How to Choose a Reliable International Freight Forwarding Company?

When selecting a freight forwarder, focus on three core elements:: Customs AEO certification, Class A foreign exchange management enterprises,Industry ReputationandService coverage ability。It is recommended to prioritize companies holding the following qualifications:

• China International Freight Forwarders Association (CIFA) Certified Member
• FIATA (International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations) registered qualification
• A stable operational record of at least 5 years or more.

Industry trends for 2025 indicate that possessingDigital Tracking SystemandCarbon Neutral Transportation SolutionsAgency companies with these qualifications are more favored by European and American buyers. It is recommended to check the enterprise credit rating (AEO-certified enterprises are preferred) on the official website of the General Administration of Customs of China.

What items are included in international freight forwarding fees?

The composition of standard agency fees for 2025 includes:

• Basic service fee
  • Document Processing Fee: Average 800-1500 RMB per shipment.
  • Booking service fee:?Ocean shipping?USD50-100/箱
• Extended service fees
  • Port miscellaneous charges: including THC/ISPS, etc.
  • Special Cargo Surcharge: Hazardous materials subject to an additional 30%.

: For goods exported to Thailand, the value - added tax rate isBunker Adjustment Factor (BAF)andCurrency Adjustment Factor (CAF)The amount will be adjusted based on the real-time exchange rate. It is recommended to clarify the fee calculation method when signing the service contract.

How significant are the cost differences among various transportation methods?

Taking a 40-foot container from Shanghai to Rotterdam as an example (Q2 2025 quote):

• 海運(yùn)：USD3800-4500（25-35天）
• 鐵路：USD8500-9800（18-22天）
• ?Air freight?：USD42000-55000（3-5天）

Recommended selection based onThe principle of proportional value of goodsSelection: For goods valued below USD 50,000, prioritize sea freight; for those valued between USD 50,000 and USD 200,000, consider rail transport; and for goods exceeding USD 200,000, air freight is recommended. Special categories such as lithium batteries must be transported using specific methods.

What are the common pitfalls in preparing customs clearance documents?

Customs statistics from the past three years indicate that 30% of clearance delays stem from documentation issues:

• Commercial Invoice
  • Must specifyTrade terms (FOB/CIF)
  • Please include the first 6 digits of the HS code.
• ?Certificate of Origin?
  • The RCEP certificate must use the new version format.
  • The EU requires additional material specifications.

Starting from 2025, the EU has fully implementedElectronic Product Passport (EPP)Regulations require that relevant certification documents be prepared in advance for the export of electronic products.

How to Avoid the Risk of Cargo Not Being Picked Up at the Destination Port?

Recommended three-tier risk control measures:

• Before the transaction
  • Verify the buyer's credit through Sinosure.
  • Require at least a 30% upfront payment.
• During transportation
  • PurchaseRejection Insurance
  • Real-time tracking of cargo status
• After arrival at port
  • Set a 14-day free storage period alert.
  • Contact the standby buyer at the destination port in advance.

What should be paid attention to in the transportation of special goods?

Different categories have specific transportation requirements:

• Lithium battery: UN38.3 certification + 1.2-meter drop test report
• Chemicals: MSDS + Dangerous Goods Declaration Form
• Food: FDA Registration + Original Sanitary Certificate

The newly added 2025Carbon footprint declarationRequirements: Textiles involving the EU market must provide carbon emission data from the production process.

How to cope with drastic fluctuations in shipping prices?

The following coping strategies are recommended:

• SignLong-term agreementLock in cabin price
• Develop a multi-port shipping plan (e.g., Qingdao/Ningbo dual-port backup).
• UseFreight FuturesHedge risks

According to data from the Shanghai Shipping Exchange, the fluctuation range of shipping prices in 2025 narrowed by 15% compared to 2024, but geopolitical factors still require close attention.

How to effectively claim compensation for damaged goods?

A complete chain of evidence needs to be established:

• Please take a video of the container inspection before loading.
• Request the carrier to signClean Bill of Lading
• PurchaseAll Risks (ALL RISK)Insurance

International arbitration cases in 2025 demonstrate that the success rate of claims for cold chain transportation with complete temperature recorder data increases by 40%.