Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the cost of shipping from China?

The cost of shipping from China depends on several factors such as the weight of the cargo, volume, type of transportation (sea, air), route, availability of additional services (insurance, packaging, labeling), and others. A logistics company can provide you with a cost estimate considering all necessary parameters and help optimize the delivery process to achieve optimal price and efficiency.

For a preliminary cost estimate, please provide the following data to your manager:

  1. Dimensions of the cargo (weight, volume)
  2. Product name
  3. Link to the product or photo of the product with description
  4. Invoice value

Or invoice and packing for the cargo.

The cost of shipping may change after measuring the cargo at the warehouse in China. It is also important to consider possible additional expenses such as customs duties, taxes, commissions, and other expenses related to customs clearance and cargo processing.

Keep in mind that the cost of shipping may vary depending on market conditions, transportation tariffs, and other factors, so it is recommended to obtain updated estimates before each shipment.

What types of shipping do you offer at DiFFreight?

Sea Freight: This can be a cost-effective option for large cargo volumes, especially if delivery time is not critical. DiFFreight collaborates with various sea carriers to ensure optimal rates and arrangements.

Air Freight: For quick and small shipments that require speedy delivery, DiFFreight can offer air freight services. This is particularly important for high-value items or those needing rapid delivery to markets.

Road Freight:

FTL (Full Truck Load): A full truckload for large volumes of goods or when separate delivery is required.

LTL (Less than Truck Load): For shipments that do not occupy an entire truck, an economical option for smaller volumes.

Which countries does DiFFreight deliver to?

DiFFreight offers delivery to many countries around the world, covering various regions and continents. Here are some of the countries DiFFreight can provide delivery to:

Europe: Ukraine, Poland, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, United Kingdom, Netherlands, Switzerland, Belgium, and other EU countries.

North America: USA, Canada, Mexico, and other countries in the region.

South America: Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, and other countries in South America.

Asia: China, Japan, India, South Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand, and other countries in Asia.

Africa: South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, Egypt, Morocco, and other countries in Africa.

Australia and Oceania: Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, and other countries in the region.

The range of countries to which DiFFreight delivers may vary depending on the specific needs of the client and selected routes. The company provides comprehensive logistic solutions for international and domestic transportation, covering many regions of the world.

You can view the main delivery routes regularly serviced on the homepage difreight.com.

What documents are required for the customs clearance of my batch of goods?

For the customs clearance of a batch of goods, the following documents are usually required:

  1. Commercial Invoice: This document contains information about the goods, their quantity, price, and the value of the cargo. It is the main document for customs clearance and determines the total value of the goods.
  2. Customs Declaration: This is an official document declaring all details about the goods, including their value, quantity, country of origin, and other important data for customs clearance.
  3. Certificate of Origin: This document confirms the country of origin of the goods and may affect customs tariffs and import conditions.
  4. Packaging and labeling documents: Documents confirming proper packaging and labeling of the goods according to local legislation requirements.
  5. Payment confirmation documents: These may include payment orders, invoices, or other documents confirming payment for the goods.
  6. Permits and certificates: Depending on the type of goods, permits, quality certificates, veterinary documents, or other specialized documents may be required.

It is important to note that the specific list of documents may vary depending on the country from which the goods are being imported, the type of goods, and other factors. It is recommended to consult customs authorities or professional logistics consultants for accurate information regarding the necessary documents for the customs clearance of your batch of goods. You can find such assistance in DiFFreight; leave an application, and our managers will contact you.

What additional costs may arise during customs clearance?

During the customs clearance of a batch of goods, additional costs may arise, including:

  1. Customs tariffs and taxes: These are the primary costs levied by customs authorities for importing goods into the country. Customs tariffs may vary depending on the type of goods, country of origin, international trade agreements, etc.
  2. Customs brokerage services: Companies typically engage customs brokers to assist with customs clearance. The services of a customs broker may have their own costs and commissions.
  3. Additional customs processing: If your batch of goods requires additional customs processing, such as additional inspections or customs control, this may result in additional expenses.
  4. Storage fees: If goods are detained at customs or in a warehouse after customs clearance, storage fees may be charged.
  5. Insurance: Some companies opt for cargo insurance during transportation and customs clearance to protect themselves from loss or damage to goods. This can also be an additional expense.

This is just a general list of possible additional costs that may arise during the customs clearance of a batch of goods. Specific expenses will depend on the type of goods, country of origin, and other terms of trade and transportation.

