Expert insights on freight surcharges, shipping cost management, and logistics tips for overseas importers sourcing from China.
BAF is one of the most volatile surcharges in ocean freight. Here's how it's calculated, why it fluctuates, and how shippers can manage BAF exposure.
Read moreNot all surcharges are created equal. Some — like THC and DTHC — are often negotiable. Others are hard-coded into carrier tariffs. Here's a practical framework.
Read moreEverything you need to know about Amazon FBA fees when shipping from China. Includes FBA shipping costs, import duties, fulfillment fees, and tips to reduce total landed cost.
Read moreFrom FOB to CIF to EXW — master every cost component of shipping from China in 2026. Real rate data, live surcharge tables, total landed cost calculators, and negotiation tactics for every incoterm.
Read moreGRI (General Rate Increase) and PSS (Peak Season Surcharge) often appear together. Understanding the distinction helps you anticipate total cost changes.
Amazon adjusts FBA fulfillment fees twice a year. We break down the latest changes and what they mean for your unit economics.
CAF recovers currency fluctuations between billing and payment. Learn how it works and whether it's truly necessary.
Peak Season Surcharge (PSS) can add $200–$1,000 per container during high-demand periods. Learn what triggers PSS, how to anticipate it, and strategies to avoid overpaying.
THC and DTHC are among the most common — and most frequently disputed — freight surcharges. Understand what you're paying for and where you have room to negotiate.
EBS and BAF both relate to fuel costs, but they're applied differently and often confuse shippers. Here's a clear breakdown of when each applies and whether you're being double-charged.
Demurrage and detention (D&D) charges are among the most misunderstood — and most expensive — freight surcharges. Learn how they accumulate and how to avoid them.
Understanding Incoterms is essential for anyone importing from China. FOB, CIF, EXW—which should you use? Learn the key differences and which saves you money.
How much is import duty from China to USA? What is the de minimis threshold? Understanding US customs fees, tariffs, and how to calculate your total import cost.
Shipping costs from China eating into your margins? Learn 15 actionable strategies to reduce ocean freight, air freight, and surcharges for your China imports.
Full Container Load (FCL) vs Less than Container Load (LCL) — which shipping method is cheaper for your business? Learn the break-even point, pros and cons, and how to choose the right option.
Air freight is 5–8x more expensive than sea freight but 10x faster. When should you pay the premium? A detailed cost and time comparison for shipping from China.
How much does it cost to ship from Alibaba, Temu, and Shein to the USA? Understanding direct-from-China e-commerce costs, de minimis thresholds, and what's changing in 2026.
Shipping lithium batteries and hazardous materials from China requires strict compliance. Learn the regulations, required documents, surcharges, and best practices for 2026.
Shipping temperature-controlled (reefer) containers and oversized (out-of-gauge) cargo from China requires special handling. Learn about reefer surcharges, OOG fees, and equipment charges.
LSS (Low Sulfur Surcharge) is IMO 2020's direct offspring — a charge carriers added to offset the cost of switching from heavy fuel oil to low-sulfur alternatives. Here's what importers need to know.
ISF (Importer Security Filing) and AMS (Automated Manifest System) are mandatory US customs filings for ocean freight. Missing deadlines can cost $5,000 per violation.
Beyond BAF and GRI, ocean freight quotes include smaller but overlooked charges: CIC, DOC, Seal Fee, and others. This guide reveals what they cost and whether you're paying too much.
BAF, EBS, LSS, FAF — fuel surcharges sound similar but serve different purposes. This guide breaks down every major fuel-related surcharge so you can decode your freight quote.
LCL (Less than Container Load) shipping adds consolidation-related surcharges that FCL shippers never see. This guide breaks down every LCL-specific charge — CFS, IT fee, coloader markup, and more — so you know exactly what you're paying for.
Air freight quotes are full of codes — FSC, SSC, CCA, AWB, SCC, DGR. This guide explains every major air freight surcharge, when they apply, and how much you should expect to pay from China.
WRS (War Risk Surcharge) and D/O (Delivery Order) fees are two charges that appear on nearly every international freight quote — yet few importers understand exactly what they cover or whether they're being overcharged.
Before any surcharge appears on your invoice, the base freight rate (O/F, A/F, or FRT) is the foundation of your shipping cost. This guide explains how base freight rates work for ocean, air, and multimodal shipments from China — including how they're set, what drives them, and how to negotiate.
Freight quotes from China can contain dozens of line items. This guide teaches you to decode every charge, understand who pays for what, and identify opportunities to reduce your shipping costs.
Choosing the right shipping container is critical for optimizing freight costs and protecting your cargo. This comprehensive guide compares all major container types to help you make the best decision for your shipments from China.
Master the 11 Incoterms 2020 rules that govern international trade. Understand who pays for freight, insurance, customs duties, and learn how to choose the right trade term for your shipments from China.
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