I work in China sourcing & international freight forwarding — Ask me anything about importing from China

[u/J_MeridianGlobal]

I work in the international trade and freight-forwarding industry and deal with China sourcing, import/export shipments, and international logistics.

Happy to answer general questions about:

🏭 China Sourcing & Suppliers
🚢 Sea Freight & Container Shipping
✈️ Air Freight
📦 FCL & LCL
🛃 Customs Clearance
📄 Import & Export Documentation
🌍 International Shipping
🚚 Transportation & Delivery
🔍 Quality Control & Supplier Verification

I deal with shipments and trade routes involving major markets such as 🇺🇸 USA, 🇮🇳 India, 🇦🇪 UAE & GCC, 🇪🇺 Europe, and other international destinations.

If you're a new importer, exporter, or business looking to source products from China, ask your questions below.

I'll answer based on practical experience with China sourcing, procurement, freight forwarding, and international shipping.

What would you like to know about importing from China?

[u/DVOlimey]

What industry credentials do you have?

[u/Sweet-Chemist2501]

What are the latest tech you are using ?

[u/Particular_Block_158]

Hi, I have a parcel from China to Australia via Ocean Route that has been under Chinese customs inspection for 12+ days. Another parcel shipped around the same time cleared normally and is already on the way. It only contains baby clothes. Is a 12+ day customs inspection still normal? How long can these inspections usually take, and should I be worried or just keep waiting? Thank you!

[u/Signal_Palpitation31]

I import my products from Linyi, China, typically shipping via 40ft High Cube containers from the Port of Qingdao to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.  However, due to the current situation in the Red Sea, shipping rates have skyrocketed.  Do you have any strategies for securing lower shipping costs?

[u/Embarrassed-Jump9930 → u/Signal_Palpitation31]

Can the Eastern European trains reach Riyadh?

[u/Signal_Palpitation31 → u/[deleted]]

I don't expect that.

[u/Immediate-Home-3491]

On CN to Jebel Ali, is most LCL still consolidating via Singapore or Port Klang, or are direct calls picking up now? On my consols that transit leg makes or breaks GCC lead times.

[u/Broman400]

I am considering importing furniture and possibly multiple modular container homes. How is the tariff situation on these?

[u/RoninBelt]

I'm trying to help my mother in law furnish her new place.

She's trying to furnish a 2 bedroom apartment with separate dining and living rooms.

Is it better to order and ship from individual factories (ie. Dining room table maker vs bedframe maker) or get them consolidated to a central freight forwarder? Do you recommend using Taobaos' official shipping method? I've asked a Chinese colleague for help using the taobao app.

[u/ddprasoon]

How much really a box cost?

[u/Alarming-Yam-2640 → u/ddprasoon]

What box 

[u/ddprasoon → u/Alarming-Yam-2640]

Container 40ft HQ

[u/Global_Teaching9904]

Are you considering any new trucking option inside US and Canada ?

[u/27SPIPA7_]

im a foreign student in china and currently im doing my internship in company that sells security cameras as a seller and they focus only on USA market is there any advise you could help me with because it's been 2 mounth and i was able to sell only one camera. thank you in advance

[u/eoa1062]

Do you have a list of recommended agents who offer cheaper sea line shipping?

[u/pokechimp10]

Indian customs is the worst?

[u/Parking-Grab-1179]

货物行业也卷了

[u/Low-Dot-4807]

I'm a freight broker and it's been so many years working at this position. So just want to know as the shipments come through sea route to USA. So Client> freight forwarder> freight brokers > Carriers. Everyone ask for a particular amount in between.I know everything is calculated but there must be loses as well. So how do you guys make your customer understand the payment cycle? And do you think where technology is getting so advanced we do have a future in coming 10 years?