Questions importers ask before booking from Shenzhen

How early should I book ocean freight before Chinese New Year or Golden Week?

Start three to four weeks ahead for FCL and earlier for LCL, because consolidation space tightens before factory holidays. We confirm the cargo-ready date with the supplier first, then reserve space against that date rather than against an approximate week.

When does LCL stop making sense?

Once your volume approaches roughly 15 to 20 cubic metres, a full container usually wins on handling, damage risk and destination charges. We compare the two with warehouse receiving fees included, not just the ocean freight line.

What documents are needed for China export customs clearance?

A commercial invoice, packing list, booking confirmation, the export declaration data, and any product-specific certificate or licence. We check that the description, value and quantity agree across all of them before the declaration is filed.

Do you arrange DDP shipments to the United States?

We can coordinate DDP movements where the importer, the broker and the tax responsibilities are clearly defined in writing. We will not quote a DDP rate that hides who acts as importer of record, because that is where disputes start.

How is air freight chargeable weight calculated?

The carrier compares actual gross weight with volumetric weight and charges the higher figure. We show both numbers on the quote, along with the dimension used, so a packaging change can be evaluated before the cargo reaches the terminal.

What if a Section 337 order affects cargo already in transit?

We build an inventory of affected bookings and hold or redirect them only on your written instruction. Legal interpretation stays with your counsel; our file records every physical handover with timestamps and document copies.

Can import VAT be deferred on EU-bound shipments?

Only where the importer holds a valid authorisation in the member state of entry and the document set names that importer consistently. We align the Shenzhen export pack with your destination broker; your tax adviser confirms eligibility.

Do you offer storage and fulfilment outside China?

Yes. We coordinate receiving, labelling, storage and replenishment in US and European facilities as an extension of the ocean or air plan, with one packing-list format shared from the factory to the warehouse.

How do I get a quote from Hovmar Logistics?

Send the origin, destination, cargo description, cartons or pallet dimensions, gross weight, ready date and the Incoterm you want. A named coordinator replies with a routed quote and the assumptions behind it.

Which Incoterms do you work with?

EXW, FOB, FCA, CIF, DAP and DDP are common in our Shenzhen files. We state the handover point in writing on every quote so insurance and customs responsibility are not left to assumption.

Is cargo insurance included?

It is quoted as a separate, optional line. We recommend it for high-value, fragile or long-transit cargo and will show the coverage basis rather than folding an unspecified amount into the freight rate.

How do you keep documents consistent across carriers and brokers?

One controlled invoice version is shared with the carrier, the China declaration and the destination broker. Any change to value, quantity or description is applied to all three at once, with the revision recorded.