Do you provide cargo consolidation services?

Yes, our company provides cargo consolidation services. Cargo consolidation is the process of combining several smaller shipments into one larger one to efficiently utilize transportation and reduce delivery costs. The main idea is for multiple clients or suppliers to use shared transportation to deliver their goods to a single destination.

The advantages of cargo consolidation include:

  • Cost reduction: Consolidating cargoes helps to reduce transportation costs as the cost of shipping is divided among several clients.
  • Efficient space utilization: Consolidation allows for more efficient use of transportation by filling it with a larger volume of goods.
  • Convenience for clients: Clients can benefit from cargo consolidation without having to organize their own consolidation.

Thus, cargo consolidation is an effective and economical way of delivering goods for both clients and suppliers.

What terms and guarantees are provided regarding delivery times?

If your cargo is delivered late due to our fault, DiFFreight charges you a fee of 2 USD for each day of delay per cubic meter of your cargo. For example, if your cargo was supposed to be delivered in 70 days but is delayed by 10 days, you pay 20 USD per cubic meter.

It's worth noting that delivery time may increase if unforeseen circumstances arise, such as changes in the ship's route or schedule, actions by government authorities, and other force majeure situations. We always inform you of such situations and discuss further actions with you.

How often do you provide online tracking status for the cargo? Is it possible to get real-time location information for the cargo?

Our company provides online cargo tracking status using various methods. Clients can reach out to their logistics manager to get updates on the cargo status. Additionally, we have the DiFFreight bot through which cargo can be tracked in real-time.

To track cargo through the DiFFreight bot, you need to select the 'cargo tracking' option and enter the DF number of your cargo. This number is typically provided during order processing or can be requested from your manager. After entering the cargo number, you'll be able to get real-time location information for your cargo through the DiFFreight bot.

What is included in the cost of delivery?

The tariff for delivery from China to Ukraine with customs clearance through our company by sea may include the following components:

  1. Ocean freight: The cost of transporting goods by sea from China to Ukraine.
  2. Transit declaration: Processing necessary documents and procedures for the transit of cargo from the arrival port to the transshipment warehouse.
  3. Loading and unloading services (LUS): Loading and unloading services for goods at the warehouse or port.
  4. Freight forwarding services: Organization and coordination of cargo transportation from the port to the warehouse in Poland.
  5. Delivery to the warehouse in Poland: Transportation of cargo from the port to the warehouse in Poland.
  6. Unloading at the warehouse in Poland: Unloading and placement services for goods at the warehouse in Poland.

Items that may not be included in the tariff could include:

  1. Customs clearance services in Ukraine: The cost of customs clearance and taxes levied upon importing goods into Ukraine.
  2. Delivery by truck to Ukraine: The cost of transporting goods by truck from the warehouse in Poland to the destination point in Ukraine.
  3. Inspection: If goods require inspection to confirm their quality or condition, this may be an additional service.
  4. Repackaging/repacking: If goods need repackaging or repacking to ensure safety and integrity during transportation, this may be a separate service.

It's important to clarify all details with the logistics company or manager to understand the exact scope of services included in the delivery tariff and which services are considered additional and may be paid separately.

Is there an opportunity to discuss and negotiate tariffs?

Yes, there is usually an opportunity to discuss and negotiate tariffs with the logistics company. Logistics service tariffs can depend on various factors such as shipment volume, type of goods, route, modes of transport, delivery conditions, and other contract terms.

During tariff negotiations, it's important to consider the following aspects:

  1. Shipment volume: A larger shipment volume may allow for discounts or special terms from the logistics company.
  2. Contract terms: Defining contract terms such as payment terms, responsibility for risks, and other conditions can influence tariffs.
  3. Long-term cooperation: In the case of long-term cooperation, logistics companies may offer special terms or discounts.
  4. Cargo specifications: Some types of goods or routes may have different transportation costs, so it's important to consider the specifications of your cargo.
  5. Competitiveness: Compare tariffs from multiple logistics companies to understand the competitiveness of the offers and find the most advantageous terms.

In summary, discussing and negotiating tariffs with a logistics company is a standard practice and can help find optimal conditions for transporting your goods.

Do you provide cargo insurance services? What are the terms and coverage limits?

The tariff includes cargo insurance covering: damage and full or partial loss of cargo due to our fault. The insurance does not cover poorly packed goods or situations where additional conditions are required for safer transportation, such as vertical or horizontal positioning, and this was not communicated to the logistics manager, so you should emphasize this to your manager.

