Frequently Asked Questions

Guangzhou Instantship Global Logistics Co. Limited offers comprehensive international logistics services including: FCL (Full Container Load) and LCL (Less than Container Load) sea freight, air freight, land transport (truck and rail), warehousing, and customs clearance services. Our ocean freight network covers major ports in over 120 countries and regions worldwide, handling all types of cargo including general goods, refrigerated items, and dangerous goods. We also offer DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) end-to-end solutions from factory pickup to destination delivery. Additionally, we operate warehousing facilities in major port cities including Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Shanghai, providing consolidation, sorting, packaging, and storage services.

You can get a shipping quote through the following methods: 1. Submit an inquiry through our website contact form with cargo details (product name, weight, volume, origin, and destination). Our customer service team typically responds within 24 hours. 2. Call our customer service hotline or contact us via WhatsApp for an instant quote after providing cargo details. 3. Send an email to our business mailbox with detailed cargo information. To provide the most accurate quote, please include: product name and HS code, cargo weight and volume, packaging type, origin and destination, preferred shipping method, and delivery timeline requirements.

We have no strict minimum shipment requirements and can flexibly handle cargo of various sizes: For LCL (Less than Container Load) sea freight, we accept a minimum of 1 cubic meter or approximately 500 kg. For FCL, the minimum is one 20-foot standard container (approximately 28 cubic meters). Air freight services accept a minimum of 45 kg. For smaller shipments, we recommend our LCL or cargo consolidation services, where your goods are combined with other customers' cargo in the same container, effectively reducing transportation costs. Our consolidation warehouses can store your goods temporarily until sufficient volume is accumulated for shipment.

International shipping times depend on the transport mode, origin, destination, and customs clearance efficiency: Sea freight: Southeast Asia routes approximately 3-10 days, East Asia 2-7 days, Middle East 15-20 days, Europe 25-35 days, Africa 20-40 days, South America 28-40 days, North America 15-30 days. Air freight: Most destinations reachable within 3-7 business days, with express 1-3 day service available for urgent cargo. Land transport: Neighboring countries (Vietnam, Laos) approximately 3-7 days, Central Asia and Europe by rail approximately 15-20 days. These are reference transit times. Actual delivery may vary due to port congestion, weather conditions, or customs inspections. We recommend planning ahead and consulting our team for the latest schedule information.

FCL (Full Container Load) means the shipper exclusively uses an entire container. Cargo remains in the same container from loading to unloading at the destination, without being mixed with other shipments. It is ideal for larger volumes (typically over 15 cubic meters), offering higher security, fewer handling instances, and more predictable transit times. LCL (Less than Container Load) combines cargo from multiple shippers in one container. It is suitable for smaller shipments and more cost-effective, charged by actual volume or weight. However, transit times are usually 3-5 days longer than FCL due to consolidation and deconsolidation at CFS (Container Freight Stations). Recommendation: If your cargo exceeds 15 cubic meters, FCL is more economical. For 1-15 cubic meters, LCL offers greater flexibility. Our team can advise on the best option for your specific needs.

Consider these factors when choosing between FCL and LCL: Volume: FCL is typically more economical when cargo exceeds 15 CBM. Below 10 CBM, LCL is more cost-effective. Between 10-15 CBM, compare quotes for both options. Timeline: FCL is faster as it skips CFS consolidation/deconsolidation. Choose FCL for time-sensitive shipments. Cargo safety: FCL containers are sealed throughout transit, ideal for high-value or fragile goods. LCL carries some risk of cross-contamination from mixed cargo. Budget: LCL charges by CBM or weight, FCL charges by container type. We recommend getting quotes for both methods. Frequency: For regular small shipments, consider our consolidation warehousing service to accumulate goods for a full container load.

Cargo consolidation is a service where goods from different suppliers or batches are collected at our warehouse, sorted, inspected, packaged, and then loaded into containers for shipment to the destination. Advantages of consolidation: - Cost reduction: Combining multiple small shipments into FCL is cheaper than multiple LCL shipments - Flexible timing: Goods can arrive at the warehouse in batches until sufficient volume is accumulated - Value-added services: Quality inspection, repackaging, labeling, and other services available - Simplified operations: Single customs declaration reduces paperwork We operate professional consolidation warehouses in Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Shanghai, providing efficient consolidation services for customers shipping to Africa, Europe, South America, and beyond.

