e.g., Maersk TradeLens)
Green Shipping: Carbon Emission Reduction Requirements Promote Slow Steaming in Ocean Shipping
New US Customs Policy: Possible Enhanced Inspections of E-commerce Shipments (e.g., Temu Model) Starting in 2024
VII. How to Choose a Reliable Door-to-Door Freight Forwarder? ✅ Qualification Verification: NVOCC license and US FMC filing.
✅ Customs Clearance Capabilities: Local US customs clearance team (avoiding a “stacked customs clearance” situation).
✅ Case Studies: Shipping experience of clients in the same industry (e.g., lithium batteries, furniture).
✅ Insurance Coverage: Full cargo insurance (All Risks) provided.
Summary
To design an efficient door-to-door international freight chain, it’s important to select a combination of ocean, air, and multimodal transport based on the characteristics of the cargo, timeliness requirements, and budget. Strict control must be exercised over the four core links: export declaration, international transportation, US customs clearance, and final mile delivery. By partnering with professional freight forwarders and using digital tools (such as ShipBob and Flexport), businesses can reduce logistics costs by 20%-30% while improving supply chain stability.