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A clearer shipment brief.
A better freight discussion.
Practical preparation for importers, buying teams and suppliers planning an ocean shipment from China.
Practical guides for overseas buyers.
FCL or LCL? A Buyer’s Decision Beyond Cargo Volume
Choose between dedicated and shared container space using cargo, packaging, timing and warehouse receiving requirements. Includes decision tables, a worked example and a practical shipment brief.
Read the FCL and LCL decision guide ↗How to Compare Ocean Freight Quotes Without Missing the Scope
Compare inclusions, exclusions, charging units and operating assumptions before booking. Includes a worked quotation comparison, an RFQ checklist and practical answers to common buyer questions.
Read the freight quote comparison guide ↗How to Appoint a Freight Forwarder in China: A Practical Guide for Overseas Buyers
Compare quotations on the same basis, define responsibilities and coordinate a clear handover with your suppliers. Includes an illustrative shipment scenario, an RFQ checklist and practical answers to common buyer questions.
Read the complete guide ↗Bring the key shipment details together.
Exact information helps the freight discussion reflect the goods you are actually shipping. If a detail is still estimated, say so.
| Information | What to include |
|---|---|
| Origin & destination | Cargo location in China, intended port of loading and destination port or delivery location. |
| Cargo description | Product name, packing method and any handling requirements that may affect acceptance or arrangements. |
| Shipment size | Package count, dimensions, gross weight and total volume, or the requested container type and quantity. |
| Cargo-ready date | When the goods are expected to be ready for the agreed loading or pickup arrangements. |
| Required services | Ocean booking, container trucking, loading coordination and any other tasks you want reviewed. |
| Commercial arrangements | The agreed trade term and named location, relevant supplier contact and any buyer instructions. |
A packing list is a useful starting point. Final arrangements depend on confirmed cargo details and the agreed service scope.
Introduce everyone
to the same plan.
When you nominate a freight forwarder, make the instruction specific. Your supplier needs to know who to contact and which shipping arrangements the nominated agent is authorised to coordinate.
What to share in the introduction
- Buyer, supplier and freight contact details
- Purchase order or shipment reference
- Cargo description and expected ready date
- Origin and destination requirements
- Requested services and agreed responsibilities
Align the details before loading day.
Supplier readiness
Check that packing, quantities and the expected loading date reflect the latest production position. Communicate changes as soon as they are known.
Loading arrangements
Confirm the loading address, site contact and practical requirements. Discuss unusual dimensions, weights or handling needs before transport is arranged.
Shipment information
Agree who supplies the shipping instructions and who checks the shipment information. Keep the buyer, supplier and freight contact aligned on changes.
Ask what the quotation includes.
A useful freight comparison considers the service scope as well as the quoted amount.
Which charges and services are included?
Ask for the services and charges covered by the quotation, and clarify which origin or destination tasks remain outside the agreed scope.
What shipment details is the quotation based on?
Check the cargo description, weight, volume or equipment, origin, destination and cargo-ready date. Tell the freight contact if any of these change.
What needs to be confirmed before booking?
Discuss the applicable routing, schedule, equipment and space availability, along with quotation validity and the next steps required to proceed.
Who should receive shipment updates?
Nominate the buyer, supplier and destination contact as appropriate, and agree which shipment milestones and documents they need.
Have your shipment details ready?
Send your brief to LIYUAN and tell us which services you need. If you are still planning, include your best estimates and the details yet to be confirmed.