Questions to Ask a China-to-USA Freight Forwarder

This guide outlines the essential questions importers should ask before choosing a China-to-USA freight forwarder. It explains how transparent DDP pricing and an itemized landed-cost breakdown can help prevent hidden destination fees, customs delays, storage charges, and margin loss associated with unclear CIF quotes. It also covers testing a provider’s response times, confirming live tracking and proactive shipment updates, and verifying end-to-end responsibility from factory pickup through export clearance, freight booking, U.S. customs, and final delivery. For Amazon FBA sellers, the guide emphasizes confirming FBA labeling, pallet, appointment, and last-mile delivery expertise before booking.