Shipping & Logistics Guide for B2B Importers

International shipping is one of the most complex aspects of importing. The right logistics strategy can save you thousands—the wrong choice can cost you money and delay delivery.

Your main options are sea freight, air freight, and express courier. Sea freight is cheapest for large volumes. FCL (Full Container Load) means you rent an entire 20ft or 40ft container. LCL (Less than Container Load) means your goods share space with other shipments. FCL is more economical at around 10+ cubic meters of cargo.

Air freight is 5-10 times more expensive but much faster—typically 3-7 days transit time. Use air freight for time-sensitive items, samples, or emergency orders. For bulk orders, sea freight is almost always more economical.

Understanding Incoterms is critical. FOB (Free on Board) means the supplier is responsible until goods leave the port. CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight) means the supplier arranges and pays for shipping. DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) means they handle everything including customs. Each has different cost and responsibility implications.

Customs and duties are the buyer's responsibility in most cases. Work with customs brokers in your country who can advise on tariff codes and potential duties. Some products have preferential tariffs depending on country of origin—this can significantly impact landed cost.

Documentation is critical. You'll need invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin, and sometimes certificates of quality. Incomplete documentation delays shipments. Work with your supplier to ensure all documents are correct before shipping.

Budget for hidden costs: customs clearance fees, port handling, last-mile delivery, insurance, and documentation. These can add 10-20% to your freight costs. Factor them into your pricing.