We offer the following common container sizes: 20GP (20-foot standard): Internal dimensions approximately 5.9m×2.35m×2.39m, capacity about 28 CBM, suitable for heavy cargo or smaller shipments. 40GP (40-foot standard): Internal dimensions approximately 12.03m×2.35m×2.39m, capacity about 58 CBM, the most commonly used container type. 40HQ (40-foot high cube): Internal dimensions approximately 12.03m×2.35m×2.69m, capacity about 68 CBM, approximately 30cm taller than 40GP, ideal for voluminous light cargo. Special containers: - 40NOR/RF (refrigerated): For temperature-controlled cargo such as food and pharmaceuticals - OT (open top): For over-height cargo - FR (flat rack): For oversized or heavy equipment For special requirements, we can also arrange flatbed containers and bulk containers.

Sea freight costs consist of several components: 1. Basic ocean freight: Calculated based on route, container type (FCL) or volume/weight (LCL). FCL is charged per container, LCL per CBM or per ton (whichever is greater). 2. Origin charges: Including customs declaration fees, Terminal Handling Charges (THC), documentation fees, loading charges, etc. 3. Destination charges: Including destination THC, customs clearance fees, delivery charges, etc. (covered by us under DDP terms). 4. Surcharges: May include Bunker Adjustment Factor (BAF), Currency Adjustment Factor (CAF), Peak Season Surcharge (PSS), etc. Key factors affecting costs include: route distance, cargo volume, cargo type, delivery timeline requirements, and market supply/demand conditions. We recommend providing detailed cargo information for the most accurate quote.

International shipping typically requires the following documents: Basic documents: - Commercial Invoice: Details product names, quantities, values, etc. - Packing List: Specifies detailed information for each package - Bill of Lading (B/L): Sea freight transport document, available as original or telex release - Customs Declaration: Document for export customs clearance Depending on destination and cargo type, you may also need: - Certificate of Origin - Fumigation Certificate (for wooden packaging) - Dangerous Goods Declaration (MSDS/DGD) - Health certificates, phytosanitary certificates - Destination-specific certifications (EU CE marking, US FDA approval, etc.) Our professional team will advise you on all required documents based on your cargo and destination to ensure smooth customs clearance.

DDP stands for Delivered Duty Paid, an Incoterms trade term where the seller bears the maximum responsibility for delivering goods to the buyer. Under DDP terms, the seller (or logistics provider) is responsible for transporting goods from origin to the buyer's designated destination, bearing all costs and risks throughout, including: export customs clearance, ocean/air freight, import customs clearance at destination, payment of duties and taxes, and local delivery. The buyer simply receives the goods at the specified location without worrying about transportation or customs matters. Instantship offers professional DDP end-to-end services, particularly to Africa, Europe, and South America, where we maintain long-term partnerships with local customs brokers for efficient clearance and last-mile delivery.

The main difference between DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) and DDU (Delivered Duty Unpaid) lies in who bears the import duties and taxes: DDP: The seller bears all transportation costs plus destination country duties, VAT, and other taxes. The buyer receives goods that are fully cleared and duty-paid. DDU: The seller delivers goods to the destination but does not bear import duties or taxes. The buyer must handle import clearance and pay all duties and taxes themselves. Recommendations: - If you're unfamiliar with destination country customs procedures or want simplified operations, choose DDP - If you have your own customs broker at the destination or want to control clearance costs, DDU may work - For some African and South American countries with complex clearance procedures, we strongly recommend DDP service

Customs clearance is the process of declaring goods and completing formalities when cargo enters or exits a country's customs territory. The general process is: Export clearance (China side): 1. Prepare customs documents (commercial invoice, packing list, contract, etc.) 2. Submit electronic customs declaration 3. Customs reviews documents and may inspect cargo 4. Pay or verify relevant taxes and fees 5. Customs releases goods for loading Import clearance (destination country): 1. After cargo arrives at port, declare to destination customs 2. Submit import documents (B/L, commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, etc.) 3. Customs reviews and may inspect cargo 4. Pay import duties and taxes 5. Customs releases goods for collection Clearance time varies by country, typically 2-7 business days. We have partner customs brokers in major global markets for efficient clearance processing.