The insurance amount is included in the tariff:

1-2% of the invoice value

Insurance is valid only if no additional discounts on transportation are provided to the client.

In cases where a discount is provided to the client, the amount of our liability for the goods is considered individually.

What are the advantages of working with your company compared to other logistics providers for delivery and customs clearance?

The key advantages of partnering with DiFFreight:

  1. Full range of services: Providing all logistics services from start to finish, seamlessly.
  2. Transport reliability: Ensuring stability, safety, and timeliness in all operations.
  3. Personalized solutions: Developing individual strategies for each client.
  4. Compliance: Strict adherence to contract terms and deadlines.
  5. Competitive pricing: Offering competitive prices and quality service.
  6. Expertise: High level of professionalism and expertise in logistics.
  7. Safety and responsibility: Ensuring safety and responsible handling throughout the process.
  8. Result guarantee: Ensuring achievement of desired results for each client.
  9. Continuous communication: Being available 24/7 to address needs and improve service.
  10. Individual terms: Providing flexible and individualized terms for each client.
  11. Commitment: Genuine interest and attention to the success of each client.

Do you provide warehousing and inventory management services?

Yes, we provide warehousing and inventory management services. Our company has its own warehouses in China, the USA, and Ukraine, as well as partner warehouses in Europe, including Poland, the UK, and Germany. This service allows our clients to efficiently manage their inventory and ensure reliable storage of their goods in different regions.

Our inventory management services include fulfillment and pre-center. Fulfillment involves the complete order processing cycle, including receiving, storing, packaging, and shipping goods to customers. Pre-center is a service where the company purchases and stores inventory for clients with demand for those goods. Both of these processes are important components of inventory management and help ensure efficient customer service and inventory optimization.

Do you have experience working with the delivery of large volumes of goods or oversized cargoes? What are the special requirements or conditions for this?

Yes, we have experience in delivering both large volumes of goods and oversized cargoes. You can familiarize yourself with such cases on the pages of our website in the 'Case Studies' section.

The conditions for delivering such cargoes are considered individually based on the characteristics of the goods and the tasks set before the DiFFreight team. Here are the main criteria that may affect the delivery of such cargoes:

Route planning: For large volumes of goods or oversized cargoes, it's important to properly plan the delivery route, taking into account obstacles along the way and possible technical limitations.

Use of specialized transport: Sometimes, special types of transport need to be used for such cargoes, such as oversized vans, containers, or even specialized vehicles for transporting heavy or oversized goods.

Safety considerations: It's important to consider safety requirements when transporting large volumes of goods or oversized cargoes, including proper securing of the goods, use of protective equipment, and compliance with safety standards.

Documentation: Special documents and permits may be required for the transportation of such cargoes across borders or through certain territories.

If you plan to transport oversized cargo, we recommend consulting with the DiFFreight team before shipping.

What cargoes does DiFFreight not transport?

DiFFreight does not transport cargoes that are prohibited or restricted by law, including but not limited to the following types of cargoes:

  • Fireworks and explosives: Cargoes of this type can be hazardous to transport and are subject to special rules and restrictions.
  • Liquids: Some liquids may be restricted for transportation due to specific requirements and safety regulations.
  • Weapons and military equipment: The transportation of weapons and military equipment is subject to strict rules and restrictions due to safety and legal requirements.
  • Pharmaceuticals and medical supplies: Some medications and medical supplies may be restricted or require special permits for transportation due to regulatory bodies.
  • Live cargo, including animals, plants, and similar materials. The reason for this is the specific requirements regarding the safety, health, and welfare of living organisms during transportation.

Considering this, if you have cargoes that fall under the mentioned categories, it's important to reach out to DiFFreight specialists or consultants for detailed information and support regarding transportation options and compliance with all requirements and regulations.

Do you deliver brands?

Indeed, DiFFreight can deliver well-known brands only with the permission of the owners and provided that appropriate certificates are available. This ensures compliance with copyright and other legal requirements regarding the transportation and delivery of such cargoes. Collaboration with brand owners and compliance with their requirements are important components of the logistics processes at DiFFreight.

Do you deliver supplements, vitamins?

DiFFreight can deliver supplements and vitamins, but it may require additional permits, certificates, or special conditions depending on the country of delivery. Such goods are often subject to regulation by local and international health and safety authorities, so it's important to consult with specialized logistics companies that have experience in transporting medical and dietary products for guidance and support in this matter.

