Shipping Methods
Air FreightAir Freight
throughAir Freightgoods, speedfast(5-7days), Costrelativelyhigh, suitablehighvalueorneedgoods.
Sea FreightSea Freight
throughSea Freighttransportationgoods, speedslow(20-30days), Costlow, suitable for large shipmentstransportation.
ExpressExpress
ifDHL, UPS, FedExetc.internationalExpress, speedfast(3-5days), door-to-door service, Costup to.
dedicated lineLogisticsSpecial Line
tospecificorregiondedicated lineLogisticsservice, priceandDelivery timebetweenExpressandSea Freight.
Head HaulHead Haul
fromintooverseasorAmazon warehousetransportation, isLogisticsfirststep.
FBAFulfillment by Amazon
Fulfillment by Amazon, Amazon providesLogisticsservice, sellerinventorysendtoAmazon warehouse.
FBMFulfillment by Merchant
Fulfillment by Merchant, Seller handles Warehousing, packing, shipping, customer service and Returnsprocess.
Sea Freightrelated
FCL (Full Container Load)FCL
Full Container Load, FCL (Full Container Load)transportation, goodsentirecontainer, suitable for large shipments.
LCL (Less than Container Load)LCL
Less than Container Load, LCL (Less than Container Load)transportation, manysellersgoodsatonecontainer, suitablesmallbulkgoods.
20GP20ft container
20footStandardscontainer, approx.can28cubic metersgoods.
40HQ40highcontainer
40foothighcontainer, approx.can68cubic metersgoods.
Customs Related
Customs DeclarationCustoms Declaration
towardscustomsgoodsinformation, includingname, quantity, value, originaletc..
Customs ClearanceCustoms Clearance
customsReview Passedafter, goodscanenterenterGoal, completeCustoms Clearance.
TariffsImport Duty
entergoodsneedtax, based ongoodsHScodeandvaluecalculate.
HScodeProduct Code
Harmonized System Code, internationaluseproductcategorycode, useatTariffstax rate.
Commercial InvoiceCommercial Invoice
exitopengoodsinvoice, includegoods, valueetc.information, useatCustoms Clearance.
Packing ListPacking List
goodspacking, includeeachwithin, quantity, weightetc.information.
Logisticsterm
FOBFOB
Free On Board, FOB, sellsidenegativewillgoodstoand, afterCostbybuyside.
CIFto
Cost, Insurance and Freight, to, sellsidenegativetransportationandinsurance, buysidenegativeCustoms Clearance.
EXWfactory
Ex Works, factory, sellsideonlynegativeatfactory, otherCostbybuyside.
DDPtaxafter
Delivered Duty Paid, taxafter, sellsidenegativetransportation, Customs Clearanceandtax, buysideonlyneedatreceive.
DDUnotDelivered Duty Paid
Delivered Duty Unpaid, notDelivered Duty Paid, sellsidenegativetransportation, butnotnegativeCustoms Clearanceandtax.
Logisticsservice
freight forwarderFreight Forwarder
proxycompany, helpseller handlesInternational Shippingtransportation, including, Customs Declaration, Customs Clearanceetc..
UPSUPS
internationalExpresshead, provideglobalExpressservice, speedfast, servicegood.
DHLDHL
internationalExpresshead, byEuropeandtooregionserviceseelong.
FedExExpress
internationalExpresshead, atUSAmarketAdvantagesobvious.
USPSUSPS
United States Postal Service, US Postal Service, lower cost for domestic and international small packages, suitable for lightweight items.
Shipping Method Comparison
| Shipping Method | Size | Coverage | Cost | Delivery Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air Freight | Small-Medium (0-100kg) | Global | Medium-High | 5-7 days |
| Sea Freight | Large (>1CBM) | Global | Low | 20-30 days |
| Express (DHL/UPS/FedEx) | Small (0-30kg) | Global | High | 3-5 days |
| USPS | Lightweight (<4.5kg) | US Domestic/Global | Medium-Low | 7-15 days |
| Special Line | Small-Medium (0-200kg) | Specific Country/Region | Medium | 10-15 days |
Practical Cases
⚠️ Case 1: USPS Oversize/Overage Penalty
Situation: Seller shipped via USPS First-Class Mail with declared weight of 0.5kg, actual weight was 1.2kg (exceeding 1kg limit).
Result: USPS detected the discrepancy during sorting, upgraded to Priority Mail and charged the difference + penalty. Original $3 shipping became $18, with $15 penalty.
Lesson: Always use accurate digital scale. USPS strictly audits dimensions and weight, discrepancies result in high surcharges.
Result: USPS detected the discrepancy during sorting, upgraded to Priority Mail and charged the difference + penalty. Original $3 shipping became $18, with $15 penalty.
Lesson: Always use accurate digital scale. USPS strictly audits dimensions and weight, discrepancies result in high surcharges.
⚠️ Case 2: USPS Size Limit Violation
Situation: Seller shipped a 28x28x28cm package but declared 20x20x20cm, exceeding First-Class Mail size limits.
Result: Package returned with $25 return fee. Reshipment required Priority Mail Large Flat Rate, cost increased from $5 to $18.
Lesson: USPS services have strict size limits. Oversized packages must use appropriate services or will be rejected.
Result: Package returned with $25 return fee. Reshipment required Priority Mail Large Flat Rate, cost increased from $5 to $18.
Lesson: USPS services have strict size limits. Oversized packages must use appropriate services or will be rejected.
⚠️ Case 3: FBA Shipping Label Error
Situation: Seller shipped FBA ocean freight with incorrect outer box labels, causing Amazon warehouse to fail recognition.
Result: Amazon rejected the shipment, generating $800+ return and reprocessing fees, with 2+ weeks delay in listing.
Lesson: FBA labels must be clear and accurately affixed. Use waterproof labels on multiple sides to prevent peeling.
Result: Amazon rejected the shipment, generating $800+ return and reprocessing fees, with 2+ weeks delay in listing.
Lesson: FBA labels must be clear and accurately affixed. Use waterproof labels on multiple sides to prevent peeling.
⚠️ Case 4: Under-Declared Value Customs Detention
Situation: Seller shipped via DHL with declared value of $50, actual value $500.
Result: Detained by destination customs for investigation, generating $300+ inspection and storage fees, 10+ day delay, and tariff difference payment.
Lesson: Declare accurate values. Under-declaration may be treated as tax evasion, causing heavy fines and delays.
Result: Detained by destination customs for investigation, generating $300+ inspection and storage fees, 10+ day delay, and tariff difference payment.
Lesson: Declare accurate values. Under-declaration may be treated as tax evasion, causing heavy fines and delays.
✅ Case 5: USPS Cost Saving Best Practice
Situation: Seller shipped multiple lightweight items (0.3-0.5kg each) to US using USPS First-Class International.
Result: Shipping cost only $3-5 per item, saving over 60% compared to DHL, with stable 10-15 day delivery.
Tips: Use USPS for lightweight items (<4.5kg) for lowest cost. Print labels via USPS official website or authorized API for discounted rates.
Result: Shipping cost only $3-5 per item, saving over 60% compared to DHL, with stable 10-15 day delivery.
Tips: Use USPS for lightweight items (<4.5kg) for lowest cost. Print labels via USPS official website or authorized API for discounted rates.