The following items are typically prohibited or restricted for international shipping: Absolutely prohibited: - Narcotics and controlled substances - Weapons, ammunition, and explosives - Counterfeit goods and IP-infringing products - Endangered wildlife and products - Hazardous waste Items requiring special permits or procedures: - Dangerous chemicals (require MSDS and dangerous goods declaration) - Food and pharmaceuticals (require health permits and inspection certificates) - Battery products (lithium batteries need special packaging and UN38.3 certification) - Liquid cargo (requires special packaging) - Wooden packaging (requires ISPM15 fumigation treatment) Additionally, different destination countries may have their own import restriction lists. For example, Nigeria prohibits certain textile imports, and Brazil has strict electronic product certification requirements. We provide compliance guidance specific to each destination.

We offer multiple shipping solutions to Africa: 1. FCL sea freight: Covers major African ports including Lagos (Nigeria), Durban (South Africa), Mombasa (Kenya), Dar es Salaam (Tanzania), Tema (Ghana), etc. Transit time approximately 20-40 days. 2. LCL sea freight: Suitable for smaller shipments with regular weekly consolidation services to Africa. 3. DDP end-to-end service: Especially recommended for African markets. We have local clearance partners in Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, and other countries to handle complex clearance and last-mile delivery. 4. Air freight: For urgent cargo, reaching major African cities like Lagos, Nairobi, Johannesburg, Addis Ababa, etc. Important notes for Africa shipping: Some countries have lengthy clearance processes, so prepare complete documentation in advance; some ports may experience congestion, allow extra time; we recommend purchasing cargo insurance.

Reference transit times from China to major South American ports: Brazil (Santos): approximately 30-40 days Chile (Valparaiso): approximately 30-38 days Colombia (Buenaventura): approximately 28-35 days Peru (Callao): approximately 28-35 days Argentina (Buenos Aires): approximately 32-42 days Ecuador (Guayaquil): approximately 28-35 days Mexico (Manzanillo): approximately 25-32 days Transit times are affected by specific origin/destination ports, transshipment requirements, carrier schedules, and destination clearance efficiency. Some South American countries (like Brazil and Argentina) have complex clearance procedures requiring an additional 3-7 business days. With our DDP service, we coordinate with local agents for efficient clearance to minimize total delivery time.

The EU has strict import requirements including: Documentation: - Commercial invoice (must detail HS codes, origin, composition, etc.) - EUR.1 or Form A Certificate of Origin (for preferential tariffs) - CE marking (for electronics, machinery, toys, and specific categories) - REACH/RoHS compliance declarations (chemicals and electronics) Duties and VAT: - EU common external tariff based on HS codes - VAT rates vary by member state (typically 19-25%) - Goods under EUR 150 may be exempt from duty but still subject to VAT Security declarations: - ENS (Entry Summary Declaration) must be submitted in advance - Wooden packaging requires ISPM15 treatment Special considerations: - Post-Brexit UK has separate clearance requirements and tariff schedule - Anti-dumping duties may apply to certain products (textiles, footwear) - Food products must comply with EU food safety regulations We have professional clearance partners in major European countries ensuring compliant and efficient customs processing.

Different African countries have their own import restrictions: Nigeria: - Some products require SONCAP compliance certificates - Prohibited imports include certain finished textiles and poultry products - All imports need a Product Certificate before departure South Africa: - Electronics need NRCS certification - Anti-dumping measures on Chinese textiles - Wooden packaging requires ISPM15 certification Kenya: - All imports require PVOC (Pre-Export Verification of Conformity) - Strict restrictions on used and refurbished products Ghana: - Imports require SOA (Seller's Offer Advice) documents - Some products need Ghana Standards Authority test reports General advice: Most African countries have strict documentation requirements. We recommend confirming the latest regulations with us before shipping to avoid clearance delays or additional costs.

The most economical shipping method to Europe depends on your cargo volume and timeline: 1. Large volumes (>15 CBM): FCL is most economical, especially 40HQ containers. Rates from China to major European ports (Rotterdam, Hamburg, Felixstowe) are relatively stable. 2. Medium volumes (5-15 CBM): LCL is reasonable, but if close to 15 CBM, compare FCL and LCL quotes. 3. Small volumes (<5 CBM): LCL is standard. If not urgent, use our consolidation service to accumulate volume. Cost-saving tips: - Choose the nearest major European port as destination (larger ports typically have cheaper rates) - Book space in advance to avoid peak season surcharges - Optimize packaging to reduce volume - Consider China-Europe railway service (costs between sea and air, but faster than sea) We'll recommend the optimal solution based on your specific situation.