How to ship tableware from China?

To ship tableware from China with special attention to quality packaging, it's important to follow several key steps:

  1. Selecting a reliable supplier: It's crucial to work with a dependable supplier experienced in tableware shipping and who utilizes high-quality packaging.
  2. Preparing the tableware for shipping: Before packaging, the tableware should undergo thorough inspection for any damages. If there are damages, they should be repaired or the tableware replaced.
  3. Proper packaging: Tableware should be packed in specialized protective material such as polyethylene film or cushioned packaging to prevent scratches, cracks, or other damages during transportation.
  4. Labeling and marking: It's essential to correctly label the packaging with the type, quantity, dimensions, and any special handling requirements of the tableware.
  5. Choosing the optimal mode of transportation: Tableware can be shipped via sea, air, or land transportation depending on delivery timelines and budget.
  6. Cargo insurance: Consider the possibility of cargo insurance, especially if the shipment has high value or is of large volume, to protect against potential losses or damages.

By following these steps and adhering to the highest standards of packaging and shipping, you'll ensure a safe and reliable delivery of tableware from China. The DiFFreight team has extensive experience in transporting such cargo.

Where does DiFFreight have warehouses?

The DiFFreight network of warehouses and logistics centers is deployed across various countries worldwide to ensure high-quality logistics and transportation services.

China (Foshan)

Our own warehouse in China with a three-shift staff allows for increased efficiency in handling your shipments. Inspection, repackaging, palletizing - these and more services are provided by our warehouse in China.

USA (New Jersey)

A professional fulfillment center in the USA enables swift and quality processing of shipments before dispatching them to your customers. Shipments to Amazon.

Ukraine (Vinnytsia and Kyiv)

Two warehouses in Ukraine provide quality and reliable service. Repackaging, labeling, palletizing, shrink wrapping, and other services are available upon request.

Additionally, we can offer services at partner warehouses in China (Ningbo, Shenzhen), Canada, Poland, the United Kingdom, and Germany.

What is the shipping route by sea from China to Ukraine?

The delivery route from China to Ukraine looks like this:

Collection of cargo in Shenzhen: The beginning of the route - collection of cargo and its preparation for departure from the port of Shenzhen.

Sea transport to a port in Poland (Gdansk or Gdynia): The cargo is transported by sea to a Polish port such as Gdansk or Gdynia, where it undergoes customs control and customs clearance.

Road transport to Ukraine: After arriving at the port of Poland, the cargo is transported by road to a warehouse in Shargorod or Kyiv.

Delivery to a warehouse in Ukraine: After arriving at a warehouse in Ukraine, the cargo is unloaded and stored until further delivery.

Delivery to the customer: The cargo stored in the warehouse is delivered to the final destination, that is, to the customer.

This route is usually chosen depending on the type of cargo, customer requirements, availability of transport routes and other factors that may affect the logistics process of delivery.

Difference between FCL and LCL

FCL (Full Container Load) and LCL (Less than Container Load) are two main terms used in logistics to refer to different types of cargo and its transportation. Here is the main difference between them:

FCL (Full Container Load):

FCL is used when the customer's entire shipment occupies a full container.

The container is provided to the customer exclusively for his cargo, that is, he can use the entire container space.

This option is usually used for large volumes of cargo, when it is necessary to ensure its separate transportation.

LCL (Less than Container Load):

LCL is used when the customer's cargo does not occupy the entire container and is combined with the cargo of other customers who also use LCL.

The sender pays only for the part of the container that it occupies, not for the entire container.

LCL allows efficient use of container space and reduces costs for customers who do not have large volumes of cargo.

So, the main difference is that FCL is used for a full container, while LCL is used to consolidate the cargo of several customers in one container when they do not have enough cargo to fill the container by themselves. DiFFreight offers both options - FCL and LCL to meet the various needs of customers in terms of cargo transportation according to their cargo volumes and requirements.

Minimum weight for transportation with DiFFreight

The minimum shipping weight may depend on several factors, such as the type of cargo, route and mode of transport. In the case of transportation from China to Ukraine with DiFFreight, we ship goods from 0.5 cubic meters. All shipments, the volume of which is less than this standard, are calculated according to the fixed tariff for logistics in the amount of 160 dollars for each cubic meter (excluding customs payments). This approach allows us to effectively manage the transportation of various volumes of cargo and provides a transparent and simple tariff system for our customers.